Monday, January 26, 2009

Growing Up with Brooklyn (Her First Year)

Last night while I was thinking of something to do for Brooklyn's 1st birthday, I started reminiscing about the journey we made together over this last year and realized that she is not the only one who has been growing up.

Kevin and I both began parenthood with some realistic expectations, but far more unrealistic ones. I had to laugh when I thought of the way I perceived motherhood before I had Brooklyn and the way I see it now. Here is a short timeline of my thoughts about Brooklyn over the last year. Enjoy!

July 9th, 2007: Wow! I'm going to have a baby! Its going to be so wonderful and perfect and our lives will be so much more fun! I was born to be a mom. My baby will never have a snotty nose, be sassy, or misbehave in public. And I will never let her be noisy in church like those "other" moms! We'll snuggle all day while I make her laugh and smile. This'll be easy! I can't wait!

January 26, 2008: Ouchie! Ouchie! OUCH! Why is Kevin hovering over me! Can't he see that I am in pain and thus can't stand the sight of any other human being!
Epidural administered...
Man this is fun! Kevin is so wonderful! He's going to be the best dad. I love him SO much. Having a baby is going to be the BEST!
Time to push? OK...Whoa! That came out of ME!?...Weird...

February 1st, 2008: I seem to have been mislead somewhat about the sleeping habits of a newborn. Mine doesn't sleep 18 hours a day, she cries instead...the only time she's not crying is when she is eating...and then I am crying while she tries to bite off my "food makers" with her gums! Hmmm...


April 26th, 2008: Other mothers keep telling me that they have never heard anything scream quite like my baby. She is, apparently, unnaturally loud...especially in church. Oh well, at least we finally traded in the "Mommy Meal Makers" for a bottle and I don't have to cry every time she eats! I think we can be friends, especially now that she smiles at me!

July 26th, 2008: She has more personality than any other baby I know! Who cares if she is still the loudest thing in Chicago. I think she's funny! (Even when she sasses me off.) Not to mention incredibly awesome, and attractive!

October 26th, 2008: FINALLY! She thinks I'm funny! Not only that, but she snuggled me for the first time EVER! (Because she was sick, but that's beside the point.) I can't seem to keep her face clean, or her clothes, or my house, but life is pretty good.

January 26th, 2009: She loves me the MOST! Her mommy radar is functioning at 100% and she can find me anywhere! I'm bored and lonely when she takes a nap. I don't mind that she drools all day and uses me for a booger rag. She is still loud but she's my best friend in the whole world (besides Kevin) and I would brutally beat anyone to the ground who tried to hurt her! Being a mom is NOT easy...but it is the BEST!
Happy birthday Brooklyn! Mommy is SO glad you are here!

7 comments:

california smiths said...

I always took pride that no baby looked more beautiful (not cute, but BEAUTIFUL!)than my Courtney. She was more perfect than a porcelain doll. But that last pic of Brooklyn is priceless!! I love the bangs on her and the pose is incredible. Loved your post too! Happy birthday Brooklyn!

Beccarigg said...

Hahahahhahahhaa!! Oh I wish I had a journal of all my preconceived notions of motherhood. Then I could tear it up and make it into soup so I could eat all my words! Yes, I too thought my kid wouldn't have a dirty face, would never have messy hair in public (seriously, what lazy mother would not do their child's hair every day?) My child would never shout at me or talk back to me and would be off the bottle by 1, potty trained by 2, and certainly wouldn't have a strange borderline psychotic addiction to her binky when she was almost 3. : )

Preconceived notions aside, Brooklyn is the most darling and precious thing ever! That last picture of her is so darling and I just can't believe what a vivacious, intelligent, hilarious and beautiful little girl she is! Happy birthday to my darling niece! I hope you guys have a fun day celebrating!

Allie said...

She's darling! HaPpY BiRtHdAy Brooklyn!! Isn't is funny how we no longer care if we have snail trails all over our shoulders?

Brian Hanks said...

I laughed out loud at the booger rag comment. Very nice writing!

Natalie said...

It IS awesome isn't it? I was just telling Brian today that I love my job. I would NEVER want to trade him places. Happy Birthday to a cute, cute little girl!

Lisa said...

Aw, how sweet! It is crazy how fast they grow up, I feel the same way about Isabella. It will be a year before I know it. Happy Birthday Brooklyn!

Janna and Tyler said...

That was hilarious! Brooklyn is so adorable, we are glad she is in our family too!