Vivie and The Fourth of July

What a difference a year makes. On this day last year, I experienced my first episode of true morning sickness while pregnant with Vivie! I remember lying on the bathroom floor with my head on the cool tile and Shane wanting to take a picture to show our unborn child one day. Looking back, I wish that I had let him so I could have documentation of the entire pregnancy experience! I was one of the lucky few that did not have too much nausea, but those mornings when I felt like I could not move because of nausea, exhaustion, and headaches were so worth it because it brought me sweet Vivie.
Fast forward one year, and wow have things changed! Last year I could not even think of eating anything except plain pasta, (if you are wondering, yes Olive Garden is open on the 4th of July and it is not crowded at all) and this year I was able to look forward to all of the yummy cookout food! Last year Shane and I did not see a single firework because I was confined to the couch all weekend. We decided to not to see any this year either, considering Vivie is not a fan of loud, sudden noises. They were beautiful on t.v. though!
My entire family gets together twice a year, with the exception of weddings and funerals, and one of those days is the 4th of July. I was so excited to see Vivie in her red, white, and blue dress and take her to see the family! Vivie had a good time at the cookout, and was so charming for all of her admirers, but it was a little hot for her once she started getting sleepy. I parked myself in front of a fan and she finally, after trying to fight it for a long time, fell asleep on my lap while Daddy enjoyed a snow cone!

After we left the cookout, we headed over to Shane's dad's house where Vivie got to have some more fun with all her cousins! She watched the girls swim and was very impressed by Selah swimming underwater! 

I think Vivie's first 4th of July was fun, but I am looking forward to when she will be able to experience all the yummy food and the fireworks! I am also looking forward to explaining to her why the holiday is so important, and what it truly means to live in the best country in the world. 

Reflecting back over the past year I am amazed at how time flies. It seems as though one minute you are on the bathroom floor as a result of morning sickness, and the next you are holding a precious little sleeping miracle in your lap.