On vacation last week, my family was strolling down the boardwalk. Lillian, my almost three year old, reached up to hold my hand and said, "Mommy, you're the best helper in the whole world." She then kissed and squeezed my arm, released it, and returned to her Grandma's side. I don't know what instigated this tender moment, but my heart burst open and eyes flooded. Since her arrival into the world on July 20, 2011, she has been my greatest teacher. She is - simply put - amazing. This doll baby does life with everything she has, all of the time, sparking excitement in me and joy in those around her. She reminds me daily to make my own way, be courageous, and never give up.
Before she even said her first word, Lillian was doing things "her way", as opposed to the prescribed milestones in any book on childhood development. She never crawled...until last week or so when playing baby with her sister. Instead, she scooted everywhere on her tooshie with incredible agility and speed. It was a sight for sure, but was also developmentally concerning! I enlisted the help of an occupational therapist to help Lillian learn to turn her legs in, climb the stairs, and eventually walk. While there were some worries about her hips and neck strength (one needs this to hold their head up to see when they crawl), in the end I determined that really, she just had figured out a way to get around that suited her. To hell with everyone else trying to mold her and tell her how to get from point A to point B. Ahhh, yes! She marches, runs, scoots, and carves her own path with gusto. I will not call her stubborn, as I believe it's all-too-often viewed as negative. No, she is determined, creative, and Lillian Weihe - true and uniquely herself.
More recently she has shown me her fearlessness. I am what some people might refer to as a "fraidy cat". I prefer a low risk lifestyle with as little fear of danger as possible. My Lillian - not so much. At the rides in Ocean City, she knew no boundaries, begging to go on the roller coaster for those with a minimum 48" height. We found her a smaller version, and she was still the littlest one to ride - up and down, jerking back and forth. There was a carousel moving at warp speed, bumper cars, tea cups, hot air balloons...honestly, if it moved, she was on for the ride! In the pool, help is not necessary. She can jump in, slide in, and swim with confidence. Mind you, this child has had the sum total of zero swimming lessons. The thing is, while she is brave, she is not stupid. She'll happily hold the handles and wear her seatbelt, as well as agree to a life vest. She just won't let the safety devices impede her desire for fun and new experiences. Nothing can hold this girl back! Tell her she can't do something, and she will prove she can do it and then some!
Lillian is also a learner. She inspects everything to see how it works, and once she has the hang of it, she is in charge. She was this way with potty training. She understood what needed to be done, where said "what" had to be done, and was all in. She literally announced one Friday afternoon that she wished to be in underwear for school on Monday...and that she did. By 2 years and 3 months, she was diaper free and loving life! Dressing herself is her latest step into independence - and you better not try to help unless clearly requested. She is obsessed with putting her sandals on all by herself! She may be slow, need to switch left and right every now and then, but she doesn't relent. She doesn't just do tasks, she conquers them. I'm not saying she doesn't ever get frustrated or annoyed, but she won't give in to defeat. When she has something set in her mind, she sees it through to completion.
So while this very "girly girl" that loves dresses and lipgloss appears like any other, she is not. She is wise beyond her years with a stunning wit, raspy voice, wild imagination, and big heart. Spend a day with her and you will know laughter like never before. As I tell both my daughters everyday, she was made with love, loved more than she knows, and no matter how much love she gives, it will only grow and grow and grow. And my goodness, does she give love! When she called me the best helper, I was prouder than I've ever been, because whatever hand I have in shaping this perfectly imperfect, darling, treasure is a blessing beyond words.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Lillian Weihe! YOU ARE LOVED!
