"I'm 4!"

It's a phrase we hear echoed to strangers in the general public pretty much every day. Yes, Lydia is more than thrilled to be a "4-year-old".

Ok, so she was 4 a few weeks ago. I’m behind on the blogging, as usual. Here’s what I posted on Facebook on her birthday: “rejoicing as I remember the first time I held the tiniest human I've ever met in my arms... Today I'm thanking God for and celebrating 4 years of the life of my healthy, bright, beautiful, caring, loving, thoughtful, giving Lydia Elise. Happy Birthday, baby. We love you!”

This girl has an amazing heart. In Sunday school last week we were asked to share “What do you think are the most remarkable and wonderful traits the Author included as He developed the character of your child?” I immediately thought of her giving heart. For her birthday she received a Strawberry Shortcake set to add to one she already had. She found both of her Strawberry Shortcake dolls and was toting them around in her purse (where she stores her treasures). When we stopped by a friend’s house to deliver meals, she had a brief encounter with their daughter, her friend. I missed the exchange, but it ended with Lydia giving one of her dolls to her friend. When I got in the car Lydia explained, “I gave Riley the Strawberry Shortcake because I love her.” Yes, Lydia will often say, “Mommy, I have a present for you!” Which, in her mind is saying, “Mommy, I love you so much! Here, have something that is special to me because YOU are special to me.”

In typical first born fashion, Lydia is a leader. She enjoys directing the play of pretty much everyone she encounters from her babysitters, grandparents, classmates, friends, and, of course, her brother. Like doing things like this...


Lydia is an initiator with an agenda. Her G-pa was babysitting one morning and he relayed the story that Lydia came inside from the front porch with a pumpkin in hand, retrieved a butter knife from the silverware drawer, and proceeded to attempt to carve her pumpkin.

Lydia is affectionate.

She hugs her teachers, her classmates, and even the farm animals at the petting zoo.

She hugs mommy and daddy’s friends. She hugs and kisses mommy’s belly (for the baby). And requires hugs and kisses prior to our preschool drop-off or daddy leaving for work.

Lydia is an organizer. It seems as if she is perpetually “reorganizing” as she calls it. This process includes taking certain “treasures” (little dolls, candy, play money, trinkets, jewelry, etc.) and moving them from one bag/purse/carryall to another.

She’s very particular about it and, of course, protective of it.

Lydia loves God.

As we were hiking at Cunningham Falls Park the other day, she was creating her own worship song. Strolling along, praising God in His creation. This morning she asked me to “read the Bible verse” to her from her devotion book we gave her for her birthday. And often she declares, “Daddy, I woke up praising God!” Her prayers have depth and thoughtfulness and she is excited to attend Sunday School and worship. Today when I asked her to sing a song, assuming she'd sing the "ABC's" or "Twinkle Twinkle", she broke out in "How Great is our God." :)

Sure, Lydia has her tough times. All of these positive qualities can easily turn into disobedience particularly when her focus is interrupted by a request from an adult. Through mistakes and discipline and prayer, she is learning.


And we are blessed beyond belief with her life. "Thank you, Lord, for creating Lydia and choosing her to be a part of our family. We cherish and love her and ask You to help us guide her in fulfilling Your plan for her life. She's awesome and so are You. Amen."