It can’t be true! Are you kidding me? 11 months! I seriously don’t believe it. My first year as a mommy is almost behind me. Today marks the 11th month in this profession and over this past year, I have often heard people say, “The days are long but the years fly by;” which could not be closer to the truth. When I am going through the day to day struggles of balancing the role of mommy, wife, professional, friend, and daughter; some things slip by the wayside. Either the dishes don’t get done, dinner isn’t made, prescheduled plans are canceled, a call isn’t returned, a text isn’t replied to, one on one time isn’t set aside with David, or that creative DIY craft isn’t started with Giuliana. I have a great support system but at times I still find myself saying, “I need more help!” However, sitting here reflecting on the last 11 months, those thoughts I clutter my mind with at the end of the day when my head hits the pillow, aren’t exactly what fills my mind at this moment. Nope. If you asked me at this very instant, what my thoughts are of this last year, I’d smile and say…It’s been a ton of work but it has been the very best yet!

I mean, c’mon I’m a mom to the most precious human being who ever lived, a wife to a supportive husband who can work my nerves–but loves me dearly, an independent contractor working for an agency owned by a friend who has the biggest heart ever, live in sunny California, and truly have all that I need. My focus on life and the future couldn’t be brighter. My family is healthy, I’m healthy, and the sky is the limit of what is to come.

Giuliana has brought so much joy to my heart. It’s truly incredible how she could be fussy, crying, making it hard for me to get anything done–and then smile, giggle, and scrunch her little nose, and to my surprise make any frustration I may have had, disappear. She’s truly magical in that way. I would assume any mother would agree. The work and challenges we are faced with as mommy’s, is for a lack of better words–a constant struggle. The exhaustion that comes with the job is unlike anything else I have ever experienced. And the fact mom’s wake up every morning with the same strength and energy to do it all over again is beyond words.

My Juju Bee has hit so many milestones this last year, from rolling over, to crawling, pulling herself up on furniture, getting her first two teeth, getting through being sick 3x, starting solid foods, learning new words and sign language–it’s pretty incredible if you really think about it. How much a human being learns and develops so quickly. I often whisper to her, “You have no idea how lucky you are to have the parents God chose for you.” We are both so committed to spending time with her, creating memories, catching ourselves if we have the urge to bicker or complain (not in front of the baby, we say), being the best we can be for the family as a whole. I have no idea when she will realize the compromises or sacrifices made on our behalf; and to be honest, I’m not sure I care all that much if she does. I just want to be a great role model for her. Someone she can look at and say, that is the kind of mom, wife, daughter I want to be for the people in her own life someday.

Wrapping up this year is bitter sweet. I can 100% say that I have soaked up every moment. Playing it all back in my mind, I gave her all of me. I put her needs first and created the most beautiful moments with her and David. Next month we celebrate her, our baby, the light of so many people’s lives. As for now, I’ll sneak a thousand more kisses and hugs, cuddle her as much as possible, adore my sweet baby before she becomes a toddler, and never stop thanking God for choosing me as her mommy.