One

I know I'm a little bit late, but as Aria's birthday came and went, my mind was on how it had been an entire year of baby, and how I can't imagine life any differently now.

I think I can count on one hand the number of days since she was born that I haven't changed a diaper. (Thank you Disneyland vacation)

An entire year has gone by where I have had no idea how many hours I'd be sleeping each night..

I adjusted to being a stay-at-home mom- it was HARD for me.  Still is, sometimes.  But when I am playing with my daughter on the floor, laughing together, I say a prayer of thanks that I am able to stay home with her.

I learned what, and who, is really important in my life.

I went through the devastation so many moms feel when they realize that for whatever reason, they have to stop breastfeeding.  I felt like I failed my baby, but deep down I know it was best for her.

I watched and felt my body recover from the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth.  The fact that we are capable of it, and then can bounce back from it, is incredible.

I struggled with my self-image... I think most new moms do... or maybe it's just me?  Ha.  It's crazy that you can get back down to pre-pregnancy weight, but your body is just so DIFFERENT.  Clothes don't fit the way they used to, and you just have to learn to accept those stretchmarks.  They fade over time, but they will always be there.

I learned that life is, indeed, all about the little things.  The first smile, after those exhausting first weeks, that make it all worth it.  The first laugh, the first step... all tiny moments that make you feel so proud.

I've experienced a change in my marriage, in a good way.  I'd be lying if I said having a baby doesn't make marriage more difficult, but it also makes it more sweet, more rewarding.  Watching my husband become a daddy for the first time was a beautiful moment for me, and I thank my Heavenly Father often that I married a man that loves kids so much, especially our daughter.

It's been a year of putting someone else's needs before my own, and it's been hard, but wonderful.

I've learned more patience, felt more love, and experienced more joy than any other year in my life.  Parenthood is truly the crowning joy of life, and I can't wait for the years to come.