La La Lily

Music means a lot to me. It seems every moment that has meant something in my life can be connected to a song. It brings me intense joy to see my daughter love music as much as I do. Tonight her daddy and I presented her with a "Mix Stick"...her very own MP3 player already loaded with some of her faves: Hannah Montana, Rascal Flatt, and Zach Brown Band. Robbie and I found ourselves laughing out loud in the car as we listened to our four year old daughter sing along to the words from the song "I Wish." She didn't nail all of the lyrics, but she sure did belt them out with gusto...right or wrong.

So, in honor of my baby girl's 4th birthday and her love of music...my playlist of my most memorable moments with you...

1. I Could Not Ask For More (Edwin McCain): I remember dancing with your daddy at Uncle Red's wedding to this song and crying my eyes out. I was 6 months pregnant with you and felt such pure joy at what a beautiful life God had given to me. I chose this one because it was the moment I realized we were a family. It was as if you had completed us.

2. Daydream Believer (The Monkees): I was 9 months pregnant when a new line of commercials came out with an "IT" mascot walking down the street. Nonny would sing to you in my belly and change the words. Hence, the legend began and every night since then, you have sung with us...Cheer Up Lily Bean...This song will forever hold a special place in all of our lives because of who you are to this family. The joy you bring to everyone you encounter, can not be overshadowed. You are a breath of fresh air.

3. Applebottom Jeans (TPain): Yep...your Nonny again. She decided that once you started walking, you needed to start dancing and you definitely needed some flavor in your life. Before long you knew every word and even emphasized them by slapping your hand on the floor and shaking your hips. I chose this song (as inappropriate as it is) because it shows your sassy side. You may be sweet, but we all know that you will spend your life "adding flavor" in every adventure you have.

4. Butterfly Fly Away (Miley Cyrus): This song you share with your daddy. I took you and Tate to see the Hannah Montana movie, not sure if either, one or both of you would like it. One day, you sat on your daddy's lap and told him that you wanted to sing this song with him, like Miley had sung with her daddy. Of course his heart melted. This past weekend we attended a wedding and you got him again when you said, "Daddy, will you walk me down the aisle when I'm a Princess Bride". You and your daddy have such a special bond. I know that bond will carry you through to being the amazing woman you are destined to be.

5. Me and My Gang (Rascal Flatts): This is another song that has been in the family for a couple of years. I have always loved it when you and Tate sing the chorus at the top of your lungs, "It's a brother and a sister kinda thing." Tonight, while you were listening to your mix stick, your daddy and I beamed as you leaned over to hand one of the headphones to Tate and said, "You wanna listen, Tate? This is our song." We had no question what song that was. I pray daily that you and your brother stay as close you are. Your love for each other reminds me daily how I should love others.

So, to my girl...Beanut...Lily Kate...Sissy...Lily Bean...Daughter of Mine...

I say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Of course sung with gusto!!!)

~Mom