A year in review

Where has the year gone? It is a hard to believe that over a year ago little Miss Maddie made her arrival into the world. This past year has been filled with ups and down, highs and lows but most of all amazing memories and adventures that I hope we don't soon forget. Our computer is filled with snapshots of the past year....all divided up over each month. Here are just a few of our Maddie Memories from the past year.

Maddie and Daddy at the hospital....only a few hours old. You forget how tiny they are.

Sleeping soundly during our first few weeks home......resting up for all the months to come I guess.

Our little pumpkin in October. Almost 2 months old and such a peanut. It's hard to believe that she barely fits in her car seat anymore.

Thanksgiving time. 3 months old and holding her self up and wanting to crawl.

The best Christmas present of the year. Love them big eyes.

At the end of the month of December at Maddie's baptism at Church of the Master. We were blessed to have our whole family there with us.

Month 4....our first snowfall. Yes Mike actually is the one feeding her the snow.

Mommy's little shopper. 5th months old. Notice we still are sporting the bib due to massive reflux issues.

The weather has changed and Miss Smiley is out to play. Month 6 was lots of fun.

Month 7 is crawling/cruising and getting into everything.

Month 8 we went and got professional pictures taken. Such a little ham for the camera. At this point we was walking. The photographer kept telling us to have her 'sit' here and smile for the camera......yeah sitting wasn't happening.

In June we went to the zoo. Maddie loved petting the animals...much to Daddy's dismay. Can you guess which one of us took her into the zoo and which one was armed with the Purell when she came out?

Playing with our favorite older cousin while getting to visit our new littlest cousin.

Month 11 brought more pictures and our personality really starting to develop. We did solve the 'sitting' issue at the photographers.....just put her in a bag so she can't get out!

A new year brings new friends and new toys. We can't wait to see what year 2 has in store!

Birthday Fun

I can't believe that it has been a year since we first welcomed our little girl into this world. This past year has been an emotional roller coaster full of joys, tears and wonderful memories. Madison is such a blessing to our lives. It's hard to remember what life was like before her. We always felt like our life was complete, but she adds a new joy to it.

I'm not saying there aren't days/nights of frustation. We all 3 have our days when we reach our limit and just need a break. Luckily those days are far and few between and are surrounded by days of new experiences and special memories. We are also blessed to have an AMAZING group of family and friends that love Maddie as much as we do. This past weekend we all got to celebrate Madison's first year. It was a great time and we can't wait to see what the upcoming years have in store for us.

My first birthday dinner. Mommy made some of my favorites...watermelon, corn, and hotdogs.

Opening a BIG doggie from Grandma Mary. I love dogs. 'Doggie" was one of my first words and I say it every time I see a dog when we are out taking walks. Sometimes I get upset because my Mommy doesn't let me run over and pet them right away. She says I have to ask first. So I do and then I get to pet them.....so fun!

Reading a new book. about can you guess........DOGS!

My special butterfly cake and the cupcakes Mommy made formy party.

Ummmmm.....cake is good!

After I ate with my hands for a while, Mommy gave me a fork to use. I am really good at using a fork when I eat and get so excited when I 'jab' something.

Opening presents and eating cake can wear a girl out. Luckily I can take a break here with my cousin Carson.......I love that boy.

OMG!!! Can you believe I am one?

Our little musician

While it's not a tuba or a brass instrument....it's a start. Now to work on our buzzing so we can be ready for any and all future brass band gigs.

Maddie has always enjoyed 'playing' the piano. However it is usually just walking over to the piano and reaching up and banging at the keys.....usually when I am trying to give a voice or piano lesson. Now she likes to sit up at the bench and actually 'play'. If we are lucky we will even get some singing along with our song. I have to admit....I LOVE IT!