Right about this time last year . . .

I was getting ready to meet this little one. I had been in labor overnight, our first homebirth, and definitely feeling like a family event. The kids had been up all night quizzing the midwife (good thing she's a homeschooling mom too), my close friend and doula had been supporting me all night long and my poor husband was trying to find a way to keep the kids from climbing the wall. Then suddenly, this precious little girl was born and from across the room I heard my oldest pipe up, "is she here? Can I hold her?"




The boys kissed her and gently touched her the minute she was in my arms. This baby had been anticipated by everyone in our small family. While Mr. Maricucu and I have been excited to have every one of our children, this little girl was lucky enough to have a couple of brothers eager to meet her and love on her constantly. They haven't given up on that one bit.




Ahhh, and Mr. Maricucu has grown into the role of a little girl's daddy quite well. I snapped this picture the day after she was born while we had a quiet moment to ourselves.




Now my little seven pound baby is an about the town toddler with a constant grin on her face.




It's been so much fun getting to watch her flourish this past year. How our family has hit a rhythm now. A family of five. Has a nice ring to it.




Today we'll celebrate with a pink fluffy cake . . .




. . . and the perfect gift for an active toddler surrounded by two boys and a couple of dogs.