I wish I could remember what it was like to be 11 months old. I continue to be mesmerized by Brittain’s innocence and her zest for life. What must it be like to encounter new things everyday that are brand new?

Along with the new adventures, there are also those simple pleasures that continue to make her laugh and smile. Bathtime is one of those. Dan took these during just one of many bath nights. I can’t help but smile every time I look at them:

I’m just not sure that there are words to explain what my first Mother’s Day was like for me. I guess you can’t ever imagine it until you’re there…until you wake up in the morning and know that this day now honors you.

Mother’s Day has always been special for me mostly because it gives me great joy to honor my own mother who is (in my opinion) the best out there. It also means so much to me because it gives me the chance to thank the other women who have been a mother to me throughout my life.

I couldn’t help but wake up this morning and feel proud. Proud that I was lumped into the same category of all these other women who I’ve honored for years.

I walked into church this morning feeling like a million dollars. I knew I had done something good. What an honor it was being Brittain’s mother. God chose ME for this task. And, although I sometimes wonder what He was thinking, I’m thankful. Thankful that He chose me. Thankful that He gave me Brittain.

Unfortunately, not many pictures were taken that day. We had a great lunch at our house where we spent time as a family honoring our present mothers and remembering the ones who have left us.

We always enjoy visits from Kyla Rose and her mother, Amanda, but this visit was even more special as Mama and Daddy B also came along:

Brittain was shocked to learn from Aunt Amanda that “Rocket” on Little Einstein’s is not actually real:

Kyla Rose backs her mommy up and convinces Brittain that what she speaks is the truth:

Kyla Rose leans in to give Brittain a hello kiss and Brittain prepares to receive it (yes, this is how she kisses):

Another kiss:

Brittain welcomes Kyla Rose by sharing with her a favorite toy…a camera case:

Kyla Rose shows Brittain what she will be learning in a few months by pointing out her belly button: