Just some oranges

I feel like so often I'm caught up in our day to day lives. A checklist, sometimes real, sometimes in my head, that I have to get through. One thing leads to another. Feed baby. Clean up breakfast. Play. do dishes. On and on. Then if I'm lucky I suddenly get hit really hard and realize the amazing things going on around me.

I was watching her eat oranges at dinner and if my heart didn't suddenly burst out of my chest. Oh! Those tiny little fingers. The careful picking of which slice to enjoy next. I can't. How did I almost miss this?

It's the strangest mixture of sadness and sheer pride when you see your child do things on their own. Picking up your own food! Goodness. After their whole existence of relying on you for their most basic needs all at once it hits you they don't need that all the time care anymore. And you're so proud. And so distinctly torn up about it.

Not that I'm not still needed, of course. I know that. Our post nap cuddles and hugs reassure me (and I'm hoping her too) that we'll always be connected, though the paths will change. We are a tiny team, her and I. Conquering our laughter filled days.

A Year at a Glance

Something I knew I wanted to do long before we had any kids was to do a monthly photo. Watching them grow is weird when you're a parent. They wake up from a nap and you think to yourself 'your nose is different!' or 'those fit yesterday!' but sometimes it's hard to actually see. You live life everyday and suddenly you have a one year old.

I've seen a lot of different ways to go about this project, but the lying down pose was my favorite. By five months it was near impossible to keep this girl still long enough to get a picture though! And it's hard to see how tall she's gotten since there's nothing to compare her with. So next time around I'll be doing something a little more...adaptive. High chair, laundry basket, crib...I'm up for suggestions. 

Some months were a bit rushed, a few were even with my iPhone, but I did it. And I love that I have this record. It reminds me of some of the bigger things (the major hair loss at two months) and some of the sweeter little things (camera face at four months) and I feel like I was able to capture a bit of her every time. They're all my favorite for different reasons.

And can I just say? I love her. 

june | july

august | september

october | november

december | january

february | march

april | may

first picture by the incomparable CioCo Photography, all the rest by me.