Bye Bye, Year One!

As this year comes to a close, I can't help but look back and smile at how this year as unfolded. This time last year I was enjoying my first week on maternity leave, writing off my constant contractions as Braxton Hicks, and indulging in the last days of my sweet slumber!

One year ago..

The first few months of Rosalie's life were a blur. I was barely sleeping, I was still in pain from recovery, and breastfeeding for the first time was difficult. I never realized how tough having a baby was and it took a lot of strength and patience to accept the reality of caring for a newborn. It also took some adjusting for me to get used to being stuck in the house at least 22 hours a day and never having time for myself anymore.

As the months went by, she grew while I learned. I learned every aspect of her personality, breastfeeding became a breeze, and leaving the house was now more difficult than staying home. I feel like I've evolved more this year than I ever have in my entire life. The process wasn't easy, but I feel like the ugly little caterpillar that had to endure months in a cocoon to finally emerge as a beautiful butterly.

This has been one of the best and most fulfilling years of my life. I said goodbye to partying and late nights and welcomed the world of early mornings and busy days with baby in tow.There are some mothers who are ready for the challenge right off the bat, and there are some, like me, who need some time to soak it all in. It might've taken me a few months, but I am happier now than I have ever been. I look back on her days as a tiny little thing, not able to move or speak and realize how much she needed me then. Looking at her now, it makes me so happy and proud to see a bustling baby girl who is healthy and smart and becoming more and more independent. It's like..Wow. Not only did Anthony and I make her out of nothing, but she grew into something quite special because of us and I'm deeply in love.

From her birth to her baptism and now her first birthday, I'm so thankful for the people who have always supported and loved us. I couldn't have done any of it without all the encouragement and help that I received from everyone. From the largest gifts to the smallest gestures, you've helped more than you'll ever know. To our loving family and friends who have been there for us from day one, THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, I send you my love and gratitude.

It's kind of cool that Rosalie's birthday marks the start of a brand new year...it's the perfect way to welcome another 365 days of surprises! So here's to the beginning of 2012 and whatever challenges may come...Cheers!

Dear 16 Year Old Me

I saw a video on YouTube that had this title, and I thought it would be interesting. It turned out to be a PSA about cancer...Basically saying "live your life to the fullest because one day a miserable disease will take it all away". Touching, but not exactly what I thought it was going to be. Anyways, I've been wanting to do a post about it ever since..but in a funner, light-hearted way. Here goes.

Dear Ria,

You are completely and utterly too obsessed with yourself and what other people think. Stop worrying about such petty things. If you spent a quarter of the time thinking about how you can help others instead of yourself, your level of contentment and self worth would expand exponentially. You'll see.

Follow your dreams. Things might not work out as you imagine them to, and it will surprise the heck out of you, but don't panic. Everything will be okay. Always remember that things work themselves out in the end. Don't ever give up. Throwing in the towel seems like a viable option at times, but believe me, keep on chugging and you'll see how fast the rain clears up. You'll find that your life has more meaning than you ever imagined it could.

As for your friends, value them. Hold on to the great times that you have. Don't be sad, but people will come and go. It's normal. You'll think that you have found gold at times because you have so much fun with them, but it's the people who know the very core of your soul, all the good and the bad, that will always love you. The value of these friends is priceless...You'll sort through many just to find that the ones who never leave you are the ones worth fighting for. Every personality you meet will represent a thread in the fabric of your life, but some spools will be shorter than others...and that's ok.

Don't stress about boys. (Spoiler alert) You will eventually meet the love of your life and marrying him will be the easiest decision you will ever make. Just listen to your gut. True love exists...and not in the way you think it does. Don't get too caught up in searching for this man cause he will, quite literally, pop out of nowhere!

You are so blessed and these blessings will keep coming. Don't ever forget where they're coming from. There's so much more that I could say that would help, but I wouldn't want to ruin all the surprises for you.

It's all quite simple. Enjoy being young. Be daring. Take risks. Tell your parents every day that you love them. Laugh. Smile. Take care of your body! It will definitely take care of you when you need it the most.
And most importantly, if you have any questions or doubts, pray about it. You'll almost always get an answer.

Love,
You. Me. Us.