PAR-TAY!!!

CALLING ALL SUPER READERS, CALLING ALL SUPER READING (AND FABULOUS FAMILY): PLEASE COME PARTY WITH MISS MADISON MAE!!! Madi loves Super Why and the Super Readers from her favorite show on PBS. So we tried to incorporate her best cartoon friends on her big day. We had tons of fabulous family come and celebrate Madi's big one year milestone with us in Logan. We had reserved a pavilion right by 3 of her favorite parks but, alas, the rain spoiled our outdoor plans. But never fear . . . Super Dad had a fabulous back-up plan and had reserved the church for us which turned out even better! Rather than grilling and barbecuing like we had originally planned, we had a fun, stress-free pizza party. Everyone was able to run around, shoot hoops, throw the football/Frisbee, visit, eat, create and perform plays/songs/skits on the stage, and just have a grand old time. Madi pulled the stroller over on forehead and nose just minutes before the festivities began so that she'd be sure to have a good bump/bruise/scratch for any birthday pics. Daddy made a priceless DVD of her first year which we all enjoyed immensely. It was so fun to reflect over her adventuresome first year and watch her grow from a tiny little thing to a big, cheerful, bright, sparkly 1 year-old in pictures right before our eyes! The tender songs left more than a few of us teary eyed. Oh, we love our Madi Mae! Presents, cake/cupcakes, and ice cream were all wonderful as well. Madi had no fear of digging right into that pink cake! She started by dipping her face in, hands-free. Then she poked, mushed, dug, gobbled, and flung cake around like a wild, HAPPY monkey. It was a perfect evening. Madi partied so hard that she feel asleep sitting up as her aunts were talking to her during clean-up. We are so grateful to all our dear loved ones who have helped us along the way this year. It takes a village, or at least a loving family! We were so touched that they would all come celebrate with Madi on her special day (and totally spoil her rotten). That little lass is truly loved!

Madi Day

On Thursday, May 24th we had a very special "Madi Day!" We tried to do all her favorites. We started with a stroller adventure on the Logan River Trail walk. We doted on her, played, didn't even touch the computer (it had been a few rough days in a row of ignoring babygirl while we attempted to update her baby book and create a DVD of her first year), swung at the park, took some lovely long naps, ate her favorite foods--green beans, Daddy's delicious grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, went out for an ice cream treat(Daddy even let us share with Madi), and then had our own teeny tiny trial run of blowing out the candles on a "birthday cake" (iced donut). Daddy let her get up-close and personal with the flame (fire burnin', fire burnin' on the highchair/Mad's finger), but we are happy to report Madison is a very fast little learner and did not attempt to high-five the candle when we had the family party on Saturday. :) WE LOVE YOU, BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

First Haircut

On May 19th, Aunt Lindy gave Madi her first haircut. Madison's hair grew super long in one chunk on top, and stayed a curly mullet on bottom, so it was definitely time for a trim! True to her dramatic nature, she shed some real tears during the "traumatic" process. We sure love and appreciate Aunt Lindy and her amazing beautification skills! Thanks for primping this prissy princess!

Daddy loves his baby girl

The past year of life has been full of love, adventures, bumps and bruises, happy moments and a few sad moments. I could have never imagined myself to be so happy having a little girl. Madison has brought me more joy then any little boy could have for sure. Little Madison and I have had some very special moments together that I will treasure forever. From the moment she was born, we bonded for hours while the doctors fixed up mommy. From that moment on we have created such a special little daughter/daddy bond that will last FOREVER. Madison has brought me so much joy through her many shades of personality. She has had me laughing hysterically and had me in tears of joy on many occasions. She has melted my heart with all her adorable little photo shoots with Mommy and also Grandma Black. Each time I look in my baby girls eyes I can't help but be so incredibly grateful for how she has helped me grow into a better person. She has taught me how to love like I have never loved, she has taught me the principle of patience, she has taught me that little accidents here and there are so minor in the long scheme of things. She has demonstrated her love for reading, which has inspired me to be a better reader myself. For a tiny little tot she has taught me many valuable lessons in life. I am sure throughout the years, she will continue to teach me many more important lessons. I treasure each of our special little moments together. I am incredibly excited to introduce her to her new little sister. How grateful I am for my lovely ladies. I truly could not be a happier man. Thanks, Madison, for all the memories and lessons you have taught me. Daddy loves you so much!

Look Who's 1 and SO MUCH FUN!!!

Our witto Madison Mae is one! This was seriously the fastest year of our lives. I wish I could go back and stress a little less and cherish her a little more. It's a tough job being the first child--the guinea pig that shapes and molds a mom and dad. But Madi is a saucy, resilient little warrior princess and has conquered her first year beautifully. We love, love, love this great big girl in her teeny tiny baby body. She has been a new baby since finally cutting her first teeth (the front bottom teeth--her little "monster teeth" that are coming in at a 45 degree angle) and getting some antibiotics for a bad earache. She lets us sleep in past 8:00 each morning and chuckles, laughs, sings, "talks", entertains us cheerfully all day. People are constantly waving at me and I finally figured out it's because Madi is greeting each passerby with a big wave from the stroller. Her favorite word is, "HI!" She'll say it a 1,000 times a day--what a friendly little lass. She LOVES Super Why and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and sings the theme songs with me all day. She is soooooo close to walking and will often spontaneously pop up and stand solo in the middle of the living room or kitchen. She especially loves the thrill of climbing the stairs. She loves to wrestle with Daddy, soar through the air, jump off the stairs to him, and rough-and-tumble with her doting daddy. She loves her puppy, Lily. Mommy was watching a cute 2-year old girl, Arwen, and Madi enjoyed many walks to the park and playground fun with her new friend. Madi has provided so much light and sparkle to our lives. Thank you, Madison, for bringing us so much joy! WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY, BABYGIRL! Then:

Now:

Then:

Now:

Beginnings:

Presently:

Days of Yore:

Current Adventures: (Best Friend, Arwen)

Look Who's One and SO MUCH FUN: