How you have changed me...

Laughter, smiles, tears, joyful squeals, the sweetest looks, more laughter, all round awe as I see her learn, cuddly hugs; these are all things that I am fortunate to experience as I am at home with my love, Lyla.

I can hardly believe that Lyla will be 8 months old on Sunday. As my sister said, "she is almost as old as you waited for her to come". How interesting how time seems to travel so differently. When I was pregnant, time dragged along. I was sick for what felt like an eternity. Then once Lyla was born, time has fast forwarded.

Today as we played together, I couldn't help but realize that time is indeed slipping away far too fast. I know it sounds cliche but as Kenny Chesney says, "Don't Blink" as your baby will be all grown up before you know it. I told Lyla that we will cherish each moment together. Forget the dishes, as I often do now, lets get on the floor and learn something new. I told her to grasp her future. She can do whatever she desires, the world is waiting for her.

I am lucky to be home with her 5 days a week. I am enjoying this more than anything I have ever done in my life. Being a mom is like nothing else, and this is my focus in life. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my career as a nurse, but this is secondary to my role as a mother. I often tell people that I am a full time mom and a part time nurse. My focus is Lyla and I want to provide the right guidance to allow Lyla to excel in all that she wants to partake in.

This makes me wonder, when did this motherly aspiration occur. Is it with the birth of your child? As you get to know your child? Do you grow into "motherhood" or is it innate and starts to thrive with the first cry of your child? All I hope is that I can keep as many of these special days with Lyla in my memory, for when I am old and gray I can remember her 2 tooth smile and feel the kicking of her legs against my legs when she gets excited. These are the things that make memories so special.