Once Upon a Time When Helene Was Still a Baby

1 week old

I'm accepting the truth: I can't keep Helene as a baby anymore. 

This is a big transition mentally on me. Suddenly this helpless little creature, who at one point depended on me completely, is now able to go where she wants (UP and DOWN stairs, racing from room to room), eat what she wants (cheerios, cheese, & peas), and even entertain herself (SHOES. Preferably mom's heels. And BOOKS! She could read all day). Suddenly I'm wondering where my baby went?

Since I missed blogging when she was little, this is dedicated to littler Helene.  

Once upon a time
When Helene was still a baby...

She had SPIKY black hair with dark blue eyes (now they are clearly brown). And for a few days, she was VERY sleepy. HA that didn't last long either!

And her hands were SO tiny! Only her grandma could get that binky in.

We had a lot of all-night "parties" of snuggling and watching movies as I rocked her to sleep. 

I spent countless hours staring into her face, wondering what great things she would do someday. Of course, a soccer career is a given, after all that practice in my belly.

For the first few months of life, I was struck in amazement that God entrusted me to such a sweet child of His. It's intimidating! And there is NO handbook! 

But what we lack in skills as mothers, we make up the difference with love. 

12 months old - Look how BIG she has gotten!


And what better way to show your children your love for them, than dedicating your time to them. That time is something you can never get back.

So welcome Miss Independent! I will try to keep up!

WELCOME TO THE FAM

I've always dreamt of being a mom. Since as early as I can remember, I had a collection of dolls or pets I was always "mothering." Even in high school when we wrote out our dreams for the future, motherhood was a big, exciting part of mine. (Of course, after I found the most amazing guy on the planet to marry me. Check mark.) 

I want to dedicate my little spot on the web to motherhood. We moms have a lot on our plate (and a lot to make every day for everyone else's plate). Sometimes we may feel like chickens running around with our heads cut off. Or, as my husband says, like a one-legged waitress working at IHOP. You get the point. This dynamic life is what I would like to call the Motherhood Mambo. It isn't always easy to be a mom, but if one puts all her effort into it, it can give the greatest joy this life has to offer. 

So let's start introductions!

HI, I'M HELENE!

(heh-LEEN) AKA: Little Queen

Note: She is 8 months here - but today she is now 16 months! Time is flying.
This is the face I have had the privilege of waking up to and putting to bed for the past 15 months. I am absolutely crazy about her. Now do you understand why she has us mamboing circles around her like royalty? She has given me purpose and happiness beyond measure. No other job on earth can come close to the importance of being a good parent.

See that hunk holding my girl?
WHY HELLO, RUSS!

AKA: DA-DA

I can't tell you enough of how thankful I am for this man. He sacrifices and works hard so that I can spend my days at home taking care and loving my girl. Not only is he busting his hiney at work for Rio Tinto, but he is also studying his brains out to get his Master's in Mining Engineering. Superman, right?








Most married couples "now-a-days" wait until they are finished with school and established with a nice little money cushion before they start having children. But let me tell you, this short time of scrimping and saving has brought us closer as a family as we are less focused on "things" and more focused on each other. 

I wouldn't trade all the money in the world for my sweet angel. Worth every sacrifice. So welcome to our family & make yourself at home!