The perfect storm

I am currently writing to you in the middle of the THIRD night of being awake. I am exhausted. Oh how quickly I have seemed to have forgotten those horrible newborn nights. I am praying fervently for patience,  comfort, sleep and sanity. You see my dear Madison, tonight we are in what your father likes to call the "perfect storm of parenting" 

You are not only cutting molars but also seem to have a cold and what the doctors decided was a yeast infection with a gnarly bum rash. Your mother is also battling a cold, and days away from starting her period so her mood and patience is running very low. 

I am at a loss of what to do. We have tried it all and not much seems to soothe you. My heart breaks for you but at the same time I'm honestly so damn frustrated I want to run away and never come back. 

Of course this is one of those time I need to grow as an adult and mother. And I've come to learn that growing up sucks. A lot. 

You have finally fallen back asleep on my chest, which is apparently the only comfortable spot for you. My back is silently screaming in pain but I dare not move for fear of waking you from this bout of slumber. Please little girl. Please for the sanity of your mother GO. BACK. TO. SLEEP. Whatever you want is yours, name your price. 

1 year photo shoot

Happy 1st Birthday

Dear Madison,

 I can't believe this day is already here. I feel like this past year I slept the least, but its seemed to be the quickest one of my life. I'm sure from this point on it will only get faster. Madison, I am so lucky to have you as my daughter. The day you arrived, you made us a family. Thank you for making us a family and thank you for making me a mother. I have grown and changed so much this year and it is because of you.

I have been blessed to be able to be a stay at home mother and I love this job more than anything. There may be a time when I can no longer stay at home so for now I will cherish the moments we have together. It has been amazing to watch you learn and grow the past 12 months. Its crazy to think that you were once a tiny preemie baby I held in my arms and you are now this very opinionated toddler. You have a personality that constantly makes me laugh. You do things in your own way and in your own time. I think you get that stubbornness from me. You are learning to talk and I I love to listen to you babble on and on about all the stories you need to tell me. You are sometimes whiny but for the most part you are probably the best baby I have ever met. Its not just me that thinks that, I've been told by so many, just how amazing you are.

You follow me around all day and have become my little buddy. I miss you when you are gone, even if its only while I run to the grocery store.  I know it wont be like this forever because you are eventually bound to have a sibling and it almost breaks my heart to think it will no longer be just you and me. I also know you will never remember all this one on one attention you are getting and all the perks you have for being the first born. Hopefully one day in the future you can read this book and remember just how special I think you are.

I look forward to watching you grow and the new exciting things you have in store for you. Its a big world out there, kid, go make the most of it.

Love,
Mom

12 months

Size 3 diapers

Height

Weight

6 teeth 

You wave bye like a princess

You can now say up, all done, bird, puppy. Hello. 

You wear flip flops like bracelets. 

You can now give loves to your baby dolls but still not to people. You only give them high five. 

You don't like to spend much time in the bath these days. 

You walk on your knees, which I have never see a baby do. You are walking sometimes but will only do it when you want. You refuse to walk when someone holds your hands or tries to stand you up. You stubborn, stubborn child. 

You have a major sweet tooth

You have a serious personality and don't like being told no. 

You love animals. 

You can hold your own bottle and drink from a sippy cup. 

You try to eat everything off my plate and usually aren't too picky. 

You no longer are good in movies which I guess is alright because after your birthday we have to start buying you a ticket.

You mastered the stairs a while ago but still haven't figured out how to come down. 

You get in to everything. 

When I'm doing my makeup in the morning you demand to sit next to me and play with all my makeups. 

You are ticklish under your armpits and your beefy's. 

I think you officially have my feet, sorry kid. 

You love to people watch, especially kids. 

You make me laugh daily.

Birthday Party

 The birthday girl highchair

 The food spread

 the "theme"

 Smash cake

 Treats for everyone

 Drink Station

 Opening presents

 Your favorite one

 Smash time

 Happy birthday baby girl. We love you!

Bath sink for easy clean up.