We are just days, even hours away from becoming a family of four! In these last weeks as we wait, not so patiently, for our second little lady, I have found myself very nostalgic, thinking back on the last three wonderful years. Madelyn Grace, forever our first-born child, was welcomed into the world on June 27, 2007. Though our girls won't share a birthday, they sure are close! Being a mother and a parent with Kurt has been the best experience of my life. Those of you that have known me throughout my life, know that motherhood was something that I anticipated with extreme excitement. I loved my teaching job, and I've loved other things in my life, but I truly feel that I was made for motherhood. It is such an indescribable feeling of love that overwhelms you when you hold your first child for the very first time. You really never knew that you could LOVE that deeply. I have learned so much about Christ's love for me and his patient and forgiving nature toward me as I have stumbled along this journey of parenting. Madelyn is a sweet sweet natured little girl. She has a sensitive heart to do what is right and she exudes love, laughter, and excitement wherever she goes. She can be quiet and reserved in some social settings, perhaps a bit introverted, but when she is with her family and her closest friends, she comes alive and simply "loves to talk", as she will tell you herself. She is nurturing beyond anything I could imagine a 3-year-old to be, and takes care of her "baby doe" with crazy love, and tries (unsuccessfully) to love our dog that much as well. As any parent out there, I have found myself trying to not boast so much in my little girl. It is a humbling role, to show love to your child and think that they are the absolute BEST, and yet not become too proud! I can already see what it will feel like the first time some little kid in school tries to bully Madelyn. Oh dear. Hold me back. I could go on and on about my daughter, but I'll stop here. You understand :) But in all the looking back, I looked through hundreds of pictures I've taken and have tried to compile some of my favorites for your viewing! Life for Madelyn will look different when she's not the only little lady in the house, and that will bring many new adventures and lessons for us all!! So, for my girl, one last post, just for her! And stay tuned....in just days we'll have some snapshots of her little sister up here too....
Where it all began! I think I was about 5 months pregnant here!
So excited :)
And we've made it full-term!
First shot of our family of THREE!
Like a little bird
A little more tired than anticipated....
So much sleep in the beginning!
Back in the days of the harness. Madelyn was born with her hips displaced. It seemed so devastating at the time that she would have to wear a harness for 6 weeks. So minor when you look back!! Certainly glad for it though, now she runs around so easily!
Buddies Mia and Kylia, all two months apart...
Back in the days when Griffie thought he ran the show ;)
Such bright little eyes!
Bath-time...always a favorite!
First Halloween with buddy, Mia!
First time at the Atlantic Ocean!
First Thanksgiving!
Celebrating first Christmas in Alaska at Papa and Mimi's house!
First cousin shot with Sierra and Jasmine!
Just being silly...
Back when she thought dirt was weird...
First shots of her standing and taking her first steps!
May 2008
"I'm one-year-old!!!"
Celebrating!!
Fun times at the NJ Shore!
I love this stage of just toddling around....
Just getting in teeth...
What a chubby little grin :) :)
Can't get enough of those eyes!
Fun times at the cabin in Alaska!
Sheer silliness!
Second Christmas, in Florida.
unsuccessful cousin shot with Ben and Nate!
Sunny times in FL
Family shot!
So sleepy! Getting too big for her crib :(
All of a sudden...looking so big!
Mia and Maddie :)
Fun times with buddy Lachlan :)
I miss those chubby little legs already!
Haircut right before her second birthday...
"I'm 2!!"
Happy Birthday to me!
A play-doh party with my pals!
First camping experience (for both of us!!) at Lake Chelan!
Love this shot!
Always toting baby Doe!
:)
Third Christmas, down in FL!
Getting soo big!
With Kylia....
and with Mia....
Loves the park!
Playing dress-up....
Learning to swim....
LOVE baby DOE!!!
Becoming ALL girl!!
Still love them eyes....
Just like Daddy....
Best best friends!!
Starting to get real difficult to get a normal shot of this one!
"I just turned 3!!!"
Wow!!! Can't believe how fast time flies by!! Happy 3 years to our girl, Madelyn Grace! We love you so much!
5 comments:
This was such a beautiful post, Michelle, and such a wonderful tribute to the BIG 3 YEAR OLD!! I can't believe Maddie is 3 already and loved seeing how much she has changed over the years. now on to the next adventure in her life - becoming a big sister. Kisses and hugs to Maddie from me :)
I LOVED this post! Maddie is such a sweet girl. I just adore her personality! She is going to be the BEST big sister! I'm excited to watch her step into that role.
Man, those pictures sure bring back a LOT of memories! It has been such a joy to share parenthood with the Biedermans! And especially to watch little Madelyn grow into a big little girl. She sure is special. We can't wait for this new chapter of your lives!!! Maddie will, no doubt, be a WONDERFUL big sister.
Great post Mich!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love that sweet little girl, so many favorite shots...I got all welled up...it's gone so fast (the pic of the three of them on the couch is one of my all-time favs!). Weren't they just born? Oi....what a precious girl she is. Excited for this next season for you guys! Much love!
Happy Birthday to her!! I love your post, and looking at all the pictures. It is amazing how quickly they grow up. I am sure she will be a great big sister!! :)
Post a Comment