One Year Later

It has officially been one year since Coraline Rose was born.  I almost can't believe it.  It feels like the year flew by.  She has truly grown so much.  I know she is still very much a baby, but I feel like she has gotten so big compared to that newborn who was placed on my chest a year ago today.

Every day, I am in awe of the magnificent blessing that has been given to me and Brian.  I marvel at how strong her personality is.  Cora is very determined and independent (except for when she just wants to cuddle).  She is very vocal about her wants, needs, likes, and dislikes.  She will wiggle, squirm, and climb to reach something she wants.  She will pinch her lips shut and stare me down in a battle of the wills when I try to feed her a food she doesn't like (unless I hide it under another "yummy" food, in which case she will gobble it down).  She walks and crawls where she wants to go, and sometimes it is very hard to convince her to change direction.

Cora is delighting in discovering the world around her.  She loves to explore and is always curious about what I am doing.  Sometimes, it can be a bit dangerous (trying to check out the inside of the oven or stick a finger in an electrical socket), but usually it is a wonderful thing to watch.  Sure, I have to slow down in my tasks, but seeing them through her eyes makes them far less tedious.  I love watching her "read" to herself, even though she can't talk just yet.  She loves to point at pictures and babble, flipping pages back and forth.

Sometimes she is clingy and cuddly.  These times are getting fewer and further between, so I try to cherish them.  I love when she sits in my lap, or wants to be carried, or wants to nurse quietly.  I know that all too soon the day will come when she doesn't want to do any of those things with me.

Sure, there are days when she is a bit "moody" and can't decide if she wants to be up or down, but those days are few and far between.  I am so very happy being a mother, and I love watching Brian be a wonderful father.  It has truly been the most wonderful year of our lives, and I look forward to watching Cora grow and blossom in the year to come.