Darn These Birthin' Hips!

It's been 1 year since having my son and I'm daily discouraged that I weigh the same as I did when I was 8 months pregnant. It's been a difficult "body" year for me. I found this quote the other day when I was just about to give in to the thought, "Well, this is just the way it's going to have to be. You can appreciate your body for what it has been able to do and look back fondly on what it was. *sigh*". It couldn't have come to me in a better time.

"Your body is an amazingly adaptive machine. Ask it to be stronger and stronger you will be. Challenge it to go further and further you will go. Coax it to be more limber and more limber it will be. Allow it to mold into the seat of a recliner and, you got it, a recliner seat it will become. Stretch it, push it, pull it; your body is like cellular Play-Doh

waiting for you to be the sculptor."

- Shawn Phillips, American Author of Strength For Life

So, I'll keep on truckin' with no particular goal in mind but to be a super strong mom that will be able to run and play and swing and dance with my son.

Birthday Boy

July 12 was Griffin's first birthday. My son is 1. He is walking (toddering, really), eating solid food, he tells me what he needs and when he needs it, and he has a very strong yet gracious personality. No one is a stranger to him and smiles are always on hand. He plays hard yet gently pats me on the back when I hold him. He is the funniest person I've ever known and he gives the best kisses.

For me, personally, I've never felt more empowered. Look what I created! And there he is, turning that toy over and over in his hands, studying. I am proud of what Matt and I continue to create everyday...An environment of love. If our children learn just one thing from us, let it be love.

I am grateful that God has blessed me with such an amazing little man. I never feel lost as a parent because when he looks at me it's like he's telling me "Don't worry, Mama, you're doing just fine. I love you and I can't wait to tell you that when I find my voice."

So, no 1st birthday blog about the 2 1/2 hours of pushing, laughing my way through it. No entry about how it felt to hold him in my arms for the first time and how "it seems like just yesterday...". This blog is how I feel today, in this moment. And in this moment, there is happiness and love love love. That is one thing that will always be in abundance here.

The Allen Family

I love his little wispy hairs!

This is just the perfect picture of Griffin's happiness and excitement!

My family

Sissy and Griffin

So happy!

We recently had our first official family pictures taken with Donna Harris. She's been my hair stylist for a few years now and has launched a photography business as well! Her talents continue to amaze me. Our pictures turned out better than I could have imagined!

It was a HOT day (over 95 degrees!!) but we had a blast!

Check her out!

http://www.donnaharrisonline.com/