One year ago today I went to my Tuesday night girls dinner and I was feeling kind of weird. By the time I got home around 10, I told Matt that we better start packing our bags for the hospital. After about an hour the contractions had moved further apart to about every half hour, and so I thought I was just in false labor. After an uncomfortable and sleepless night, I decided it would be a good idea to just go ahead and go to work the next morning. I really just didn't think there was any way she was coming two weeks early. By noon I was on my way home to "rest" and by three I called Matt to say this is it. We were on our way to the hospital by 6:30 p.m. and out lives were forever changed at 11:31 p.m on August 20, 2008.
"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."
I recently came across this quote and was struck by it. Before she was born, I was anxious and excited to meet her, but I truly had NO IDEA of the power of the love that I would have for my child and the way it would change me completely. I remember nursing her for the first time right after she was born, and how Matt and I just stared in complete awe at this little tiny baby girl that was ours. Checking out every tiny feature. Being 100% sure that she was the most beautiful newborn that was ever born. Staying awake to watch her sleep in the bassinet and make sure she was still breathing. Our first night as a family of three. Getting to introduce her to our parents for the first time.
There is no way to prepare for or understand this love ahead of time. I thought when she was born that my heart was full, but somehow the love continues to get stronger. The absolute pride in her every little accomplishment is amazing - the first smile, the first coo, the first tooth, the first crawl, the first steps. . . . this year has been full of firsts, some monumental and some not, but all of them precious to me.
I am so thankful for being Matelyn's mom. For experiencing the joys (and humility) that only motherhood brings. I hope one day she will understand how much her mama loves her!
These are some of my favorite pictures from Mattie's glorious first year!
8 comments:
I got all teared up reading that! What an amazing little girl you have. You and Matt are so blessed with your beautiful family. Happy Birthday, sweet Mattie!! We love you all!!
Happy birthday Mizz Thang! Can't believe it's been a year!!!!!
Ginny!!!!! Why you gotta make me cry???? That is so sweet, so beautiful, and so true...all of it. You are a wonderful mommy and Mattie is such a joy! Happy Birthday, Mattie!
what a gorgeous post!! i LOVE that quote!! you are the best mama. it's no fair how fast time goes...but every new stage is just as fun and precious as the last!! XOXO, love you!
OK....this post is just too much for ol' mimi's heart. A two-glover plus two socks and a couple of hankies!
Just for the record that was my mom that left that last comment from my computer!
Ginny
What a sweet post! Mattie is the cutest girl and I loved looking over her pics from the last year. I cannot believe she is almost 1. Time flies!!!! I remember tomorrow like it was yesterday, driving to Dallas, seeing you before she arrived, seeing her for the first time, how excited we all were, and how fun the unknown was at what joy she was going to bring all of us. Love ya'll!!!!
Two of your last three post have made your Daddy cry! How can I keep my facade of invincible male authority if you keep these up?
Your Mom and I have commented many time throughout the past year how much we have admired the evolution of Matt and Ginny as much as have been thrilled with our golden grand daughter. You guys make us very proud!
Still love my little girl just like '79,
Dad
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