It is official, our third baby is one year old. This year could not have gone by any quicker, as I am still trying to catching my breath. And although it seems to have gone by so quickly, as I look through photos from our past year, we have experienced quit a few (well a lot) of firsts this past year.
I remember the dayย she was born like yesterday. My water broke exactly one day before my scheduled c-section. I remember thinking at 4am, that I will hold off going to the hospital to make sure Ryder leaves for school on time. Little did I know, little Gem wanted out and the contractions were coming in full force only after an hour of me breaking my water. My parents came in to watch the kids and Jason and I quickly headed into the hospital. We wound up getting stuck in between doctors changing shifts; which delayed my birth but finally were able to welcome our third child and second daughter at 9:45 that morning. She weighed more than Ryder and Siella; a whopping 7 pounds 1 ounce, but still a very tiny peanut.
I couldn’t wait for Ryder and Siella to come to the hospital to meet their new little sister. I remember being totally zonked out after the surgery but didn’t care as I wanted to hug and hold all three of my babies. Gemma had gifts waiting for her siblings, which they still have today and remember their little sister gave to them the day she was born. They have continued to be the best big brother and sister and I hope it will always stay this way.
Gemma was and still is the happiest little baby on the block. She is forever smiling and has the sweetest personality I could’ve dreamed of. She continues to amaze us every day. And as the days go on, her personality shines through even more. We joke and say we can totally see her being the comedian in our family with her sweet belly laughs.
I write this post with a heavy heart, as I know this will be the last “first” birthday we will celebrate for our kids. We are extremely happy with our little trifecta, and wouldn’t change it for the world. Jason and I don’t foresee anymore children in our future which means our kids will only get bigger from here. It’s funny how our days seem so long, yet the months and years seem to go by in a flash. I will continue to always take a step back when I’m feeling overwhelmed and remember I will be looking back on this and miss these moments. I’m already missing the newborn and infant stage where she would just lay in my arms for hours and admit I do get baby fever whenever a newborn is around. That feeling and smell of a newborn will always be a permanent watermark in my memory for all three of my children.
I look at Gemma everyday in an amazement that we survived our first (and toughest) year with three children. She is walking, babbling, and doing everything a 1 year old does. Her absolute favorite thing to do is eat! My little girl probably consumes more than her siblings and we are forever joking on my Instagram feed about her cute “baby bod“. She is entering the toddler stages and now for the first time interacting and playing with older siblings. To watch all three on the floor having a tea party or should I say a ninja turtle tea party, melts my heart every single time. Someone asked me the other day how old my children are, and to hear the words 5,2,and 1 come out of my mouth, I felt like I needed to look at myself in a mirror and say “really”! 3 kids under 5, and I wouldn’t change it for the world as it’s everything I’ve ever hoped for. I do admit it is no easy feat, and was scared to death at the thought of having three children, although I have overcome my fear, but will say juggling everyone is never perfect and have learned to just go with the flow.
This first birthday has been nothing but bittersweet for me. I am extremely emotional about Gemma turning one. I love the fact that she is getting bigger and being able to go out on her own, but so sad how quickly it is going. I am continuing to nurse her and know that these days are numbered and will end very quickly; but I am will continue to hold on and cherish these moments for as long as I can.
For her first birthday, we invited our closest friends and family to celebrate with us. The party was filled with Gemma’s favorite music teacher, the older kids making pizza, laughs and most of all…love! We couldn’t have asked for a better day, and are so grateful for our amazing friends and family.
Happy 1st birthday to my sweet Gemma Kingsley Skye. We love you!
7 thoughts on “Gemma turns 1”
Such a sweet post! Love Gemma and all of you!
Thank you so much! I love that you are her God Mother and we miss you so much but it’s nice to know we will always see you for special events like this!
Anyone who spends time around your sweet baby girl can’t help but fall in love with her infectious happiness. The joy that your tiny little person exudes is clearly built on a loving family that adores her so much. I love seeing you light up around your children and smile and laugh around your sweet baby. Happy bday to your adorable Gemma and congratulations to her amazing mama! xxx
You are the absolute sweetest Monica. Thank you, my children absolutely adore you and your family! So amazing to have found an amazing friend in this blogging world.
Beautiful post Brianne. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with all of us. Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Gemma…Xo!
Thank you so much Desiree! I feels like yesterday I was just pregnant with her!
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