One.

Exactly one year ago today, I was anxiously awaiting the greatest gift I could have ever received. My little Tucker.

Over the last year, I have learned SO many things. About life, being a mother, being wife, and just myself. Some are deep and meaningful while some are just humorous.


1. The days are long, but the years are short - I think I read this on an ad for the hospital and I think my sister-in-law was the one who actually quoted it. I whole heartedly believe it. Those long, long days of getting up every 2-3 hours, changing his diaper what seemed like every 5 minutes, and the mountains of laundry seem like they were only yesterday. When you're in the heat of newborn and baby life, it seems like the day just won't end. Then you wake up 12 months later and he's sleeping 11ish hours (yes we are back to normal sleeping, thank you Jesus) and there are 3 totes of clothes that are too small next to his dresser.

2. Mama eats last - This is especially true if you've got a bottomless pit for a child like I do. But, even in those early baby days, baby eats first. And you WILL share.

3. 5 a.m. isn't terrible - Getting up between 5:00 and 5:30 is normal now. I like getting up and getting myself mostly ready, if not all the way, before Tucker gets up. I spend 8+ hours away from him each day. That hour or two in the morning each day has become so special. Though it is almost as equally special if he sleeps until 7, which he did today. Plus, he is such a happy boy in the morning and is so sweet. It's worth making 2 cups of coffee for.

4. You're gonna miss this - One night as I was struggling to get Tucker to sleep, I turned Pandora on so I could play the lullaby station. The country station automatically played and it was like it knew I needed to hear Trace Adkins "You're Gonna Miss This" at that very moment. Because I did. Tuck finally went to sleep, and I rocked him a little longer than usual. I hear/read about how mom's don't like that their child has to be rocked to sleep, or they have to take naps with them. You know what? I love it. I don't want to look back when he's older and wish I had rocked or snuggled him more.

5. I can survive on little sleep - 4 hours of sleep is doable. Though it's not recommended, it is possible to function on that little amount of sleep. Because when you have a baby, you really have no choice but to survive.

Happy 1st birthday, Tucker Paul!