Griffin Turns 1

I blinked.

And just like that, my sweet Griffin was turning 1 year old.

This past year went by more quickly than I ever thought possible. And I know the coming years will do the same.

I never knew I would love being a girl mom as much as I do. My heart is so full.

Griffin Jane, you are a silly, beautiful, amazing, mess. Please don't change!

You are my heart, Griffin girl. Thanks for making me a girl mom. I'll love you forever and always.

12 months of Griffin

You can be sure that as I type, and as I look back at these pictures I am probably wiping away tears. My baby is growing up way too fast!

1 year picture coming...sniff...sniff...

Easter

We had such a fun Easter weekend this year. I was reminded all weekend how very different this Easter was from last year, but how very grateful I am as well!

Hadley and I continued our tradition of baking cookies for the holiday. As usual, he helped roll and cut out about four cookies before he was done and ready to decorate. And as usual, I had to remind him that there are a few steps, and some waiting before we get to do the "fun part" of icing and decorating (and of course eating!).

After going to church on Saturday evening, we went to Karah and Doug's house in Burleson on Sunday for a yummy lunch and Easter egg hunting. Hadley is an expert at the egg hunt, but was also very sweet and helpful to Griffin this year. Her favorite part was playing with the empty eggs once they were found. (It's the little things!)

Happy Easter! He is risen!!

Sisters

There is something about sisters...something special...something unique...something only girls understand. "Sister" can mean an actual blood-related sister, a sister-in-law, or even just a friend who is so close you consider her a sister. Whatever definition you choose, there is nothing in the world like a sister.

I am lucky enough to have all three of the above definitions apply to my life, but this post is really about only one of those. Kim.

I'll be honest, when we were young we were not friends. But then, what 16 year old is really friends with her bratty 9 year old little sister? That's what a seven year difference will do when you're young. But then we grew up a little, and those seven years didn't seem like such a big deal. (In fact, at one point someone actually guessed that I was older than her, and I think our ages were 13 and 20.) And then we grew up even more, (you know, became adults!) and it was like that age difference just disappeared. It was awesome!

As adults, we both went through different life changing events at different times, so that pulled us apart again at times (which I think is probably pretty normal). But regardless of that, we have always been there for each other for the big things (weddings, children, etc.). I won't lie when I say that I wish we were together and could share the little day-to-day things as well, but maybe someday! Regardless, I have always known that I could count on her for anything.

There are two specific times when my sister was, let's be honest, a life-saver to me. The first was my wedding day. Without being asked, she just took charge that day making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there, without me worrying about anything. She helped me get ready (not sure when she got ready!), and was the last one to give me a hug before I walked down the aisle. She made sure everything was taken care of even after the wedding and after we left. And she did all that without being asked.

The second time was after Hadley was born. Unfortunately I had some health complications a few days after we came home, and luckily she was there visiting. I was admitted into the hospital and she, without hesitating, stayed and took care of my less than a week old baby at home. She gave him his first bottle, changed his yucky diapers, got up multiple times during the nights with him, and most importantly loved him. During those few days, I never worried about him being taken care of because I knew he was in very capable hands. And again, she did all that without being asked.

My sister is a rock. Sometimes she has been a rock that I just stepped over and kept going. Sometimes she has been a rock that I have leaned on. But, the older I get, and the more I learn about her and about life, the more I appreciate her and hope I can be like her. She is my big sister...someone I look up to...someone I respect...my friend. I'm lucky that I get to go through life with her.