I'll never forget that moment I first found out you were coming into our lives. I was elated. I remember the wait for your Daddy to wake up seemed like an eternity. The butterflies, the tears, the grin I couldn't wipe off my face. You were instantly loved. And the day that I found out you would be our first daughter? That's a day I will store in my memories forever.

The day you were born felt like a scene from a movie. Everything was perfect. I literally laughed you into this world. I looked up at your Daddy's face as I pushed and could not stop laughing. You came right out! The labor was a dream, and the moment I first held you still makes me swell with pride. You were absolutely beautiful.

You've grown from a tiny little thing to a walking, babbling (dare I say it?) toddler. You have the most easy going personality. You're absolutely sweet as pie. You would follow your brother anywhere, and I don't think you adore anyone more. Your favorite time of day is when your Daddy walks through the door. I'm fairly certain you spend half your night following him around and the other half glued in his arms. You get so excited when you see your Aunt Lindsey in the morning and are sure to snuggle up to her as fast as you can.

You are a cuddler. You always want to be held and would live in our wraps and carriers. You give hugs and kisses and carry your baby doll around all day long. You have a tender heart and a smile that lights up a room.

Simply put, we can't imagine life before you. God blessed us more than we deserve when he gave us you. You're an angel. I love you more than I can say, Kate Elizabeth. I'm so proud to be your momma. Happy first birthday, baby girl!

2017- The New Year

I sit here, sipping my morning coffee, watching as my two little ones play together (somewhat) peacefully. As they race back and forth through their little pop-up tunnel, they giggle fiercely and somehow make it happen with a rare lack of any injuries to each other. I feel blessed. I feel tired. I feel determined.

2016 brought giant blessings and big heartaches. My first daughter was born, and I honestly can’t picture what life was like without her. It doesn’t seem possible that there was a time without our sweet, happy little girl. Liam turned 2 and I learned where the phrase “terrible 2’s” comes from. There were tears when one of my best friends in the world lost her daddy. There was determination to live more knowing that life can disappear at any moment.

Ringing in 2017 gave me home for a clean slate in a year I’m determined to make a beautiful one. I want to love bigger, yell less, live simpler, give selflessly and laugh more. I want to have more dance parties with my kids, spend more time with my husband, and have more “forget to check my phone” moments.

Happy 2017, friends. I hope that you can look back on this coming year as we ring in the next knowing that you grew for the better.

Anna

Sweet Liam

Liam has nearly hit 2.5 years old! We've officially entered the "terrible twos" with a very strong willed little man. ;) I stumbled upon this letter I wrote him before his second birthday and it reminded me of how much I love this child.

Sweet Liam:

Oh, buddy. I'm stuck in an emotional state of disbelief that my baby is turning TWO. One was tough, but two? TWO!? You're officially a full fledged toddler and there's not much "baby" left in you anymore. You've lost that cute baby look and turned into a handsome little boy seemingly overnight. Your smile is every bit mischievous as it is sweet. You are constantly plotting to either give me a head of gray hair or the biggest laugh yet. There is never a dull (or quiet!) moment with you.

I love that you still need your momma, but I slowly see you becoming more independent and doing things all by yourself. You don't need me for many of the daily tasks anymore, and you claim that independence on anything you can. You can use an iPad or iPhone better than me. Your brain is incredible and you won't stop trying until you figure out exactly how to do something. You are persistent and stubborn... something that I'm sure will get you far in life.

Lately you've developed a very tender spirit. I hope you keep it. You are fiercely in love with your family, and so protective of your baby sister. You are constantly soothing her when she is sad, and supporting her through all her baby milestones. Just yesterday I walked into the room while Kate was on her tummy and found you laying next to her rubbing her back the entire time. You are so sensitive to her. The first thing you do as soon as you wake up is RUN to find her. You giggle the entire way!

You have a way of making your momma feel like the most loved person in the world.  You are always seeking me out for a hug or kiss. Your favorite place to be is as close as possible to wherever I am. My favorite feeling ever is when I catch you looking up at me with a sweet smile or feel you grabbing my hand to hold. You've changed my life in 2 years more than it's ever been changed in my 26 on this earth.

My favorite day from this year is when I took you on a date. Daddy was gone at school camp, and I decided to take you on a special day. You probably won't remember it, but I'll hold it close forever. We started off meeting our cousins at the aquarium. We had so much fun looking at all the different sea creatures! You were hilarious. It was so hard to keep up with you as you ran between exhibits! After that I took you to the Disney Store to pick out a Mickey Mouse.

I'm so proud of the little man you are becoming. You are smart, sweet, and kind... AND a whole lot of mischievousness in there too. I love you, Liam Scott. I'm so thankful you're mine.

Love, Mommy