
Well friends, the day is finally here. The day all moms anticipate with each passing monthly milestone. The day their sweet little baby is no longer a certain “month” old, but actually a YEAR! This isn’t just a special day for the baby, it’s also a celebration of motherhood for us; a day that we realize just how crazy this ride is, but that we wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the entire world. A day we remember looking into our child’s eyes for the very first time, and feeling our hearts bursting with more love than ever thought possible. A day our lives changed forever. I often think back on the day Jade was born, and wonder what our life was even like before her. I don’t want to remember!
A child is such a beautiful gift from God. It amazes me that He gives us these gifts, and trusts us to raise them in the way they should go. US! He gives us a precious little life; and we are to sustain, nourish, support, protect, and love them with all we have to give.

With every passing month this past year, I’ve learned SO much about being a momma. This isn’t stuff you can learn in a book; it’s trial and error, and praying you’re doing everything right. So, I share with youΒ 5 things I’ve learned in my first “mom-year.” (And, some seriously cute pictures of Jade over this past year!)

1. Live in the moment; enjoy it ALL while it lasts.
After Jade was born, I had a real problem of saying, “I can’t wait until Jade is __ old so she can do __!” I kept looking forward to all the things she’d be doing or able to do when she was older, instead of just being in the moment. I just wished she was older so we could play together, and she could sit up on her own, and laugh and giggle. But, those first few months go by SO. FAST. I know it sounds horrible, but I really don’t remember much about those days because we were exhausted. I wish I had savored every single moment with Jade when she was that little even more because she will never be that little again! So, it only took me a year, but I won’t ever again be wishing Jade was older. Every moment and stage is precious, no matter how tired you are. So momma’s, live in the NOW with your kiddos. Remember and cherish these days now, even the hard ones; they will be gone before you know it, and another year will have come and gone.
Babies change. A lot. They grow and mature and develop their own little personalities. I remember being told in the beginning, “just when you think you’ve got it figured out; they’ll change it up.” And boy, that is so true. I’ve learned not to get TOO comfortable with things, because they don’t last. For example, I really don’t miss the phase Jade went through around 3-4 months when she decided she hated getting out of the bathtub. I’m pretty sure if people were over during bathtime, they would have thought my child was being tortured. She loved the bath part, but as soon as we took her out , dried her off, and got her dressed; she screamed bloody murder. We tried everything, but we never could figure out why she’d get so upset.Β I would literally dread bath night all day long, because I hated seeing my baby cry so hard. But, after about a month, she just stopped and was totally fine. It was just a phase! We have nap phases too, where she’ll nap great for a few weeks, and then decide she hates naps and hardly sleep. So, if you’re baby is struggling with something, just remember it’s a phase and won’t be that way forever!

3. I’m still “me,” but not the same “me.”
One thing I’ve definitely learned this past year is that while I’m still “me,” I’m not the same “me” that I was 1 year ago. My personality hasn’t changed at all but my attitude on life has. I’m not sure why, but I’m so much more confident in myself than I used to be. I don’t really care what people think of me if I run to the store in my sweats and no makeup. Guess what? That’s totally not my priority anymore! My life has changed having Jade in it, and I can no longer be selfish. I’m now a momma, and my number one priority is my daughter.
4. Parenting takes a lot of prayer and common sense.
Being a parent isn’t rocket science. You don’t have to go to school and get a degree in “parenting” (although maybe some should!). But it does take prayer. A LOT of prayer. I can’t tell you how many times this past year I’ve just broken down and lifted everything up in prayer. There are times as a parent that you feel completely helpless, and there’s nothing you can do BUT pray. Those are the hardest moments to go through, but God always comes through for us. God alwaysΒ has a reason and a purpose for everything, and that’s what helps get Β me through some days. Common sense is also needed; often. There are SO many how-to parenting books out there. I’ve read several of them myself, but in the end, only YOU really know your baby, and only YOU can decide what they need and what’s best for them. Sometimes we don’t need these books telling us how we should parent, because not only is every child different, but most of the time we just need to use our head. I’m not knocking how-to books, I’m just saying you are their parent; YOU know what they need. God gives us instincts for a reason! So, use your head, and pray. Often!
We all know that God loves us. We are told as babies and as we grow older. It’s pretty common knowledge, even if you’re not a believer. So, no, I haven’t just learned that God loves us. I’ve learned just how MUCH God loves us! I love David so incredibly much; but after having Jade, I never knew I could love someone THAT much. This little itty bitty person. When I look at her, all I can think of is how much I want to give her everything. I also think of how I will protect her with my life. There is nothing I won’t do for her, and no matter what she does or who she becomes later on in life, there is nothing she can do that will make me stop loving her. She has my unconditional love forever. THAT. THAT is how much God loves us!! How much He loves ME! He wants to protect us, and give us the desires of our hearts. He loves us unconditionally. Even though we sin, there is NOTHING we can do that will make Him love us any less. I truly never understood how deep His love is for us until Jade came into my life. It leaves me in awe of our God; and all that He is.
I’m so thankful for Jade, and that I get to be her momma. Everything she does brings me joy (okay, maybe not when she’s having a screaming fit!), and I love her with my whole heart. This year went by so fast and I imagine every year from here on out gets exponentially faster. I want to treasure every moment with her, and give her the life I know she deserves. Jade, I love you more than words can say. You are our world! Happy 1st birthday, my sweet baby girl!


