i'm SUCH a mom...

(this one speaks for itself.)

Friday morning.

Lately, my favorite morning past time with Riley is just propping her on a pillow in my lap and talking to her while I play with her feet. She seems to enjoy my ridiculous facial expressions and the fact that her momma discovered her ticklish spot!

She seems to enjoy the Disney movie collection Brad and I started for her, almost as much as we do. This photo was her reaction to The Aristocats. She is totally going to kill me for putting this up one day. Sorry Riles!

I know a girl,

she puts the color inside of my world.

Riley smiled at me for the first time yesterday. It was a real one, not a "hey, I just farted!" smile. She is starting to recognize me, and smiles really big when I talk to her. Any mom can relate to how amazing this feels. The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning is her bright eyes and huge dimples. I kissed her chubby cheeks, her smile got even bigger, and a sound that was almost a laugh came out.

God bless Dr. Kayaleh.

Riley just had her two month check-up. I definitely have the best pediatrician for her in the world! This woman is incredibly patient and thorough with every appointment, and was highly recommended to me by some respectable sources. After getting a round of vaccines, which made BOTH of us cry, RIley was given a clean bill of health. I guess that means I am super mom ;)

But you're so busy changing the world, just one smile can change all of mine.

I've got an angel, she doesn't wear any wings.

Two months have come and gone since Riley Elizabeth graced us with her presence, and I can already say that being a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Nothing even comes close to the bond she and I share, and the love I have for her. That is something no one can ever touch.

She wears a heart that can melt my own, she wears a smile that makes me want to sing.

Every day I get to wake up to those beautiful blue-gray eyes (they have not changed yet) and those chubby cheeks she is quickly becoming famous for. Now that she is starting to "coo", it's fun to talk and sing to her because she smiles and "talks" back! I can just sit and watch her for hours; the way she stares at the mirror and mobile on her swing, the way she furrows her brow in deep concentration at her hands, and the way she laughs in her sleep just melts my heart.

Since I am a new mom, I have my own ways of doing everything, and I am very particular! Thank God, I have the love, respect, and understanding of my family. They never give me overbearing advice or try to tell me what to do. Riley is my child, and as her mom I am convinced that I can take care of her better than anyone. There is not a soul who can change my mind, or that fact. Most moms feel the same way about their children, i'm sure. Thankfully, I have awesome parents, family, and friends who not only understand and respect my opinions, they agree with me.

Having Riley is the best thing I have ever done, and I love spending everyday with her. It's exciting to see her milestones, such as her first smile. And though I am looking forward to her first words and her first steps, I can't help but whisper to her "please don't grow up too fast, stay momma's baby for a little while longer!" I have never complained about getting up at four in the morning to feed her because I know how precious this time with her really is. Time goes too fast, and I know that I will turn around and my baby will be grown up.

There will always be something new to learn, but this is a journey. It will be hard, at times, but that's part of it. I love the adventure and spontaneity of being a mom, and i'm thankful that God chose me to be Riley's mom. I love you Riley girl!

This is the sweet life.