April 25, 2021 – Happy 4th birthday my love! As I was sitting here thinking about what to write for Liliana’s 4th anniversary, usually I just start typing and let my heart guide the words on the page. But because I am not posting as often as I used to, I was feeling the need to make this post more meaningful and highlight some big event or moment that would convey how special Liliana is to our family.  

As I think back over the past year, there was not any one big moment that happened that could express our love for her any more than I already have. For those that know me or have followed this blog, you already know the impact Liliana has had on our lives. You know she is my heart and has blessed our family beyond words.

The truth is, there wasn’t one big thing that happened, there were a thousand little things. Here’s why. Liliana is my daughter. Full stop, period. And just like my other daughters, they are with me and part of the fabric of my being.  We eat together, pray together, laugh, cry and do everything in between. So when I say that Liliana is part of our family, I’m not being poetic. I mean that she is part of our daily lives and we include her in most everything.

 …When we wake up in the morning, the first thing we do is say our morning prayers. The girls say good morning to Jesus and Liliana and we pray with her. After all, she has a front row seat in front of Jesus and I know she is watching over us and most certainly praying for us. 
…During school, when the girls have to write about what they are thankful for or draw pictures of their family, Liliana is included. 
…When we go to the dollar store and the girls pick out toys or crafts for being good, they usually find a lawn ornament for Liliana to bring to Special Place. 
…And at night, if one of my girls are having a particularly bad night or scary thought at bedtime, we move our thoughts to heaven and talk about what they think Liliana is doing right now. And if that doesn’t work and one or the other is still scared, they will ask for Liliana’s teddy bear to comfort them. They have what seems like a thousand stuffed animals, but none are more special than Liliana’s. They know they must take extra, extra care of Liliana’s bear and given the monumental responsibility of that task, they quickly cuddle close and calm down with the special love they feel from their sister. 
…My volunteer work in pro-life ministries and the Church are all inspired by Liliana. I love that I can still use my talents to help with meaningful work to serve God and honor Liliana.
…And in the next few weeks as we do our spring cleaning, the girls will help me plant Liliana’s garden – my greatest pride in my whole yard.
…Lastly, when we enjoy our family time by doing the simple things in life, Liliana is there – in our hearts and in our thoughts. And we openly talk about her in those moments just as naturally as we do with our older girls. Yes, it is sometimes with a sadness and longing, but it is always with love. 

Then there are the circle of life events that most definitely bring Liliana front and center. This past December, Liliana gained two beautiful angels with the passing of my grandma and nonna.  My heart ached at the loss of both of them and I miss them tremendously, but it gives me great joy to know that my baby girl is in their loving arms. Because next to mama’s arms, whose arms are better than grandma’s?

And on the other side of life, we welcomed our beautiful niece Camila into our family last spring. I learned early on that Camila had the same original due date as my sweet Liliana – that’s no small coincidence. This brought great comfort to my sister-in-law as I know she felt that Liliana was watching over her baby cousin.

On the furry side of life, our family welcomed a new puppy earlier this year. Lola has already been to Special Place and loves it just as much as we do. Plenty of ground to run around and explore and then just chill out on a blanket with us while we have our picnics with our precious girl.

So in moments big and small, Liliana is with us. In a thousand little things…she is there. And today, we will celebrate her birthday – with cake, balloons, flowers and gifts. After all, she is my daughter. Full stop, period.