Reflections...

Mia's birthday is a week from tomorrow. I've been thinking about how much she has changed in the last year. I've never considered myself a sap before becoming a mom. I scoffed at people who cried at movies and was able to see the practical side of any depressing situation. Now...oh boy...just give me a box of tissues and leave me alone. I knew that mothers are normally classified as "worrywarts" if you will, but I'd never thought about the fear that drives them. I worry about Mia all of the time. Is she healthy? Am I feeding her a well-rounded diet? What's that bruise from? And the list goes on and on. I try to tone down my fears and just enjoy spending time with her. I know she's happy. I know she's healthy. Wesley keeps me balanced. Just the other day, he told me that I'm a great mom. Wow. I don't know if he realized what that meant to me. He's a pretty awesome dad, too. His heart seems to swell as big as his smile when he gets home and sees Mia.

When I think of my favorite physical characteristics of Mia, four main things spring to mind. She's the most beautiful baby, so I won't list all of her body parts one by one, but the first thing is her smile. It's so full of unrestrained joy. I hope as she gets older, she retains the ability to be that happy. Her blue eyes are the feature that it seems everyone comments on. Her baby blues are so pretty. I see my dad in those eyes. His are blue, too. Also, belly buttons have taken on a whole new meaning since I've had Mia. I think only a mom could fully understand what I mean by that. When I see her's, I feel a strong, almost palpable, connection to her. We are inextricably linked forever. The other thing I think of is not something most people would notice. Mia has only one freckle on her body so far, and it's on her left pinky finger. It's just a little smaller than a kiwi seed. Laugh if you want, but it's cute!

Mia at 11 1/2 months old (51 weeks)