::savoring the now::

Lilah Grace has helped me, more than any other book, sermon, podcast, or TED talk...to stay in the moment. Every SINGLE night, I realize that this is one less night I have to rock and nurse her to sleep, because she will inevitably grow up. The past and future become meaningless as I hold her and smell her, savoring the now.

Since Lilah has come along...

...I have been late to most occasions (other than work). ..

...I have had slower paced mornings...

...I enjoy the ride, rather than text in the car while driving (full disclosure, when she's not in the car, I still slip sometimes...)...

...I go on more walks...

...I notice things I haven't noticed before (because she does, and I follow her eyes)...

...I feel more connected to other moms (including animals...a return to vegetarianism MIGHT be in my future, but that thick cut bacon is just SO tasty...)...

...In short, I'm completely enamored. Mesmerized. Proud. Filled to the brim with love. Just overflowing with love, and that's why I'm gushing... 

In the past 3 months, I've learned that motherhood is about SO MUCH MORE than the birth story. I feel like I am responding to a calling I've had since I was a little girl. I feel more fulfilled in daily life than I ever have before. I've become MORE patient, MORE loving, MORE happy. MORE grateful, MORE considerate, and MORE laid back. I feel in such a flow with life. Without a doubt, this babe has been my biggest blessing, ever. I can't imagine a life more sweet. 

I have her to thank for these life lessons, and my husband to thank for helping me with this gorgeous creation...in the words of his little brother, "it takes two to make a baby, and two to raise one." I'm very thankful to my husband for his love and support in this journey. He still makes my heart flutter, and still talks to me like the 17 year old girl he courted. 

 I also am so grateful to my "village," because YES, IT TAKES A VILLAGE. And my TRIBE undoubtedly made my transition to motherhood as smooth as possible. My mommy, daddy, and sissy. I'll forever remember the summer of 2013, when we were all under the same roof again. When Lilah Grace came to this planet, and Aunt Roo got engaged! With nights at the community pool, and binges on United States of Tara and Orange is the New Black. 

We will be moving into our new home (YAY!) this week, and I am just so excited to start this NEXT new chapter! But I KNOW I couldn't do it without the help I've had up to this point. And honestly, moving back home was one of the BEST things we've ever done. I've had an amazing summer.

I'll be posting pictures of our many new projects up on the blog! And some fun DIY projects as I get around to them! I'm excited to make this house a home.

xoxo,

L