“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ” ~Marion C. Garretty

Meet multi-talented and multifaceted mama Jennifer Pinkerton.  She is a mom to three darling little girls, runs a photography business, a fab etsy shop + is a part of one of my fave photography sites, The Maternal Lens.  Whew!  Do you feel tired for her yet? Read on to find out more about this amazing mama, like the fact that she might add roller derby star to her repertoire very soon!

{photo courtesy Jennifer Pinkerton}

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

A couple of Christmases ago, I made some camera strap covers for friends, thinking they were a great idea for any photog, and word about them spread like wildfire!  I opened up my etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka) simply to help me stay organized with all the requests I get.  I am pretty casual about it, just as I am with my photography business, working at it when inspiration strikes.  I do it all because I love it!  I love to sew and take pictures for folks.  Plain and simple.

{How adorable is this little camera?!  Jen made it! I also have the most adorable camera bag that she made–can’t wait to have time to photograph it one of these days!!}

How did you choose your business name?

The Pink Pooka is obviously inspired in part by my last name (Pinkerton) and of course, every girl’s love of pink.  The pooka part is from a play I did in high school, called “Harvey,” about a man with an imaginary friend who is a 6ft rabbit.  It’s just a fun word with a quirky meaning… from old Celtic mythology, a fairy spirit in animal form, always very large.  Appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one.  A benign but mischievous creature.

With my photography, I’ve chosen just to stick with my name to keep it easy!  I’m all about easy.

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I am first to admit that maybe I’m not the most business minded person.  I think the best things about my businesses are that I keep things quirky and eclectic.  My work is a pretty accurate representation of me and you never really know when I’ll pop up with something different.  I thrive on the unpredictability of my inspiration.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have a house full of girls.  A five year old and three year old twins!

{Ummm…how gorgeous are these four?!  LOVE the setting, too!!  Photo courtesy Jennifer Pinkerton}

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

I try to get the kids involved in my work, so they feel like they are a part of it.  They love to pick out fabrics for my sewing projects and of course, they are my little models for everything.  We are together all the time, so when I’m not working, we try to get out and explore new places.  I really focus on doing things with the kids that will make for great memories.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

Staying focused!  As any stay-at-home mom knows, you are constantly pulled in different directions, and when you are trying to work on top of that, it’s extremely difficult to find large chunks of time where you can focus and accomplish a task.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

Yes, I do!  I sell on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka

My photography blog is http://jenpinkertonphotography.blogspot.com/

I keep my crafty+family blog (which everyone is welcome to follow!) at http://pinkertonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

And of course, The Maternal Lens

http://www.thematernallens.blogspot.com/

{Love, love, love Jen’s camera strap covers!  I just adore this fabric, don’t you?}

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I’d definitely go somewhere new and different!  One place I *really* want to visit is a tropical island where they have little huts over the ocean.  I think Fiji would work.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

That’s tough because I tell everyone everything!  I think a lot of folks might be surprised to learn that I can be very systematic and disciplined, almost OCD, at times, which is very contrary to the laid back, chronic procrastinator that you usually get to see. You might also be surprised to learn that my newest ambition is to become a roller derby girl.  Those girls are hardcore cool and I must become one!

Jen, thank you SO very much–you are truly a rockin’ mama!!  Camera strap covers, beautiful photographs, fabulous blogs…is there anything you don’t do?!    Oh, and I have ALWAYS wanted to go somewhere tropical where they have those over-the-water huts, too!!  Meet you there!!

xoxo,

laura

Meet {rockin’ mama} Katie Hughes + her beautiful family.  Her fabulosity goes way beyond running her company, Vintage Rose Wraps. 

{Photo courtesy Phileo Photography}

When her friend Sharla contacted me to let me know about Katie and to recommend her for a {rockin’ mama} feature, I was instantly intrigued.  Her wraps are fun, colorful and so unique.

Don’t you agree?

{model photos © Little Wunders Photography}

When I visited the Vintage Rose Wraps website, what instantly stood out to me was the range of choices!  They are vintage with a bit of funky thrown in.  So lovely!  On a side note, East Valley locals, you can get your Vintage Rose Wrap fix at two local shops, It’s a Girl Thing Boutique and Designer Boulevard. 

