First Flight

Madelyn successfully made it through her first trip flying to Iowa. We couldn't have been any luckier on our flights. We left early in the morning, we got everything packed, through security, no delays and Madelyn was so GOOD on the planes. She either slept, played or ate during all the flights and was not that screaming baby you often hear on planes. Many people on our flights commented on what a good baby she was!!!  It was so wonderful to spend time with close friends and family for the week. Madelyn was very excited Uncle Ryan, Aunt Natalia and her cousin Beckett were even able to come! The 8 days went way to fast! Madelyn of course was spoiled rotten! Between all the gifts and clothes she got(next time I don't think we need to even pack for her, lol) and all the time she was held and snuggled with! As always as our plane back to NC took off Derek looked over and I of course was all teared eyed. Though I was very excited to get home it just was so nice to have everyone around with Madelyn for the week! We just don't all get to get together enough!

This week Madelyn has started sitting up. She can hold it for awhile but we still need to sit right with her for when she leans and falls. Tonight she tried her first food, peas..yum, ha! She loved them! We are not surprised this girl has loved eating since the day she was born! We also think she is teething badly and hope the tooth comes through soon!

Here are lots of pictures from our trip!

First Plane ride, loved looking out the window!

Loved Nana's new ride for B and I to play on!

Out for lunch :)

All my Aunties!

5 months while in Iowa!

B helping with bath time

Uncle Ry and the babies before the Iowa game!

With Nana and Papa

Pretty picture with Aunt Elly!

I love my cousin!

Thought everyone would enjoy this from our smart little lady.  She's a little shy in the beginning so be patient.  

Thankful....

It is crazy to think it is the holiday time of year. With that said, anyone who knows me knows how much I absolutley love this time of year. As we are busy making this years holidays plans, getting the house ready and packing to leave for Iowa this Saturday I couldn't stop thinking about how much in my life I am thankful for.

First, I am SO thankful for my amazing husband. I don't know what I would do without him. Just this week he came home early one day from work and surprised me with the most delicous homeade dinner, wakes up every morning to help get everything in the car and Madelyn and I out the door, helped me deocrate the house early before we went out of town even though years ago he would have thought this was crazy to decorate this early, and everyday continues to be my best friend who knows when I just need a hug after an exhausting day. 

Next we are very thankful for our family. We are so lucky to have such supportive family. My family has amazed me in how they have gone above and beyond to buy everything they can to make life easier on us when we get to Iowa including a new stroller and crib at Nana's. Madelyn gets more mail than Derek and I together. Just this week she received a package from her Grandma and Grandpa with new pj's and the cutest new print for her room with all her birth announcement information from her Nanny and Poppy. Last weekend, Derek's parents drove down to Charlotte just for the afternoon just to spend time with Madelyn! I also am thankful for our amazing friends who we consider family! As you grow older you realize how important real friends who have been there and supported you along the way are! Many who treat Madelyn as though she is their own family.

 Last, I don't know how to even begin to say how thankful Derek and I are for this amazing blessing we received on June 18th. It is truly amazing how you don't know how you can love something so much until you have children. She has forever changed Derek and I to become better people in just 4 short months. It is because of her this year I wanted to make sure to stop and really think about all we have to be thankful for! Madelyn you are the most amazing little girl!!

Tasty leaves!

All smiles

This picture sums up their relationship, Madelyn loves Bo, Bo doesn't feel the same way back LOL!

Let's see... what to play with today?

Yummy oatmeal

Thanks for the warm hat Nanny

With Nanny and Poppy

First solid food experience

Hard to do two things at once, trying to watch this good baby einstein video and also keep checking to make sure Dad is still there!