Toothless no more

After 12 months and three weeks of no teeth, Elliana is no longer tooth-less. Tooth # 1 began to make an appearance on January 21st. Just this little tooth poking it's way through Elli's tiny red gum. The upper front tooth showed up later that week and both the upper and lower tooth are still coming in strong.

Less than three weeks since that first tooth appearance, tooth # 3 and # 4 are beginning to surface as well. It is so odd to see how these little teeth are already changing the smile that we are so used to...the smile that we love.

Overall, I would say that Elliana is a tropper during the teething process. She still gives smiles through the snot, cough and aches that are associated with those teeth arriving. It is hard to watch our little girl not feel tip-top, but we know that this is a short term issue with a positive long term benefit....an even more beautiful smile on our tiny daughter. :)

Simple Reminder

So many times, it is easy to get bogged down with chores, errands and a never ending to-do list. As I sit with daughter watching her favorite show, I am reminded that all of those things can wait. For there is no where else I'd rather be.

One Year Ago

One year ago today, I was sitting in a hospital bed holding a tiny newborn...feeling completely overwhelmed at the idea that I am now responsible for another human's life. And not just any human, my daughter. I remember fears, doubts, worries, excitement and anticipation of the future and all that lay ahead in the coming years.

Looking back over the past year, I have to admit that I have had all of the above emotions many times over. But, in addition...I have had far more emotions than I ever would have imagined. I have happiness and joy in everyday things. Laughter in unexpected moments, more love for my husband than I previously knew was possible (and I really loved him BEFORE!), an overwhelming sense of pride for my family, a sense of purpose in my daily life as a mom. As I type, I am realizing that I could spill out pages of thoughts and lessons learned from my first year as a mom. Instead, I will revisit the reason for this post....my precious Elliana.

Elliana literally translates into "answered prayer," and that she is. Years before we were ready for children, T.J. and I prayed for the family we would someday have. Elliana has surpassed any and all expectations I had about a baby. Happy, healthy and an amazing smile and personality to boot. We are one incredibly blessed family. And so, without further rambling from this emotional mama of an incredible one year old...all I have left to say is Happy Birthday Elliana!

Elliana's First Snow

Okay, I guess technically, it isn't the first time it has snowed for Elliana, but it is the first time she was old enough to play in it. So, we made the most of it and had a wonderful time. We worked together to make a sled trail, pulled Elliana around until we almost passed out, and built a snowman together.

It was a wonderful time. If you want to know more what it was like, take a look at the video. (Click here for the high quality version.)

Sundays...

My favorite day of the week. Sundays are the one day of the week when we put up boundaries and put relaxation and family first. Chores and errands can wait. Laundry can be folded another day. The dust can grow just a bit thicker. Everything else can wait.

Sundays are the days we wear jammies a bit too long, eat a bit more unhealthy and are definitely a lot more lazy. A few weeks ago, I snapped this picture of my family during a Bengals game. Elliana was snuggled up next to Daddy reading a book as Daddy relaxed and enjoyed the game. This is the perfect picture of happiness and love to me. Our Sunday...my perfect day. :)