{Ivy Victoria turns ONE!}

This year Ivy's first birthday fell ON Thanksgiving Day! We had a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner with ALL of our family and then had a sweet little birthday party for Ivy. Since Richard, Ivy, and I couldn't drive down to Georgia till the day before the party, all the decorating for the party was up to my Mama and my aunt. I told my Mama what I wanted the party to look like and she and my aunt did a phenomenal job! It was beautiful!!! See for yourself!!!

I got some of my ideas off of Pinterest but this was mostly my mom and aunt's doings! Ain't it pretty!

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

We had the most amazing time with our family and I am so grateful for having a GREAT first year as a MAMA! I still am in disbelief that I have a ONE YEAR OLD!

How did 12 months go by so quickly???

I have learned a lot as a Mama. I have learned that I am a strong person and there is not much that can bring me down. I have come to know patience as the key to all aspects of life. I've learned that there is nothing I fear more, than not being a person my daughter can look up to. I have learned that I take things for granted without even knowing it.

For the past year, I have breastfed Ivy every single day. She has never taken a bottle. I am the one who provided the most nutritious fuel for her little body. Many moms don't get to know what it is to nurse their littles. I had a rough few weeks at the very beginning. Ivy couldn't latch the right way and it devastated me to think that I couldn't give my baby the best! Nipple shields were my breast friend! (See what I did there??) I used the shield till Ivy was about two months old. I have been so proud of myself to have made it a whole year of nursing Ivy! It's a good feeling for sure, but it is something that I take for granted sometimes...

Moving on...

I have learned to treasure the little things. When Ivy comes and sits in my lap, or when she sits and plays with her toys all by herself, when she kisses me on the cheek without me asking, when she tries to share her very slobbery half eaten teething cracker with me, when she plays with my hair while she nurses, and many MANY more! Those moments don't happen everyday. These moments she won't remember but I hope I never forget them.




  

Making a HUGE mess eating Spaghetti!

I truly am blessed beyond what I deserve. I have a husband who loves me even with all of my flaws. I have a beautiful, healthy daughter who brightens my LIFE! My family is healthy and happy and we are so grateful for all the many blessings the Lord has given us!