ONE YEAR OLD!

I CANNOT BELIEVE RYLEE IS 1!

O.M.G.

I mean really? 

How did this happen?

When did she get so big?

I really feel like I was just in the hospital with a broken vagina. 

 Yes..that's my phone! I didn't have it too much longer after this. :)

After about 1 hour of pushing (which felt like 10 minutes-literally)
out came a beautiful, screaming 7lb 7 oz baby girl.

 I feel like I just laid eyes on this precious baby girl.

 I feel like I just popped her out and was walking to the nursery- 

then I gave up because my crotch hurt and it was taking me forever.

I cannot even being to express how overwhelming this whole process was. It was, by far, the most incredible experience of my life. I looked at Jeremy in a way I've never thought possible. Seeing him fall in love with Rylee was awesome.

I'm so blessed to be her mama & so thankful I have her in my life. Sure, we have had bumps in the road the past 365 days or 525,600 minutes, but I wouldn't give it up for anything.

We're pretty convinced her lucky number is 7.
She was born on 10/07/10 and weighed 7 lbs 7 oz.

This year has had a lot of highs and lows-
from seeing all of her firsts to breaking down because I just needed sleep.
This girl was a night owl for the first few months!

 First time meeting her cousin- Ethan.

 Her 1st doctors appointment- 4 days old.

 Her first wedding- 10 days old.

 Her first Halloween

 Her first real bath.

Her first Thanksgiving.

Her first Christmas.

I couldn't have done it without Jeremy. He's our rock. He is so calming & patient with her it's incredible. I love him more than that I ever thought possible. He didn't argue with me when I wanted to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months (although there were plenty of times he wanted to give her food.) He stuck by my side. When I didn't agree with something- neither did he. We both agreed to not get her ears pierced- to let her make that decision. He loves that I breastfeed and at times when I felt like giving up- he encouraged me to go on. He woke up at every feeding for the first month & helped me.  He was up at every feeding at the hospital sitting on my bed and talking, helping her latch on.
He is the greatest man I could have ever picked for my daughter.

I knew I wanted to go all natural. I read about it & it was stuck in my mind. I wanted to feel what a body should feel. When I knew I was getting induced I was upset- so many people told me I couldn't do it without an epidural since pitocin makes everything so much stronger. I knew I could do it. Although- I did break down & ask for an epidural, but it was too late. I knew, right then, that my body was capable of doing something so amazing. I am SO happy that it was too late & I was able to experience it. I know not every labor is the same, but I am planning on having #2 all natural as well. It's amazing. absolutely. amazing.

I knew breastfeeding was it for us. I didn't want to spend tons of money on formula & I wanted the best for my babe. I will admit that it has been a long, tough, hard road- especially the first month, but I tell everyone "if you can get through the 1st month you're good to go!" I never had the bleeding nipples, but they sure were sore..so, so, so sore. My pump was my breast friend. :P So, now, we are at 1 year and we are still breastfeeding. I plan on doing it for a while longer. We are going to start weaning her soon, but I'm not rushing anything. She loves mamas milk & that's how it will stay for a while.

She has gave us so much joy. Being a parent is the most rewarding job I will ever have in my life. I'm so excited to see what this next year brings because it's only getting better & better.

To this day she still sleeps with her mouth open. :)

She has grown into a beautiful little 1 year old & I just can't believe it. I never take 1 minute for granted because I know just how short life can be.

I love hearing her giggle. I love watching her & Diesel play- he's going to be her best friend! I love that she depends on me to take care of her & provide for her until she needs it. I love watching her play with other babies. I seriously can't get enough of her. She is the sweetest, most adorable, loving baby girl I've ever laid my eyes on.

And a little sneak peak at our 1 year session!