I cannot believe how quickly the days have gone by or why time seems to move so fast since I’ve become a mom. It feels as though just yesterday our sweet little Mila was coming home for the very first time… how on earth is it that we now have a 13 month old? As I adore every moment, I do wish things would slow down… just a little!
My precious baby who was once only a 6 ½ lb peanut… has transformed into an energetic, on the move, silly, smart, stubborn, independent and full of life… TODDLER. Things have been much different since she became mobile, but seeing her explore and discover the world is such an indescribable feeling, and by far one of the most rewarding parts of being her mommy.
As I reminisce over this past year, I cannot help but become emotional. I often find myself looking through old pictures and thinking of all the special moments we’ve shared in such a short period of time. I know that being a mom is, and will continue to be a learning curve that won’t always be easy, but I am ready and cannot wait to see what our future holds together!
With time passing so quickly, I try my best to keep all of her memories as organized as possible. My parents have hundreds of photo albums and home videos from our childhood, and when Mila was born, I promised myself that I would do the same. I hope that this way, it’s easy for her to go back and relive everything!
How we try to keep organized-
Pictures: I’m pretty sure that all of us mamas have about 100,000 pictures saved since our little ones have arrived, so to make things a little less chaotic, I’ve created an album of just my favorites. I’ve also included any pictures with family and friends throughout her first year. I’m currently in the process of printing these photos and will put them into an album that will then be stored in her memory box.
Videos: As a way of creating memories without an actual camera, I put together what we call, “Month by Month Videos.” Since Mila was born, every so often I create about a 3 minute movie, using a bunch of short clips that I’ve taken throughout the last couple of weeks. For example; I have a newborn to 4 month video, a 4 to 6 month video, a 6 to 9 month video and finally, a 9 to 12 month video. I really love these as you are able to watch their growth and personality develop right before your eyes.
Books: We were gifted with a, “Babies First Year Memory Book,” before Mila was born, and I cannot believe I just finished the last page! It’s been such an amazing way to keep track of her milestones. I also have a journal that I write in when new or exciting things happen. It kind of works like a calendar; I have many dates written down, each followed by a little note of whatever may have taken place that day. I tend to keep it all on my phone and every couple of months, transfer it over onto there. It’s just another fun way to remember things, as well as give her a little insight as to what mommy and daddy were experiencing when she was itty bitty.
I am so thankful to have this little light of sunshine in my life and I look forward to watching her one day grow into a strong woman, but for now… I’ll enjoy all of the cuddles, playtime and silly moments we share together.
Toddler Updates!
- Loves, loves, loves to dance! (I really hope she takes after daddy in this department because her mommy has no rhythm!)
- Babies, babies and more babies! Mila has at least one doll snuggled next to her at all times!
- We are learning sign language! It’s been a really great way to help us communicate and understand what her needs are.
- We are still breastfeeding, although have narrowed it down to pretty much morning and nighttime only.
- She could read all day long! Sitting on mommy’s lap and flipping through the pages is her absolute favorite.
- Running, and boy is she fast!
- 2 naps a day and sleeps well at night! (FINALLY!!!)
- After being very attached to mommy for the last few months, she has started to open up a little and feels much more comfortable with others!
- She copies just about everything!
Anyone know how we can slow down time? It’s going way too fast!
Sweet Little Kisses 