01.01.12 - So long, Santa!

It's New Year's Day and we're starting to take down Christmas decorations. It's fun to play with some of them one last time.

12.27.11 - Baby Jesus

Maddie's favorite outdoor Christmas decorations are nativity scenes. She excitedly points them out when we're driving. Lisa, our day care provider, has one in her front yard. This morning, as we dropped her off, Maddie asked me if I'd take a photo of her with Baby Jesus. I didn't have a camera with me at the time but I was sure to bring one when I picked her up.

12.16.11 - Santa

Tonight, while standing in line to meet Santa, I asked Maddie what she was going to ask for. She thought about it a bit and said, "a bunny!" But, when she got the chance, she stumbled on her words. I asked her to think about what we talked about it line. She said, "I know! A bunny!" So, Santa talked to one of his elves and came up with this Bugs Bunny birthday-themed stuffed rabbit, which is perfect since her birthday is on Christmas Eve.

01.02.11 - Woooo Hoooo! Maddie's 2!

Rubber Ducky you're the one, you make birthdays so much fun!


Someone thought they'd be funny and sneak some contraband into the party. I didn't think I had to worry about stuff like this until she was a teenager!


She liked 'em. Ugh.


Blue punch! (Because ducks swim on water, duh!) Maddie's got one clever Mommy!


Opening her first gift. Harley wants to know if there's anything to eat.


Nope, it's Maddie's first camera!


What's this one? "A BOX!" Well, yes. But look over there. There was actually something in the box, silly!


Get outta my way, tissue paper!


Grampy Keith and Nan and Pop watch as Nate tries to get in on the action.


Maddie lets Nate help open a gift.


Maddie sneaks a bite of icing before we can sing Happy Birthday to her. She ate the icing, ice cream and M&Ms but pretty much turned her nose up at the cake.


She had no problems blowing out her candle.


Her most special gift came from Nan and Pop. Nan's dad (that's Maddie Great Great Grandpa Scheer) made this baby bed for Nan when she was a little girl - nearly 75 years ago! And if you ask Maddie how many babies she has (between Christmas and her birthday) she just says, "more."

And in our house, ain't that the truth?!! Happy second birthday, Maddie Girl!

12.24.10 - Maddie's 2nd birthday

Maddie turned 2 on Christmas Eve. Despite the extra work involved, I kinda liked that there was a Christmas tree in the background of this photo. Given that Christmas is her Mommy's favorite holiday, I hope that Maddie grows up to like it as much, too, even if it coincides with her birthday. And if not? Well, sorry kid. It wasn't our fault! As for the bagels? That's been a family tradition for as long as Daddy can remember. We used to celebrate with doughnuts but they aren't as healthy and good eating habits form early, right? She was able to blow out both candles so we're excited for her birthday party next weekend.


We asked Maddie is she wanted rice or pizza for lunch. Both are her favorites. She emphatically said, "Pee-tuh!" so we went to Pizza Hut. She gets plenty of healthier items off the salad bar, too.


She was actin' all sorts of silly while Mommy was away in the restroom.


Hey, Maddie! Let me see that 'big smile' one more time!


That night, we gathered at Nan and Pop's for Christmas Eve. She shared a chair with her cousin Emerson ... for awhile. This is close to her birthday minute. I wish it were, though. You'll see why in a second.


One of her birthday gifts was this cool "I'm 2" t-shirt. Yes, she's definitely 2. You'll see why next.


This is the photo from the minute she turned exactly 2. What is she saying? "NO!" as we sing Happy Birthday. Yup, she's 2 alright.

12.18.10 - Shhh, Santa!

It took a little coaxing but Maddie met Santa (again) tonight.

12.16.10 - Oh, Christmas Tree

Maddie shows off her "big smile" while standing in front of our "big Christmas tree."

12.26.09 - Yay, Christmas!

Maddie and Taylor play while opening presents at Christmas at Gramma Karen and Grampy Keith's house today. What a great way to end Maddie's first Christmas. Thanks to everyone for all the great new clothes, books and toys!

12.25.09 - New family traditions

Santa left a note for Maddie underneath the Christmas tree.

12.24.09 - What's all the fuss about?

Maddie was a little stunned when we all broke out in a round of "Happy Birthday" tonight, promptly at 8:16 p.m. A year ago at this time Angie and I were welcoming her into the world (and missing Christmas at Nan and Pop's). We were there this year to celebrate. Aunt Tori had the pleasure of holding the birthday girl at the exact moment she turned one year old.

Happy birthday, Maddie!

12.23.09 - "I know him! I know him!"

Before Christmas with Grandpa Greg and family tonight we ran by the Lights on St. Paul display to have Maddie's photo taken with Santa. The display, one of Wichita's most popular, is a benefit raising money for the ARC of Sedgwick County. Inside the main building you can have your photo taken with Santa. For $4 they'll snap a Polaroid for you or you can use your own camera if you make a donation. She didn't want to go to him at first but he had a soft, smoothing voice that put her at ease. What a great Santa! Can't wait to see what he brings her tomorrow night!

12.14.09 - O, Christmas Tree!

Maddie finally sat still in front of the tree tonight for me to capture an image. I wanted her sans binkie but I'll take what I can get!