Vi turning 1

In one week, Genevieve will be turning 1.  Since I am booked for the next week, I decided to do this blog now.  As I'm typing Genevieve crawls up, looks at the cord to the keyboard curiously, smirks, and I know what she's up to.  Then of course she yanks it and as I say "NO." she smirks again and says "uh-ohhh..."  I know her tricks, and she knows my weaknesses...and I am amazed at how well I've gotten to know this little lady who joined this family one year ago.

February 17th 2011, I woke up to my water breaking and after convincing Tyler that my water broke and I did not in fact pee my pants, we went to Babies R Us to waste time before going to the hospital.  22 hours later, around 4am on February 18th, Vi finally decided to grace us with her presence. 

Nothing, absolutely nothing prepares you for motherhood.   The lack of sleep, the confusion of what to do, the hormone crash, the feedings, and the overwhelming love that explodes in your chest over and over again until it almost seems painful.    Then they grow...and when you think, I couldn't possibly think this baby was any cuter... they start to show their personality.

So we start to show personality, THEN we start to sleep through the night a little more regularly... oh we blessed that child when she started to sleep through the night.  We praised her and thought she could do no wrong in our eyes.  Have I ever told you how much Tyler and I love to sleep?

Mobility was more of a challenge... not being able to just put her down and trust I could walk away and find her when I came back.  It's amazing how much you can discover a room is NOT as child proof as you thought it was.  I guess it's amazing how much you can discover... period.  Both good and bad.  I've mentioned how some days I'm "momish" and other days I'm not... I put so much stock into this child, constantly worrying about how I've parented or how I will parent... it's the biggest undertaking I've ever taken on in my life!

What I love now is knowing a little more of who she is.  Knowing when she just wants to cuddle, or wants to be left alone.  I love that she LOVES books, and loves being outside.  I can tell she likes Snoopy more than Rover, and I'm not a big fan of that... because Rover is obviously the better dog.  She is clearly our child, and loves dogs... we laugh every time when she sees a dog and starts going "woof! woof!"  We laugh a lot with her around.





She amazes me, I know it's cheesy.. or cliche... but she really does.  I can't wait to watch her grow more... yet at the same time, I want to scream at time as it's flying by and she's growing so quickly to just "slow down!" or "STOP! I'm enjoying this!"  I'm excited to see God's plans for her life unfold, and see my baby grow into a girl, who grows into a lady, who loves God.

So happy 1st birthday Genevieve!

It's been a challenge, a blessing... a life changing, crazy, exciting adventure of a year!