The big day has come and gone, my little baby is not a little baby anymore. On Thursday, June 30, 2016, Emmy turned one (and I officially survived my first year of parenthood). Two big milestones that came quicker than I could've imagined.
Now, I don't get super sentimental very often and I hadn't felt sad or emotional leading up to her birthday; just a mixture of excitement for my growing girl and disbelief that it was here already. However, I believe it was the night before her birthday, I went against my better judgement and clicked a link on facebook titled "Moms say this is the best song ever." Oh my gosh, you guys. Cue the water works. I don't know if it was the video itself, or the timing of it, but it got me. It got me good.
Like every other parent out there, it scares me how fast it all goes by. All of it. The good and the bad, the sweet cuddles and the sleepless nights, it's here and gone in the blink of an eye. While watching that video, the future became a little too real, and felt like it was coming on a little too fast. I could see her growing up, becoming a "big kid," and I don't know if I'm ready for that. First it's the walking, and then the talking, and then play dates and school and sports and homework and graduation and holy cow, where does the time go? It's too much to handle on a first birthday. Too much.
I know she's going to grow up, and I don't want to stop her. I know she's going to walk and talk and let go of my hand and become an independent little one. So for now, my wish is this: That for each time she runs away from me because she wants to "do it herself," that she will also eventually run towards me - whether it's for comfort, or for guidance, or love, or friendship ... or just because I'm her mom.
Happy birthday Emmy, we love you.
psst ... stay tuned, party details to come!