I was ready. Maybe you couldn’t tell by looking at my surroundings (unfinished nursery, not familiar with how a breast pump worked, “what’s this nipple cream for?”), but boy was my heart ready for you. Ready to receive you, our perfect gift from God. Ready to be your mommy. Ready to take care, comfort, soothe, swoon over, laugh with (or at lol!), protect, and love.
Photos by J. Rose Photography
But how did this year pass so quickly?!
You came two weeks early, May 27, 2017. Those first few nights at the hospital were foggy but vivid. Nurses circling, breastfeeding struggles, so many family visitors. Car seat installed (**if you’re looking for some great car seat installation tips, check out these amazing infant and convertible car seat resources from my friend Liz!**), super slow drive home, “wait, now what?” Breastfeeding with a shield, up every three hours. I can still see my husband swaying back and forth rocking you through my 1am fog. Your first dirty diaper, your second dirty diaper, your 100th hiccup – they all made us smile.
Five weeks, why not road trip? We took you to Wyoming. Crazy parents. Gas station feeding sessions, still don’t have the hang of it. Changing diapers on the car floor. We made it, finally. Laying on the window seat you watched the hot air balloons and trees sway in the breeze. You loved Wyoming and spending time with your great grandparents, Grammie and Papa.
Eight weeks, you’re a flower girl in Auntie Ali’s wedding. You wore the cutest white eyelet dress and went up with daddy while he read a bible verse at the ceremony. So many people to meet. You were such a champ!
Month three, we were finally settling into parenthood. Lactation consultant helped us with a breakthrough (bye nipple shield)! Tummy time, long walks — oh, and diapers. All the time. You rolled over and were always laughing, I’ve never been prouder (I’ll be saying that a lot).
Then you learned your name. Lit up every time you heard it. Bananas and avocados were you first foods. Crawling and rolling was your go-to mode of transportation. Sleeping through the night, unless you got hungry. Six months in and still breastfeeding!
Seven months, we took you to North Carolina to meet your other great grandma! You were scooting but not crawling, happy to see everyone. We took you to the church my parents were married in. So many memories made. Whirlwind of a trip!
“Dadda” was all we heard in month eight! Dadda, but no “mama” yet. I was only a little jealous. Teething like crazy, but no teeth. Giggling, laughing, and babbling all the time.
March 1, 2018 you crawled! You also love to play “catch”. You’re active and full of energy. We also tried pigtails with your hair for the first time – so cute.
Ten months! March 20, 2018 I took you on another plane ride, this time to Florida. You loved seeing Grammie and Papa again, and they loved it too. First time beaching and pooling. Most popular baby on the airplane by far. Waving at everyone. I did this trip solo and was exhausted but it was worth it!
April 9, 2018 you took your first steps! Just ten and a half months and look at you! Huge proud mama moment. Gigi was the one you walked to and I loved it. Big smiles. Baby steps. You’re getting more independent every day.
At eleven months we took you to San Francisco for a wedding! You love flying but you never sleep on the plane, lol! You’re smiling ALL THE TIME, and if you’re not…you’re hungry. 😉 Still stumbling around, maybe 3-4 steps at a time. You have two teeth and love trying new foods; avocado, olives, cornbread, and yogurt are some of your favorites. We also took you to your first Seattle Mariners baseball game! We made it seven innings and then your dad and I started feeling bad that you wouldn’t fall asleep because there was so much commotion.
The weeks leading up to your first birthday were intense for mom and dad. You’re now walking 75% of the time, clapping when you want “more” or when I ask you to say “please”, waving hi and bye, touching your chin to say “thank you”, and leaning in for snuggles when you need some comfort. We are always saying “she looks SO BIG”. Our hearts are exploding thinking about you turning one, it’s such a big milestone!
So today, on your birthday, I just want you to know how much your dad and I love you and how grateful we are that you made us parents one year ago!
Happy birthday, sweet Macey!
Outfit Details
Me: Denim Jacket | “Raising the Future” Tee | Dark Denim | ABEO Una Sandals
Macey: Britton’s Bro’s Black and White Tee | Care & Company Pacifier Clip
Photos by J. Rose Photography
Rachel says
SHe’s adorable! I was so happy to meet her at Ali’s house the other day! I guess technically I diiiiid see her when she was a baby, but it’s so different when they are smiling and crawling!
Becca says
So glad you got to meet her too!!