A Year's Passing

 

Happy Birthday Laney Bug!

My sweet girl,

The past year of my life has been nothing less than amazing all because of you. You have brought so much happiness and joy to our family. Your sweet smile lights up the room and your sassy attitude keeps us all on our toes.
When I found out I was pregnant with you we were a little suprised. We had decided that we wanted to have another baby just the month prior. We were so happy you came to us so quickly! My pregnancy with you was wonderful. You and I had a special bond from day one. I found myself having silent conversations with you while you were in my belly.
While I was pregnant with you I imagined what you would be like. As with your brother, I pictured blonde hair and blue eyes, fair skin and freckles. I hoped you would look like me. I imagined you would be so sweet and bright and loving. I knew no matter what you looked like, you'd be perfect. And you are.
Your silky, strawberry hair glows in the sunlight. It came from your great grandmother and uncle on daddy's side. Your blue eyes are deep and beautiful. They are your father's. You also have his long face and pouty, pink lips. When you grin you remind me of myself. Your facial expressions are all mine. Your ability to wrap a person around your finger with your love and tenderness and then knock them backward with your sass...well, that comes from your mama too. You remind me of sunshine. I've never seen a more beautiful little girl.
Thank you for coming into our lives. You've showed us so much in just a short year. I hope you always know how much your mama, daddy, and brother love you.

And I Miss My Tennessee Home

Ever feel like certain songs are written just for you or that you could create a playlist that would go along perfectly with where you are in life? I definitely do. There is a song out right now by Brad Paisley called "Southern Comfort Zone." The song is about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring the world in order to allow yourself to grow. Leaving home makes you appreciate different ideas, cultures, and people. It also makes you appreciate home.
Believe me, "I miss my Tennessee home." But moving to Minnesota is one of the best things Jon and I have ever done together. We appreciate eachother more than ever and we've figured out what the important things in life are. We learned that anywhere we go, we are always at home if our family is together. Yes, we miss the sweet south and we are ready to go back and be able to order sweet tea at restaraunts but I admit I will be a little sad to leave. We have had a great time up here. It's been simple and it's been boring and our life has slowed down tremendously. We never dreamed we'd be so happy off all to ourselves. Moving away has pushed me to get out more with the kids and I've become more independent. Jon hasn't had to work those long and late hours that we were so accustomed to and we've gotten to spend more quality time together as a family. With all this time on our hands we've fallen in love all over again. It kind of feels like our first year of marriage but with kids this time.
If anyone were to ask my advice on whether or not they should leave everything they've ever known behind and search out something different, I'd say to do it. But I'd also tell them to remember their roots and appreciate that the place they are leaving made them who they are today.
Tonight we find out what part of Tennessee we are moving back to. I'm nervous and excited and ready for yet another phase of life to begin. A part of me will miss Minnesota though. I've made some good friends here and I hate to tell them, "goodbye." Plus, although I definitely prefer busicuits and gravy, cheese curds are pretty good. Wouldn't have had those if it weren't for the "biggest free fair in Minnesota!" But I'm really looking forward to being able to buy Martha White flour again!