{Photo © Phileo Photography}

Scroll down to read all about Katie, her companies (Yep!  She has TWO!) and what’s so special about her toes. 

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

I have always had the entrepreneurial bug!  As a child growing up, we had a family cottage industry and I learned to love the idea of using personal resources to create something you are proud of.  When I was newly married, I decided to start a little handwriting business that would grow to be a favorite little business venture of mine.  It combined two loves.  Artichokes and Ink. {www.artichokeink.com} and it still continues to be a fun little avenue to share some creativity and talent with brides, charitable organizations and companies from all over the world.

But because I already had a business in the works, I didn’t set out to make a business of Vintage Rose Wraps.  Actually—I happened upon it.  My sister had given me some headbands—I liked the concept and so did my friends.  We set out to make some of our own.  And from that—really things just sort of rolled from there.  I made a few and gave them as gifts, and it wasn’t too long before others wanted me to make them for themselves.  The rest has just sort of fallen into place.

With headbands all the rage these days, it makes sense to include these as a part one’s wardrobe because they are so easy and effortless—and they don’t hurt like a lot of the headbands out there do.  They’re just enough to make you feel young and hip—without going too far out on the “style” limb.

How did you choose your business name?

Honestly, it just popped into my mind one day—and after thinking about it, I just knew it was perfect.

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I think one thing that makes these headbands so fun is that they appeal to women, teens, and children.  With all the style pulls out there—I think everyone is looking for something that makes them feel good on the inside and out.  My favorite thing that people tell me is how they feel when they wear them.  And that makes selling them “fab” and “awesome”.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have 4 AWESOME kids:  3 girls and 1 boy, ranging in ages from 10 to 21 months.

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

In all honesty, keeping everything together at home while having a business has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  There is a balance that I strive to attain—and sometimes life is a little out of balance with home and family while I’m focusing on certain parts of the business.  I try and make up for it while giving full focus and quality time with my kids when I am able.  I try and be present in their lives—when they come home from school or during family meal times.  I try and seek opportunities for teaching them things I want them to know—in the car driving carpools or at bedtime.  And we set aside time every week to work together and play together as a family.

But really the unsung hero in all of this is my loving and patient husband who is so supportive and picks up where I am lacking.  He is an incredible man and has a keen ability to sense when I need some extra support.  He’s often told me how much satisfaction he finds in me using my talents—so I think that is why he is so willing to love and support me with our children when I am lacking.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

TIME.  Finding time that doesn’t take away from the quality time I mentioned.  I try and wake up early, work during naptime, or after the kids go to bed.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

YES!  I am very excited about my new website that opened a couple of weeks ago!

www.vintagerosewraps.com

Also, I have a blog that I’ve used since the beginning—which was about this time last year.

www.vintagerosewraps.blogspot.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

My husband and I really want to go to New England during autumn time.  We’ve talked about it our whole married life, and we can’t wait until we actually do it.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

I have “magical” thumbs!  They actually look like toes, but they’re God-given thumbs that have been passed down through my family lines.  Whenever anyone asks how I’m able to do something I just tell them, “It’s in the magic of my thumbs!”

Thanks so much, Katie!  You rock! 

xoxo,

laura

Meet Jen Ray.  Owner of Hair by Jen + {rockin’ mama} to two fab kiddos.

Six month old Mack…

and almost-three year old Katelyn

Learn all about Jen + her super-fun fam’ in her interview below!

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

I am a  hair stylist. I work from my home & also travel to my clients homes in special cases. I.e. servicing multiple family members hair.

I decided to go into Cosmetology school in 2001 and have not looked back since. Best decision I have ever made, (other than marrying my husband & having our beautiful children).

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I think what makes my business awesome, is that I work with my own schedule. I am not tied down by a boss and I work when I want.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have 2 children a the moment.  My daughter, Katelyn will be 3 this July & my son, Mack is 6 months. They bring me sooooo much joy.

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

Honestly, I thought being a mom & running a business at the same time would be a whole lot easier. But I have taken the challenge and it’s worked out pretty well.

