The eve of turning two

 It's time for a "flash-back" post! Today is Gracie's birthday-eve, so what better time to reflect on her first birthday which to this mommy seemed like yesterday.

My little baby turned one! With this first birthday brought such a barrage of mixed emotions. The first of course being disbelief. I think every parent feels this way when they struggle with the reality that you simply can not freeze time.

 You reflect upon the year that just passed and are amazed at how far your little one has come. From birth to cooing to playing to walking and talking. It's a miraculous journey that we all make, but to watch your own child progress through those steps turns you into a proud parent.

 I have to say that the most enjoyable part of watching Gracie grow through her first year was discovering her personality. She is so loving and has the sweetest disposition. She has developed a hilarious sense of humor, and has learned that she is an independent girl who can concur the world.

 I must admit that a small part of me was looking forward to her first birthday for the simple fact that this was the last of the firsts. I'm sure all parents do this, the first year for a child every holiday, every milestone, every little spark of something new becomes this almost overwhelming event. So although I will miss the, "That was the first time she.... fill in the blank!" I won't miss the self-imposed anxiety I put myself through trying to achieve the impossible task of making every holiday perfect because it was her first.

(Above: Gracie's "Smash" cake that I made, and which she had no interest in eating at all.

Below: Aunt Krysty caught on to the party theme, "Look Whooo's turning one!" and created this adorable owl made out of cupcakes.)

 Christian and I started a yearly tradition for her. We each write a letter to her, and in our own words we tell her about the year that just past. We will do this every birthday-eve, and when she turns 18 we plan on giving her all our letters so she can rediscover year by year the love that her Mom and Dad have for her.

  So our little baby turned one, and tomorrow she will be two, and if I blink I'll be posting about her graduation. So I'm happy that I have these memories to look back on because in my heart I do have the ability to freeze time, and she will always be my little baby.