Dreams Do Come True

I have been thinking back to where we were 1 year ago. Thinking about how different things were. It was just Ryan and I with the exciting news that we were pregnant.

We weren't sure we even wanted children and it took many nights of long talks and looking at the big picture for us to finally decide that yes this is something we want. We had a dream and I couldn't wait for this dream to come true.

Knowing that we were only a few months away from having a child changed us. We were about to embark on a journey that would be much bigger than we could imagine. I remember being so happy when announcing the news to our unsuspecting parents. The excitement was felt with tears of joy. But the excitement was soon replaced with tears of sadness.

On January 30, 2009 we lost our first child.

The feelings of excitement, anticipation and wonder suddenly wiped away and replaced with emptiness. I know there wasn't anything I could have done to make the outcome different but I still felt responsible. As if I had failed.

It was only a few weeks later when we learned that we were pregnant once again. This time it was different. I was unsure and terrified. I wanted so badly for this pregnancy to end differently. And it did......

Our dream came true!

The Daily Grind

I returned to work today. I have been dreading this day since the birth of our little peanut. It was rough on both of us. I knew I would miss spending the day with my little girl. Watching her every movement, feeding her, holding her, loving on her and even changing her diapers. It was rough on Maddie because I had to wake her up at 6:45 so she didn't get to sleep in until 8:00. Madison had no idea the pain her mommy felt this morning but somehow she knew to give me all the gummy smiles she had which confirmed that she was going to be just fine.

We needed to insure that the other kids liked Madison so we baked them cookies. She was a hit! Hey, a little bribery is okay now and then.

We have to do this all over again tomorrow. I keep telling myself that it will get easier each day. Until then, I will have to rely on my inner strength and knowing that I will be back with my little munchkin in a just few hours.

Ouch! Now that hurt!

Maddie had her first shots on Monday. In her 10 week life she hasn't had any shots but that all has changed. Poor little Maddie had to have two! I wasn't sure how I would do when seeing my little muchkin poked but I can say that I did pretty well. Maddie on the other hand wasn't too pleased with her Nana. I had to hold her feet and Nana and Cara each gave her a shot in her thighs at the same time. There was a two second delay and poor Maddie cried her little eyes out. I think she forgot all about it by the time we got into the car. And I am confident that there are no hard feelings against her Nana. Maddie loves her Nana!

It's Vacation Time!

Madison just went on her first vacation. We flew down to see Meme and Pappaw in Naples, Florida. Aunt Christy even joined us for the trip. We had a great time and Maddie experienced many "firsts".

Here is a picture from Maddie's 1st airplane ride. She did great!

Here is a picture from Maddie's first walk outside. (I didn't think our walks in the mall counted.)

Here are Maddie's sandy tootsies from her first time on the beach.

Madison with her Meme and Pappaw. She loves her Meme and Pappaw!

Introducing Madison Olivia

Here she is....Madison Olivia Bethel. Born on November 11, 2009 at 9:26 pm. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 ozs and 21 1/2 inches long.

I decided to start this blog to share some of the magical moments we have with our little munchkin. I will update as often as possible so check back frequently. This is my first attempt at a blog so we shall see how it goes.

You always hear the saying "They grow so fast." I am coming to find out this is completely true. Maddie has already grown and changed so much. She is currently 10 weeks and 2 days old. She's 24 1/2 inches (97th percentile) and 11 lbs 11 ozs (75th percentile). She loves being talked to and will show that gummy grin. She is pretty laid back and rarely cries. And the best part of all....she sleeps through the night!

Madison has started to notice the things around her.



And sometimes she can't quite see them.



But one thing always remains the same... she is ready to go!