First Birthday Party!

I was so excited for this special day so I planned a fall themed birthday party to celebrate Madeleine's first year.  Because she only turns one once, I had an excuse to buy lots of decor and make delicious food.  I was planning this day for months and I had a blast getting everything ready.  I really wish I didn't feel guilty spending lots on parties on a daily basis!!

Brody's mom and little brother flew in for the occasion and to enjoy Michigan in the fall! She was a big help getting the house ready.  I also got help from Pam the weekend before.  She helped make cake balls, which we just froze and took them out the day of.  I am happy to say that I actually LOVED my decor and how the food turned out.  (first time I can say that)  I took lots of pictures--these are some of my favorites.

She was spoiled with so many presents!!

We sang Happy Birthday to her and had pumpkin gobs (whoppie pies) instead of cake.

She actually ate a little of this cake.  We discovered that she doesn't like her fingers sticky--maybe that's why she doesn't like the frosting!

She Turns 1!

One whole year has come and gone.  I definitely had my ups and downs these past 12 months, but it keeps getting better as I become more accustomed to my new life role as a momma.  Madeleine is our main focus these days.  She's all we talk and think about, and that is ok.  She definitely brings so much joy to our lives.  (along with the frustrations, lack of sleep and exhaustion) I am having a hard time articulating how I feel about this past year, but overall it has been a joyful year, one that I will always remember!

At 12 months, she has 8 teeth, began to walk just before her birthday and getting smarter each day.  She is learning new skills all of the time, like stacking cups, putting puzzle pieces in the right place and much more!  I took some birthday pictures of her a few weeks back.  I made her outfit and her very own smash cake.  I underestimated how hard it would be to take pictures of my squirmy baby, but I think a few turned out alright.  Also, I was very sad that she wanted NOTHING to do with her cake.  She would not eat it or touch it.  So I have no cute pictures of her with cake smashed on her face :( 

She was trying to erase the chalk board :)

Fall, The Prettiest Time of the Year!

While Pam was visiting we put her to work.  I wanted to take some family pictures with the fall leaves in the background.  So I threw some outfits together and convinced Pam to be our photographer.  We had beautiful weather, but unfortunately Brody was busy studying and doing group stuff for midterms so we only had a short window of opportunity to take pictures.  Madeleine was also pretty fussy that day because of teething, but we did the best we could.  I think some turned out pretty well.

Madeleine and I have also been enjoying some fall activities.  We hit up a pumpkin patch/farm market last week and I tried to take a bunch of selfies while there.  Madeleine loved walking and crawling around all the pumpkins and the weather was simply gorgeous.  We totally took advantage of it.  Oh and did I mention she walks!! She started about a week ago.  Now she is even more obsessed with moving around and walking is her preferred mode of transportation.  Wow- have I been busy chasing her.  Good thing she can't run yet!

Pam Comes to Michigan!

We had yet another visitor!  This time it was Pam, flying the whole way from San Francisco to hang out with us for the weekend.  She had Monday off for Columbus day, so she was able to make a short trip to visit.  She was in need of a 'fall' experience since California doesn't really have a fall.  We were happy to oblige.

We drink apple cider and pumpkin donuts, baked fall treats (for Madeleine's upcoming birthday), walked through the leaves and drove through the pretty Michigan country side.  It is so nice to have so many good friends coming to visit lately.  We loved having time to chat and catch up.  I miss living close to Pam--I was so grateful for the visit and we hope that I can go visit her in California soon.  

Of course, I didn't take any pictures, but maybe because we were too busy :) Pam did help us take family pictures, so I will have to post some of those when I do some editing.  

By the Huron River 

Girls Trip to Chicago!

Back in August, my friend Angela asked me if I wanted to go on a girl's trip in Chicago in the fall.  I was a quite honestly pretty leery of the idea because I would have to leave Madeleine.  The idea sounded fantastic, but I was super worried about leaving her for the first time, having Brody watch her, put her to sleep and feed her all by himself.  In the end, I agreed to go after some persuasion.  I definitely needed a break after a long summer of taking care of the baby without much help!  After it was all said and done, my pediatrician's words summed it perfectly.  She said, "Most parents worry about leaving their children for the first time, but after its over they never regret it." I totally agree!

