The Ladybug Party

So after months of planning and anticipation, Madison's birthday finally arrived...and just a few short hours later it was over. Now all that's left is piles of gifts and bags, some uneaten cake, and little ladybug touches all over the house. It was a great day with friends and family, all there to celebrate Madison's first incredible year of life. Here are some of the highlights...



A beautiful day for a ladybug party!



The cake table






my labor of love...the ladybug cake!






Maddie's smash cake



Maddie loved her new dress from Hannah banana tutus...thank you Shannon!












she was timid at first...



but it didn't take long!









The waterslide was a big hit with all the kids!



and a few gifts for the birthday brother as well...




It was a perfect day to celebrate our little bug, and although she may not remeber it, she had a blast, and I'll never forget it. Happy Birthday Maddiebug!

11 years

Wow. Is it really possible we've been married 11 years today? We met in high school, and we've been together ever since...still having so much fun together!





Happy Anniversary my love. We have been through so much together, and there is no one in this world that I would rather have by my side through it all. Thank you for being an amazing father, husband, and best friend. I love you.

Happy Birthday Madison

Dear Madison,

I can’t believe it’s been a year.
It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms and peering down into your tiny face for the very first time. In that instant you changed me. I looked at you and I saw a miracle staring back at me. I wasn’t sure how I would feel when I finally met you…wasn’t sure if I was strong enough, or if I had enough love inside of me to give. The moment your eyes locked on mine I knew, without a doubt, that I was strong enough for whatever lies ahead, and that the love I felt for you was in me all along…just waiting for that moment when you looked back at me and asked me to love you completely and unconditionally. I did then, and I always will.






You have taught me so much in this first year…So much about myself, and about the world around me. I appreciate each and every moment so much more now, because I have learned how fragile life can be, and how quickly it goes. That realization has completely changed my perspective, and it was in desperate need of changing. You are the happiest baby I have ever known, and you have a way of making everyone around you happy as well. Your smile is magic. You have made me stronger in every way a person can be. I see how hard you work for each accomplishment, and it inspires me to work harder and be better.








One day I’ll find the words to tell you how much you mean to me…how completely happy you make me, and how unbelievably blessed I feel to witness a miracle on a daily basis. You were the missing piece of our puzzle. You came into this world and completed us in a way that I didn’t know was possible. We needed you…more than you will ever need us, and on this day, your first birthday, I celebrate all that you are, all that you are going to be, and all that we have become now that you are in our lives.
Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you always.

Simple Pleasures

So summer is in full swing, and we are enjoying all that comes with it…lots of time outdoors, afternoons in the sprinkler, sidewalk chalk masterpieces, freezy pops, bubbles, and endless excuses to wear swimsuits all day long.


Mason wanted to play in the pool, but he wanted a big slide (which his pool does not have)…And a stroke of genius that first was born when I was a barefoot kid enjoying summer, developed in my backyard.
Kiddie pool + Swingset slide = tons of fun.



And although the end result was anything but a perfectly round pool…Mason didn’t seem to mind.







When the midday sun drove us out of the pool, and into the shade, Mason decided he would like to catch some bugs. Sure, why not?


And I have never gotten so much enjoyment out of a toy that cost a dollar...Just watching him walk around the backyard staring so intently at every blade of grass, and calling out
“Here buggy, buggy,” was insanely entertaining.





And speaking of bugs…our littlest bug has a new trick.



Yep, she’s standing up tall at the coffee table. She needs a little help getting there, but once she’s up, she is supporting her weight really well…and she’s up for minutes at a time! So this is a huge accomplishment, and we are super excited!

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This week we also enjoyed some pool time with our buddies down the street.





Now you can see why Mason felt the need to supe up his pool. :)



...and we are so excited that they are generously offering us to use this slide for Maddie's party...should be lots of fun! Thanks guys!!






Bathing beauties...






So much fun, and summer is just beginning...I can't wait to see what else is in store.

Finished!

Click here to view this photo book larger

35 Years

Good Morning Monday…I wasn’t ready for you to come, but you’re here, nonetheless…so, Good Morning.



Happy Anniversary to my parents, who have been married 35 years today…Congrats, you guys! I love you both!!




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Haircut time! Mason cheered on Maddie as she got her first haircut, and then he showed her how a “big boy” does it…sooo funny! They both did great.

before....




during...




after...




and big brother...





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Another busy week...but YAY! Michele is back in town! Madison was so glad to see her! Oh, how we missed our PT! And Mason, being out of school, is more than happy to help entertain Maddie while she does the treadmill.


there's really no caption that can explain this picture...



But, Maddie seemed to love it.




and now, for some fun with Mommy's hat...










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So we are in full on party planning mode…almost all of the invitations have been sent, and I have been busy with one project after another. I love planning parties...And there is nothing more fun than parties for my little people, and of course, since this is Miss Maddiebug's first birthday, it will be over the top, and it will be perfect!





The tutu is finished…it was really easy to make, and I think it turned out pretty cute, for my first try. I learned how to make it from this tutorial. Really quick, simple, and it cost about $4.00 to make.





The birthday banner is in the works…I found these cute felt sheets at Hobby Lobby, cut them into flags, and glued them to the string…Voila! Ladybug party banner!





We also made these cute cupcake toppers to match our invites…It’s amazing how far a tiny bit of Photoshop knowledge can take you. Mason has loved all the craft time going on these days...He’s helped with everything from the goodie bags to the cupcake toppers.






We are so excited about celebrating Madison’s first year! This has been such a wild year for all of us, so this party is more than a birthday party…It’s a celebration for everyone who has been a part of this year…It’s a huge exhale moment, just knowing we made it through the first year...through all the changes, all the newborn stuff, all the shunt stuff, all the therapy. We’ve come through the first year in pretty good shape, and we are hoping to be old pros by her second birthday. :) So, it’s going to be a great day filled with fun, laughter, family, friends, tutus, and lots of ladybugs!! I can’t wait…