Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure – measure a year?
In daylights – in sunsets
In midnights – in cups of coffee
In inches – in miles
In laughter – in strife
In – five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
-“Season of Love” from the musical, Rent
Such fitting lyrics that capture the season of love we have shared with our Little Lovely during her first year. In anticipation of her milestone birthday next week, I have been reflecting on the tiny moments and memories that have added together to bring us here.
So much has changed in a year when a perfect, pink bundle was placed on my chest. 
The questions and anxiety of becoming a new parent- will she have all ten fingers and toes? what will she look like? how will we be as mom and dad? have faded away yet been replaced with different ones- how will she do at nursery school? will she transition from formula to milk easily? when will she take her “real” first steps? I think there is a steady stream of worries as a mother, but I am trying to quiet them and focus on this sweet stage- the babbling, the hesitant baby tiptoe walk and tumbles and of course the belly laughs and snuggles.
I’m so proud of the little person Eloise is becoming. I can see her personality emerging everyday- her innocent and pure heart when she waves and smiles to all who pass by, her tenacity and determination as she learns new skills and her sheer joy and delight when sampling a new food or experiencing something fun for the first time. 
(Eloise age 1)
I’m also proud of the parents we are becoming learning new lessons of patience and love each day.
As quick as this first year has passed, I know the future years will move at a rapid pace. For now it’s time to celebrate an amazing first year with Eloise and this season of love.
Eloise: Her First Year
