One year ago. Has it already gone by this fast? On the eve of your birth, I walked hand-in-hand with your papa through a nearby field. We knew you were coming soon and yet the unfolding of your arrival seemed as distant as the mountain that hovered above us.
And then, on that next hot June morning, you came. Far quicker than I imagined. My labor was intense and beautiful and calm. You were welcomed with joy and love. Open arms and open hearts. I watch the video of your birth to remember discrete moments and emotions: the determination, the fear, the exhaustion, the ecstasy, the tears. I look at these images of your sweet second-old face, and it comes back to me effortlessly. June 25th. The best day of our lives.
And so, sweet girl, we’ve known you for one year now, and yet…I now feel like I’ve known you since the beginning of time. We were knit together somewhere else, far far away and long long ago. I can’t imagine life without you in it. And so I believe, in some mysterious way, you’ve been with me all along.
We are so proud of you. You approach the world with openness, with laughter, with unashamed curiosity…and yet you still find refuge in our arms. There aren’t enough words to describe you…and most of the ones I try fall painfully short. Because our love for you is on a level that transcends nouns and verbs and adjectives. Our love for you exists in that same secret place we were knitted together long long ago.
Today, we’ll celebrate your birthday…just the three of us. We’ll go to the ocean (we’re in Portland!), we’ll pick berries, and we’ll take time to honor the special place you have in our lives…and the impact you’ve already had on your world. I love you Lucille Amelia Moutrie-Kulp. I am blessed to be your mother.
Kadi Spurlock from Up in the Sycamore photographed our birth and came down to Colorado Springs to photograph us after Lucy’s first birthday. She’s an incredible photographer and friend.
She is just so gorgeous! Happy Birthday, Lucy! And a hug and a kiss for the strong mama!
what a beautiful post and gorgeous photos!!
such a beautiful post-happy happy birthday sweet little Lucy!!!
so beautiful!!!
I LOVE THIS POST!! It is so true- we as parents are connected to our children in an eternal way that is beyond fully understanding in this world! Maybe that is why if a child dies- it’s like a part of you dies too as a parent.
We are so happy for you Monet- and your beautiful and precious family. Enjoy every minute of this day with your little one! She will grow so fast!!
xox-
Susanne
There are really no adjectives to express how wonderfully your words and emotions come through in each of your posts about your beautiful daughter…
it is the essence of motherhood, of parenthood, just the way it was meant to be
Happy Birthday to Lucy!
Happy Birthday Lucy!
Such lovely pictures! It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already. And Portland is wonderful — fun place to visit. Glorious post — thanks.
Happy happy birthday sweet Lucy! I love all these photos Monet – and those ones in Colorado are stunning (and side note I need to visit Colorado!).
such a wonderful post!
Happy Birthday to your little girl! This is such a beautiful and poetic post with such gorgeous, heart-felt pictures! Hope you enjoyed a wonderful day the three of you 🙂
Awhh she’s simply adorable! Big hugs to the birthday girl!! xxxxx
Oh my goodness I love all of this! Crazy how fast the time goes.
Monet, this post brought tears to my eyes – it’s so beautiful, raw, honest and open. You were born to be a writer – the way you put words together always effects me so deeply. Happy happy happy birthday to your sweet Lucy. This photographer is incredibly talented – her photos are blowing me away! What a wonderful way to commemorate Lucy’s first birthday.
How time flies! Kadi captured such a special moment that you can all look back on every birthday as she grows, what a wonderful gift.
Such beautiful words and photographs! I always love reading your posts, they are so touching!
Awwwww, sniff sniff…. lovely story I’m sure Lucy will cherish one day.
Aww! Beautiful post and pictures!
Fantastic photos and I love your shoes! Can you tell me where to get a pair for myself, pretty please? 🙂
happy birthday to a beautiful, beautiful girl – where has a year gone Monet??? i’m incredibly happy for you, for Ryan for beautiful Lucille (((hugs)))
Happy belated first birthday, Lucy! You are truly loved. Monet, your writing is so lovely. I truly look forward to motherhood. The photos are stunning as well. You have a beautiful family. I look forward to following your journey ;).
Happy happy belated first birthday to Lucy! Loved the party pics and the cake 🙂 Can’t believe how fast time flies, love this post and the gorgeous pictures 🙂