I can hardly believe it’s already been a year, and our little Adelaide is officially one. You hear it often said when referring to parenting and little ones, “the days are long, but the years are short”. I’m only three years into this parenting thing, but I can already agree wholeheartedly with this statement. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing this sweet baby girl home from the hospital, soaking up her sweet snuggles. We weren’t sure about what lay ahead and how the adjustment would go with big brother, but were just so excited to be a family of four and find a new normal.
In hindsight, a new “normal” is short-lived. They grow so quickly, and as soon as you fall into one routine and figure things out, one or both of them change and you’re left trying to get into a new rhythm all over again. It’s ever-changing, sometimes challenging, but oh-so-wonderful!
Our little Addie Grace has been such a blessing to our family. Her little personality continues to blossom and we can’t help but laugh that she’s immensely sweet, yet equally feisty. She’s a girl who knows what she wants and as long as she gets it, she’s just about as charming and delightful as they come. Her favorite word is “Hi!” as she greets each and every person she makes eye contact with, offering an irresistible grin along with it.
She isn’t walking yet…I mean, have you seen those adorable, chunky thighs.. there’s a lot to hold up! 😅But she’s loving pulling up on all things, getting more and more confident and I’m sure it won’t be long until she starts cruising. I have a feeling before we know it she’ll be chasing her brother. It’s so much fun watching them grow and experience new things, while teaching, encouraging and championing them in their new achievements and abilities. But I can’t help but want to pause time just a little bit and keep them from growing up so fast.
Many of you know we lost my mom in January 2016. I won’t get into all the details, but she had been sick for over two years. It was by far the hardest, most heartbreaking, and devastating thing my family and I have faced. I never imagined not having my mom here to meet my babies, to be Grandma, to spoil them. I never imagined she wouldn’t be here to share her wisdom, giving me loving advice and guidance as I navigate the waters of motherhood. But life isn’t always what you expect. And while Brighton did get to meet my mom, he’ll never have any memories of her. Neither of my little ones will personally know the woman who had the greatest impact on my life, who taught me so much about life and love, and who became one of my best friends as an adult.
I honestly can’t remember if I’ve shared this on here before, but the Lord took my mom home on January 5th, which is Josh’s and my anniversary. We had been married 8 years when we lost her. I’ll never understand why she left us on that day, but I’m choosing to believe that she wanted to share that day with us. We found out one year to the day, January 5th 2017, on our 9 year anniversary and the one year anniversary to my mom’s passing, that we were expecting our second child. We of course didn’t know at that time that it was a little girl. But finding out this news on that date, was so very, very special.
And you know what? Our little Adelaide, she looks like my mom. So many people who knew my mom have said it time and again. And I see it, too. And the fact that she is equal parts sweet and feisty, makes me think so much of my mom. ❤️You may not get to meet your Grandma on my side, Addie, but I have a feeling you have a lot of her in you my Love. And I plan to make sure you and Brighton know her through my memories.
It was such a joy celebrating her first birthday with our family and friends. Josh’s parents, Papa and Gigi, came into town and my Dad and sister’s family all gathered around, along with some of our close friends as we sang happy birthday and watched her devour her little angel food cupcake. I tested a few cake recipes for the main cake and ended up going with a Lemon Blueberry Cake I’d made earlier in the year that became an immediate favorite.
I didn’t have a “theme” for her party like I did Brighton’s Woodland party, but rather just kept everything sweet and girly for our “pretty little girl” as we often call her. It was a rainy, dreary day {hence the quality of pictures} but nothing could put a damper on our spirits as we delighted in this precious little girl and the gift she is to our family!