Angela and I flew to Chicago and stayed at a hotel on Magnificent Mile.  We loved the location and the fact that we got it for free! We met up with Jessie on the first night and she was able to stay the night in the hotel, leaving Clara for the first time.  We loved to opportunity to sleep minus interruptions from babies.  (too bad I couldn't sleep much past 6 a.m. because of my internal clock) We also loved shopping without strollers, eating out, exploring and just relaxing!  We decided that these girl's trips need to be an annual thing!

Best shopping buddy ever!

We also visited the Navy Pier and rode the ferris wheel, Millennium Park and lots and lots of stores :)

High up on the ferris wheel!

James Comes to Michigan

Next up on our visitor list was James! He flew in for a whirlwind trip.  He was just here for a little over 24 hours so we had to make the most of his time here.  Like with all of our other visitors, we hit up Zingerman's Deli and explored campus and downtown. James also wanted to go to a football game in the Big House, so of course Brody complied.  James, master of random connections, got us invited to a tailgating party right next to the stadium.  Madeleine and I went for tailgating and then headed home to watch conference while the boys watched the game.

Saturday night, the priesthood session was broadcasted online for the first time ever.  Brody and James were too lazy to drive to the church so I sat and watched a bit with them.  This is what happened...

To his credit, Brody said he was just 'resting' his eyes, but James was definitely asleep.  I guess all the football wore them out!

Too bad we didn't get a picture of all of us together! I need to be better with my picture taking to document all of our visitors! We loved having him visit and welcome all others who would like to see wonderful state of Michigan :)

Jessie, Dustin and Clara Come to Michigan!!

Brody and I are thrilled to be hosting a slew of visitors this fall!  We love to show friends and family Ann Arbor, where we've been spending these two years of our lives.  Our first visitors on the list were the Davis family.  I was so happy when I found out they had found a weekend that would work for  the road trip and visit!

We spent the weekend seeing and tasting the best of Ann Arbor.  We also visited the Dexter Cider Mill, one of my favorite locations around here, for their cider and donuts.  Of course, we ate at Zingerman's Deli (famous here and Brody's favorite).  We also ate at a zummy southwestern place, watched movies, toured campus and watched the babies play. We loved having them stay, come back soon!! 

Nice hair in my eyes :) at the Cider Mill

Zingerman's!  P.S. I am stealing all of Jessie's pictures because I didn't take any on my phone!

11 Months and other Happenings..

I am very behind on my blogging! My computer crashed over the summer, which wasn't much of a problem then because I could just use Brody's while he was at work.  But now he has to take his computer to school and he rarely comes home, so I am left without.  Even with smart phones, I still miss having a computer and would much rather blog and post pictures the old fashioned way.

Anyway, Madeleine reached the 11 month milestone a few weeks ago.  She is growing fast and is constantly active, seriously that baby never stops moving.  She keeps me busy running after her! Constantly getting into everything and destroying all in her path, she is one curious baby!  

At 11 months she:

has 7 teeth- 4 on top and 3 on bottom

crawls at lightening speed

has a favorite foods: cheese sticks and yogurt (otherwise is kind of a picky eater) 

has become a better car rider/road tripper 

takes 2 naps a day (I love having her on a napping schedule)

says hi and ya (at least that is what we think she is saying) 

walks along furniture and can stand without holding onto anything 

loves her dada, cell phones, remotes and exploring bathrooms or other places babies should not go! 

We've been enjoying the fall weather in Michigan- fall is the best season here.  We've been apple picking, to the cider mill and on walks to enjoy the leaves.  I haven't been as good about taking pictures lately, but here are a few as of late.  

11 months at the Dexter Cider Mill

Family pic