There are certain times of the day that are best to schedule clients i.e. when kids are napping or it’s “happy” time. I also schedule in the evenings and Saturdays when the Hubby is home to watch them. But honestly most of the clients love to watch them play and love to hold my baby while they are here too. I was blessed with pretty well behaved children- let’s just hope it stays that way. 

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

My biggest challenge is when I have scheduled a client and the kids have decided not behave themselves. I kick myself for even scheduling the appointment in the first place knowing that misbehaved kids is always a risk. But luckily most of my clients do not mind if I have to stop to refill sippy cups, get a snack, change a diaper or instill time out.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

I have a Hair Blog (http://www.hairstyles4you.blogspot.com) which includes more info on my services as well as example of my work.

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

If I could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, it would be on a cruise in the Caribbean with my hubby. (but only if I could lose fifteen pounds by tomorrow)

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

My family is the most important thing to me. I cherish my husband and my children and I know that if we continue loving each other and striving to do our best we will be together forever. What could be better than that? The fact that I get to do hair along with being a mom is just a bonus.

Thanks so much, Jen!  Be on the lookout for more {rockin’ mamas} each week!  If you are or know of a mama that should be featured, drop me a line!

xoxo,

laura

“My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being.  I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.”

~Graycie Harmon

Many, many, many thanks to all of the amazing women who gave of their time and efforts to provide their handmade products for this “Big Give”.  You all are amazing!!!  How much better can you get than a lovingly handmade gift?! If you didn’t win and must have some–or many!–of these beautiful goodies, head on over to their shops and  buy away! You know you want to!  What a THANK YOU that would be to support these fab women that way.    You can re-visit this post to check out all of their websites, fanpages and blogs.

Just one more look at all the loot!

Thank you to everyone!  So, without further ado, the winner of 24 of {Laura’s Favorite Things} is (since the big winner is not local, one lucky local winner will win the party rental of The Numbers Cupcake holder from Cake Hole Project)….

Congratulations, Esther!!    How exciting!! Esther, please contact me with all of your info so I can pass it along.

Since Esther is not local, this one lucky local mama will receive the prize from Cake Hole Project–the rental of the Numbers cupcake holder for their next party!!  Yay!!

Congrats, Michelle!  I can’t wait to see the Numbers cupcake holder at your next party!  Please contact me with all your info!  Thanks so much! 

Thank you again to all who took the time to participate, become a fan, share and leave wonderful comments for me (you all are so sweet!) and for these fabulous shops.  You all rock!!!

xoxo,

laura

Once again, the generous vendors that donated their time and talent are:

Ahmelie

Cake Hole Project

Chenzi

Curly Birdie

Dana Designs

Dolce Vita Mia

Finley and Oliver

Ivy and A

KaraMiaSofia

Lockette

Lover Dovers

Modern Little Ones

Pink Crocodile Designs

Polka Dot Posh

Red Pajamas

Sarah Bee Creations

SilverBloom Studio

The Pink Pooka

The Posh Event

Three Yellow Starfish

Trendy Peas

Unravel Me Designs

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”

~William Makepeace Thackeray

Are you ready?  Here is my very own day of {Laura’s Favorite Things}!!!!!  It is finally here!  Yay!!  I want to wish all of the ahhhh-mazing mommies out there a fabulous Mother’s Day!  Give yourself a pat on the back, a coffee in your hand and a day of putting your feet up…okay, well, maybe just settle for the coffee and the back pat. 

Take a peek at ALL of the fabulous goodies that are being given away to one VERY lucky + deserving mama. Yep, ALL of them.  All 25 of them!

SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER!!!!

*And, when you want to check out more goodies from these fabulous shops, just click on a photo!!*

TO ENTER:

simply leave a comment under this post with your name + list one of the goodies that caught your eye (we know all of them do, really, but which one caught it first? ).

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page.  Come back here, leave your name and your name on Facebook (if different from your name listed here) in a separate comment.  The comments won’t let you post a link, so the name is sufficient. 

