There are moments, when you are in the thick of it.  When he won’t sleep.  When she won’t eat.  When they won’t stop crying.  That you think will it be like this forever?

There are moments when he falls asleep on your chest.  When she flashes a gummy smiles.  When you wrap them in your arms.  That you pray that it stays like this forever.

Each new day brings a new adventure and a world of possibilities.  The first smile, first giggle, first time he crawls, first unsure step.  A year of firsts lay in the rear view mirror but a lifetime of firsts still stretch out before you.

One.  It’s the smallest number but a momentous milestone.  You made it mama!  And look at the proof right there in front of you.  The first chapter of your story is written.  But hold on tight, the ride has just begun!

Amanda Schoch is a newborn and child photographer in Silver Spring Maryland.  She specializes in capturing all the details of that amazing first year.