The best time

As of today, Luke is officially one month away from turning one. That just seems crazy to me.

I can't tell you how fast this year has gone. The year-and-a-half since finding out I was pregnant. The nearly-two years since bringing Clara home.

While it does already make me a bit nostalgic, it doesn't make me sad.

Yes, I love sweet little newborn babies, and how clean and warm and snuggly they are. How they can't get away from you when you're changing their diaper. (Oh, I really love that!)

But, let's be honest. The first few months months are spent feeding, changing, and putting them down. And, in our case, getting him back up when he screams endlessly... putting him back down... getting him back up again... begging God to just please let him sleep for twenty minutes...

Don't get me wrong - I do love the newborn days. I long for those days with a new baby, no matter how hard they are.

It's an awesome experience, in those first days, to get to know this new little person who is inhabiting your home. There's nothing like it. But as amazing as that is, for me, it only gets better once you're well acquainted.

I know babies know their mamas right away, but now he knows me. And I can't get enough of all that this stage brings. Giggling like crazy when you tickle him... Holding onto me tight when he's afraid... Talking baby talk... Taking first steps... Playing with his big sister... Making a mess...

Reacting to everything... Clapping his hands... Throwing his arms up and yelling, "tah-dah" at random times because, I believe, he knows it makes us laugh.

I LOVE this time. He's never been cuter and I swear he loves me more every day. And the feeling is definitely mutual.

And the best part? I'm not sad about this stage being over either because I know what's right around the corner is just as amazing. I see it with his big sister. Oh man, is she growing up and it's hysterical.

She seemed to turn into a big girl over night a couple weeks ago and the things she's saying are cracking us up. Like when she saw a picture of her brother in his Halloween costume and proclaimed, "Woah! Who is that?" I wanted to say, "Woah! Who are you??"

I'm sure one day I'll get a little sad that they're getting big. And that day might come soon. But for now I'm choosing to live in the moment and love this time right now. It's a great feeling to know you're in the middle of living the best time of your life. I'm so very blessed.