...Elijah's first birthday, that is. How did this happen? It's just so incredibly hard to believe! As I reflect on Elijah's upcoming birthday, here's what I'm thinking right now. Basically, one year ago, I ...
- had no idea what to expect about labor, about parenting, about nursing, about so much stuff!
- couldn't comprehend how much I would love someone so small
- had not witnessed first hand that Justin would be an amazing daddy
- had no way of knowing whether I would survive my first year as a mommy
- (and now I'm crying as I type)
- hadn't experienced the abundant grace God gives mothers
- didn't have a reason to complain about laundry!
- hadn't yet experienced my parents and in-laws be wonderful grandparents
- had no idea that my son would bring so much joy into my life
- had no concept of how many dirty diapers one child can produce
- had no possible way of knowing that I would truly love being a stay-at-home mom
- had never said the words "No, Elijah. We don't eat dog food."
- didn't know what it was like to give a child a bath
- didn't know the joy of reading and playing with my child
- didn't know what lack of time was
- should have taken more naps when I could
- didn't understand putting someone before myself all day long
- hadn't cried when a baby laid his head on my shoulder
- hadn't loved anyone's laugh so much
....ok, I have to stop cause I'm really crying now!
What a year! It's hard to comprehend how time just flies by, but at this same time, I have enjoyed every moment of Elijah's life so far. I'll have to share more about him in the next weeks leading up to his first birthday on February 19th. I've been a little out of the blogging routine lately...so I've got some catch up to do.
I am wondering though...
What traditions have you enjoyed for your child's birthdays?
4 comments:
Keep it low-key, it can get super overwhelming! And just have fun!
We're horrible w/ traditions. I had all these ideas for Keaton's first birthday...and that came and went and we still haven't done any...
One of my favorites was to get a canvas and let them paint on it and watch their skills and imagination develop over the years :) Maybe #3 will get lucky? lol
I can't believe he is almost one!
I can't believe Elijah will be one next month, and I just met him today! He's absolutely gorgeous, Erin!
Bryce's first birthday was huge...30+ people. It was completely overwhelming for me. His second birthday it was just a few close couples from our small group in TN. It was so perfect and SO memorable. He was actually the only kid at the party (the couples with kids ended up not being able to attend). It sounds weird, but it was wonderful because it was special for him to get individual attention.
For Bryce's third and Kael's first bday (we had it together since their bdays are a week apart), it was just my parents and my sister, her husband and their kids (they have 7). It was wonderful!
All that to say, I agree with Terra. Keep it low key and just a few of your close family/friends. You will be so thankful that you did. For first birthdays, we make a big cake and a mini cake. We let the boys go to town on the mini cake. It is so fun! I also got them their own little birthday outfits with their names monogrammed on them. I got them really cheap from a lady on ebey.
OK, I'm done ; )!! Sorry, that was a lot! I can't believe a year has gone by!
Love the video of Elijah saying elbow! Hard to believe he's signing these words. I enjoyed my visit on Tues. and getting to see him as he woke up from him naptime. He wasn't expecing "Gran"
to open that door when he was standing up just talking away to himself--how sweet he is! Know you're so glad to be home with him to experience all he's saying and doing every day. I'm sure you don't consider it part of the "Daily Grind" that the devotional talked about--NO NEVER! Hard to realize he will soon be a
year old.
Post a Comment