Two years ago...

Two years ago my life changed in a way that only God can make possible... I became a mother. Gracie will turn two at the end of this month and so I've been reflecting a lot about the time we've shared together. From the moment she made her grand entrance into this world I knew she would be a force to be reckoned with - I do believe both the top and bottom floors of the hospital could hear her first cry! As I layed there looking at her, while the nurses cleaned her, I wondered, "Where did all that hair come from? This has to be a mistake... the baby I had envisioned for these past 9 months was bald!" In shock, I suppose from the whole experience (and perhaps even more so from the incredibly hairy baby I was now supposed to care for) I felt completely overwhelmed... and then she was placed in my arms. From the moment I layed eyes on her I felt at peace. I watched her as she layed there sweetly sleeping - she had Mark's nose & hairline, my ears & skin coloring and a perfect blend of both of our lips - my shape and Mark's size (move over Julia Roberts!:) I felt completely swept away and I knew in that moment that no mistake was made - she belonged to us and we belonged to her. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that she hasn't made me stop to say a little prayer - most of the time it's under my breath as I'm doing three things at once, but I've always said at least one. Some days I pray for patience and some days I pray for wisdom (toddlers are mysterious little beings) ... but most days I pray just to say "thanks"... "thanks" for the opportunity to know and care for such a wonderful little girl. Grace is fun, energetic, smart, curious, loving and let's not leave out adorable!:) I know the Lord loves me and everytime I look at Grace I am reminded of this. She has filled me completely and I'm so grateful for her - she is everything I could hope for. I love the way she holds my head in her tiny hands and plants a big wet kiss on my lips every morning. I love how she dances anytime she hears a beat. I love how she says 'mama' and I love how she helps me clean. I love how she runs to the door when daddy comes home and I love how she talks to her toys. I love how she hikes (running the whole time) and I love how she says 'oooh ooh oooh!' when she gets excited about something... I love everything about her - even the way she can't sit still during church (although it's stressful in the moment, all in all, I'm thrilled that she is so lively and animated.) It's hard to believe that the tiny little baby I held just two short years ago is now capable of so many things...time sure does fly by! Here's to a wonderful first two years - I love you Gracie! Happy birthday baby!