In honor of my son’s first trip to the beach…

What a difference a year makes.

Last year this time I was sweating by the ocean, my belly round as a beach ball, with you kicking and rolling inside me. This year, I am sweating by the ocean as I try to keep you contained from rolling across the sand.

Last year this time I was exhausted from merely walking the steep incline of the sand dune as a pregnant lady. This year I am exhausted from lugging the piles of beach equipment that have increased exponentially since last summer.

Last year this time all my attention was focused on one little person as she splashed in the water. This year I watch as that little person plays alongside another who is enjoying the sand and salt water for the first time.

Last year this time I was mommy to one little spitfire with a contagious grin. This year I am mommy to that little spitfire plus a round little cherub with a smile for days.

Last year this time I thought my heart was full with mommy love. This year my heart feels stretched to its limit.

Last year this time I didn’t truly understand what I had been always missing. This year I realize that what our family needed was you all along.

What a difference a year makes. ❤️