Here I Am

So a lot of girls my age and in my place in life start a blog as soon as they're married, or as soon as they're pregnant, or as soon as they feel like they're doing something cool in their life. Well, I've been married so long I have to really think about how many years it's been (6 years), I have a one year old, and I'm always doing cool things. Like watching the Disney Channel. So I'm a little late on the draw, oh well.

I have a one year old. I can officially say it. Adelay's been a whole year old for over 3 hours now! I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. The whole year, I knew she was getting older, and I told her to stop, but she wouldn't listen. I hope this isn't indicative of her teenage years. This first year with her has been absolutely wonderful. There've been ups, and then there've been more ups. She has been such an amazing baby, and we have been so blessed by her. There have seriously not been any downs, and I'm not saying that as a mom wearing rose-colored glasses. I don't have a pair of those, and even if I did, I'm kinda too realistic to wear them. She slept through the night by 2 months. She wasn't a horrible spitter upper. She ate all her baby food (and only gagged on the meat). She only cried for good reasons like hunger or hitting her head on something. She doesn't cry or make a scene when we drop her off places. She has been SUCH a good baby! The only struggle we've had has been napping, and, honestly, that was my fault. When I was on maternity leave, I would nap with her, so she got used to napping with somebody, so when I decided it was time to stop that, it was a little hard. And, probably, it was harder on me. So my one year old is all grown up and practically off to college. She's an independent baby who doesn't need her mommy hovering over her as she goes off to explore the world. So I won't hover, but I'll be watching!

On a much more serious and personal note, I missed my mom today. I know she would have called me first thing in the morning and demand to talk to Adelay. Actually, she probably would have just come over and sang to her. It's almost been 2 weeks since she passed away. Things and people have kept me busy, but I still miss her. Moms are the best on birthdays, and now that's me. Playing the part of Mom on my baby's birthday. My mom was the best at birthdays. Big parties, lots of fun, great presents... I have a lot to live up to.

Thankfully, some WONDERFUL friends are helping me live up to Mom's expectations. Vikki and Tim came over today to help out with house stuff. Tim mowed the yard. Are you kidding me?? He MOWED the yard!!! This is Texas, y'all! It's hot out there! We also made cake balls. They are so delicious, I want to eat all of them. We'll probably have to make more because we just might eat all of them. Adelay loved seeing Nikolas and Nolan (their boys). I really need to remember to take pictures of stuff. It's nice to see her with a 2 year old that is actually significantly larger than her. My niece Madalyn is so tiny, everytime she and Addy are together, I feel like I have a ginormous baby.

I would have loved to spend more time with them, but Rick and I went with Dad, Mamiyagi and the girls from Panama to the Galleria so Addy could have some birthday fun in the play area. There are actual pictures of this, and I might post them later. She loves that play area. There are these huge, cushioned animals all around that the kids climb and fall on without hurting themselves. Mostly, Adelay just walks/runs around with a big, goofy smile on her face. She loves seeing other kids, she is so social. Afterwards, Grandpa gave her some ice cream. This went with the cake she had earlier. I can tell she takes after me and loves the sweets. This could be problematic. I might have to learn to share.

All in all, it was a great day for all of us. Rick got somebody to mow the lawn for him, Adelay got to play at the Galleria, and I got cake balls. Yum.