Reflections

It's so hard to believe that Elodie is 7 months old already.  You know how they say: "the first year flies by"?  Well "they" are right. 

It feels like I blinked and missed it all.  Have I been in a new mommy fog?  Where has the time gone?  How is El crawling already?  When will it slow down?

Long gone are the days of sitting and admiring her sweet, just focusing eyes look back at me in wonder.  Long gone are the days of laying her on a blanket in the bathroom floor for a quick shower.  Long gone are the days of midnight and 3am feedings.

But upon us are the days of exploration and of the constant calling out, "be careful baby."  Upon us are the days of teething and trying all new foods (last night we had mashed potatoes which went over splendidly.)  Upon us are the days of early bedtimes and early good mornings (and lots of coffee for mama.)

I often find myself reflecting on the months that have passed since El entered the world.  It's been a tough road for my sweet girl and I.  Don't get me wrong, I am so very blessed to have such a healthy, mild-tempered, smart, curious little girl.  I often think about God's promise to never give us something we cannot handle.  With all of the bumps I've encountered with her dad and his family, and the sickness that has stomped all over mine; Elodie really has been and is my safe place.  I can have a day filled with bad news, black rain clouds, or general gloom and all it takes is her full on all gums smile to warm my heart and put my head back to the place where it should be.  Becoming a mother has been the hardest and easiest, most challenging and most rewarding, headache inducing and laughter-filled time of my life.  I wouldn't change this outcome for anything.

I sit here this morning (with my daily caffeine fix) listening to Elodie clapping along to Yo Gabba Gabba and marvel at this new life of mine, this new life I created.

I am so very blessed indeed.