Baby Riley

We're about a month away from Riley's first birthday. Its hard to believe that a year has almost gone by already. I'm sad its gone by so fast, but I'm so excited for the coming years. I already love the toddler stage (not the tantrums so much...). I think its because I'm now able to communicate with Riley a lot better than when she was younger. I love that when I ask her not to do something she understands. Most of the time she obeys thankfully:) I like watching her come up with words and hand motions for different things. Its fun to read her a book now because she gets excited to turn the pages and point things out to me. And she's funny. I think I'm always laughing at something she's done.

I've been going through photos of Riley from the last few months and its amazing to see her change so much within a short time period. Sometimes I look at her and wonder where my baby went... I don't always recognize the big girl who goes to the pantry herself when she's ready for a snack. or leads me to Leif when I ask her where daddy is. How did we get here?

I am blessed constantly by my daughter. I know people say this all the time, but its true: When you have a child you learn a lot. And I know Leif and I have learned a few things in our first year of parenthood. Hopefully Riley has too? God is so good to have given us Riley and for giving us the opportunity to be parents to her and this next baby. I feel so blessed!