Today my sweet Cecilia turns four. You would think that by the time your third child is born, you already know all that there is to know about parenting. I was apparently taking random shots in the dark because the reality of health issues was quite sobering and intense. I'd been living on easy street with my textbook kiddos and I didn't even know it.
She was born the sunniest human being I've ever known. Topped with fledgling blonde hair and the biggest eyes you have ever seen. She was an easy baby, I relished the lack of sleep deprivation and her laid-back personality. She only cried when necessary and was content to go about her days being worn by me or playing next to me as I worked.
She has always been bold and chatty. It was no surprise that when asked what her name was she would plainly answer, "Cha-Cha." And the nickname stuck like glue. To this day we rarely refer to her as Cecilia but almost always call her Cha-Cha. It fits!
She is one the toughest, bravest, strongest people that I know. She has kept a stiff upper lip when seizure meds make her feel tired and cranky. She mustered a smile shortly after coming out of anesthesia from her neurosurgery. She managed to make friends with practically the entire staff at Duke ER when we returned to find out that she had chemical meningitis. Most people can barely lift their head during these kinds of trials, but she looks up every.time. This darling girl just does *not* know the meaning of letting a challenge get the best of her. She will see your challenge and raise you a handful of smiles and giggles. I am so thankful for her optimistic outlook that has kept her from feeling sorry for herself or noticing that she wasn't always like her friends. She takes it all in stride and is Cha-Cha through and through.
She loves her sisters with unmatched ferocity. I will never forget the look of sheer joy on her face when we brought Evelyn home from the hospital. Or the way she waits anxiously every day for Bird to come home from school. And the way she wrestles and wriggles Morrison until he lets her kiss him goodbye before he goes to school. I love that she sings loudly and proudly in the car, in the store, in the bath, or at school. She doesn't worry about what people think- she just does what makes her feel happy. In turn, her happiness is contagious.
I feel so very blessed to be her Mom. Mere words cannot express the deep and abiding gratitude and love that I feel for the marvelous little wisp of a girl. I am so thankful for these wonderful and never-dull four years and I look forward to watching her grow and grow and grow...
