Lily’s First Birthday
Lily turned one on Saturday, March 14, 2026. We had planned a garden party, just like the garden tea at her baby shower. March had other ideas. It was forty-one degrees and windy.
So we brought the garden inside. Grandma Ruth filled the house with pots of pink and yellow tulips. Aunt Emily hung paper flowers from the dining room ceiling. Michael built a little white picket fence around the dessert table, because of course he did.
Everyone came: Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Joe, Nana Linda, Aunt Emily and Uncle Dave, and half of Maple Street. Our small blue house was packed to the walls, and it was wonderful.
Around three o’clock the sun came out, so we bundled everyone out into the front yard, coats and all, for pictures. That’s when Lily showed off. She let go of Michael’s hands and walked four wobbly steps across the grass to Nana Linda, who burst into tears and said it was the best present anyone had ever given her.
Then we all hurried back inside, where it was warm, for the cake.
One year. One whole year of her. God has been so good to us.
The Smash Cake (and Other Little Things)
Grandma Ruth baked the smash cake: a little vanilla cake with pale pink frosting and one candle. We all sang, and Lily clapped for herself before we got to the end. Then she stared at that cake like it might bite her.
First she poked it with one finger. Then she licked the finger. Then her eyes went wide, and she went in with both hands. Within two minutes there was frosting in her eyebrows, in her ear, and somehow down the back of her dress.
Scout parked himself under the high chair and didn’t move until every crumb was accounted for. He considers himself the cleanup crew.
Grandpa Joe sang “Happy Birthday” a second time, all by himself, in his deep church-choir voice, just because she smiled at him. Nana Linda and Grandma Ruth shared one plate of cake on the couch.
Uncle Dave gave her a toy drum. Michael and I have not forgiven him yet.
When the house finally emptied out, Lily fell asleep on Michael’s shoulder, a little pink frosting still behind one ear.
Our Letter to You, Lily
Michael read this aloud after the cake. He only had to stop twice.
Dear Lily,
A year ago today, at 6:42 in the morning, you came into the world and changed ours forever. You weighed seven pounds, four ounces. We thought you were the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We still do.
This year you taught us that love grows even faster than sleep disappears. You taught your daddy to sing lullabies, which none of us expected. You gave Scout a job, and he takes it very seriously. You taught your mama that a messy house can be a happy one.
We don’t know everything your life will hold. We do know Who holds it. We will pray for you every day, cheer for you at every game and recital, and tell you the truth even when it’s hard.
Whatever happens, you can always come home to us.
Happy first birthday, Lily Bug. You are our answered prayer.
All our love,
Mom and Dad
A Birthday Blessing
Before the cake, Grandpa Joe asked if he could pray. Everybody got quiet, even the neighbors’ kids. He rested his big hand on Lily’s head and thanked God for every one of her 365 days: the safe arrival, the long nights, the first smile, the first tooth, and the four steps she had just taken in the front yard.
Then he asked the Lord to keep her close all her life, to give her good friends and a kind heart, and to let her always know how loved she is. Lily patted his hand the whole time, as if she agreed. Nana Linda said “Amen” first and loudest.
When he finished, he wiped his eyes and said the verse he says at every birthday in our family:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
And we did, all day long.