18 Months of Pure Blessings

Monday, January 7, 2013

As I was just sitting down after a not-so-pleasant, semi-stressful morning, it dawned on me. Today is the 7th which means my little Laura-love is 18 months old. How can that possibly be? Where on earth did the last year and half go? The tumultuous start to mommy-hood that we survived, the job change to stay-at-home mom, the sicknesses, the healthy last 8 months, the crawling, walking, running, blabbing, talking, singing, laughing...how did it go by in a blur??? By God's grace alone, I have grown through pains and joys more than I ever imagined. I'm sure I've done just as much growing and changing as little Laura has...maybe even more.

I take a boatload of pictures...everyday. If people are annoyed by how many I share...they should see how many I don't! Still even with all the pictures in the world, it's hard to remember all the beautiful moments, even the not-so-beautiful moments, of parenthood that Matt & I have been blessed with through little Miss Laura. I wish I could put every little piece, every moment of the last 18 months into a treasure box, stored away so I can always remember how she's growing up.

I absolutely adore how Laura is growing and the little person she is becoming. She loves to laugh. She is so incredibly smart that sometimes it's a wee bit scary. She lights up the second Daddy walks in the room. She loves her Pepper-dog, almost too much sometimes. She wants to do everything on her own and in her own way but still needs hugs, attention, and love. She's playful and sweet. She talks up a storm like a little parrot now. She really is becoming a little kid, not a baby anymore. I couldn't be more in love with this little blessing.

My goal for this year is to spend more time in the moment, be fully with it, letting go of worries, cares, and concerns, so that I can be the best Mommy possible to Laura. God has entrusted me with the job of Mommy and it's not one I take lightly. I plan on reading daily parenting devotions, lifting up my worrisome heart in prayer, teaching Laura Bible stories, reading parenting books, and looking to God's Word daily for the reassurance of forgiveness for the times that I fail her and Matt. God alone is the key, the only piece of the parenting puzzle that matters.

Dear Father,
I humbly ask this year that you be with me every step of the way while I take care of Laura, the blessing You've given me. Help me to model grace and forgiveness. Keep me from getting wrapped up in this world's ideas of perfect parenting and help me focus on the perfect life your Son lived for us. Keep up in Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Giggles & Goodness