I've known every day that it was happening. She's growing. Getting bigger. Older. I've watched it happen and dreaded and cherished it every minute. My little Moo. Vivers Moo. While I, and every Mom in history, hate "losing" the baby stage, I'm trying to look forward and be as happy as I can about her becoming the fabulous little being she is.
I've been making a list. It's a "Things I will miss list." All those things I think I'll never forget, but inevitably will. For instance, this morning, when she woke up sleepy and fussing, then:
*nuzzled her little face into my neck,
*snuggled while big kids got their backpacks loaded,
*waved and blew kisses to them while they loaded on the bus from the front door.
I know there will come a day when that doesn't happen anymore. While providing me precious memories later on, I've noticed my "list" keeps me more aware of the moments now. One year of moments down, many, many, MANY MORE to go...
From the first time I held her *gazing into brand new eyes, feeling that feeling you CRAVE the instant you learn you're pregnant. A warm, beautiful baby, and nothing but new experiences in the future ahead.
*First night in the hospital, alone with my babe. Happily NOT sleeping, fully exhausted, but gleaming inside every time I gaze at that small face.
*First week pictures.
Although funds were a little short at the time, and we couldn't go to a professional photographer, we had more fun doing our own thing. Improvised and it made a better memory. This day stands out in my mind and dressing up my living doll was a favorite day.
(Cara dressing her baby to match mine)
*lots of clever dress-up days
*Cara driving her REAL baby in the toy stroller to calm her.
*Just the two of us in my room, feeding, sleeping, finding the QUIET.
Love that sweet little face.
So many others... *singing her to sleep (her favorite is "Somewhere only we know" -Keane), walking the floors while she fussed with gas and new teeth, rocking in my Mother's rocking chair, swaddling, binkies, sorting through new clothes, terry cloth jammies, baby baths, making new blankets and bows, laying next to her at night while everyone else sleeps.
*Watching her brother and sister light up when she looks at them.
* Eating her first REAL food.
* Her first big day out hiking.
*Being blessed with FAMILY.
*My littlest angel.
*Brightening big brothers spirits while he endures his trials.
.
*Somehow sleeping in hospital rooms
He was noticeably happier while she was in the room with him. He still loves to bring her to doctor's visits and appointments.
*Watching Clinton cheer her on while she learns to walk after he re-learned himself. No one was more proud of her than he was.
The next few months were spent keeping busy with:
*Pumpkin patch visits, and
*And LOTS of kisses.
*Fuzzy, baby-bird-feather hair,
And *angry, bed-time fits that make me laugh.
*And those DELICIOUS teeth.
Soooooo many moments. I ADORE this girl and the sweet, spunky, funny, feisty little peach she has become. I'm so thankful for the sunshine she's brought into our home and family. I couldn't imagine life without her bright spirit. She has been one of the biggest blessings I could have ever imagined.
Love you, my Vivers Moo.
