Letting Go In A Whole New Way

Folks, take a look at that picture (above).  When Harlan compared it to Harper's 9 month picture, I didn't know what to do.  Actually, I'll tell you what I did - I had a good cry.  Harper Grayce is becoming less and less a baby and more and more a little girl every day.  

In a few short weeks, she'll be a year old.  Moving in to toddler-land.  Yikes.  We're having tons of fun and staying oh-so-busy every single day.  See for yourself:

She's on the move and getting closer and closer to walking.  Here she is looking out the window with her big sister Lucy.  

It's rare to see Harper without "pink friend," as we lovingly call the dog toy she's head-over-heels about.  She loves that thing!  I ran it through the washing machine several times since it's been a literal dog toy for the past few years.  Poor Lucy dog, Harper has stolen your toy.  Thanks for sharing...

Harper outgrew her bathing suit before the end of pool season, so we tried on the bikini "Auntie" Aynne got for her before she was born.  Adorable. 

Little Girl growing up so fast.  Absolutely gorgeous, if you don't mind me saying so...

Her hair's growing, too!  It's really hard to style! So many curls!

Who knew it would be so emotional watching your child grow up so fast .  I have tried to soak up every moment of her first year, but time just won't stand still for me.  Just the other day, as I was reading one of her favorite books for the millionth time, I realized she had placed one of her chubby hands on top of mine.  Precious little moments...

I'm learning more and more that much of parenthood is letting go.  Letting go of hands so they can walk on their own, ride off on that bike, walk into kindergarten on the first day of school.  God, take hold of this momma's emotions, or I'm going to be a wreck for this child's entire life.  So bittersweet, watching them grow...

Bigger, less emotional posts coming soon.  Bear with me!