Grateful for Hallie

Hallie is a mini-me. That's all there is to it. And as strange as it sounds, that is what I am grateful for with her. Sure, at first that might sound vain and selfish...but hear me out. I never had a full-blood sister. Ok that sounds gross but what I'm trying to say is that both of my sisters...although VERY close to me...are not my full sisters. I've never had a sibling that really looked like me or felt that sort of physical similarity connection with. And I know it's not necessary or even important...but Hallie has made me feel connected and has forced me to look within. Seeing someone actually look like me reminds me just how much influence I have over these precious little lives. How not only does she look like me...but she's going to become whatever I teach her to become. When I look into her gorgeous blues (much more beautiful than mine...things DO get better down the line!)...I see myself. I think back to when I was a little baby...my whole life ahead of me. Nothing predetermined yet...but my life and future in the hands of those I was given to. Everyone wants better for their children. But I definitely want her...all of our children to be stronger, better people than I was. I don't want them to fear but instead be Faithful and comforted in all things because they have the Lord at their side. Hallie reminds me that I want to strive each day to be a better person, a faithful daughter of God, an ever-improving example to my children and lifetime missionary of the Gospel.

Hallie is the sweet silent type lately. She's a very independent and mellow baby. Yes, she can still be moody. But she's mellowed out quite a bit...as if she's figured this whole thing out and is now choosing to coast along and enjoy the ride. She LOVES attention. She will sometimes sit and stare at you for 5 long minutes waiting for you to glance in her direction, and the moment you do she LIGHTS up like she'd been waiting years. She loves to snuggle. She loves to love and be loved. She makes the sweetest faces that I just eat up. Her eyes...oh those heartbreaking eyes...they melt me. That's all there is to it. Sometimes when I look at her eyes I can't believe I had a part in making something so beautiful. She is going to be a fantastic big sister. I am so grateful for all she has taught me. We love our little Hallie Bear.