One year of Madison Grace

Dear Madison,

As usual, Mommy and Daddy are up late, working on projects and to do lists and anything else that may get in the way of quality time with you during the day. We aren't the best writers or bloggers for that matter, but we wanted to try to forget about that as we wrote this letter to you. On this day, one year ago, you made Mommy the happiest Mommy around. You taught me that I could do things I never imagined I was capable of doing. Your birth was the most profound, most difficult and most wonderful experience of my life. You were born surrounded with love in our very own home. Each day since you were born has been full of joy, wonder, laughter and love. Daddy and I couldn't have imagined the happiness and fulfillment you would bring to our lives. You make up the best parts of both of us and we are such better people because of you. My mom, your grandmother, would have been just as overjoyed with all that you are as we are. I miss her everyday and only hope I can give you all that you need and want from me as your mom. I hope that Daddy and I teach you to be kind and giving, loving and forgiving and to always enjoy each day of your life. I will surely make mistakes along the way. I hope that you will forgive me for those mistakes and learn from them and become better because of them. I love you more than any letter I write could ever convey. We wanted to share some fun things we remember about your first year of life and a photo from each month since you've been born. Happy birthday my angel.

Mommy and Daddy made a list of the cute things you would do as you grew. We didn't want to ever forget one second we spent with you. Here are a few of the fun memories you gave us:


You have been talking and smiling since day one

Mommy would always tell Daddy "she makes this face" but by the time he'd look, you'd change it and I couldn't explain it in words

You would tuck your thumbs in

You have been singing since you were only a few weeks old and you love music.

You wake up smiling and mommy and daddy would wake up just to see this

Mommy would say "did you see that? I think she just grew."

We would say that you were "making out with Fred," your monkey when you'd try to kiss him, most likely looking to nurse.

When you are hungry you would attack us like a shark - thrashing your head from side to side

The first 4 or 5 weeks or so we LIVED on the couch with you. Daddy would make Mommy food and even feed her sometimes. Daddy would sleep downstairs with you and Mommy would make sure you and Daddy were covered up and Daddy had the remote, etc...because we wouldn't budge for hours on end with you in our arms. You became a tummy sleeper because of it! Daddy would sleep downstairs with you from about 11ish to 2 or 3 ish when you were ready to eat. Then you guys would come upstairs, Mommy would feed you and hold you for 3 or 4 hours and Daddy would take you back again so Mommy could get about an hour of sleep (sometimes!!)

Mommy didn't ride in the front seat of the van ever! She always sat in the back to watch you, make sure you were ok and your head wouldn't fall forward and to just play with and admire you. Sometime Daddy would want in on the fun. When you got older,he would sit in the back with you and Mommy would drive. People probably thought we were so silly with no one in the front seat! Sometimes Daddy would have to sit in the back with you as well so you could suck on his finger because you always preferred Daddy's fingers for some reason.

You went from talking sweet little "goos" to screaming very quickly! You would get mad in your chair and yell at us so loud, we couldn't hear eachother talk, around 3 months old.

Your ears go up when you smile

You rolled over for the first time on January 10th 2009

You would wake up out of a deep sleep, look over at us, give us a HUGE smile and then go back to sleep

You like it when Daddy is being silly. We say you get "trouble eyeballs" to be a jokester with Daddy

You do funny things with your tongue (curls it up on her top lip)

Your got your little teeffies on Feb 6th or 7th 2009. Bottom two.

It was harder than you could ever imagine to pick just one photo from each month since you were born. Here are some of our favorites:

Here you are on our bed, right after birth! You were born there and you sleep there every night. What a special part of our story that is. You didn't cry long. You were such a happy baby. :) Mommy was surprised you didn't have red hair!


We could watch you sleep forever and we often did. Mommy and Daddy would admire you and talk about all of the amazing things you were up to. You looked so peaceful and sweet.


You love baths! We love bath time too, especially putting you in these cute little towels that show just your sweet face.


Your first Christmas was the happiest Christmas Mommy ever had. All of our energy and attention was on you and it made it more special than I've ever known Christmas to be.


We sure did go a lot of places your first year and you loved it! You made all of Mommy's clients smile when you came to the photo shoots and you loved being outdoors.


By four months old you were already standing up while holding onto things. We were shocked! You were always so eager to learn and do new things. From this point on, you never sat still.


You love your books. We couldn't wait to read to you. It is important to Mommy and Daddy that you learn to love reading at a young age. Seems it won't be a battle at all.


Madison surely just writing a blog for us or updating Facebook. :) As much as we are on the computers in this house, it's no surprise she is fascinated with them.


Look at those teeth! You were an early bloomer with most developmental milestones. We joked that we could have probably found a photo of you in the car like this from each month of your life thus far, as much as we travel!


We make homemade baby food for you from fresh organic produce. You love it! You won't even touch the jarred stuff which is fine by us. We also waited to give you solids until we felt the time was right. You learned so fast how to eat all the delicious food and we discovered that cauliflower is your favorite!


You will continue to melt our hearts with that smile. You are so sweet and so curious.


Our first dine-in experience! The Chicago Diner had plenty of colors and people and things to look at. You were such an angel and we had the best time eating together as a family. They made steamed veggies for you and you loved eating them at the table with us.


There's that sassy girl I know today! At your second home, LUX, on Eric's bike! You were so excited when we put you on that.


Here you are today, on your first birthday. We have fallen in love with you more and more everyday. We will continue to learn from you and be better from you. I hope you will feel the same sweet girl.