I’m addressing Sydney’s first birthday party invitations
tonight. Where does the time go? They say time flies when you’re having fun,
but I think it flies regardless so you might as well have fun.
And tomorrow is our 10th wedding anniversary. Again,
with the time…? I’m happy to say that we’ve really made the most of our lives
together. We waited until 8.5 years of marriage to decide the time was right to
shop for baby stuff. Before I was pregnant with Sydney, friends would (boldly) tell
us that we’ll wish we had children sooner. That it’s so much fun and the best
thing ever.
Sydney IS the best and we are so blessed to be her parents;
but you have to be ready for the total life transformation that being a (good)
parent involves. And before Sydney, I wasn’t. God knew it would be enough of a
growth opportunity for us “later in life” that He granted us those years to
just focus on each other.
But wow, is she a joy. Oh my gosh. We had some super-tough
times with her colic at first, but once that was gone, she was really born. Now,
she lives out loud. If she had a motto,
it would be “Look alive, sunshine!” I’m in complete awe of her.
Tad and I had talks about family and kids before we ever
started dating. We both highly valued our families and wanted children. One
night when we went for margaritas as friends, Tad drew his family’s
Thanksgiving table on a cocktail napkin, identifying who each plate represented
and what traditions were held. I fell in love with him that day.
I married him, in part, because I knew I wanted him to
father my children. He has exceeded my expectations. He brings such peace, love
and easy fun to our little family. He thoroughly enjoys all the little things
about Sydney in the same ways I do. He delights in his girls – me, Sydney, and
McGehee.
We will celebrate Sydney’s first birthday with a little
family get together. I’m excited not for the festivities so much as the
richness of family, love, and goodness that will surround her.
And this weekend, Tad and I plan to recreate our wedding
photo at St. Peter’s Church where we were married. But in place of my bouquet,
I’ll hold Sydney.
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| "Look alive, Sunshine!", Feb 2013 |
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| Our little family, June 2012 |
