She Made Me Leap

Here are some pictures from Miss Lou's "one year photo shoot".
I really can't believe she is one year old.

That was the toughest year of my life so far.

Looking back I can see how much I needed this challenge. I needed the extra push to prioritize because I wasn't going to do it on my own. I have simplified my life, my relationships and my obligations. I have three kids. My hands are full. My time is precious. My free time is precious. I have to be more selective on what I commit to and whom I spend my time with. She pushed me to give up that last bit of selfishness I was holding on to. Any complaining I used to do is gone (ok, let's pretend). Any "need" of a break is gone (sometimes). I have come full circle into being a mother. Obviously I still have a lot of growth and changing to do, and a lot of improving to do, but having this third child has definitely pushed me leaps and bounds towards where I want to be. And needed to be. I didn't know before what I could become until she came.