These Are The Days....Do You Remember?

Today was Madie's last day of school. I think it was a much bigger deal to me than it was to her. Although I told her it was her last day until next year, I'm not sure that she understands that she will not be going back next week or the week after that. When I was thinking about putting Madie is Mom's Day Out (MDO) I remember struggling with the decision. I didn't know if I should (I was a stay at home mom and my JOB was to take care of her all the time) or if I wanted to (could I handle her going off alone...by herself?) Well, it turns out that it was the best decision I ever made. And looking back I can't believe I was so torn about the decision. It gave me a little "Me" time and let Madie know that there was a world outside of Mommy. She had wonderful teachers (I can only hope that we are this lucky every year) and she made some of the sweetest friends that she will probably graduate high school with. The year has flown by and I think it is only going to get faster. I want to bottle these memories up and keep them forever. It was amazing to see how much she had changed since the first day of school.

Madie's 1st day of school.

Her back pack was as big as she was.

Madie's 1st day at MDO.

She's having a snack and I'm in the car worrying to death about her and wondering if she is making it okay with me.

Mother Goose Story Day.

Halloween 2008

Winter 2008

And here she is her last day of school.

I can hardly believe how much she has grown and changed.

She's not my little baby anymore~ She's turning into a little lady.

I love you Madie and I am so proud of the little lady you have become!

Madie's First Fish

Cinco de Mayo

This is another picture from Madie's birthday...I thought it fit the occasion and she just looks so darn cute in that sombrero!

That is orange cake icing on her nose. We went to a Mexican restaurant for her Paw-paws birthday and they put a sombrero on him and sang and then put whipped cream on his nose. Madie wanted a picture like Paw-paw.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo! Olay!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Madie

Dear Madie,
It was 3 years ago today that you made me the happiest person on the planet. You were impatient, just like your mommy and decided to make your arrival into this world a little early. Since then you have changed my life in so many ways. I never knew that my heart was capable of so much love. On May 2, 2006, at 8:51am (it was a Tuesday) you decided to make your grand arrival. And although you were very small you changed the life of your daddy and me in a big way. Before you were born a friend gave me a card and on the outside it said, “Never measure the greatness of something by its size, measure it by how much it touches your heart.” I did not know the full meaning of that phrase until you came into my world. At first, I was terrified of hurting you or not being able to give you everything that you needed—but within a few days I could tell you everything you needed to know about premature babies and how to care for them. To look at you know you would never know that you were so small. I have never been so committed to or more devoted to anything than to being a good mother to you. I just hope that when you are old enough to read this that you will have thought that I did a good job.

In 3 years you have grown so much. There has not been a single day that I have not been with you. And I treasure every moment. I have watched you grow from a tiny tiny baby into this smart, curious and independent toddler. You may look like your dad but you act just like me. You have my independent nature and my love of being on the go. Your kind, compassionate and giving and have the social ease of your daddy. You never meet a stranger, which is good in some ways and in others makes me even more protective of you. You say please and thank you and excuse me and I’m sorry, and this makes me so proud.

You love Mexican food, Cinderella (actually any and all things princess), you love playing outside, going shopping, being my helper, taste testing anything you can get your hands on, taking baths in my bathtub, skittles, Dora the Explorer, going to Home Depot or Academy Sports and Outdoors with your daddy, playing at the park, playing dress up, reading books with mommy, wearing my shoes and staying up until that "next commercial."

I love your hugs and I love it when you tell me you love me. I love to have your little arms around my neck. You have such a kind and caring heart and I am the luckiest mommy in the world to have you. And I love you with all my heart.

Happy Birthday My Madie!
I Love you~
Mommy

May 2006

1st Birthday

2007

2nd Birthday

2008

3rd Birthday 2009

Dora Inflatable + Great Company of Family and Friends = "Mommy, this was a great, great, great party!"

I'll post pictures and tell about the big birthday party later- Three year olds really know how to party and mommy is TIRED!!!!

Happy Birthday Madie!