If you know my sweet little Lily, then you know, without a doubt, that she is quite obsessed with lions. It all started over a year and a half ago, when Lily was almost two. We went to visit my grandparents in Alabama, and we took Lily to see Leo, the mascot at University of North Alabama. It was love at first sight. Well...she might have been a little scared. But after leaving, she talked non-stop about the lions. We are frequent visitors of the zoo, and the majority of our time is spent in cat country. The child eats, breathes, and sleeps lions. You can come to our house on any given day and usually find her on all fours, growling and giving us "lion love" (in case you are not so lion-savvy, this is when lions rub their heads and manes together--at least that's how in The Lion King). I absolutely adore this about her. She has such a quirky, funny personality, and Patrick and I really get a kick out of it.
But alas, there has been a change recently in our household. It's subtle, but it's there. Our little lion loving Lily has set her affections on something else. Don't get me wrong, she still loves lions (and really all animals) more than your average three year old. But like I said, she has found room in her heart for a new love. She is talking more and more of princesses. The child has never seen a princess movie (until last night). This fondness simply came from a picture on the front of her undies. And now she wants everything that has to do with princesses. We have really done nothing to foster this love. (Unlike her lion fascination-see facebook album from her birthday party)
She is proof-positive of nature vs. nurture. Little girls will be little girls. From the beginning, God designed us with different desires and different roles. And I am looking forward to encouraging my girls in this area. So bring on the tea parties, the dress-up clothes, the playing house, and playing mommy (not that she hasn't been doing this- her "babies" have just been lion cubs). I want to raise little ladies who embrace their femininity and joyfully fulfill their God given roles. After all, Lily can growl all day, but a lion...she will never be. But oh the fun in being a princess- a beloved daughter of the King!
Oh I can't believe my little Lily loves princesses now! When you first told me, I was a little sad that her focus has switched from animals to princesses (even though I'm certain she now just loves both). But you said it so well here!! As women, it is our nature to love feminine things! It is not something that has to be taught to us... God made us each unique and yet alike in so many ways! I'm excited about the new phase Lily is in now... let's celebrate with a tea party! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the blog! So are you getting her the Christian Princess books? I was in Lifeway yesterday and saw a wall decoration for a little girls room that said just that a princess who's father is the King. We miss that little lion loving princess bean!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog! I have thought similar things about how Micah is drawn to girly things! Haven...well...we'll see eventually I'm sure! If she stops climbing on things and flipping around long enough! Haha. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYou need to read my post on Anna's Nov. 18 blog. I meant to post the day I read it, which was either the day or day after you wrote it, but I was too choked up to think straight. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI just read my post... it should have read "I meant to post on your blog also, as I read it either the day or day after you wrote it"...that was a little confusing...sorry
ReplyDeleteThis was so sweet! That little thing could not be any cuter or sweeter if she tried.
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