Tuesday, February 26, 2008

faces of one...













She surprised us by arriving 4 weeks early, but in many ways we were so anxious to meet our new girl, that we were all relieved. (me the most, since pregnancy just didn't suit me.) Even before I met her in person, I had a feeling, or maybe a sense, that she was a calming spirit, a lovey girl, and easy going. And from the moment I met her in person, I knew she was all of those things. She has added to my life in ways I never knew possible. I have a completely different bond with her than I do with my first born, equally amazing, just different. Having two children, I realize God does create each of us uniquely, with our own personalities and traits, right from the get-go. You don't get to decide what kind of kid you get.... (and frankly I'm not sure if you even get to mold their personality much, maybe that's just me?) but even if you could you could never ever make one as good as God does! 365 days ago, I gave birth to my third soul mate, half of me and half of her father, and I could not be more in love with her if I tried. She challenges me, makes me smile from ear to ear, lights up my heart with her smile, melts my heart with her snuggles, easily given affection, and goofy, sweet, LOUD personality. It had been such an amazing year watching her grow and change into this little person. I look forward to the next year of her life as her changes continue in fast forward speed.... in the next year she will learn to walk, talk, eat big people food, and a million other little things that will continue to make her truly Meritt Rose. I hope as she grows and changes that she never looses that sparkle in her eyes, the light in her spirit, and the infectious sweetness she is!




Happy First Birthday Meritt Rose,
I love you to the moon and back!!!

Monday, February 25, 2008

almost one...






Before you were conceived,
I wanted you

Before you were born,
I loved you

Before you were here an hour,
I would die for you

This is the miracle of love.

-Maureen Hawkins










Tuesday, February 19, 2008

how could any day be bad?




Sometimes, when I've had a tuff day, or feel a bit exhausted, I think, how much sweeter can life really be? (stop feeling sorry for yourself) How could any day be bad when you have love, and the brightness, and sweetness, of children, and loved ones by your side? So, when you're having a tuff day, or think it's not such a great day... think of the blessings that you have, there are probably so many that you can think of, it won't be a bad day for long!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

How do I love thee...

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
--
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Monday, February 11, 2008

Love

As we enter this week of Valentine's Day, I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes about love... (we even had it read at our wedding). Enjoy!

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars, 1939,
translated from French by Lewis Galantière

Friday, February 8, 2008

count down to 2.26.08


I am in a bit of disbelief as we are quickly approaching Meritt's first Birthday, that my baby is going to be one. When did this happen? How did this happen? We were just preparing for her arrival... and now she is turning one?! Oh, my... (sigh) Well, I guess I better get crackin' at some party planning, I only have 19 days left. Does that mean I can stay in denial for another 19 days that she is still the little baby we brought home?...