It was a good day.

I am so thankful for the technology we have now when I think about how we are living away from so many friends and family members.  Lydia is always doing something new, sweet or adorable and my first inclination is to document it and immediately put it on social media for others to see.  My own little virtual brag book!  But while I am on there, uploading a picture, I scroll through Instagram and then comment on a status, and maybe see if any blogs I follow are updated.  Then I look up and see Lydia reaching for my phone or clutching on to my legs as I allow the distraction to last a little too long.

But I want to be an intentional mommy.  Not just being around Lyda, but being with Lydia.  Not just watching her learn, but teaching her.  Not just letting the memories come as they may, but making them.

On Sunday, after Lydia woke up from her nap, we all piled up in our car with Samson included and headed off to the dog park.  It was a beautiful day and Samson needed to swim off some energy.  We were looking forward to a relaxing, fun afternoon!

With Lydia on my hip, I reached into the car to grab my cell phone.  I stared at it for about 2 seconds and placed it back in the car.  I want to be intentional.

And I am so glad I did.  Or else I may have missed some of these precious moments.

All piled back into the car, my husband looked at me and just said "that was a good day."

Our Baby Is One!

This past Sunday we celebrated our baby girl's FIRST birthday!

I would love to be able to write about how much this past year has meant to me.  I would love to be able to articulate what being a mother has done for my heart.  I wish I could let Lydia know how I love her and how much joy I feel by watching her simply play with her toys or read her books even upside down.  I wish I could bottle up the giggles, the excited squeals and even her cute little cry.  I wish I could always see that little face snuggled into me as I rock her to sleep each night.  But no words or amount of pictures would do any of it justice.

I treasure the moments we have been given this past year and I pray that the stay plastered to my memory forever.  Needless to say, our Lydia Jean has been a true gift.

So we must celebrate!!!

We had her birthday party a month before her birthday so that we could celebrate with family before our move.  We had it at my parents house, 3 hours away from ours, because that's where our family is.  It was a little difficult planning everything while also packing and planning for the move but it was wonderful to see so many people before our move (which was 4 days after her party) and to have everyone love on Lydia.

Because of the craziness of the timing and having to plan so far away, I was not able to do the "go all out" "Pinterest fabulous" birthday party for her I had envisioned.  But I have to remind myself that a good mom is not measured by how creative and beautiful her child's first birthday party is.  The important part was we celebrated this little one's first year!

Lydia's cousin Sydney (7 yo) hung balloons and streamers!

Cupcakes made my mommy

Lydia's favorite part of the whole party:

Of course on Lydia's actual birthday we needed to celebrate too!  Chris' parents were in town visiting over her birthday weekend so it was nice to have some more family here to help us celebrate!

We planned on going to the zoo (we are already members) on her birthday, but went a couple days before after looking at the weather forecast.

We also spent some time this weekend doing one of Lydia's favorite things...playing outside!

Her actual birthday consisted of church, napping, gifts, and cupcakes.  She had a blast playing with her new toys!

Reading birthday cards

Notice the magnet clips- the girl LOVES them

I fell more in love with my husband when I saw him proudly wear, without question of hesitation, Minnie Mouse ears for his daughters birthday.

We took a picture at 8:41, the time she was born and I loved comparing this picture:

3/16/13 8:41 AM

To this picture:

3/16/14 8:41 AM

Who knew one year could be filled with so much?!  I cherish every. single. moment.  Oh Lydia Jean, you will never know what an incredible answer to prayer you are for your daddy and me!