Realizations on vacation

Lots of time by the pool (before work began) to sit and ponder life. Lol.

After sitting by some college spring break kids at the pool.. I realized I'm old!

After calling security at 12:30 am for the people partying in the room next to me, I realized I'm a mom (and old too).

The Arizona sun is powerful. I realized this after my feet and legs turned a new shade of red.

Greta is so well behaved and easy going - even at a tradeshow with hundreds of people she doesn't know. I realized I have the best baby. Sorry - I had to brag.

I realized again I love my job and the enjoy the industry and the people in it.

Pool side drinks are fabulous! I realized I can have a drink and still breastfeed.... Greta was fine but it was my first time doing that.

I realized if you are nice to people, more likely than not they return the niceness.

Babies can fall out of bed. I realized after Greta did when she was sleeping.  And she was fun. 

But importantly I realized life is as good as you make it. I don't want to miss moments of like this ever. 

PS - I realized after 4 nights of very little, interrupted sleep... I'm exhausted! 

Great prayer

Saw this on Facebook and thought it was worth posting. 

12 months old

What on amazing first year we've had with Greta.  She's the pride and joy of my life.  I love watching her personality develop.

1. Can take a few steps by herself, but can get places faster by crawling.
2. Can say sit and butt
3. Knows the word "no" and lots of other words.
4. Will shake her head no if she doesn't want anything or if she's doing something she's not supposed to be doing
5. Is feisty
6. Covers her mouth if she doesn't want the food you are feeding her
7. Gets excited about shoes and tries to put them on
8. Loves to sit and rock in her rocking chair, especially with her baby
9.  Hugs, kisses, rocks and feeds her baby dolls
10. Spends lots of time playing in her little house

Can't wait to see what amazing things Greta's 2nd year has in store for her.

Stats from her 1 year 

Weight- 23 lb 14.5 oz - 92%,
Height - 31 1/4 in - 96%
Head circumference - 18.8 inches - 97%

Happy birthday Greta!

Wow! How fast a year can go! I am now the mom of a one year old.

We had a great weekend preparing and celebrating Greta. Despite both Greta and I bring quite under the weather. We pulled it together. Ryan cleaned and decorated the basement for our guest list of about 30.  I made food and the cake. Great team RAD effort! And our wonderful family and friends brought Greta some great gifts that will bring her much joy. 

As I sit rocking her to sleep (no judgment - it's her birthday), I think back over the year. Greta made adjusting to motherhood a nice and dare I say easy transition. We have had our share of long nights. Trial and error. And trial and success. I phoned and texted a few mom friends. I've cried tears of joy. Tears of exhaustion. Tears just because. We laugh. We dance. We sing. We play. We love.

I love her more than words can say... But I'll try. She gives the best hugs and kisses but can turn on her German ways (aka stubbornness) is a blink of an eye. I love watching the joy and wonder in her eyes and the way she lights up a room with her smile and laughter. I love watching her study and try to figure out something new and then clap when she does. I love cuddling her close and watching how nurturing she is with her dolls. I love the love in her eyes for her daddy. I love her mischievous tinkle in her eye and smile. 

I love her. I love being a family. And I truly love being Greta's mommy. 

Happy birthday baby girl! I am so excited to see all that you grow up to be.

Loves her baby dolls

Greta loves baby dolls. Big, small... Doesn't matter. She loves gigging, kissing, tickling, rocking, taking for walks and feeding them. It is sooo cute!

First bad report from day care

So Greta got her first bad report from day care. My little strong willed baby did not want to do what they wanted so she had a meltdown. No one could console her. Them finally she calmed down and was Greta again.

Oh my! This could get challenging soon.

Happy St. Patricks day

Greta's first St. Patrick's day was celebrated with a fabulous outfit and a yummy corned beef, potatoes and carrots dinner... Which she loved!

Our little lady is getting too big!