fifteen months

Did you know that 15 months ago today was a snowy Christmas Eve?

I know that because thats the day 6 little pounds and 13 tiny ounces

changed my life.

(remember, I'm a first time mama so "month birthdays" are still a big deal!) :)

...Abigail Joy is 15 months old today!

I cannot believe it. I am in awe of how much she has grown and how much she has brought to our lives. Parker and I sat going through pictures from her birth last night and we were both just giddy talking about the memory of it all.

Parker recounted how proud he felt to hand me our daughter for the first time.

Ill never forget it either.

Such a proud feeling to hold your child for the first time.

My gorgeous little angel, God's beaming light of joy in our life.

15 months ago began the most beautiful yet most challenging

journey I've even taken.

Becoming a mother was the biggest adjustment I've ever had to make, but the one with the most and best rewards. In many ways (and im sure its true all through "parenthood"), I feel like I am still adjusting as each day passes. still learning, still growing as a mommy and as a woman.

But I am more complete now. More sure of God's love in my life.

More confident that being her mommy is the best role I'll ever play.

More full of life. and more full of JOY!

in the last 15 months....

(in no particular order)...

I have fallen in love.

I have cried as my baby is sick or hurting.

I have witnessed her first sitting, her first crawling, and now her first steps.

I have read a dozen books about caring for your new baby.

I think a read a few dozen more about "introducing solids".

I have asked my doula a million questions.

I have asked the pediatrician even more.

I have been "that mom" that calls the dr about everything.

I have learned to cope with not much sleep.

I have pushed through the many ups and downs of breastfeeding.

I have prayed over my daughter as she sleeps.

I have heard her first words...mama, dada, ba (ball), hi!, that, up...

I have been thankful for the love her grandparents give her.

I have laughed at her spunky personality.

I have been in awe of the compassion God put in someone so small.

I have spent a million hours staring at a tiny video monitor.

I have watched her light up when her dada is around.

...I have been changed and blessed beyond my wildest dreams.

such a big girl now...but she will always be my little baby.

Happy 15 months sweet pea!