FOR TWO EXTRA ENTRIES:

post this link on your favorite message board.  Come back here, and in TWO more comments, write your name and which board you posted on.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Visit ONE of these awesome websites, come back here and with your name,  leave a comment telling us what product you loved when you visited the website.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Become a fan of Laura Winslow Photography on Facebook, come back here and write a comment with your name and that you fanned/liked LWP.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and write a comment with your name and a link to your blog.

The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Friday, May 7th, so check back to find out if it is YOU! 

The fine print: This prize package has no cash value.  Items are non-transferable.  Should the winner not reside in the Phoenix metro area, a second winner from the area will be chosen for ONLY the Cake Hole Project prize.  This is due to the fact that this prize is for a local rental.  Laura Winslow Photography endorses these products but is not responsible for matters concerning the products once the contest has ended and the information has been delivered to the vendor.  I know we probably already know this, but I feel a need to say it anyway.    Please understand that all vendors have generously donated their time, energy and beautiful handiwork to the lucky mama for this giveaway.  Let’s be appreciative of this–thanks so much!

A special thank you to all of our AMAZING designers, shops + awesome ladies that are generously giving their fab products for our giveaway!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  You are going to make one VERY lucky mama’s Mother’s Day FAN-TABULOUS!!

Ahmelie | Ahmelie {the blog} | Facebook

Cake Hole Project | Cake Hole Project {the blog} | Facebook

Chenzie

Curly Birdie | Curly Birdie {the blog} | Facebook

Dana Designs

Dolce Vita Mia | Dolce Vita Mia {the blog} | Facebook

Finley and Oliver | Finley and Oliver {the blog}

Ivy and A | Facebook

KaraMiaSofia

Lockette | The Locker {the blog} | Facebook

Lover Dovers | Lover Dovers {the blog} | Facebook

Modern Little Ones | Facebook

Pink Crocodile Designs | Preppy Pink Crocodile {the blog}

Polka Dot Posh | Polka Dot Posh {the blog} | Facebook

Red Pajamas | Red Pajamas {the blog} | Facebook

Sarah Bee Creations | Facebook

SilverBloom Studio

The Pink Pooka | Facebook

The Posh Event | Facebook

Three Yellow Starfish | Three Yellow Starfish {the blog} | Facebook

Trendy Peas

Unravel Me Designs | Facebook

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ”

~Marion C. Garretty

Being a mother is the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding job one can ever have.   In honor of all the amazing mothers out there, and in recognition of all the boo-boo kissing, book reading, hand holding, boogie wiping, playground playing, meal-making, laundry folding, bath giving, seat belt strapping, chauffeuring,  late-night worrying, homework helping and all around loving that you do, we are having a ginormous giveaway this week!  I have partnered with dozens of amazing people + mamas to organize a HUGE Mother’s Day giveaway.  One very lucky mama will win ALL of these prizes!!!  So, stay tuned!  The giveaway will be announced some time this week.  In the meantime, become a fan on Facebook to learn about it first and to check out some teasers on all the fab goodies you can receive!

Here are just some…

Check out more of our fabulous shops that YOU could win goodies from!!!!!

Silver Bloom Studio

The Posh Event

Pink Crocodile Designs

KaraMiaSofia

Finley and Oliver

Dolce Vita Mia

Ahmelie

Polka Dot Posh

Curly Birdie

Ivy and A

Three Yellow Starfish

Trendy Peas

Chenzi

Modern Little Ones

Dana Designs

Lockette

Sarah Bee Creations

Cake Hole Project

The Pink Pooka

Unravel Me Designs

Lover Dovers

Red Pajamas

More teasers to come!!!

Meet Mia–fabulous mama to four amazing children and the hard-working owner of Dolce Vita Mia who is always full of fab ideas.  Love her!!

Photo ©Daniel Friedman, courtesy of Raising Arizona Kids Magazine

Mia is a dear friend of mine and I can attest to the fact that she is an amazing mother.  Her children range in age from a year to fourteen years old, and she not only manages to keep them happy and fulfilled while driving them to their many activities, but she teaches two online college classes in addition to running her extremely popular and successful business, Dolce Vita Mia.

