Don't Blink

Everybody told me not to, but I did.

I blinked.

I found out about you on August 5, 2011. I was ecstatic, nervous, overjoyed, and so blessed. Then I blinked.

We found out you were going to be a girl on November 9, 2011. A little girl that I could dress up with bows. A little girl that I could have tea parties with. A little girl that stole her daddy's heart. Then I blinked.

I felt kicks and hiccups and I swore you were living in my ribcage. My ankles were huge and my back hurt. I craved anything sweet or sour. I loved protecting you in my belly. We decided to name you Lillian Grace. Your daddy picked out that name. We decorated your nursery and washed all of your new tiny clothes. We took our
baby class so we would know what to do. We were so excited to meet you.. to hold you.. to kiss your sweet face. Then I blinked.

My water broke at 38 weeks at 3:00 am. We rushed to the hospital at 5 am and you were born 4 hours later. You needed a little oxygen after your journey into this world. Your daddy stood right beside you the whole time. He made sure you were ok. He didn't take his eyes off you. Then you got to lay on mommy's chest. You got to feel my heartbeat and I got to feel yours. I nursed you and let you sleep after your big day. I gave you enough kisses to last a lifetime. I prayed and thanked God for you. We passed you around to family and friends who had traveled to meet you. Then I blinked.

We brought you home and adjusted to our new life with you. We held you and bathed you and changed your diapers. We went on stroller rides and family vacations. You learned how to roll over and sit up. You started daycare and mommy went back to work. You slept in the middle of mommy and daddy and nursed all night long some nights but we didn't mind. We would do anything for you. You were safe and sound and loved very much. You hated your bottles and crib but you learned to like both. You were perfect to us in every way. You were our little Lilly Bug. Then I blinked.

Now you can pull up and cruise around the furniture. You scoot on your bottom and you even started crawling. You say so many sounds and wave bye bye and blow kisses. You can play patty cake and feed your baby doll her bottle. You have two bottom teeth and bright blue eyes. You are so smart in so many ways.

I blinked again and now you will be 1 year old in three weeks. This has been the fastest year of my life. A lot of your baby things have been moved to the attic to make room for your new big girl toys. You have brought so much joy into our hearts. We are so excited about our next year with you Lilly Grace. We promise to have patience and let you learn and explore. We promise to kiss your booboos and tickle your belly. We promise to love you unconditionally and keep you safe.

First we had each other, then we had you, and now we have everything. We love you sweet girl.