Wow.....a year already!?!

Well I have to say that I have been nostalgic over the last week prior to her birthday approaching.  I just can't believe that our little baby is a year old already!
I have always been told that time goes so fast and since Dakota is our second I already knew this to be true from Renae. 

So I did, I payed attention.

 I soaked it all in.  ......and yet, it still went too fast. 

Already she is crawling at lightening speed.  And as a result doesn't want to be cuddled nearly as much as she used too.  She travels along the furniture and babbles non-stop.  .....everything except Mama of course....lol.  Her dexterity has improved dramatically and can pick up the tiniest speck off the carpet if you let her. 

She is as cute as can be and an absolute joy to be around.  Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled of all that will lay ahead and watching her grow but I just needed some time to reflect back and remember all of the "baby steps" that she has already passed.

I know that from listening to mothers before me that this is only the first of many many stages that our family will go through. I guess I am feeling the passing of time a little more strongly then before because I know that this is it for babies for us.  Even the nursing part......part of me is looking forward to the freedom.....and yet, I will miss the closeness that we have shared for this last year. 

So even though I am ready for all that is to come I'm still a little sad as I leave this part behind.  I am so grateful that I have been blessed, two times over, with motherhood.  It is the greatest joy that I never expected!

Happy Birthday Dakota!  We Love You.