Mother's Day and Other Musings

Yesterday was my second Mother's Day.  I remember last year we had been home from the hospital for two days and reality was setting in...we had no clue what we were doing!  And to boot Tuna was going back to work the following Monday.  Yikes!  I was going to be home...alone...with the baby.  Did someone sanction that?  As far as I am concerned I probably shouldn't have been! 

I remember when people left the house that Sunday I was in a state of panic.  But when I look at Abbie today I realize the panic was really all for nothing.  She survived the first year (and so did we)!  I got to my second Mother's Day!  I win a prize, right?  I am pretty sure we bumbled our way through the first year and I cannot wait until my next Mother's Day to see what this next holds for us.

This one was somewhat somber as poor Tuna headed out today on a 4 week job in Yorktown, TX.  He was definitely not ready to leave his little girl.  When I picked up Abbie from school today the ladies in the nursery told me he was close to tears.  And this is why I love him so much...he loves his little girl so much.  

We will miss him more than words can say.  But we know it is what is best for our family.  We must sacrifice time together now to build the best future for our daughter and our family.  It is the single hardest thing we have had to do in the 20+ years we have been together.  But these are the times when you realize what you are made of.  I now get the "mother tiger" mentality.  I am the first and last line of defense for my daughter when Tuna is gone.  I know what I will and won't stand for and represent her voice when it is necessary.  This has been good for me...as I have been able to realize a new side of me.  A side that I am proud of.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there...no matter who or what calls you mommy!  Those fur babies count as far as I am concerned!

A Trip to the Doctor

12 month check-up today.  The doctor said that she looked "perfect".

Measurements:

18 inches head diameter

30 inches in length 

20.4 pounds

All around the 50th percentile...except length was a bit above that. 

Unfortunately, she got 3 shots...one in her leg and two in her arm.  She screamed...but not for long.  We comforted her and tried to make it all better.  She does have a funny scream/cry thing going on right now.  She would quiet down and then let out a loud the loudest scream/cry.  It was hard for us not to laugh!

This weekend will be family time since daddy will be spending the next three weeks in south Texas.  Boo.  Mother's day will be time together.

Abbie's teachers got her a cake for her birthday and they took cute pictures and printed them.  Miss Erica actually got her a very nice gift.  She is too sweet and loves Abbie.

18 more days of school until summer time!

On the Occasion of Abigail Frances's First Birthday

My Dearest Abigail-

Today you are 1.  365 days.  52 weeks.  12 months.  Where did this first year go?  I am not sure I will ever know the answer to that question, but what I do know is that I love you more than anything.   And this last year, that has flown by, has been so wonderful and amazing because you were a part of it.  

One year ago when they put you in my arms I knew that my life would forever be changed.  There were some rough days (and nights) in the beginning.  But slowly we got acquainted with one another and our understanding of one another began to blossom.  And over the past year I have loved you more than I ever knew it was possible to love another human.  

This last year a lot of thoughts have been rolling around in my mind and I want to get them down...as I know that there will be days ahead of us when we don't really like each other that much.  When we get to those days, I want you to read this and I will too.  I will be reminded of what I want for you, for us, and for our family.  So, here goes...

I promise to never talk at you, but to talk to you.  I promise not to just listen to you, but to hear you as well.   I promise to be your mother first and your friend second.  I promise to laugh with you - often.  I promise to always believe in you and your dreams and will support you in your quest to achieve them.  I promise to love you.  No matter what.

Abigail, you are my shining star and my reason for living.  You are the single most important thing to both your dad and me.  Together, as a family we will explore the world around us and show you how to love truly, honestly, and forever.   We will show you what it is to be committed and to put forth your best every day.  

My wish for you, for all the days of your life, is to be a good person.  I hope that you will think of others first and treat everyone with kindness and respect.  Be sure to use your manners with everyone and always remember to appreciate the advice of your elders.  Sometimes it may seem to be silly advice, but it comes with good intentions.  

Abigail, I love you so much.  I love your daddy so much, too.  I cannot wait to see what our future, as a family, holds.  And your future; it is as bright as can be.  Take hold, little girl, and capture your future!  It is yours for the taking!  

I love you more than you will ever know.

All my love,

Mommy

PS - I also promise to blog more.  :0)

Happy First Birthday, Little Girl!