1 Year Later

January 24, 2010

January 24, 2011

Crazy how much can change in one year...

Last year, at this time, Evie was:

- nursing every 2 hours

- waking up every 2 hours

- unable to see or focus on anything, really

- immobile and stationary

- only squeaking and crying

- 7 lbs, 20 inches

Now, this year, Evie is...

- nursing only for comfort sake in the morning and before bed...mom's comfort just as much as hers :)

- sleeping 12 hours a night

- a busy body and so interested in all going on around her

- moving like crazy! and so close to being an all around walker...a few steps at a time for now!

- her fathers daughter and such a talker!

- 20 lbs, 13 oz, 29 1/2 inches

However, some things have not changed...

Evie still is...

- the joy of her parents life

- a delightful and easy-going girl

- big blue eyed

- full of life and personality (remember the "puffing" when she was a newborn?! making us laugh even then!)

- figuring out her naps

- loving her baths

- energized by other kids and people

- all around wonderful.

As I look back on the past year of life with my beautiful daughter, I am flooded with all sorts of different emotions.

Awe - I can't believe that a year has already passed with Evie. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was holding that sweet bundle in the hospital and falling in love with her. I am also shocked at how much she has grown and changed over this year. Of course everyone warned us that it would go so fast and to take a lot of pictures because they change so much....

I just wish that all of the things that happen during the first year could be spread out a little longer. I am awed at the way God creates and develops His children. Evie is a small way for me to see God working in the world and in my life...she reminds me of His presence and goodness every day.

Relief - I am almost afraid to even type that word for fear that I will "jinx" myself for our next child or the next year of Evie's life! However, Evie has been such a great baby. She has been so good natured and happy that she has made the transition into parenting to much easier. I realize that we are far from overcoming the difficult stages, but at least she has set us off on a good foot!

Joy - My heart overflows with the joy that Evie brings to me and our family. I love watching her and Andrew interact. They have such a wonderful relationship and it brings me such happiness to see them together. I am also filled with joy when I see Evie with her extended family - grandparents and aunts and uncles, etc. It is so much fun to continue family traditions and see her grow up in such a loving family.

Evie makes me laugh everyday. Her silly faces and the character that she adds to all that she does make me days so enjoyable. I love spending time with her and learning more about her, playing with her, exploring with her, and especially cuddling!

Anticipation - I am excited to see what the 2nd year of Evie's life will bring. Of course our lives will all change a bit with the addition of her little brother. But besides this, I am looking forward to the continued growth and development gains that Evie will make. She is at such a fun stage of life right now and I can't wait to take her on more adventures and expose her to more of this great world. I am excited for Evie's personality to continue to develop over the next year. She is such a happy girl and I know that she will be a very helpful older sibling in the months and years to come. I just can't wait to get to know her more.

Thankfulness - Finally, I am so thankful for the opportunity and gift that I have to be Evie's mom. She is a delight and I am so blessed to be given this responsibility. Evie belongs to her Heavenly Father and Andrew and I know that she is only ours for a time....but, during this time, we are cherishing every moment and thanking the Lord for choosing us to raise this sweet girl.

Happy Birthday, Evie Daraliene Dena, Mommy loves you so much!