Has it really been a year???

Good Morning . . .

I have started most of my monthly milestone posts in shock that Maddie was getting so close to her magical first birthday. Well, yesterday she turned 1 officially. Wow. . . .it doesn't seem possible one bit. This week I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the past year and what we have gone through as a family of 3. By far this year has been the hardest year that I have ever gone through, but at the end of the day - it has all been worth it by far. Our lives have taken a turn down a different path filled with early bedtimes, outings to the zoo, and play dates. Do we miss the last minute decision to hit up a restaurant, happy hour, and endless Brewer games? Sure we do - we would be kidding ourselves to think that we didn't miss those days. However, the decision we made to start a family is the best decision we ever made. Relationships we have with our family and friends have changed, but those changes make you grow as a person and learn new life lessons.

The last year has not been sunshines and rainbows by any means. Learning the needs of a little person who cannot communicate with words was a difficult tast. But, we survived and that is all that matters. Sleepless nights, Pat on the road for work, rashes, breathing problems, and teething are all masked by giggles, hugs, first steps, and smiles. I know that I have grown a lot as an individual over the past year. I know that I have had an influence in Maddie over the past year, but she has had an equal influence over me.

Maddie. . . .

There are so many things that I want to say to you that I don't know where to begin! Your smile and laughter is all I need to get me through a day.

**I love the fact that you have such an active personality . . . . . .

**I love the fact that as soon as I say the words lunch, food, hungry, or snacks you start to smack your lips

**I love the fact that you have such a sense of humor with all of your silly faces

**I love the fact that 20 minutes of rolling around in our bed takes away all of the stresses of the day

**I love the fact that you have such a sense of adventure and curiosity

**I love the fact that your face lights up when I enter a room

**I love the fact that I made the decision to put my career on hold so that I could have this precious time with you

I could go on and on little girl. Please know that you have added such meaning to my life and that I don't know what I would ever do without you. This past year has been such a blessing and I can only anticipate the joy that the future holds.

Happy 1st Birthday Maddie, I love you with all of my heart!

Mom