Happy 1st Birthday, Madilynn!

All dressed up for my birthday party!

Two days ago, my sweet baby Madilynn turned one!  Time has just flown by.  I know it is trite to say it, but it feels like yesterday when I was recovering from a C-section and cuddling a barely 6 pound baby in my arms.  Now my little one is cruising, babbling, playing (and fighting!) with her sister on a daily basis.  She is the complete opposite of Reagan in every way.  She is tiny, living up to her nickname Peanut, shy, and sensitive.  I remember right after she was born, I told my friend at work about her birth story.  She told me that Madilynn is going to be a go-getter:  at the first opening she saw, she just had to enter the world.  So every time she sees an opportunity, even if the door is only partially open, she will go for it.  I love thinking of that when I look at my little girl, because even though she has a sweet exterior, she is learning to be quite fiesty as well. 

I love Grandma!

My mom and Aunt Suzanne suprised us all by driving down from Ohio for Madilynn's first birthday party.  We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating with some family and friends.  Reagan was so excited for the party that she didn't nap at all that day.  Madilynn, on the other hand, fell asleep in my mom's arms just as the party was starting! But after a brief snooze, she woke up to her first cake and presents.  She loved opening them--or rather watching her sister open them!--and she loved playing with the toys--or rather the boxes--even more.  All in all, Madilynn had a great first birthday.

So excited for a party!

Sisters forever!

Cake!  Where have you been all my life?

Reagan's favorite food group: Ice Cream!

Dear Madilynn,

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweetheart!  It has been such a pleasure to be your Mommy this past year.  You came into this world on your own terms, and you have been my sweet Peanut every single day since then.  It has been amazing watching you grow from a tiny, 6 pound 4 ounce baby, to an almost-walking, always-babbling little girl.  I am so excited to watch you continue to grow and learn and love in the coming weeks, months, and years.  Reagan started our family; you have completed it.

I love you always and forever,

Mommy