Hey, my little Blue Bell. My singing princess. My little mermaid, sprinkle, cupcake, unicorn, rainbow, with a touch of cayenne pepper on top. You have brought SO much color into my world. I honestly did not even know that I needed what you have. But God knew.
I remember when Daddy and I started talking about having another baby. Patience was two, and she was such a joy, that we wanted to give her a sibling. We completely planned out the process and started trying in November of 2009. I was working at a daycare at the time, and it was so perfect, because I was able to work and bring Patience and a soon to be planned out baby with me for free. I mean what a blessing that was for our family.
I found out I was pregnant with you in January of 2010, right after Patience turned three years old. I remember being so excited. Your daddy and I talked about having a boy. Because we thought well, God blessed us already with a little girl, that He was probably going to give us a little boy now. About six weeks after I found out I was pregnant with you the morning sickness set in. The first time I had morning sickness with your sister was hard. But this time seemed harder to manage, because now I had to take care of a three-year-old. And still work teaching at a daycare with a class full of three-year-olds. I struggled. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it. I was vegetarian at the time and did not eat any meat. And was also very health conscious with what I put into my body, so I tried all the natural remedies, and nothing seemed to work. Around the twelve week mark my morning sickness subsided, and I was finally able to enjoy my pregnancy. As time went on, I did not gain much weight. Which concerned my doctor at the time. She thought that because I was a vegetarian, I wasn’t bringing in much nutrition and recommended for me to eat some meat while being pregnant. I really struggled with that because my conviction to not eating animals was very strong. I had learned about some commercial practices in the meat processing industry that really disturbed me. And I absolutely did not want to support any of those companies financially. But because I wanted to make sure you were getting all that you needed, I gave in and only ate chicken or turkey maybe once or twice a week.
Around the twenty-week mark in my pregnancy, your dad and I went in to find out what you were going to be. And because my pregnancy with you had really been different than when I was pregnant with Patience, we sincerely thought we were having a boy. I remember lying on the ultrasound table while the tech measured your body parts to make sure you were growing properly, when she asked us if we wanted to know what your sex was. We both said yes. We looked at the screen and the tech spelled out “I AM A GIRL” I busted out laughing. Because I knew that daddy wanted a boy. He was mad at me. But I sincerely thought it was so funny, because now I would have another little girl to give all my love to. And we would outnumber daddy and the two boy cats at home.
I remember after finding out you were girl struggling mentally, as to how I would be able to love another little girl as much as I loved Patience. I remember being scared that if I did that Patience would feel pushed aside and unloved. I thought how I could ever fairly love another child as much as I did my first. So, I sought after advice from older moms. And other women who had more than one child, who all reassured me that I would not have any trouble loving another baby equally. That my heart would easily have room to share between two children. I prayed to God a lot during that time asking him to make that so.
When your daddy and I picked out your name, we were very intentional. Just like with Patience, we wanted your name to be a representation of our relationship. So daddy came up with the name Lyric. Lyric in French means song. I loved it right away. Your daddy at the time was making Christian hip hop music and was always writing and in the studio. And he and I shared a common bond and love for music that the name Lyric was a very natural choice. Because your dad picked out your first name, I decided that I would pick out your second name. I found the name Bella. Bella in Spanish means beautiful. But also, in Hebrew it means devoted to God. So, in full, your name means a beautiful song devoted to God. And what a song you are. I love listening to you sing every day, using the gift that was spoken over you. And placed within you.
The day I went into the hospital be induced to have you; I was very excited. I couldn’t wait to meet you. I couldn’t wait to see what and who you would like. Would you look like Patience? Would you look like me? Would you look like your daddy? What would your personality be like? Would you be a mommy’s girl like Patience? Would you be a daddy’s girl? I had so many questions. And I couldn’t wait to find out. The doctor gave me Pitocin and broke my water. The contractions came and were very strong. It’s funny because when I went in to have you, I did not have a strong memory of what the pain was like with Patience. So, when I started feeling those contractions, I couldn’t wait to get an epidural. I got the epidural, and you came very soon after. Your birth was a very easy one. I believe it’s because with Patience, I hadn’t given birth before. But this time, my body was already experienced, so you just came right out. And boy were you beautiful!! You came out looking just like your big sister when she was born. I was overwhelmed by how easy it was to just naturally love you the way I did with Patience.
Lyric Bella, you are an extremely passionate person. You have such kind and empathic heart. And I love how you just make friends with everyone so easily. The gift that you have of making people feel seen and valued is like no other. Your spicy protective attitude that God gave you, I know will be used in a mighty way for those less fortunate. I love how you speak out when something is not right or fair. I love how you embrace and love yourself. So much so that your outfits reflect your bright personality. And at times when I think you don’t match, I just let you be you and rock what you feel comfortable in. As you grow, continue to seek God. Spend time in his presence getting close to him and allowing those fruits of his spirit manifest through what he has already placed inside of you. You are going to do BIG things for his glory. I cannot wait to see it all unfold. And lastly, remember to “Be A Light For Jesus”
I LOVE YOU!!!
Just Being Dee 