Queen G... growing up...

Well... its official... my baby girl turned one this month!  I have flip-flopped around in my emotions, ranging from excited to tears.  She is growing up so fast and all I can do is watch helplessly.  Before I know it she is going to be in school, make-up... if only I could slow it down just a little.  I know, I know - I sound like a lunatic in this, but it feels like no matter how much I try to savor every moment that I am going to miss something.

Gia Raine... mommy loves you more than anything in the whole wide world... today, tomorrow, & forever...

Happy 1st Birthday!

Little Miss Independent

Well, it's official... my itty bitty baby girl is growing up!  It started with rolling over (and off the bed a couple of times), then on to sitting up... now she is crawling and pulling up to EVERYTHING she can reach.  Yesterday she just about let go of what she had pulled up to and stood alone.  Its going by too fast!  

I struggle within myself between wanting to put her in a protective bubble and wanting her to learn that it is okay to to explore.  How do you find that perfect balance as a parent?  My little queen is definitely of the independent variety... she insists on feeding herself now and has decided that she is too big to eat baby food most of the time.  Guess that means I will be cooking now...

I enjoy every moment... every giggle and smile... 

I do need prayers as she grows up though... I am still considering the two of us joining the convent before she turns four.

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A Mother's Love...

I'm joining in a weekend blog hop hosted by At Home Moma... 

The topic is about whatever inspires you in your life... its being called "This Is What It's All About".  So what is it that inspires me?  Simple... my daughter!

I have always wanted to be a mother... and I have always known that I would love my children.  What I didn't know was how all consuming that love would be.  My daughter is my heart, my world, and my biggest blessing.  A mother's love is an amazing thing... an I am so grateful to be mommy to the most perfect little girl in the world, my Gia Raine.

,

A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever.

~Unknown

Fun on the Farm

Have your little ones gotten the opportunity to play with animals on a farm?  My little queen got to spend this past week at her PawPaw and GiGi's farm in South Georgia.  Needless to say, she had a blast!  She was able to spend lots of time with her aunts and siblings too!  

Gia loves all of the animals... she petted the bunny rabbits, sat on the donkey, and rode the horse.

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Fireworks Anyone?

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching... I am left wondering what to do to celebrate this year.  With a new baby and having just recently moved back to my hometown, I am having to redefine my idea of partying these days.  No more liquored up, crazy nights for me.  So how do I still celebrate???

I am really thinking I might take my five month old to see the fireworks.  She is fascinated by lights, so I'm hoping she will enjoy them.  But I'm also a little nervous.  I've heard so many horror stories lately about parents taking their kids to see the fireworks and instead of joy, it scares the hell out of them.  The evening then turns into a screaming fit for the kids and a desperate attempt at calming for the adults.  Is it really worth the risk of terrifying her?  I'm not so sure.

There is always the option also to go the cookout routine and keep things calm.  The holiday seems like a good reason to spend some time with family and friends just catching up and hanging out.  I guess I will ponder on it a little more... still a couple of days to decide.  Whatever we choose, I am just happy to be spending the holiday with my little queen.

What are you doing to celebrate this year?  Whatever you choose... Happy Fourth of July!