Maddie's Birthday Celebrations

We celebrated Maddie and her little two year old life!

We started at home on her actual Birthday with balloons and a present.

And a pancake breakfast.

Then we moved the party to her school with cupcakes for her class.  Here she is with her buddy Beckton.

I dropped the cupcakes in the parking lot before I ever even made it into the building.  Thankfully, a room full of two year olds don't care if they are pretty or not.....they just want the sugar!  This sweet girl included!

On Saturday night, we had a special celebration of Maddie with our family at B and Pops house in Orange Beach.  In trying to think about what kind of cake Maddie might like for her Birthday, I couldn't think of anything else but her current obsession - The Elf!  Even well into January, she was still asking about that elf everyday, wanting to know where he went.  She really loved that thing and got so excited to find him every morning.  I just couldn't think of anything else that was more fitting for her at this point in life.

And she loved it!

How old are you Maddie-girl?  She worked on getting those fingers just right for days!

Opening a few presents. This necklace was especially a hit! Santa brought Hannah Cate a necklace for Christmas and somehow forgot to bring Maddie one too. What the heck, Santa? Don't you know little girls fight over necklaces! I bet he won't make that mistake again! Thank goodness for Mary Rose and the Birthday necklace!

The clothes where a hit too!  Doesn't everyone need to immediately "try on" their new clothes?!?!

Life just wouldn't be the same without our Maddie.  So thankful we get to do life with her everyday - she sure makes it fun!

Lunch Break

Work-from-Home lunch breaks look way different than Work-from-Office lunch breaks!

Mine involve the sweetest little lunch date!

 

Don't you just want to skip lunch and eat her with a spoon? 

I hope all babies are as loved as this one!

Smile like it's funny.....

Remember when I mentioned that the whole "Say Cheese" thing is disastrous for us? 

I've found another solution and it works like a charm.  I tell Hannah Cate to "smile like something is funny" and it's perfection almost every time. 

Of course, the best pictures are the ones you just happen to catch.

But that's not always realistic, so my new trick is working in between!

Looking back at that old Halloween posts reminds me that I've got to do some kind of Christmas recap - even though it's January - I can't let Halloween make the blog and not Christmas!!

Maddie is T.W.O!

Happy Birthday Maddie-girl!
I'm so thankful for this day, the day you became a part of our family two years ago!  You are shaping up to be the fun one.  You are always on the go, always into something.  You are also our little lover - quick to give out hugs and kisses (tisses as you say).  You are proving to be pretty outgoing too - you never meet a stranger.  I can't tell you how many of the ladies at your school have come up and told me how much they just love you and your great "Maddie hugs".  You make everyone feel loved and important - I cherish that about you.  You've got an aggressive side, but it usually only surfaces when "Sissy" is around.  She aggravates you and you are quick to make it known!  Thankfully, you are quick to make up and say you are sorry when you pull her hair, pinch her, scratch her, hit her have a disagreement.  At the same time, you love each other so much.  You are almost always willing to share with her.  I know you love her because when I ask you what your name is, you say "Hannah Cate".  You also love your other sister, the one you call "Bebe".  I don't think you even realize she actually has a name!  I wouldn't exactly say you are gentle with her, but you do love to love on her and smother her with kisses.  She loves you too and always smiles when she sees you coming.  Oh how I can't wait to watch the three of you grow together. 

I love you Maddie and am proud to be your Mama. 

Six Months!

How can it already be six months??!!??!!

Time is just flying by.  It's such a hard thing because I love to watch them grow and hit new milestones, but I miss their tinyness as it escapes away.

Two weeks ago I feel like I woke up and no longer had a little baby. 

Sweetest Emma Ann,

I am so thankful for your precious life.  It's no secret that your Daddy and I have not been the best planners when it comes to growing our family.  People say we are crazy and look at us like we have lost our minds - but I'll take it, because our craziness means that we have you and I wouldn't trade you for a million days of sanity.  You are one loved little baby girl. You make it so easy to love you and impossible to get mad at you - even when I'm still getting up with you in the middle of the night!  I prayed that you would be an easy baby and the Lord answered my prayers ten fold.  You have defied easy with your laid back personality and ability to go with the flow.  Even with your big sisters constantly picking at you, wanting to hold you and taking your toys nothing seems to phase you.  Most people don't think you even know how to cry (but I assure them you have your moments).  You have the most precious wide mouth smile that melts my heart.  I cannot imagine our family without you and I cannot wait to watch you grow.  For now, I'm going to soak up your sweet snuggles and baby breath because I know I'm going to miss these days when they are gone! 

I love you Emma Ann!

Mama   

Christmas Card Rejects

I'm really behind.  Who knows if I'll ever catch up.  I'll try, but be warned that I might give up! 

Getting a good picture of all five of us is a challenge.  Thank you to my sister for hanging in there with us and helping us get a keeper for our Christmas card.  As frustrating as it can be in the process, there are always some hilarious and some sweet shots that don't make the cut. 

Thankfully we got a pretty good shot of all five of us in one sitting.

It's a good thing, because I'm not sure I could have convinced Matt to give it another try!