Congratultions! What a year it has been for you, and we thank you kindly for sharing it with us. My little family consists of a large 17 year old boy and a small 16 year old girl, looking at the pictures of Meli take me back...waaay back. Cheers, Jeannie

I remember when sydney came out I looked at my husband, turned to face him. He had the exact same expression on his face that said how I felt. "how the hell did that come out of there??". For days and weeks and months after we would look at her and still say "how the heck??". So wild.

August 23, 1989.....I took home my baby daughter from the hospital...she was just days old....August 23, 2009....I brought her to college to begin her freshman year....as I drove off, tears in my eyes....I thought how fast time does fly.
Enjoy every minute.

Oh what a marvelous photo of your adorable girl.
If my kids were still little, I would SO totally hire you to take all their photos.

And although I miss the little girl years with both my kiddos (yeah.. it still gives me a lump in my throat too) , I can promise you that every single year gets better and better. There is nothing quite so special as all-grown-up-girls. they become some of your dearest friends. I am so happy for all the years of joy you have to look forward to :-)

What a great photo! My baby has her first day of senior year tomorrow. Talk about getting close... You have so many firsts and milestones... and everyday things... yet to come!

The pic is gorgeous. She looks beautiful, healthy and so happy!

(I haven't posted before, but I have been reading your blog for a while now and it is a real joy reading about your experiences with both parenting and knitting)

The parenting gig is such an amazing one. My munchkin starts preschool tomorrow but it seems like yesterday that I was pregnant. Solid food can be a real adventure (but boy is the poo different!), but is also another area where they show off their own preferences and in doing so, individuate that tiny bit more. I can really understand your ambivalence about that. I look forward to reading more about your continued enjoyment of your family.

Happy Labor Day to all of you! Amazing how time flies, isn't it?

Happy Labor Day to all of you! Amazing how time flies, isn't it?

Just TOOOOOO cute! Loved the little video in the previous post, too! What fun times.

She is sooooo beautiful!!
Hope you and your family had a wonderful Labor Day!

Time does fly, but you have many years between now and when she leaves the nest to enjoy her, influence her and love her. You will always be her mother and she will always be a part of your life in a big way.

Ack! She's adorable!

Each step away seems so far but really you have a lifetime with her...

There was once a Labor Day weekend when I actually got pregnant, and this Labor Day weekend that daughter came home from her new digs and job in the city to spend the weekend with us. We had fun and I miss her already.

I was a little shocked to see that you miss being pregnant, but I completely understand. I doubt she could look any happier!

Oh what a great shot of Meli. You are so amazing with that camera! (Doesn't hurt that the subject is amazing as well, huh? ;-} )

I'm here in my office in sneaky blog mode, happy to find a new post and reading it as quick as I can to foil office surveillance, when suddenly I scroll down and am faced with the cutest wacky baby face imaginable! Priceless!

awww.... what an adorable pic! Haven't dropped by in a while, but hello and congrats and all good stuff.

awww.... what an adorable pic! Haven't dropped by the blog in a while, but hello and congrats and all good stuff.

My son is now 14 months old. When he turned from tiny baby to crawling menace I thought I would be sad, but I loved this new developement. When he had 4 teeth instead of just the cute two on the bottom front, I thought I would be sad. but again i loved it. And I am soooo looking forward to the future changes, although I do know this 'bittersweet' feeling myself now. and I'm afraid what i might think when he turns real trouble in his teenage years or want's to marry this woman I can't stand... Yep, being a mom is great! And I look forward to hear more from you and your family.

Oh my! She is so cute and reminds me so much of my "baby" who will be 38 next month. Treasure the moments.

Wait until she starts junior high. (Which my baby will do tomorrow.)

What an adorable schmoo. Hugs to you and your family, Cara!

What a darling! I'm thinking that the photographer is an expert. :-)

OK, this is the cutest pic. I say that each time I see a new one!

I know exactly what you mean. My heart soars for every new beginning my children have, but it breaks at the same time. My youngest son just started walking and we cheer him on ... at the same time my heart and mind are screaming "stop walking! crawling was just fine!!" ...

*sigh*

OMG. Still the cutest. baby. EVER.

And try not to get too maudlin about the life stages. They only get more fun as they get older!

You so need to make that pic into a card, it is awesome and adorable.

Wonderful post and adorable photo! she is precious ;)

What a beautiful babe... and many more wonderful, lazy Labor Days to you!

x

Megan

Your photos of your beautiful daughter make me laugh.

What a beautiful girl. :)

Yes, that time does truly fly by. It's hard to believe that my wee one is 2.5 years old! That is a cute picture of Meli! So sweet!!

Every so often I come back to just look at the pictures of your daughter. So much cuteness! I enjoy reading the blog too, but the cuteness is just amazing. :) My son is 7 now and it shocks me how fast it went.