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subscribePoppy Lucille is ONE!
January 2nd, 2012
Last year at this time, we were eagerly and anxiously and nervously and excitedly waiting for our second little girl to make her way into our world. She had already taught me so much about myself through our pregnancy together, and I just wanted to see her face, kiss her cheeks, rub her tiny fingers. I wanted to thank her for teaching me how to be better.
When she burst into the world, so quickly that she didn’t even leave her amniotic sac, our suspicions were confirmed that she was a feisty one. The way, nearing the end of pregnancy, she’d bounce herself and kick her legs against the bed as I lay on my side at night. The way her movements inside my belly were more fierce and surprising than Ella’s had been. The girl has fiest. She’s been proving it since she came into this world.
She is also the sweetest thing. Offer her a blankie or stuffed animal and she takes it, keels over, and nuzzles so fiercely you think she’ll dig herself into the floor. She is a snuggler and there’s nothing better than when she sets her eyes on you and suddenly she’s in front of you, nuzzling into your arms or lap.
Poppy has a smile that comes easily. She is the happiest little person I’ve come across yet. She has a smile for everyone and is a mellow girl. Her demeanor is like her Daddy’s.
Her personality is perfect, and there’s so much of it in this little body of hers.
Last year at this time, I didn’t know for certain how our first baby would take to our second. Ella showed excitement, talked about the baby inside Mommy’s belly, told us she was going to share her toys and books. It seemed too easy, prepping this older sibling who couldn’t grasp the magnitude of how our lives were about to change.
Then one morning our preparation time ran out. No more talking about it, we were going to DO it. We packed Ella’s little red suitcase, kissed her goodbye (the last time as our one and only), and told her we were going to get Poppy and bring her home.
And so we brought our baby home. We began life as a family of four. Ella was remarkable. Interested, caring, thoughtful. When Poppy cried, Ella would decipher what she meant and deliver the translation for us. She was ready for this little sister. She was ready to BE a sister. Poppy wasn’t just Mommy’s baby, not just Mommy and Daddy’s baby, but OUR baby, Ella’s baby too.
And so we brought this baby home. And yet it seemed as though we’d always been this way. It seemed as though this was the plan all along. It felt unmistakably right. Of course we were supposed to have an Ella and a Poppy. Of course. It’s what we came here to do in the first place.
She has made me a better person, and I believe, a better Mommy. She has brought grace and calmness to my life and when I feel those elements slipping away in the day-to-day grind, I set my eyes on her and feel reminded.
She has made Ella even more vibrant than she was before. Last night Ella proclaimed that her best friend is her little sister. They’ve grown together already. I couldn’t feel more pride for the two of them.
She has brought more laughter to this home. She has brought joy and challenges and more consistency. Her presence has made our love for each other multiply. It’s funny how one tiny little thing can fill a space and round out a picture so completely.
Happy Birthday, PoppyLou!
We love you to the moon and back and around it one hundred times more…
What a darling post. You made me a little teary my dear. I was just thinking today at little Pops’ party how complete and sweet the four of you look as a family. It really does seem like it was all meant to be, that it had to be that way. It is such a joy spending time with all of you.
Happy birthday again to little Poppy!
<3