The Last Five Years

The last five years of my life I have been on an amazing adventure. An adventure that I knew nothing about. There was no map. No directions. No web article telling me the 230 things that will guide me in the right path. There was no manual on how to survive. However, there was the sweet reality that I was absolutely clueless. There was the 100% guarantee that I will make many mistakes. There were the tears that fell from my eyes thinking I was lost and would never make it.

Five years ago I became a mother. Wow! I am a mom. Still to this day I sometimes cannot believe I get the privilege of calling myself that. There is something completely unbelievable about the transformation that begins once this happens. My life completely changed. The last five years has been a beautiful journey. Learning and growing at the same rate as this little baby before me. Making sure her needs were meet with quickness and happiness. Time rapidly escaped as she continued to age and create new memories.

This past week, my daughter Annaliese turned five. I am quickly leaving the baby and toddler stages behind. It saddens me to see her grow so rapidly. I often try to remind myself to “live in the moment” because she will not be this young forever.

Annaliese’s wit and humor brings me such joy. She is so quick to respond and can make you laugh in an instant. Her determination is commendable. She never gives up. Her stubbornness is well…. something that drives me bonkers but I know is something that aids in her independence.  I am in awe of her beauty. I am in awe of her love that she so graciously gives. She is the spitting image of myself. The good and the bad. The sarcasm. The attitude. The brains. The beauty (right???) haha I have so much to be proud of in this five year old.

She is no longer my baby. As much as a long to hold her in my arms and see a newborn, I look forward to this new chapter in my life. Mom to a five year old.