Sweatpants and ballet socks

Here is my little dancer. I am ready for my lesson mom...let's go!



Here I am ready for my lesson mom...let's go!

There she blows!

So the past few days Maddie has been having these "explosions." It's really quite hilarious, Brad and I can barely keep our composure just trying to get her undressed and into the bathtub. She did this the first time at our friend Jeremy and Cory's House, and then the other night we were at Kelly and Justin's for a cookie exchange, and it was so bad, we had to give her a bath at their house --- No Joke. Thank you to Miss. Oliva for sharing your bath. And finally the other night when we had friends over, this explosion occurred. We could barely get the onesie off of her. It was ridiculous. We had to grab some photos of it this time so we could document it. I think these will be good to show a future boyfriend some day don't you?

Santa!

This past Saturday, Brad and I took Maddie to meet Santa for the first time! We went with a group called Happy Valley Moms who set up this time and place for the kids to meet Santa. It was especially nice because we didn't have to go and meet scary mall Santa. Yikes! It was a great time, Maddie didn't seem too interested, then again that might be because she can't really see him yet. HA! Anyway, we got some cute photos.

Here she is all bundled up ready to leave. This will be her hat for the month of December!

Waiting to see Santa!

Santa who? I'm sleepy, let's get this over with already.

Family photo with Saint Nick. Isn't this a great looking Santa? Real beard and everything!

Here is our house all decked out for Christmas! It turned out great thanks to Brad's help :)

Of course Ms. Hanna had to sneak into a photo and make a cameo appearance.

Lounging in my pink booties

Our friend Liz Raquet got Maddie these comfy slipper/booties, and I have to say they are fabulous! They are the one pair of actual shoes that doesn't fall off! Maddie was rockin' them for the first time the other day with her mouse outfit, and it was too cute to not take some photos.

Loving the booties!

I can make myself this small!

Having some fun time with Daddy!

Santa Madeline

I've been wanting to do a holiday photo of Miss. Madeline for a few weeks now, and today I finally got the chance. We took about 50 shots, and I think I got a few good ones. I've played around with the filters on them to give them a fun look, but I don't know which ones I like best. I need to pick one. Help! Any input would be appreciated.

Santa 1

Santa 2

Santa 2 - but with a slightly different filter.

Santa 3

Santa 4

Santa 5

And some fun ones ...

Sarah's Bridal Shower

Along with Thanksgiving, came Sarah's Bridal Shower. It was held at the What If Cafe in Hershey. The food, atmosphere, and friends and family were all amazing. Here are some photos of the big day.

The amazing cake! It tasted as good as it looked too!

The only man allowed at the shower, Uncle Chet!

Sarah and Madeline.

The Gym girls. Danielle, Sarah, and Kathy.

Opening gifts...mainly for Mark. Ha!

The Hershey Crew, Carla, Ovgu, Sarah, Erica, Alevia, and Amy.

Thanksgiving

This year we had many things to be thankful for...our fabulous friends and family, our health, and of course our beautiful baby girl. It's surreal to think that one year ago Brad and I were on our own, and this year, here we are with Madeline safe and sound in our arms. Absolutely amazing. Thank you to all of our friends and family for all of the love and support during this past year, it means more to all of us than you will ever know.

That said, here are a few photos from our Thanksgiving here in State College. We had quiet a full house with my mom, my sisters and their husbands (Mark, I just call you one of those now...you're almost there anyway), my Grandma, and Brad's Mom, Dad, and little brother were also here to celebrate the holiday with us. It was great!

Family Photo in front of our tree.

Madeline was thankful for her fingers...she finally found them.

Four generations of strong, beautiful women.

Our little turkey, sound asleep.

Uncle Justin watching over Maddie.

Grandma Howe with Maddie.

Uncle Mark and Aunt Sarah.

Madeline x 2. :)

Adorable Christmas Socks

Grandma got Madeline these too cute for words Christmas socks. We have two more pair very similar to these ones, I can't wait to have hear wear them! If only her 0-3 month clothes would start fitting so she can wear them with an outfit instead of a onsie.

Visit from Haley and Olivia

This past weekend Haley and Olivia, along with mom and dad, Tom and Suzanne, came to visit Madeline for the first time! The girls had a great time visiting with Maddie and even posed for a few photos with her! They are too adorable. Maddie has a lot to live up to with these to beauties around!

Haley, Olivia and Suzanne.

Having fun on the steps.

First time Daddy got to feed Madeline

Last night was the first time that Dad got to feed Madeline. I only had a little bit of milk ready for her, but since she was still a bit cranky we decided to give it a go and see if she would take the bottle. We warmed up the milk and with the first try Maddie latched right on to the bottle. She didn't even flinch! In fact she downed the little bit of milk we had for her in no time at all. What a relief for me. Now I know I can go away or run errands and if she needs to eat she will be fine.

Beautiful Baby