What a difference a year makes!

     December 27th. It's been exactly one year since my and Billy's lives changed forever. This is the night we discovered we would soon welcome a new bundle of joy to expand our family. I remember a tidal wave of emotions coming over me immediately: shock, jubilation, worry, panic, disbelief. I tried to picture my life as a mother, and it was incomprehensible to imagine, although I'd dreamed of fulfilling that destiny since I was a small girl.

     Throughout the pregnancy, much to my surprise, I experienced an emotional roller coaster ride. I had originally that it would be a wonderful time of anticipation and joy, but I also grappled with feelings of doubt and stress, as I worried about how this little one would forever change life as we knew it. I spent nine months doing all I could to prepare, but I would soon discover that all my preparation would be in vain, because in the end, you can't truly ever prepare yourself for your first baby.

    Parenthood is definitely a learn as you go process, and I find myself learning something new every day. Going along with that learning comes loving. Everyday I find myself loving even more than I thought possible the day before. I stare into the eyes of our little miracle and I thank God everyday we were chosen to be her parents.

  I sit here in our living room and look around at a room that would have been unrecognizable a year ago - surrounded by toys of every shape, color and size. I realize that a good night for us means getting the opportunity to relax in front of the TV and turn in to bed around 10:00. I realize that we don't have the luxury of hopping in the car and going to catch a movie or go out for dinner anytime we have the urge. I realize that my "spare time" is now spent washing bottles, folding onesies, and pumping, even when I'm dead tired. I also realize, that despite all of this, I wouldn't have it any other way, because the rewards we reap when we see that smile spread across Madelyn's face is worth any trivial sacrifice.

    It's amazing what a difference a year makes. I say it every year,  but this year, it is especially apparent how drastic our life can change in 365 days. We are very fortunate to say that this year, our life has most definitely changed for the better. Not only is Madelyn here, but she is four months old - rolling over, cooing, learning to sit up, and constantly taking in the world around her. It's simply amazing.

   
     We are blessed, and are hopeful that God will continue to grace us with continued love, laughter, and learning in the new year to come. <3
    

Madelyn's First Christmas

   Yesterday we enjoyed our first Christmas with Madelyn. I have to say, it was definitely the most special Christmas I've had the pleasure of experiencing. God has most definitely given us the most precious gift we could have ever imagined. She's not only brought immeasurable joy to our lives, but also to the lives of our family and friends. She is such a miracle and a joy, and I am so humbled and grateful that we've been chosen to be her parents. We love her so much, and she's the BEST gift we could EVER ask for.

Daddy Daughter Play Time

Today Billy got an unexpected Saturday off! Perfect for playing with Madelyn. I love that we are now beginning to be able to interact with her.

3 Months

At 3 months, Miss Madelyn is beginning to be such a big girl! She is holding her head up and is noticeably more steady. She is tolerating tummy time and holds her head up so well! She even enjoys looking at herself in the mirror on her activity gym. She is outgrowing her clothes - so we are slowly putting away her 0-3 month outfits. She recognizes Billy and I when we walk into the room, and gives us that gorgeous smile that lights up our world. She has full on "conversations" with us...or so we like to think. She is starting to suck her hands, and, as you'll see in the last video below - she even got her thumb in her mouth today. 

We are hoping stomach issues which we blame for her fussiness will start to turn a corner - a lot of people say 3 months is the magic number. So far, we haven't seen any magic though. :(  We know; however, that when her digestive issues finally do subside, she is going to be one happy, smiley baby. 

We can't believe it's been three months since she entered our world. She has grown so big - it's amazing and mind blowing to imagine where the future will take her. We are excited to lead her on her journey. Everyday we marvel at how much she is taking in, learning, and growing.

 Much to Billy's protesting, I had to post this video of him singing "Happy Birthday" to Madelyn today. Her reaction is too cute not to share.

Finally, Madelyn's new favorite toys are her hands, which she licks and sucks all the day long. Today she actually stuck her little thumb in her mouth and sucked away. I was so excited to capture it on video. 

