Lily. A Tribute to Billy Joel

UPTOWN GIRL

A number of years ago I heard an old Billy Joel song that he had written as a lullaby for his daughter. The lyrics went something like,

"Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away."
I find myslef humming this little tune when I rock her to sleep at night, or in the morning, depending on what time of day she decides she's had enough. So I thought it might be fun to tag each of these pics with a throwback title to the ole' piano man.

THE RIVER OF DREAMS

SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT
(I know this doesn't make sense)

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

GOODNIGHT SAIGON

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

THE ENTERTAINER

LEAVE A TENDER MOMENT ALONE

TELL HER ABOUT IT

SHE'S GOT A WAY

Lily on the Big Screen

A Day in the Life of Lily

I have to say that for the most part Lily's day consists of eating, sleeping, getting rid of what she ate, sleeping some more, eating again, sleeping again, swinging, playing outside, and sleeping a little more. It's easy to fall into the trap of "I can't wait until she..." But, the truth is I can wait. There will be plenty of time in the future to chase butterflies, drink tea, eat crumpets, play candy land and other mind-numbing board games. For now, I am just content holding our little girl close as she relaxes in complete security on my chest. The chin quivers, the slobbery kisses, the elusive smiles, and gleeful kicks are what make these fleeting moments so tender. I know there will come a day when I will long for the late night rockings and incoherent lullabies. So, as her personality begins to take shape we will be thankful for all of those little things that seem at the time, unimportant and routine.
Will she love animals like her oldest brother?
Will she be adventurous and bold like her other brother?
Will she sing or dance? like athletics or art?
Will she be picky like Micah or try new dishes like Dylan?
Will she like pink, or blue, or green?
Will she enjoy spelling or math or school in general?
Will she be outgoing like her mom?
Will she be spontaneous like her dad?
Each day a piece of the Lily puzzle will be put in place and we will try to enjoy the moments that turn into days that turn into years that reveal a lifetime.

The Scout Runneth... and Lily Sleepeth!

After two years, an engine, brakes, two carbs, a host of batteries, tires, muffler, and an alternator or two... The Blue Beast is alive and well. I know that had nothing to do with Lily but it makes me so happy I had to share it with everyone I come in contact with.
So, life at the homestead is good. Last week my brother and his wife and son (and baby on the way) came in for a quick visit. In order to help prepare them for a multiple-child family we sent them home with our two boys. Before they left I sat Dylan and Micah down and gave them a list of rules they are to abide by:
1) Always say "yes maam, no maam. yes sir, no sir"
2) No whining.
3) Don't ask for things, but when you are given something be grateful.
4) Don't touch skunks that you see on the side of the road.
5) Lift the Lid.
6) Don't touch possums that you see on the side of the road.
7) Say your prayers at night.
8) Don't fight with one another.
9) Have FUN!
After two days they seem to be doing o.k. They will be coming back to Mississippi this weekend with my younger sister.
Lily seems to be plugging along. She is a little more alert every day. You can see her scanning the room for a familiar face, and once she focuses in on you she will lay a heart-melting smile all over you. I can already tell she will use this to her advantage someday.