Trees are up and Maddy helped!

Every year we put up our Christmas tree on November 27th, it marks another year since my mom passed away. My sister and I started putting our Christmas trees up on that date the year after my mom died. This year Allison is back living at home and didn't have a tree of her own to put up, so she came to our house on Friday and helped us. It was great to have her here and it was that much more special since its Madelyn’s first Christmas.
I decided we needed 3 trees this year instead of our usual two. Adam was less then excited about this but I have always been a little over the top when it comes to Christmas and decorating. It just makes me smile!
Allie bought Maddy her first ornament to hang on the tree, it is a beautiful silver, engraved ornament with the year and Madelyn’s initials. I helped Maddy open it and she was more interested in the tissue paper then the ornament itself. Allison helped Maddy hang it on the tree; I loved every second of it! I can’t wait for the years to come as she becomes just as excited about Christmas and decorating for the holiday. It will be such a thrill to watch it through a child’s eyes.
Enjoy a few pictures of our finished product!

Bowling Baby!

Well it's almost been two weeks since I have updated the blog; I am finding it really hard to pull myself away from Maddy these days to blog. She is getting so big and her personality is so fun.

Adam, Madelyn and I were able to celebrate Thanksgiving a little early with my mom's family this past Sunday. We gathered at my grandma's and enjoyed too much yummy food, all of my aunts, uncles and cousins where there, along with my sister, dad and step-mom. We started tradition years ago when my mom was still alive, of bowling on Thanksgiving Day. When I was younger we actually celebrated on Thanksgiving Day and in the evening we would all load up and drive to the bowling alley in Bloomington. It was always a blast because there was never another soul there other than our family. Since we celebrate the Sunday before now there are a few more people to share the lanes with, but it’s still always filled with laughs. My 13 year old cousin Paul has a hard time keeping his ball in the correct lane…or sometimes even in the building! :) I enjoyed introducing Madelyn to this tradition for the first time, she isn’t a bowler yet but she did love the bright colored balls and the pin ball machine. I must say “thank you” to my grandma who happily watched Maddy while the rest of us bowled. I am already looking forward to next year.

6 Month Appointment

Madelyn had her 6 month wellness visit today with Dr. Rob. Adam and I were both anxious to see how much our big girl weighed. Maddy continues to be in the 91st percentile in height and weight of girls her age, she weighed 18 lbs 14 oz. and was 27 1/4 inches long.

Madelyn received her two normal vaccinations and a seasonal flu shot, she only cried for a few seconds and was over it. She's a tough girl!!! Dr. Rob said she looked great and is healthy, music to our ears!!

She is a bit grumpy tonight because of the vaccines and just wanted to sleep, we gave her good night kisses and let her drift off too sweet dreams a little early tonight.

Maddy's next wellness visit will be in February when she is 9 months, hard to believe.

Time Flys

Madelyn is 6 months old today, I can't believe it. It does not feel like 6 months ago that we were at St. Vincent Hospital welcoming her to the world. People constantly tell us to enjoy every second because it goes by so quickly, I now know what they mean.

Adam and I have learned a lot in the last 6 months, not only about having a baby but also about each other. You always hear the first year of marriage is the hardest, well I would beg to differ. I believe the first year after having a baby is the hardest...but also the BEST. Adam and I are learning how to give Madelyn all the attention she deserves while still giving each other the attention we deserve. Time management has a whole new meaning, I never thought I would spend so much of my time doing laundry and cleaning bottles.

Madelyn is almost crawling and loves scooting around in her walker, each day we notice something different. Her personality is really starting to develop and though I think she comes by it naturally, I have never seen a more impatient baby. The girl knows what she wants and when she wants it!

We have Madelyn's 6 month check-up next week and we will update you all on her latest stats.


Madelyn Rose,
Your daddy and I love you more then you will ever know; you bring smiles to our faces each and every day. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect addition to our family. We love to watch you grow and learn; it is fun to watch your personality develop. We know you will have many more achievements in your life time but we are already so proud of you.

It is hard to believe you are already six months old. There have been long nights and many times we haven’t known what to do but you have been a trooper. We think we are getting the hang of this parenting thing!!

Thank you for bringing such joy to our lives!

Love you forever,
Mommy and Daddy