Gracie is 8!

Gracie,

Today, I am celebrating the moment I held my first baby in my arms for the first time. Could there be any sweeter moment than this to celebrate? I have been looking back at pictures from the day you were born, and the weeks that followed, and I'm in awe of how much you have grown over the years. I came across a picture of us, one that made me think about myself in that moment nearly 8 years ago. You were so tiny and new, and I was a brand new mommy, living this new journey hour by hour, day by day. It's amazing how those days have turned to years and now you are 8-years-old. There are so many things I'd like to tell my younger, new-mommy self, things I would not understand until much later. I stared at this picture of us and wrote words that made me cry, because in motherhood, the sweetness and bitterness of life really do collide. 



This new mommy... She didn't know then, holding her brand new baby, that what they said was true - the days would seem long, but the years would fly by.

She didn't know yet that being a mother would be the thing that would bring the most joy... and the most tears. She couldn't imagine the challenges ahead or how watching her baby grow would overwhelm her heart with happiness, while also breaking it.

This new mommy couldn't understand how, someday, she would look back and want to start over and live each moment again. She would realize she blinked and, just like that, her baby had grown into a beautiful little girl.

All this mommy knew, holding her brand new baby, was love... and that dreams really could come true.

First of all, you really are a dream come true. How is it that we are celebrating another year with you already? Time seems to move faster with each passing year. I am so thankful for each day spent watching you grow.


You are such a lovely girl, with a witty sense of humor and a heart that is humble and kind. You are still shy around people you don't know well, but sassy and confident around those you do. You just completed the 2nd grade and we (your parents and your teacher) have been so impressed with how you've grown this past year. You are a great student and friend to all of your classmates. Your newest adventure has been taking horseback riding lessons. You look like a natural riding the horses and it's the first activity you've done weekly that you absolutely love and look forward to. I have enjoyed watching you try new things and discover what most fits who you are. 

I've loved watching you as a big sister this past year. There is plenty of arguing, fussing, and complaining that goes on between you and your brother, but I also see that you are protective of Ethan and enjoy making him smile. There is no sound sweeter than that of you two playing and laughing together. My heart feels peace and the greatest happiness watching my children love each other. 

I am excited to see what this next year holds for you! Your daddy and I are so, so proud of you.


I love you always, my sweet Grace.

Mommy

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