OOPSIE DOOPSIE

On this day two years ago, my husband and I walked into a situation that changed our lives forever.

Nerves were high. We were anxious. We felt unprepared. Scared? Possibly. We were venturing into the most uncharted of territories. Two years ago today, we signed in at St. Claire’s Hospital to await the arrival of our precious little girl.

I don’t think many mamas can look back on the day their little ones were born without letting out a few happy tears.

{…and I’m thinking to myself, “Oh right, Ann! Just a few. I’ll need to buy another box of tissues after a ‘few’ happy tears.”}

I can remember this experience like it was yesterday. I hope that I always can. If not, I will just look back on one of the thousand pictures Justin took as we waited. And when the time came, we did wait.

36 hours, 57 minutes we waited.

Little did we know, this waiting game was a glimpse into our little girl’s personality. She entered this world on her own time. She let us take her home on her own time. And just yesterday, she let me know she was not ready to get dressed, go potty or eat breakfast.

I could get upset. I could get frustrated at the possibility of running late. {However, my definition of “running late” may be flawed, and an explanation that will have to wait another day.} But I don’t. Whether her or I acknowledge or realize it, she isn’t taking away time. She’s savoring a moment. It doesn’t matter if she’s learning a new way of doing something or simply just existing. She’s taking in every movement, every sound, every sight, every smell. Everything.

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{Shoot – tears. Pause for my tissue grab.}

She was, is and will always be our life-changing moment. Not just in the change-diapers-take-naps-public-tantrum-not-enough-hours-in-the-day way. She’s a constant pulse reminding us to exist. We are alive and breathing in deep every precious moment as if it could be our last. We may have moments of anger, frustration and restlessness, but this beautiful eye-opening way of living is paramount.

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A post shared by Ann | Meal Ideas | Simple Cooking (@amidwesttable)

My dear one, thank you. The past two years were life-changing. I plan to continue down this life path with you, holding your hand as you hold mine. We will walk together {or maybe skip and dance} and jump feet first into an amazing life-long journey. Baby, I’m ready. Well, ready when you are – I’ll let you take the lead.

Happiest of birthdays. Mama loves you with her entire heart and soul. xoxo

Linking up with Pic & Dac.