Adventure is Out There (12 months)

My gorgeous 1-year-old.

Mercy,

Happy birthday, Mercedes! This year has come and gone in a flash, and it will always stand out in my memory as a defining year in both of our lives. This last year I grew into the role of "mother" and you flourished from a dependent, squishy newborn in to a vivacious, tenacious toddler. Watching your personality emerge has been a joy, and I suspect it will continue to be a treat for years to come.

All of You (Month Eleven)

We celebrated 11-months on the beach!

Mercy,

The worst part about your birthday approaching is every day I think I'm doing my best to soak up every precious, simple moment — but when I lay my head to rest at night I still find myself wistfully thinking about the hours with you that just slipped through my fingers. I can't tell you how often I pour my heart out in grateful prayer for you. You are my sunshine. You bring me every joy. I have always wanted to be a mom, but becoming your mom has lived up to every expectation I ever had for motherhood.

Dada, Papi, Dad (Month Ten)

Taking pictures of this little mover sitting still has become nearly impossible. But she's still as cute as ever.

Mercy,

The first few months of your life you were undoubtedly a mama's girl. I'm still your go-to for comfort, but the last few months you have developed a fun bond with your dad. Every evening when we hear the front door open, your face lights up when you see dad's smiling face pop through. You immediately abandon whatever it is you're doing to chase him down the hallway.

Discipline and Laughter (Month Nine)

My beautiful 9-month-old

Mercedes,

Some time in this last month you were being naughty. Nearly impossible to believe, I know. But I made the grouchiest face I could summon and I scolded you. It didn't work very well. Much to my surprise, you laughed at me. And, a few days later, much to your delight, I scolded you again.

Beautiful Baby (Month Eight)

My beautiful 8-month-old smiling at Nana

Mercy,

You are a beautiful baby. It's a biased opinion that I have no shame admitting. Others often comment on your beautiful eyes. They are large, expressive and a steely shade of blue. Not to mention the long lashes you inherited from your dad. I admit I've taken dozens of photos of your lashes while you sleep. I'm not alone in my opinion. Strangers often gush over you, too. And, the flirt that you are, you smile and promptly — bashfully — burry your face into my shoulder.

Knowledge (Month Seven)

My happy, curious 7-month-old

Mercedes,

Forgive the cliche, but this month you've decided the world is your oyster. You started the month trying to master sitting up. Wobbly sitting soon led to rocking on your knees. Next, you unexpectedly started backing up. A few weeks later you started to inch forward in what is the hallmark "crawl." Nana would endearingly say you're a "perfectly normal baby." We love perfectly normal babies around here.

Worth the Sacrifice (Month Six)

Six-month-old Mercedes

Mercedes,

There is a poem I stumbled upon some time in the past, credited to an Anne Campbell, that explains well what it's like to be a mother:

Finding a Will (Month Five)

Why must she look so big?!

Mercedes,

When we met I fell for you instantly. A mother's love is the true definition of love at first sight. And though my heart expanded for you and because of you, that day is the day I loved you least. With each passing day we discover each other. When your tiny hands grasp at my face, tracing my cheeks and pulling at my lips, I know your letting me know you love me too.

California trip, week 2

And...our second week of vacation in California for Christmas: 

When we were in California we were lucky enough to go to the baby blessing for one of the four great-grand babies born into the family this year. We got three of the four babies together, too! It was so fun to see the newest generation of the family together in one place. 

Grandma Corine Hurst at the party after the blessing, rocking baby Brody, sitting next to napping Mercedes. I have the most beautiful grandma, do I not?!

California Trip, Week 1

We were lucky enough to spend two weeks in California for Christmas. We had a wonderful time introducing Mercedes to friends and family! Enjoy the picture overload!

Mercedes' first flight! She hardly fussed on our way to California, save for when it was 2 a.m. our time and we were trying to get her to sleep. Thankfully, she did take a nap in the airport during the layover.