2017.

I remember last year's NYE. We were at my parents home and I was trying my hardest to stay awake and wait for the clock to strike 12. We went to bed a little after midnight and then Emma woke me up every 2-3 hours after that. I've never felt more exhausted in my life and my heart has never felt so full. This year not much has changed. Kevin and I are in our pajamas in the comfort of our own home. I've made myself a delicious mimosa and Emma has been out since 8pm and she'll be our alarm clock around 7:40 a.m. My heart feels twice as full. The year went flying by. I don't know if being a mom has anything to do with it, but it feels like we started the year and then it was October. I can't believe how fast it went. There were hundreds of moments that made 2017 a beautiful year, but I'd like to share a few of my most recent memorable moments as a Mother.

Emma is awake. We hear her on our monitor. She says, "Dada? Dada? Jibberish...jibberish...jibberish. Dada?" I turn to Kevin and say "She's calling you" and I turn the other way and continue sleeping for an extra 30 minutes. (Score!)

I ask Emma, "donde esta tu nariz? (where is your nose?)" and she touches my lips. So close.

Tonight during bath time I ask Emma, "donde esta tu barriga? (where is your belly?)" and she touches her belly, smiles, and gives herself an applause (we do that when she does something right lol).

We have Jimmy Fallon's "Dada" book where every page has the word "Dada" and a certain animal says their sound. For example, "Dada", "moo". Emma starts reading her book to herself and reads, "Dada", "hmm" turns the page, "Dada", "hmmmm" turns the page and continues to do the same until the very end. I guess reading it to her since birth pays off (Kevin, I think it's time to purchase the "Mama" book now -_-).

We visited Dell'Osso Farms the other day and we were on a train ride which made Emma really nervous. I hugged her tight and told her that we are safe and I got her. She put her little hand on my cheek and gave me a big Emma beso. My heart stopped.

I'm sure I've made this obvious, but I love being a Mother. 2018 will be full of moments where Kevin and I will grow as parents, as individuals, as a couple and where I grow as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Ringing any and every year will be incredible because I am a Mother.

We tried to take a picture, but Emma was ready for bed. She is no where near ready to try and stay awake for midnight. God Bless and be safe tonight.

With love,
Ale