Gabriella turns 5!

My first born turned 5 yesterday! When I say it out loud, I can hardly believe it. Where did 5 years go? I know everyone feels like this, but it honestly feels like yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital.

When I was pregnant, I thought I knew how much I would love her. I always knew I wanted to be a mother and always knew I wanted a girl and it was truly love at first sight. I had no idea that after 5 years my love for her could be even more intense, but it sure is. Motherhood is an amazing thing…to know someone so intimately, to really know someone, better than they even know themselves.

After providing for her every need and caring for her so intensely for the past five years, I feel like this is a big milestone in her independence and in me letting go. I’m not sure I’m ready for this, but I do love seeing her own personality flourish when I’m not always there to speak and act for her.

I thought after five years of parenting, I’d feel like more of an expert at this gig, but nope, I am just as clueless as the day I started this journey! With every new age and stage, we’re encountering new challenges and new adventures that keep me on my toes. I think the wisdom I’ve gained in these five years has prepared me to realize that parenting is never easy, but the end results are worth every ounce of energy we put into it.

Happy birthday to my sweet girl, Gabriella! 

We had a super special family day to celebrate her birthday that included chocolate chip pancakes with daddy, hours riding on her new bike, swimming, a family date to a paint-your-own-pottery place and cupcakes at home. On the ride home from dinner, she told me, “It was a fun, fun day. Next year for my birthday, I want to ride a bus.” I just laughed!

We’ll be having her birthday party this weekend and I’ll be sure to post all of the details so check back! You can keep up with us on our Facebook page.