I link up at these fun parties!
Oh my goodness! She is the absolute sweetest!!! EVERYTHING you’ve said here is completely resonating with me! They sure do change your life – things will never be the same as the once were, but you won’t wish them to be for a second!
Kristi recently posted…Fall Family Photos
Oh thank you Kristi, you’re so sweet!! And you’re so right, I wouldn’t wish to go back before her for ANYTHING! Kids are just the best. π Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts! Have a great week. π
She is such a doll!!! Great lessons learned friend!! Mine turned 4 in September and I’m still in awe of how much my love for her grows each year! That feeling never seizes to exist! And yes- prayer is the most important thing a parent can do for themselves and their children! Happy first birthday to your little darling!
Selene Galindo recently posted…DIY Market Scrap Wood Sign {And The Easy Method for Transferring Text to Wood!}
Thank you, Selene!! Aww, 4! I feel like Jade will be there before we know it! Prayer is SO powerful and totally help give me so much more peace of mind sometimes! π Hope your week is off to a great start, friend! π
Aww, this post is so sweet! I’m not a mama yet, but I’m excited for the day that I get to be one, and I’ll hold these lessons in my heart when the time comes! Happy birthday, Jade! π
Erica recently posted…Think and Make Thursday Party 5
Thank you Erica! π It’s such a special day that you’ll have in your heart forever! Excited for you to witness that one day, it’s just the best!! π Have a great week!
Agreed! Love this π Happy birthday little lady!
Emily @ Table + Hearth recently posted…First Week Favorites
Thank you, Emily!! π Hope you’re having a great day!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl, Amanda! Beautiful post! Such a good reminder to treasure each stage and phase!
Kendra @www.joyinourhome.com recently posted…One Room Challenge Fall 2014: Week 5 Counting Down!
Thank you, Kendra! Yes, each stage is such a treasure, even those hard ones! π I so appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts! Have a great rest of the week! π
She is gorgeous! You make me excited to be a mom!
Libby recently posted…Comment on Tried & True: My Current Faves by Kimberly
Aw, thank you Libby!! Being a mom is truly the BEST! Hope your week is going great! π
What a beautiful post. Happy Birthday to your perfect angel. My son will be turning one this month. As exciting as it is, I will always miss his baby-days.
Danielle recently posted…First Halloween
Thank you, Danielle! I totally hear you, I look back on picture from earlier this year and it makes me miss those baby days, too! They go by SO FAST! Happy birthday to your little one, too! Have a great rest of the week. π
How fabulous to have so many beautiful photos from your first year as a mom.
Jenny recently posted…5 tips and tricks for photographing dogs (and other pets)
Thank you, Jenny! I love and cherish them all! So thankful to have them. Hope you’re having a great week! π
I love all these photos! It is such a gift to be enjoying motherhood to the fullest.
Julia recently posted…When Staying Home Gets Hard: My Story
Thank you, Julia!! It is most definitely a gift, and the best gift of all! π Thanks so much for visiting!
What a doll baby! Love the things you’ve learned too… π Enjoy your evening, dear!
Danielle
Danielle recently posted…Blog Planner Series {{Blogging Contacts}}
Thank you so much, Danielle! She is so much fun, you just wait! π Motherhood is truly a blessing! Hope your Friday is fantastic π
Amanda I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! I so totally agree with EVERYTHING -it’s like I wrote it LOL. And I may or may not have shed a tear or two… I did that same thing, wanting him to grow faster so I can play with him and stuff but I do miss that precious newborn baby! We are approaching the year mark in two months from today. Thank you so much for writing this and reminding us how great it is to be a momma! Pinning and sharing with all my friends!
Shelly recently posted…On Display Thursday #19
Aww, thank you so much, friend!! It’s so hard watching them grow, but at the same time, so rewarding and amazing. I just wish it wouldn’t go so fast!! π I SO appreciate you sharing, you’re too sweet! Enjoy these next two months – it seems they change even FASTER as each month passes! Have a great weekend!
I’m not a momma but I think these are such sweet words of wisdom from a new mom! Jade is a lucky girl π Thanks so much for linking up at Talented Tuesday!
~Meaghan
Meaghan recently posted…Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Aw, thank you, Meaghan!! π Have a great night!
Such beautiful post about the first year of being a Mama. I have 2 boys, 5 and 2. I still can not “get too comfortable”, because it still changes. Thank you for linking up to On Display Thursday
Carmody recently posted…Easy DIY Beaded Christmas Tree
Thank you, Carmody! Good to know the “always changing” never changes! π Thanks for stopping by!
Hey girl, hope you are having a great week! I am just dropping by to let you know I will be featuring your beautiful article at our link party tonight! Hip hip hooray! Thanks again for sharing it! I really enjoyed reading your birth story. It was like, the exact opposite of mine -LOL. Oh well, hopefully next time will be better!
Shelly recently posted…Autumnal Beauty Free Printables {In 7 Colors}
Oh thank you SO much, Shelly!! You’re so sweet!! Oh no! I’m afraid since Jade came so easily the next will be the opposite! Haha! I guess we’ll see! π Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
Such a precious post, and beautiful photos! You have such a lovely little girl. Thanks for sharing her with us, and for linking up to the Weekend Wind-Down party!
Nicole =)
Nicole recently posted…Hello Monday, Hello Half-Way Through November!
Aw, thank you so much for your sweet comments!! She is sure a doll. π Have a great weekend!