Eliana

We have officially been parents for an entire year and I couldn't be happier. I can honestly say being a mom is every cliché in the book and more. "It's the hardest job you'll ever have, but the most rewarding." Truth. But it's also the most fun job I've ever had. Why didn't anyone tell me parenting would be like this? I would have signed up for this gig a lot sooner had I known that. It's so much fun to raise Eliana with my husband. It's a joy to have play time and laugh time and cuddle time and bath time. It's hilarious when we trip over baby gates, or forget to buy diapers, or have nonsensical conversations with our little munchkin. Doing this whole "mom" thing with my best friend has been a riot so far, and I can't wait for each new stage of parenting to begin.

I remember the day of her birth well. And why wouldn't I? It was only a year ago. ;) I had so much anxiety and anticipation for the unknown. What would my baby be like? What would motherhood be like? What would the car ride home feel like?? (lol) :) But the moment she was born, the anticipation was finally gone. Things were happening so quickly that I had no choice but to live in the moment. Be a mom right then and there. No more planning, no more waiting, but finally acting and doing. It was liberating.

I'm reminded of those feelings now as my family prepares to travel to Texas next week for my dear brother's wedding.  So much anticipation surrounding this trip. So many plans made, and altered, and changed again. So much researching, collaborating, reserving and confirming. So many checklists checked and then double checked. So much packing to do, so much traveling to do. But soon we will be there, living in the moment, enjoying a beautiful celebration of new beginnings. What joy!

Sometimes too much planning can be a bad thing. What if everything changes? What if things go wrong? What if nothing happens the way you planned? If Eliana has taught me one thing (and I'm still learning) it would be to roll with the punches. I plan and anticipate, make lists and prepare because it's fun for me and I'm good at it. But there's a side of me now that doesn't stress over things being perfect anymore. Eliana's birth was not perfect, but here she is one year later as wonderful as can be, making her parents feel happy and blessed. This trip to Texas won't be perfect, but in the end a bride will marry a groom, and that's all that matters.

Happy, happy birthday to my sweet baby girl. You have no idea how you rocked the world I thought couldn't get any better. Your beautiful, loving presence in our home is more fantastic than I ever imagined possible. How does someone so small make everything feel so wonderful? What a blessing you are to us, Eliana. WE LOVE YOU!

xoxo Liz