As if she weren’t busy enough, she was kind enough to take my dear Jackson to and from school for almost a month two days a week when I was unable to due to my health issues following surgery.  She even got him ice cream afterward…can I help it if he just associates Mia with ice cream now?! 

Seriously, these mamas we are featuring really.do.rock.my.world!  I am in awe of all that they do.  How awesome to be surrounded by and to receive support from such incredibly strong women!  I love hearing how other moms do it, so thanks so much for sharing!

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

Dolce Vita Mia (My Sweet Life) is a hair accessory boutique for girls of all ages.  The concept began after I went on maternity leave from teaching when my youngest daughter was born. An Etsy shopping addiction developed first.  Quickly, I realized I needed to fund my habit through my own craftiness.  With three girls, I knew I could never go wrong with hair accessories.

How did you choose your business name?

Staying home to raise my children had always been a dream of mine.  Couple that with my Italian heritage and Dolce Vita was born. (The Sweet Life)  However, Dolce Vita was already taken on Etsy! Adding Mia to the end really had nothing to do with my name, it was just the only other word I could add that made sense!

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I guess it’s awesome because it’s different than most of the other hair accessory shops on Etsy.  My pieces are meant to be chic without being overly done for girls of ANY age!

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

Diego (14), Jade (12), Isabella (3) and

Giovanna (18 months)

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

I’m still working the kinks of doing it all, but I have figured out a couple of things that don’t work.  Just recently, I have taken the weekends off from production and assembly.  I still answer convos and purchase supplies on the web, however, my family gets my undivided attention during those two days of the week.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

Juggling my children’s schedules with the needs of my customers.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

www.dolcevitamia.etsy.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?

My grandfather owned part of a wine vineyard in Italy for most of his life.  After he passed, all of his children and grandchildren were given jars filled with soil from the vineyard.  It has always been a dream of mine to visit the vineyard and return with jars of soil for each of my children as well.

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Mia!    Check out another {rockin’ mama} on the blog next week!  Contact me if you are or know of a {rockin’ mama} that should be featured.  Much love!

xoxo,

laura

Become a fan on Facebook to see special sneak peeks, fun features and info before anyone else! 

“There is no such thing as a NON-working mother.”

~Hester Mundis

So, I feel I am always meeting some truly amazing mamas, and I just want to share their stories.  I know many of my blog readers are mamas themselves, and we can definitely appreciate the work that goes into this all-important job.  While I believe that mamas work their tushies off no matter if you stay at home with the kiddos, work outside the home or work inside the home (I actually have done all three myself), the {rockin’ mamas} featured here will primarily be women that have started their own business while still staying home with their sweeties.  It is something that I can relate to in my life right now, and I am very curious to see how other women try to balance their work-kiddo lives.  Maybe we’ll find out that it is that never-ending quest for women–to always try to balance but never feel like you do.  What do you think?  I would love to hear your experiences.

If you would like to be featured, or know of a mama who should be, drop me an email to be considered~ laura@laurawinslowphotography.com  Oh, and please excuse the word “modern” being underlined and linked…can’t for the life of me figure out how to not make that an automatic keyword!  He he!  Actually, I am quite certain I could figure it out given actual time.  I’m just not willing to spend the time I do have trying to figure it out.  So, if you know, feel free to pass it on (it’s not the easy way like just breaking the hyperlink)!

Our very first featured {rockin’ mama} is Grace Stufkosky, a California native that moved to Arizona to be closer to family.  She has two amazing little boys and owns her own business, aptly called Finley and Oliver (can you guess what the names of her kiddo’s are?) .

Meet Grace.  She has got to be one of the most fun-loving mamas around.  Check out this photo of her awesome fam!  When I spotted the shopping cart during our photo session, she didn’t even blink an eye when I suggested that she get in it!  That’s what I call easy going!  Oh, and check out our recent shoot for her new line of clothing.  It was fun!

Grace has also graciously offered a 20% discount to my blog readers, too!!!  Head on over to her shop, enter ROCKINMAMA at checkout, and Grace will refund the 20% via paypal.  Super cool–thanks Grace!  Keep reading to learn more about Grace. 

