Spooky One

Amara is turning one on Thursday! We celebrated her big day with family and friends with a party at our house. I decorated with “spooky” decor and planned a table full of snacks. I love planning a party with good food. We had a really nice turn out with friends and some family that made the special trip. It made me grateful for the wonderful little community we’ve made here.

It’s hard moving away from family and friends, which I’ve mentioned in previous posts. And it can be hard to make friends as an adult. Friendships take time and effort to cultivate. But it’s moments like these when I get to take a step back and see all of the friends we’ve made, gathered around to support us and our little family — especially our baby girl.

I can’t believe it’s been an entire year since I had her. A lot has happened since then, and she’s gotten so big. But it also feels like it was just yesterday when she was that sweet, little newborn sleeping on my chest. Now it feels like I have a little toddler sleeping next to me. Soon enough she is going to be running around with all the bigger kids. She has officially started walking too!

Turning one is a big milestone. In many cultures, it’s a momentous occasion with a big celebration. Once upon a time, it wasn’t uncommon for babies not to survive until their first birthday. I am grateful we have all the modern science and medicine today to keep our babies alive and healthy, and I pray for her continued health. My birthday wish for Amara is to have many, many more happy birthdays surrounded by loved ones!