No longer a baby, but always My Baby

Four years ago right now, I was in labor. Labor is a strange thing. You can’t practice for it. If you’ve never experienced it, you can’t really prepare for it. You’re exhausted, excited, terrified, mesmerized, joyous, and about a million other emotions all tied together. And then the truly amazing part happens, after all of that, there’s an overwhelming calm and sense of peace because the most beautiful being you could ever imagine seeing is placed into your arms – and she’s yours to love forever.

Within in an hour of getting to meet Lydia, September 2nd, 2009.

A year passed and my daughter became an adorable, lovable, curious 1-year old.

And she continued to grow and learn – she was able to walk and talk and swim and paint and play dress-up – and became a 2-year old.

The next year was super-exciting – She became a big sister! She’s the best big sister ever. Just today, she told me her brother is her best friend. And then, before I knew it, she turned 3.

And now she’s turning 4. In just a few hours, I will be the mother of a 4-year old. It’s a beautiful thing – It means she’s a healthy little girl who is maturing and learning and growing every day. It also means I’ll never be the mommy of a 3-year old girl again. That part is a little sad, but still beautiful. Here’s how much she’s grown this year.

October 2012

November 2012

December 2012 

January 2013

February 2013

March 2013

April 2013

May 2013

June 2013

July 2013August 2013

This morning, on her 4th birthday ~ Happy birthday, my sweet, smart, beautiful Lydia.