Emotions...

I am so full of emotions....Happy Emotions. I'm planning my babies 1st birthday party. I can't even believe that she will be one in a couple of weeks. This year has flown by and I don't know if I'm ready for her to grow up!! I know I don't have a choice though! She is becoming more of a toddler now. I love her independence but I miss her dependence (do you know what I mean?).

I always knew that I was going to love my kids with all my heart, but I never had imagined HOW much. I can't even describe in words how much I love my little girl. My mom always told me that a mothers love is indescribable and that i wouldn't understand untill I was a mom. I would die for her and if I could have, it would have been ME on that operating table. When we found out that Madi would be born with heart disease I was DEVASTATED (understatement). My husband took the news better than me. He said that this will make us love her more, cherish life and bring us closer. He was so right. I cherish every second of everyday with her. I try to take in every new milestone with pictures, video or just etch it in my mind. I know how short life really is and I don't want to miss out on anything!

I am full of happy emotions because my daughter is HERE and she is HEALTHY and she is turning ONE!

Madison's 1st Birthday Invites!

Little Miss Busy Body!

She FINALLY let me put a headband in her hair.

(it only lasted a couple of minutes but I got a picture...HA!)

Her shirt says it all!


At the splash park

You like my new ride?!

I'll admit it...I have not been a good blogger lately! I have been busy with Little Miss Busy Body! Madison is into everything. I can't let her out of my sight for one second! I can't even imagine how it is going to be when she starts walking! She is already attempting to let go when she is holding on to the couch. I live in a split level so it has been a challenge with all the gates. I need some parenting advice...Madison will NOT go to bed or take a nap unless I rock her to sleep. If I lay her down too early she has a fit! I know I created this mess but does anyone have any advice on getting out of this habit? I don't know where to start. I tried laying her down today slightly awake and I let her cry for 5 minutes. It never stopped and she was hyperventilating...SO I picked her up. HELP!

I have been working 3 days a week. It really isn't that bad, but of course I would rather be home with my girl. My mom, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law watch her so I am so lucky! Daycare is too expensive and I never worry when I have to leave her with family. Plus they all within 2 miles of me!

We have been getting ready for Madison's 1st birthday party. We are having it at my parents house because I don't have enough room. It's so much fun to plan! I loved planning my showers and wedding so this is right up my alley. I am going all out for this one! Madison has gone through so much in her first year that I wanted to celebrate...not only her birthday but one year (on Nov. 11) of a healthy heart! I actually thought about having a "Healthy Heart" Party for her on Nov.11, but it's too much to have 2 parties. So we are combining them! We are only inviting our close family (grandparents/aunts/cousins) and a few close friends and the list is up to 75-80 people! I have such a large family. We are making it a open house in hopes that not everyone shows up at once! Here is a sneak peak of what her invites/theme is...(I'll post the whole picture once I get the invites out)

My blogging, heart mommy friend Crystal is creating a special page for heart friends to connect with each other. If you are a heart mom or know someone that is, please read this blog to see how to add your child to her blog! Check it out...Madi's link is already added.

Madison is 11 months old today!

Look at me standing!

I love to eat!

What is Madi up to?

*She pulls up on everything with no effort.

*She is starting to walk around furniture.

*She is walking with help (still really wobbly though)

*She crawls FAST!

*She throws tantrums like a toddler.

*She loves to swim (in a lake, pool or tub...doesn't matter!)

*She eats what we eat now.

*I am starting to wean her from breast milk to cows milk during the day.
*New words..."Papa" and "Ro, ro, ro" (Row row row your boat)

*She LOVES the new riding toys her grandparents have bought her.

*She won't let me put bows in her hair...such a bummer (I have a million)

*She still only goes to her Mama at night.

*Her hair still sticks straight up!

*She started puckering her lips to kiss, but than she opens her mouth at the end.

*She loves to dance and shake it to music.

*Her favorite cd is the WICKED the Musical soundtrack.
(I know I am creating a drama geek!)

*She is 22 lbs, don't know how many inches but she is tall!

*She is sweet as pie and I love her to pieces!

I "Heart" this Funny Girl...

I "Heart" Madison's hilarious personality!

I "Heart" that my baby is starting to walk with help.

I "Heart" that my husband always makes me laugh.

I "Heart" my Mom, she is always so helpful!

I "Heart" the time I got to spend with Chris's family this week (even though it was at his Grandpa's funeral)

I "Heart" planning Madison's birthday party...so much girly fun!

*If you want to join in on the I "Heart"...fun head over to Crystal's blog.*