My sweet girl turns one today and I can't believe how much she has grown and learned and how quickly she has done so! A babe who could not support her own head is now walking, speaking many words, operating zippers, dancing, "reading" books and going to be a Big Sister in September! Its amazing what can happen in a year! I also look back at who I was a year ago when she was born, I am not that person anymore. I have grown, learned, adapted (sometimes better than others), become humbled, and yet grown in boldness. I have learned that babies don't start sleeping in thier crib or through the night when you think they will. I have learned that not all babies outgrow thier clinging to mommy within the first year. I have learned that Doctors, strangers and other mothers (with no more experience than myself) think they know best. And I have complete confidence that they DO NOT! I know my child better than anyone on this earth! I have known her stubborn demeanor since she was in the womb! I witnessed her goofy tendencies on sonogram before she was born! So I know without a doubt that no earthly man or woman can tell me how to dicipline her or love her the way she needs me to most! No one but her Daddy and I will ever remotely understand the depth of her passionate tantrums, or her energetic dances! She is more intelligent than others can see, more sweet and loving than I can put in a facebook status. More trying and stubborn than I have ever seen in someone so young, and I love her for it and it drives me to the brink of insanity at the same time. I have learned that to be a good mom you must have discernment on when to intervene and when to step back. You must choose to save your child from being upset or save them from being spoiled but not both. You must stand firm against quivering lips and huge puppy tears that break your heart beg you to give in. You must do these things because you can see the end and your child cannot. You know that the things you teach now will affect them forever. So teach them to be kind, loving and well behaved. But also let them be who they are! Don't push interests or certain images on your child. Let them show you who God intended them to be and cultivate that! Weed out the prickly thornes and be careful not to bruise the rose petals. Don't crush thier spirit when you discipline but rather show justice and mercy accordingly. Let them make messes and get into everything (so long as its safe). The best toys are household objects not toys. The best entertainment is tickling, singing, dancing, and zooming like an airplane. The best food is on mom's plate. The best laughter comes during the hardest days. The best baths soak the floor. The best sleep comes after long tear filled days. The best hugs are from tiny arms and best kisses are covered in drool!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LITTLE GIRL WHO TURNED OUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!