...God is so good - everyday he amazes me with the miracle of life, which I love witnessing through our baby girl.

A little chuckle

I don't know what the weather is like "in your neck of the woods", but here...it is a dreary and gloomy kind of day. 

So, I thought I'd share a little video of Miss Madelyn to brighten the morning. Her smile always brightens any day for me. 

I love how much she's starting to react to her environment - so amazing. She definitely shows her emotions all over her face. You know exactly what this little one is thinking at all times.

So, here she is about two weeks ago. (Please ignore the amateurish shaking of the camera, and the annoyingly fake sing song voice I have to use to get some smiles!)

1 Year House Anniversary

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of our house closing. With the way life has changed since then, it's hard to believe it's only been a year. 

Owning a home was something I had dreamed about my whole life. When we started looking for houses, I threw myself into it, like I do most things, and I became obsessed with finding the perfect home. I spent hours upon hours scouring the internet, hoping to find that hidden gem that was newly listed. I didn't want to miss out on our dream home.

 

The hunt for our house was beginning to draw out when we turned into our little Countrytown neighborhood, full of charming little houses on large, private lots with shady trees. Pulling into the driveway, I felt a tickle of excitement in my stomach. I remember looking at Billy and whispering excitedly, "I think this is the one!", before we even exited the car. When you are home, you know. 

Upon entering the house, we knew it was different than the others we had spent our time examining during our house hunt. It didn't have the open, modern floorplan and updated details which were listed near the top of my extensive wishlist. However, that feeling I got pulling into the driveway didn't leave me, and I found myself visualizing the updates we could change to make it ours. 

After much deliberation, negotiations, and time, we finally got the house and were so excited to make it the house of our dreams. Being handed the keys, I had the visions of hosting family events, parties, and raising our children and watching our family grow in size and love. 

 

We immediately began making some of the changes we had in mind, including lots and lots and LOTS of painting, which was made easier by the help and support of some key family and friends. 

 We knocked down walls and installed new countertops, we tore out carpet and installed new hardwoods throughout the entire first floor.

In just a few short weeks, not only were WE exhausted, but so was our budget. Although our list of to-dos was growing by the moment, our bank account was not. Plus, we had a fast approaching deadline of hosting Christmas for Billy's family, and were anxious to move in.

So, we stopped with what we had gotten done so far, and excitedly moved in and continued making our new house our home. We were thrilled with the progress we had made so far. The house was beginning to feel like it was OURS.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

(minus some painting)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naively, I was certain the renovations, painting, and improvements would continue. Little did we know, God had other plans in store for us, and just two weeks after moving in, we learned we would be welcoming a new addition to our family. The house took an immediate backseat to preparing for baby.

 A year later, we love the improvements we've made to our home, and I love how much I've gotten to use our home to entertain and spend time with family and friends, although it's never enough and I wish I could do more. 

Owning a home is most definitely a never ending money pit. My to-do list is longer than ever, and every time I step into a room, I envision how I WANT it to look. Getting our house that way will most certainly take many more years AND paychecks.

Although I have to admit I've entertained the idea of moving from time to time, (I know, it's only been a year - but that's just how I am), in the end, I know how fortunate we are to  have a warm house with a roof over our head in which to raise our daughter. 

I'm looking forward to the future and the memories we will make in our home.

Madelyn's First Halloween

So, I know it's a few days late, but I wanted to post pictures of Madelyn's first Halloween. We went to Aunt Julie and Uncle Scooter's house and had some delicious subs and tomato basil soup. I ordered a dozen cupcakes from Pearl's Cupcakes which were yummy! I wanted to go over to Scott and Julie's because I knew they would have more trick-or-treaters than we would at our house...plus, we got to spend time with them!

I had to dress Madelyn up for her first Halloween - even if it was just for an hour. She hated the costume - especially the hat - but she was overall a good sport. By the end of the night, she had had enough and was ready to go home!

NOT a happy girl!