A year ago

I am certain every mommy does this.  It was such a bittersweet day. 
And to think a year ago...
I felt as though I was as big as the side of a barn.
I was anxious at the idea of getting this baby into the world.
I was excited to see if we were having a baby boy or a baby girl.
We were filled with nervous energy.
It was difficult to get a good night of sleep.
Then Wednesday, August 25, 2010...
I had been having contractions on and off for several days.  My doctor had advised me to not make my near hour drive each way to work anymore.  I was several centimeters dialated.
But yet, I wanted to wait.  I wanted our baby to come on his or her own.  So, we went to dinner.  I don't know what we had (probably mexican).  We watched tv.  I don't remember what we watched.  We tried to sleep.  Sleep eluded me because contractions became stronger and closer together.  I slept a little.
Thursday, August 26, 2010...
I told my sweet husband he wasn't going to work today.  I told him I would call the doctor while he loaded the car.  We had to take our first baby to doggie daycare to play and stay for the next few days.
At the doctor's office, I was told to go ahead over to the hospital.
The day had finally come for us to meet our baby.
The next few hours are a bit of a blur but a fantastic, amazing, thrilling blur.
Then at 7:52pm with the love of my life by my side, our baby girl was born.
Perfect.
August 26, 2011...
Can she really be one year old already?  Can she really be growing up this fast?  Can she really be crawling?  Eating real food?  Babbling and cooing?
Where did this year go?
It has been the most wonderful year of our lives.  It has been filled with new and exciting adventures.
We have been blessed with the most amazing little girl ever.  We are the luckiest parents ever.
God is so good. 

So much...

We have had SO MUCH going on!  I know my posts have been spotty at best (I promise to get better about that) but we really have been a busy bunch!

Our girl is nearly one year old!  Everyone tells you how quickly time flies but now that we are mere days away from her first birthday, I can hardly believe it.  She is the most wonderful little girl ever and we're so blessed to be her parents!

The MOPS group we're a part of is getting back in the swing of things and this year, I'm in charge of children's programming and childcare.  While this job seriously speaks to me as a teacher, it has been crazy busy lately.  My hope is that it will settle down once our year gets underway - which I am really looking forward to!  This is an incredible group of mommies that God brought my way when I very much needed it!  There is nothing better than a community of fellow new mommies to make you feel a little less crazy!  (at least most days!)

We've also found our new home church!  Vinings Lake Church has been a God-send to our family!  We loved our time at Buckhead Church and they do amazing things there but for some time now, Jason and I have felt God leading us away from Buckhead to a smaller, yet similar, church.  VL was the first place we left Joy in the nursery and while she doesn't love her time in the nursery, we feel completely comfortable because we know she's in very capable and loving hands.  I've started volunteering during the early service then joining my husband for worship.  It is a wonderful way to start the week (yes, Sunday is the first day of the week)... worshipping and learning next to the love of my life!

And of course... there is the 1st Birthday Bash!!!  Much planning and preparation has gone into this polka-dotted event and I am certain it will be lots of fun!  Pictures forthcoming!

Yet even within all this "busy-ness", God's quiet voice whispers in our ears.  Sometimes I'm way too busy and preoccupied to listen but when I do slow down and actually listen... peace prevails.  I wish I could say I'm better and "being still and knowing that He is God" but that is not my strength.  But when I am stressed to the max and my calendar is completely filled with stuff, I have to make myself take a moment to remember that He really does have the whole world in His hands... He's got the whole world in His hands...

Lessons learned

This has been the best year of my life! I realize I haven't posted anything in a long time but we have been busy! Sorry for the delay but here are some of the lessons I have learned over this fantastic, sleepless, busy, exciting, anxiety-filled, and totally blessed year!

• God is always in control. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows what He is doing, that He has it all planned out, and His plans include the future we've hoped for but there are still those days that you doubt everything. It is so reassuring to be able to hold tight to faith in a Father who really does have the whole world in His hands and release my "control".
• I married the perfect man for me! My husband is amazing! He loves me unconditionally... even when I haven't showered today (or yesterday), when the house is messy, when I spend a bit more than I should at Publix, etc., etc., etc.! He is a man of faith and a man of his word. He is a fantastic daddy and his girl is the light of his life! (I knew I married the perfect man for me a long time ago but there is something so special about seeing the love of your life become the father to your baby... words don't do it justice)
• Sleep is overrated. I am a big fan of sleep but I have come to understand that my baby girl's cry trumps sleep anyday of the week.
• Organization is key! I would not consider myself an especially organized or OCD person but I have learned that a plan is crucial for a smooth day/week and a happier family! Dinner doesn't cook itself and the house doesn't clean itself (unfortunately) but it so nice to have a plan. My attempts at a plan also allow for lots of fun and less stress.
• Support is essential. Support comes from all different areas and I do not know what we would do without our family and friends. God places people in your life at just the perfect time and I am so thankful for friends that have stood by us through life's ups and downs and new friends that are just beginning to "do life" with us!
• Nothing sounds as sweet as the laughter of my baby! When she gets tickled and laughs so hard that she has trouble catching her breath... the best sounds in all the world!
• Little moments mean the most. First thing on a Saturday morning, when we can all pile in the bed together and our girl gives us kisses, pets her buddy and giggles with love and delight... Every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17)! Little moments are what make the best memories, treasures that are priceless!
  

My amazing family! Our first beach trip! Our first summer! Lots of firsts... lots of lessons learned... lots and lots and lots of love!

(updates on our sweet girl to come soon)