This weekend we celebrated Mia’s 7th birthday with our family at the house. Does anyone else have major OCD when hosting? I try so hard to relax and enjoy the party, but the crumbs and dirty dishes haunt me the entire time!!! My New Year’s resolution, however, is to truly live in the moment and savor these milestones and memories.

During this particular party, I stared around the room and felt blessed. My parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters, godparents, nephews, and godchildren were all happy and healthy under one roof. Laughter permeated the room and warm food was being served. The spilled milk, sticky counters, and dirty floors were visible, but this time I didn’t care. They would inevitably get cleaned, but birthday celebrations were fleeting and I was cherishing this time.
I was also super excited to introduce Nola to the gang. She has brought so much joy to our home in such a short amount of time. I knew everyone would fall in love with her too. More chaotic, louder, and now crazier, Nola has added a whole new dynamic to the DePreta parties! Comfortable and at ease, she is officially the 5th member of our family. Four strong and very temperamental females, dominate our home. I have said it before and I will say it again, “Poor Jim.”

It’s hard to believe that my little girl is 7. I blinked and her baby face, pacifiers, and dirty diapers have been replaced with missing teeth, JOJO bows, and lots of sass. My baby is growing up before my eyes. As I travel down this road we call motherhood, the children’s book Love You Forever is permanently embedded in my heart. Each phase of the book is so truthful, relateable, and heartfelt. If you aren’t familiar, I suggest picking up a copy. You will sob the whole way through. For those who do remember its powerful message, this passage will certainly resonate with your soul.
I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be.

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