Madi's First Christmas

Madison enjoyed the most marvelous, magical day of her witto existence this December 25, 2011. She laughed, squealed, shrieked, giggled and took in EVERYTHING with her big, blue eyes. She was thoroughly captivated with each new toy and took the time to figure it out before moving on to the next one. We didn't think she'd be so involved and engaged in the whole unwrapping process, but she loved every second of it! She'd soften the wrap with her soggy drool and then tear it to shreds. She was so aware and thrilled with the entire occasion. She's always been a very keen barometer for any emotions Mommy and Daddy are feeling, so she perfectly mimicked our joy and excitement. Church was early and combined with two other wards. Madi was completely off schedule and out of whack so she gave us heck, Texas Tornado style, until we were back home, snug and happy. Matt made the BEST breakfast burritos ever for a late Christmas breakfast and the day was filled with naps, food, and lots of love. (and isn't that just the recipe for complete and total bliss?!?) Truly our bestest Christmas ever...one we will cherish forever and ever!

Awkward Family Photos

Christmas Eve Jammie Photoshoot

Ha! The harder we tried to look normal, the crazier the pictures got. Matt's wild eyes got us laughing til we completely lost control. We kept trying to get a successful shot, but alas...that never happened. Never-mind. Just trying was more fun than we've had in awhile.

I especially love the shots of Madison and Lily squaring off. Madi's got that crazy-attack-puppy look in her eye and Lily, who's no dummy, is keeping a close and cautious eye on her naughty big sister.

I've been trying some new photo shop effects (THANKS, KELLIE and MOM). Having tons o' fun, as you can see. Kind of annoying. Sorry. Anyway, a good time was had by all (minus Lily who HATES wearing sweaters, even if it is for a festive occasion like Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the whole year. We had a very special one this year as a teeny, tiny family. Matt was obligated to drive for UPS so we knew we wouldn't be leaving town and decided to make the most of our Christmas at home. We did some last minute shopping as a family and then prepared a scrumptious dinner together (yummy potatoes and ham). Matt shared a Christmas message and then we all put on our new Christmas jammies and had the most hilarious/awkward family photo shoot of all time. We loved each other more intensely than ever and treasured every second together. Baby just couldn't wait up for Santa and feel asleep drinking her bottle. Mom and Dad stayed downstairs wrapping presents until Mom couldn't stay awake, either! Dad stayed down, cleaned everything til it sparkled, arranged the presents in a picturesque pyramid o' plenty (he collected all the items we'd purchased for Madi over the last couple of months and they really added up)! He wrote a note to Santa from Madi and left out a plate of cookies. In the morning, we discovered Santa had sampled them all and wrote a note back to Miss Madison. When Mom and Madi went down for our morning feeding on Christmas day, we were both shocked and completely ecstatic! The happy surprise chased my headache away and we were all smiles! Oh, I love that Matthew Michael. And Santa was very sweet to us all, as well! We are blessed beyond measure and so grateful for Madison's perfect first Christmas.

Christmas Teaser

Madison Mae-Big Shot 6 Month Old

Little Miss Big Girl Madi is so glad to be able to sit up and view the world like a real person. She was born wanting to be big, to be able to RUN, DANCE, TALK, and PLAY and is thrilled each time she gets closer to achieving her goal. We love our teeny tiny big girl!

'Tis the Season

What should you do as you trim the tree, deck the halls, and start spreading the Christmas cheer? Well, listen to Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, and have a photo shoot, of course! So we did. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!