Dear Lily

Dear Lily, 

At the moment, you are upstairs napping, though I have a feeling it won't be for that much longer. These days you nap like a champ... just not for too long. Except for last week when we were a house full of sick people, (darn stomach bug Emma brought home from daycare!) you refuse to sleep for longer than about an hour and twenty minutes. But that's really alright, because two shorter naps in the day mean one catnap in the early evening, and usually you catnap on me. 

You must know that I looked after your big sister Emma when she was your age. At first it was hard for me to not make comparisons between the two of you. After all, you look just like her... but your stunning good looks are about where the similarities end. You are more active, more impatient, happier, fatter, stronger, more talkative, and more stubborn than your big sister. You will give her hell, and I will do my best to warn her when she gets a little older. 

Baby, I will never forget the first time you smiled when I walked in the front door. I will never forget the way you used to get this big silly grin on your face after you sneezed, as if you were saying "Did you hear that NOISE I just made?!" I will never forget the way you never failed to get your leg stuck in your crib during naptime. 

I will never forget the first time I figured out that I could throw some towels in the dryer and sit you in front of it to distract you. I'll never forget the first time you clapped for me, or waved at me, or stuck your tongue out at me. I'll never forget the first time I took you to the park and put you in a swing. You could have swung for hours, just like your sister.

Miss Lily, I love your sister Emma very much. I love her with all my heart, and could never imagine my life without her in it (nor my car without her carseat, though apparently I'll have to give that back!) But Lily, know that you have irrevocably squeezed yourself into my heart too, with every squeal, every smile, and every sneeze. 

I printed out some of my favorite photos of you and Emma and put them on my wall. Even though I won't see you every day anymore, I will always have you in my home, and in my heart.

P.S. Be nice to your sister, please. She knows how to throw a really good tantrum! 

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Today is my last day on the job. I wrote Emma a note three years ago when I finished looking after her that first summer, and so I thought I would do the same today.

There will be tears when I leave. There are always tears when I leave... but I know that it won't be for long. These girls, this family, will have me in their life (whether they want it or not!) I've warned them that they may have to shove me out of their house.

Lastly, for your viewing entertainment, please enjoy this video below of Lily trying so hard to crawl, and being adorable in the process.