thank you, Love.

Thanksgiving gives us an excuse to thank our loved ones and our Maker for all that we are grateful for, even though, when it comes to gratitude, an excuse is never necessary.

When we count all the little things, which are really the biggest things of all, our thank you list is never ending. But, when I think of what I'm most grateful for, there seems to be a common denominator, Love. And I mean...the real deal, the good stuff, the kind not sold in stores.

When it comes to love, we cannot be fooled, because like with anything authentic, luxurious, and desirable, cheap imitations are produced in mass quantities. But when it comes to love, the cheap stuff will never compare in longevity, quality, and sparkle. So, this year, especially, I'm most thankful for my inheritance of a Love that is true, a Love that is real, a Love that is forgiving, a Love that is fruitful, a Love that is sacrificial, a Love that is patient, a Love that is forever, and a Love that is unwavering - and all the incredible people in my life that I share this kind of authentic Love with, because just like one of the world's finest gems, a girl's best friend, a diamond - nothing shines like the real thing.

I pray your Thanksgiving filled your hearts with as much sincere gratitude, as it filled your bellies with yummy deliciousness. And just because Thanksgiving Day is over when the leftovers are through, our gratitude never has to end. So, thank you, Love, you alone are greater than life.

::

on call.

"I work 24 hours a day. I am a Mom. 

I am an alarm clock, a cook, a maid, a teacher, a nanny, a nurse, a taxi, a security officer, a photographer, a counselor, a jungle gym, and a comforter. 

I don't get holidays, sick pay or days off. 

I work through the night. 

I am on call all hours and get paid with hugs & kisses. ♥"

I saw this on Facebook last week and thought I'd re-post it. It's undeniably true.

I'm not gonna lie though, I sometimes dream about what I could be doing (career wise) and think of all the jobs I could potentially have and sometimes fantasize about them. But then I hear a squeal, a giggle, or see baby girl smile and realize nothing could compare to being on call for her. It's a sacrifice for sure, of time and finances, but it's the choice we chose.

So, when I think of all I could be doing, it's nice to remember all the jobs  
I currently hold as "mama of baby girl" and how there's
no place else I'd rather be than right here with her. 

::

needed.

My Very First Easter

I'm totally slacking, I know. I've been a little busy lately, passing the time with family and lots of Easter goodies.

Some of my favorite Easter memories growing up included shopping for the perfect Easter dress, dying Easter eggs, hunting for said Easter eggs, Mass, and beach picnics.

This year I have some Easter memories to add to the 'favorite' list...including baby girl smiling for the first time. Although the camera has yet to capture it, my heart surely has.

And even though it doesn't get any sweeter than baby smiles, I cannot tell you how much sugar I ate this past weekend. Pregnant, I thought my chocolate cravings were bad...yeah, well they've got nothing on my breastfeeding desires - and I mean nothing! Looks like I'll be hitting up the after-Easter candy sales! Chocolate covered peanut butter bunny anyone? :) Now I know where all of Marabelle's little yummy rolls come from!

It's only been 6.5 weeks and she's already grown so much. It blows my mind. And whenever she cries for me because she needs Mommy, it's still so crazy that she's actually crying for flawed & crazy me and that it's my ridiculous self that she needs in those sensitive moments. Talk about feeling humbled and honored all at the same time! But it was a nice Easter reminder that we all need someone and the reason we celebrate Easter is ultimately because we're all in need of perfect love which came to us in the form of the greatest sacrifice ever made, the one we all truly need.

The quote, "I don't love you because I need you, I need you because I love you," has never meant more.

I pray your Easter was one to remember. Here are a few snapshots from Marabelle's first.

mommy love

cousin love

'all we need' love

:: victoria marie