October 1

A year ago today I was waddling around on my due date feeling huge, emotional, uncomfortable, and trying every trick in the book to make that baby come out.  I tried to picture how she would look, and what she would be like, and I prayed so hard that she would just be healthy. I looked at this dress hanging in her closet and imagined what kind of baby would fit into it in a year. Now, a year later, I realize I couldn't possibly have imagined how perfect she would be. As cliche as it is, I cannot picture my life without her; she feels like another appendage of mine. I'm so glad she is who she is. She is the brightest joy in our family (and also the loudest). Happy almost birthday...

 (We pick our battles...I guess pine cones are on the approved list)

When Mariah was born, I remember looking ahead to her first birthday, and Stephanie said, "Oh she'll be so fun! She'll be standing...and clapping...!" And I was like, "uhhh....9 months of pregnancy and a year of life and that's all she'll be able to do? Wow...boring....." BUT standing and clapping is the BEST! Every little thing she does is amazing to me.