zero

Today is Juliette's last day of being zero. Tomorrow she will be one. The big 0-1. It's going to be insane. I spent tonight looking back at some pictures and smiling. It has been an awesome year.

Joey is a wonderful father and very caring for his little girl. It has been a lot of fun for me to be able to watch him with Juliette. He wasn't around babies/kids before, but he has become a natural. He loves her so much, and she loves him back. One of my favorite parts of the day is when he comes home from work and she gives him her super big smiles. I know he has a lot of stress, but I really think that Juliette helps and can make him melt in a minute. I am very lucky to have him as my husband and her daddy.

My parents have been awesome. My mom was there when it all started and hasn't left :-) I am so lucky to have her. So lucky. Juliette lights up when she sees her. I light up when I see her. She loves Juliette so much and loves all of their time together. It is so nice to be able to work with her and when things are crazy, we just look at a picture of Juliette (there are a few in the office, on our computers, in her purse...). I must look at my mom five times a day just to say, "Juliette is awesome". My dad has been awesome too. He's not what you would call a "baby" guy, but Juliette changed that. He gets a look from her that only he can get. He also taught her to point...and I think some of her eating habits (food on face and shirt) are also inherited from him. Although not really into changing diapers, he does like to get her up from her naps! My parents are the best!!!

Unkie B and Antie K are pretty awesome too! I don't know what it would be like if they didn't live down the street! Popping in on walks has been so nice to do. They'll also call on their way home from work just to pop in and say "hi" (which we have used to be able to sit down and eat while they entertain Juliette a few times!). They love her SO much! Not that I didn't think they would, but it has been awesome to watch. Especially with Brent. He really loves being Unkie B and Juliette loves giving him high fives and hugs. I hope that when we move they move right next to us.

My friends. It sure was nice to have the bulk of my friends have babies before me (at the time it sucked when I wasn't pregnant yet, but I am over that now...luckily...for all of you). It is nice to get advice from everyone and take what works for me. We are all a bit different in our styles, but we all appreciate each other. It's awesome. It's also fun to hang out and know that our kids will be able to be friends too...even if it's because we force them! I'd also like to thank my friends without kids who are probably annoyed with the amount of baby talk they've had to listen to and the pictures they've had to see. It's been nice to still have our happy hours and lunch/dinner dates. All of my friends are incredible!

Karen. She is our daycare provider who watches Juliette on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is SO nice to know that Juliette is in good hands. I have known Karen's family for years and it just makes me so grateful that Juliette can be there. She is always happy when I go to pick her up and she loves being around the other kids, which is good for her. It makes it a lot easier for me knowing that Juliette is there and loved.

Green Mill. I don't talk about work too much on here, but the fact that my schedule is flexible and I am able to do some work from home has been quite the gift. I couldn't ask for a more perfect schedule.

So this entry turned out to be longer (and a bit deeper) than I had planned but I guess I just wanted to reflect on some people who have really made a difference in the last year. Thanks for listening!