So yesterday was the big day. Evelyn turned one. I didn’t even cry. Even when I was up early cleaning downstairs and heard her daddy singing happy birthday to her over the baby monitor. Even as I was handing her her cake. Even when I kissed her goodnight.
Everyone had gone to sleep early and I sat in bed writing in my journal about that day just a year ago. When everything changed with the entrance of that little pink body. There is a quote I read soon after she was born from Story People - “She laid on my chest & her breathing filled me almost to beyond what I could hold.” But it did fill me to beyond what I could hold. I think my heart broke open the moment I saw her and every little piece of love it had ever held spilled out. Then it healed several times larger to hold this new kind of love, one that I had no idea would hurt so bad but for all the right reasons. The scars gently flexing and tugging, stretching to make room for more love as her hours of life turned into days then weeks then months. And now a year.
I was right when I said it before Evelyn was born. You can’t prepare yourself for your heart to be permanently tethered to another. It is so much different than anything else. It just hits you and those bruises are forever. So wonderful.
I was so happy that so many came to wish her a happy birthday. I put her little cake in front of her and her big eyes panned the room to see all the faces of those who love her, singing just for her. It was such a good day. Thank you.
And now some news: Our hearts will be growing some more as we welcome our second child this fall.
You had such a lovely first birthday party for Evelyn… everything was decorated so cute and you both looked so cute in your matching colors!!! You two are wonderful parents…. just think how big that heart is gonna keep getting!!!! Funny thing about that heart thing… even when you’re an old grandma & grandpa’s it keeps stretching, making room for more. Just when we thought our hearts were as big as they could get…. Evelyn came along! You guys can just keep growing our hearts as big as you want to!!! We’ve learned, there always seems to be more room:)
Love you guys… Gramma & Grampa Olson
Grandma and grandpa are permanetly tethered to this little one also! Funny how there can be so many strings attached to your heart. Good thing is that there is always room for more! Can’t wait to be Nama again! Thanks for the joy! Love you all, Mama
I can’t believe she’s one already! Wasn’t she just born? Lovely photos and lovely news.. congratulations. xo
Happy Birthday to little Evelyn!! What a beautiful little toddler she is!! Congratulations on becoming a BIG sister!! We are happy for all of you!
Congratulations on the new news. You said it so well Andria, you cannot prepare your head or heart on what it feels the first moment you touch your child. Then the first time that child wraps their hand around yours. Everything just swells. Life will keep blessing you daily. Congratulations again to you, Scott and Evelyn. Love to all, Aunt Bonnie
She’s so adorable! And congratulations on the impending arrival!
Hi Andria!!! Sorry about my lousy english, i’m trying…rsrsrs
I’m brazilian, and read your blog at the first beggining but only now i take courage to write to you: girl, what a beautiful family do you have!!! I’m delighted with your photos, your baby, your crafts and all the wanderfull collors and mood that i find everytime i came here… Congratulations!!!
The motive to write this time is yours L-O-V-E-L-Y doughther’s birthday cake! Do you bake by yourself ? Post the recipe, please, i’m intriged right here: i think i can see 3 differents collours to the dough so i wonder if the flavours are differents too… And about the frost, what is it? Sorry if i’m too windy!!! Kisses to all!