First Birthday

Well, here we are. Just four days short of Aurelia's first birthday. I must admit, this anniversary feels a little bittersweet. More than anything, of course, it is a celebration, but it also makes me realize how much time has past since this incredible little person came into my life. I wish I could relive those first moments, not the part of shock in realizing that something, a person, this baby, was growing inside of me, or the moment of finally finding out "it" was a "she", or the coming-to-grips part that I am her mother and that she is my daughter, but rather, to relive that moment with the clarity I have now. To have been able to foresee the scope of the love I would have for her. To have fully realized that my world as I knew it had, in an instant, changed for the better. To have truly understood that motherhood would be the most challenging and most rewarding role of my life. To have grasped the concept that this little person would challenge me in ways I never expected, and, as a result, she would teach me to be a better person.

What I know now is that since Aurelia came into my life, I am infinitely more aware of the wonders of this life, both the beauty and ugliness of this world, and the meaning of unconditional love. I know now that to watch your child discover and learn allows you to experience life from their perspective, with fresh eyes and wonder. Everything seems a little brighter, the small stuff is not as important as it once was, and infinite pleasure can be found in the simplest of things.

While you are pregnant and awaiting the arrival of your first child, many tell you to prepare for the hundreds of diapers, the sleepless nights, a screaming baby. Often, what they fail to mention, is that those diapers will teach you the type of endurance only a parent knows. That during those sleepless nights, while rocking your baby,you will realize, as you stare into your baby's eyes or count her delicate lashes, that you would die for her and do anything to protect her. That a screaming baby will not only teach you patience, but that a parent's worry for their child's well-being is infinite, and that, regardless of her age, she will always be your baby.

On the eve of my 33rd birthday, Reflections of the last year

1. Gave birth and became Mama to my sweet Aurelia
2. Bought a camera way beyond my budget and fell in love with photography
3. Was diagnosed with kidney stones, gallstones, and a DVT
4. Had way too many visits to the hospital
5. Mastered the art of stain removal
6. Went back to my natural hair color
7. Lost all the baby weight
8. Rediscovered scrapbooking
9. Got my eyebrows professionally plucked for the first time, and realized that I can do a better job
10. Learned how to perform most tasks with one hand while carrying a baby with the other