12.31.09 - Sick

For the first time in a year, Maddie is really sick. Slight fever, snotty nose and just a general sense of feeling crappy. Poor girl! All she wanted was to be held! So instead of doing anything for New Year's Eve we stayed home and comforted our Maddie Girl Maddie Girl. It was pretty rough on us as she was up three times in the night. It didn't even dawn on her dad that it was a new year until halfway through New Year's Day.

12.30.09 - Hey! That's my birthday balloon!

Maddie discovers her birthday balloon at dinner tonight.

It's been there for nearly a week!

12.29.09 - Best of Maddie 2009!

Well, we've made it to a year. A little past, actually, and I can't believe it! I sorted through 365 images and picked my favorites. Click here to see a slideshow recapping My Little Miss Maddie's first year!

12.28.09 - Basket case

Hmmm. Just gotta find the mate (Nate?) to this sock and kiddo! Where could they be?!!

12.27.09 - Full house

We had a great turnout for Maddie's first birthday party! Angie made a pink and yellow daisy cake to accompany a table full of snackies and punch. Maddie didn't care for the cake but ran her fingers though most all of the frosting. She even got a little in her ear! She raked in a ton of cool prizes including some new clothes, books and a shopping cart walker-rider.

All of the immediate family was able to attend including, from left to right, Aunt Tori and Uncle Brent, Grampy Keith and Gramma Karen, Grandma Nancy, Angie and Harley (duh!), Grandpa Shepherd, Uncle Tim, Grandma Shepherd, Grandpa Greg (who's holding cousin Emerson), Aunt Tessa and Nan and Pop along with a few other young aunts and cousins sitting in the corner where this image was made. To everyone who could make it and who've been so supportive of us this past year; THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! We've been so blessed!

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!

12.22.09 - Oochy, ouchy, oh!

Maddie tried to break Brian and Brandi's end table with her forehead after dinner at their house tonight. The table won. That's a pretty impressive goose egg for her first one!

Thanks, Brandi and Brian, for having us over. Dinner was delicious!