Jen here with another First Year post!

It was 2:00 a.m.  Logan and I managed to get some much needed sleep that night, but as the effects of her teething tablets started to wear off, she woke up needing extra comfort.  We ventured into her nursery, found the baby Tylenol, and made our way to the glider in my favorite little corner of her room.  As I sang her favorite lullabies, I felt her body begin to relax.  The rocking back and forth kept time with the soft melodies and whispered words floating from my voice.  Soon my little Logan was asleep.

I was beyond tired.  This was one of several nights in the beginning of a new chapter of Logan’s first year – teething.  The sprouting of her tiny teeth was the source of so much change in her little body.  The once peaceful sleeper was now up every few hours in discomfort.  It broke my heart to listen to her whimpers during the day as I massaged her gums with my finger.  But now, after she was finally comfortable enough to drift off to sleep again, when she and I were able to return to bed for another few hours of much needed rest, I found myself staying awake a little while longer just so I could look at her.  Tears streamed down my cheek.

I took in all her beauty, her innocence, her simplicity, and found I was thinking so many things.  I remembered, after a period of unexpected loss and illness, how excited and nervous and relieved I was the moment I found out I was pregnant.  I remembered the first time I felt her move in my belly, the little flutters that reminded me I was creating new life.  I remembered the moment she was born into this big world and how looking into her eyes for the first time made me feel complete.  I thought about how much joy she continually brings to my life, how I love watching her discover new things and grow.  How did I ever get so lucky?  What did I do to deserve such a miracle, this perfect little baby?

Logan had been asleep for some time.  I was still holding her in my arms, rocking gently, keeping her warm and safe.  In that moment, I’m not sure who needed who more, so I continued to hold her.  I would gladly hold her all of her nights.

Do you find you still get misty-eyed when you look at your baby, whether she fits perfectly in the cradle of your arms or is starting a family of her own?  Please share your thoughts and memories below.  I’d love to hear what you think of when you look at your beautiful child.

Meet me here on Monday when I’m going to share a photo recipe from Me Ra’s book, Your Baby in Pictures, that helped me to capture Logan’s tummy time smiles!

First Year Cheers,

Jen

*Jen is teaching a May Workshop for Moms in Georgia.  Click here for more details on Jen and her workshop dates!