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

Anyone with baby boys can attest to the fact that it is nearly impossible to find cool baby boy clothes. When my boys were itty bitties, I was so frustrated at the lack of fun and modern clothing for them that I decided to create my own. I have a business degree and a love for all things crafty so I thought I’d put the two together and start my own line of appliqued clothing for boys and girls.

How did you choose your business name?

I named it after my super awesome kids!

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

My little applique designs are truly unique. I try to stay away from the traditional designs that you find on kids clothes and focus more on designs that have been inspired by my love of all things modern, simple, and clean. Each of my little creations is hand cut and hand stitched by me on to high quality American Apparel (made in the USA/sweatshop free) garments. I use Eco-fi felt (also made in the USA) which is made out of 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. So kiddos can look cute in my clothes and mamas can feel good about it! My clothing is meant to be played in – its meant to get dirty. Just throw those suckers in with the rest of the wash and you are good to go. Trust me, my boys have used and abused their Finley and Oliver clothing and it is still holding strong.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have two amazing, loving, high energy, and hilarious boys. Finley is 3 and Oliver is 2. They are just 15 months apart. My hands are full!

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

I’ll be honest here. It is a real struggle for me to be the rockinest mama I can be to my boys and run my own business. Let’s face it, my boys are young and they still need me – a lot. I try my best to organize my schedule so that work time is when the boys nap and after they’ve gone to sleep at night. When I’m not working, it’s “boy” time – we have a blast. I’ll get on the floor and play match box cars with them, wrestle (although Finley keeps telling me I don’t know how to wrestle), play in the dirt – you name it, I’ll do it. My boys mean the world to me and I tell them a thousand times a day how much they are loved and how special they are. They will always come first – even if it means taking a break from the business (which I have had to do before).

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

See above. Oh, and my other challenge is actually squeezing in the time to do my hair and make up daily. If I can accomplish that, I feel like a rock star.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique? As a matter of fact, I do!

www.etsy.com/shop/finleyandoliver. I have a new little blog too – www.finleyandoliver.blogspot.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?

My husband and I were married for 10 years before we had kids and had the opportunity to do quite a bit of traveling. Of the places we’ve been, London tops them all. I’d jet away to the UK any day.

Thanks a ton, Grace!!  Be sure to keep an eye out for more {rockin’ mamas} each week.  If you have a question you would like me to ask our mamas, just let me know or leave a comment.  If you or someone you know should be featured, drop me an email!  Have a super Tuesday, everyone!

xoxo,

laura

“Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year:  The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.”

~Menachem Mendel Schneerson

One.  So hard to believe.  My sweet Addison is one today.  Everyone tells you how fast time flies, but it is hard to really feel what they are talking about until you experience it yourself.   I have a mixture of emotions today.  I am sad that my baby is growing up, I am happy for her smiling little face, I feel content that we made it through that first, wonderful year that is also filled with challenges–a year of many sleepless nights trying to help her figure out a sleep schedule, countless hours of nursing, teething and getting used to having two very young children.  See, though, it is hard to call these “challenges”, because as I write this I just see the amazing blessing.  All those nights spent up with Addison in the wee hours of the night nursing her each time she awoke were precious, quiet moments that I got to spend with her and only her.  Moments that I already long for and miss.  I *almost* want to wake her up some nights just to rock her.  Notice I say almost.  Sleep can happen when I’m old.  Right now I have my beautiful children.  My mind travels back to laboring with her and wanting so badly to bring her into the world with peace and love and calmness and being present.  Realizing as she lie next to me in the still of the night with her big, wide eyes staring back at me and not making a sound, that THIS is how it is supposed to be.  THESE are the amazing first moments of having a baby.  Not being drugged up, not tears and sadness, not fear and worry, not wires and ventilators or not holding your baby for ten days.  Addison, you healed me.  I saw that those first days can be relaxing and exhilarating.  You make me so happy and I feel so incredibly blessed to have both you and your brother.  I love the relationship the two of you already have–you one and Jackson three.  Wow.  I have a one year old and a three year old.  How did that happen?!  The past three hundred and sixty five days have been nothing short of spectacular, my love.  Here’s to enjoying the joy of a million more.

all the love in the world,

mommy