VIOLET TURNS ONE!

i didn't realize how emotional i would feel,
seeing my little baby girl turn one.
so many special memories of this time last year,
of her sweet birth and bringing her into our home.
i keep thinking about how she will never be this little again.

she is truly a gift from heaven.

here are her one year photos!
she is wearing her baby blessing dress. still fits!
i just added a sequin collar to spice it up.

daddy & baby...

and mama & baby...

and i couldn't resist stripping her down for a few shots...

some fun facts about violet at one year:

+ loves to "talk" on the phone

+ she makes animal sounds! dog, cat & horse

+ she is a very picky eater, despite all my efforts

+ extremely stubborn, strong-willed & independent

+ always on the go!

+ loves music, airplanes, animals & being outdoors

+ always learning new words

(she somehow learned "poopoo")

it's so amazing to me that being a mother

has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings in my life.

yes it's a lot of work, but no work could ever be more rewarding.

being a mother has taught me so much already.

honestly, it can be so tricky to juggle all my roles,

i am still working on finding balance. i am still learning to let go.

i am still learning that i can't do everything.

i am still learning that things need not be perfect.

i am still learning that i can say no. i am still learning to ask for help.

i am still learning to take time for myself.

as busy and crazy as things are in this stage of life, i am so grateful for the journey.

i am so grateful to be a mother. so blessed!!!