FIFTEEN WHOLE MONTHS

to my sweetest madelyn, 

although i am sad that you are not a 'baby' anymore and becoming a 'toddler' more and more each day, i am loving every minute of it. you are really becoming my little mini :)

i know i say it all the time but it's true...i just love you so much! i live for you, we live for you! 

i love what a silly little girl you are becoming, you must have your daddy's sense of humor. i love how you love to play peek a boo, popping out from behind the door, table or crib. i love how you use almost anything as a phone, holding it up to your ear saying "hi, hi." i love how you ask for 'more' when you're eating and then sign 'please.' i love how when i ask you 'are you ready to take a bath' you drop to your knees and crawl to the stairs. i love how you are a fan of your bows again and will even try to put them in your hair. i love that you have enough hair for the cutest little pony tail. i love how friendly you are becoming to strangers, smiling, waving hi and bye, if their lucky they may even get a kiss. i love how when you gives kisses you say "mwah." i love how you love the water, i think you are definitely a summer gal just like your mama. i love how you love a good routine. i love your laugh and i love it when you laugh so hard that i can see all your pearly whites. i love your sweet smile. i (we) absolutely love every piece of you. 

you are a beautiful little girl, my girl.

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl

love, your mommy (and daddy)

ONE WHOLE YEAR

to my sweetest madelyn lee,

i cannot even believe that you are one. it seems like it was just yesterday we were waiting in the delivery room for the moment you were ready to come into the world. when people said "enjoy it, it'll go by fast" they weren't kidding. so often your daddy and i will lay in bed going through the pictures on our phone sharing our favorites. it's hard to believe how little you were when you were born, how quickly you have grown and how much love has filled our hearts. we just love you with every ounce of us. i can't even begin to explain what this past year has been like but i do know one thing, i have never felt more confident knowing that i was meant to be your mommy.

i love what a vocal little lady you are, when you don't like, don't want something you are sure to let it be known. dr. m (your pediatrician) thinks that is a wonderful trait to have as it mean when you grow older you won't be afraid to stand up for what you are. i love how you choose to army crawl your way around, you have gotten quite quick. i love how you will look for our hands and pull up asking to walk around and around and around until our backs are hurting. i love how you babble. i love when you say 'mama' and 'dada.' i love how you get so excited to eat, just like your mama. i love that you are obsessed with your doggies, one day i hope they will be excited to play back. i love how you love to "read" your books, flipping and touching each page. i love how smart you are, how quickly you learn amazes me. i love how sweet you are when you meet a stranger. i love your shy smile. i love your giggle. i love how excited you get when we get home from work, you have the biggest smile that melts us. i love how you gives us kisses without even asking. i love how i sing to you and you clap for me after. i love how when anyone sneezes or coughs, you will imitate them after with a huge smile. i love how we snuggle before i lay you in your crib at night. i love how you rub my back when you're tired. i love how you say "huh" when we talk to you. i love how you dance when you hear music. i love how you love your lovie. i love how you smile and we can see those (seven) tiny teeth. oh how i absolutely love the little baby girl you are, you make it such a blessing to be your mama (and dada.)

it is such a bittersweet feeling knowing a year has come and gone but there's comfort in looking forward to what the future holds. you are the silliest, happiest, sweetest baby girl and we are so thankful you are ours.

i love you the moon and back my sweet baby girl

love, your mommy (and daddy) 
_________________________________________________________________________ 

will be back to share details of madelyn's first birthday par-tay

FIRST BIRTHDAY EVE

In celebration of Madelyn’s birthday eve (I cannot even believe it has been a year), I thought I would reflect back to the day she decided to say “Hello World!”

I started my maternity leave two days early, which in the end was the right choice. Always trust your instincts mamas. I remember I woke up that morning, Wednesday, May 15th thinking “what should I do on my first day of leave?” I had a bowl of cereal with extra fruit, a craving I had most of my pregnancy, took both my pups for a walk around the neighborhood then I knew if there was anything I was going to do before I went into labor would be to get a mani and pedi. That's about the only exciting thing I did that day, just rested as much as I could because as my parents said after she arrived I wouldn't have that choice anymore.

Fast forward to that night around 11:30PM, I was laying on the couch with the hubs and felt a painful jab. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions and knew what those felt like but this one was different. I mention something about it to Vy but didn't feel another one so didn't think much of it. Went to bed and woke up around 3:30AM feeling those same painful jabs except this time they were coming every 10 to 15 minutes. I laid in bed reading up on Google trying to confirm it I was really in labor, yep I did googled if I was in labor. My OB had asked me several times if I wanted to be induced as most likely she would not be on call to deliver me but I choose to go into labor naturally if possibly. I had asked her several times how would I know if I was going into labor and her reply would always "oh trust me you'll know." I went to the bathroom and realize that my mucus plug had released (TMI, I know) which confirmed to me I really was in labor and these really were contractions. I woke Vy up and told him that I think Madelyn is coming today. It was a surreal moment, thinking that these next few hours would be the last of just the two of us but filled with emotion and excitement knowing that I would be meeting my little one soon. I called the on-call nurse and she stated that the contractions should be about 5 minutes apart before going to the hospital. She recommended to get lots of rest if I could, take a shower and to eat. So I took a shower first, finished packing the hospital bag and then waited. My contractions were still coming 10-15 minutes apart so I tried to rest between each one. Realizing quickly that I couldn't sleep because the pain was too much for me, I thought I should eat something. I had half a piece of toast before running to the bathroom to see it again. Vy and I both agreed that I should contact the nurse again. Informing her that I couldn't keep any food down, the contractions were painful enough that I would stop what I was doing to tend to them and my contractions still being 10-15 minutes apart she decided that it be best if I went into the office to have the OB check me. She provided a warning that if I wasn't dilated enough they could send me back home to wait. We packed the car at about 10AM and headed to the OB. Let me tell you, contractions are no joke and there were moments when I thought maybe I should of planned to be induced because at least then I would already be at the hospital and they could give me an epidural for the pain. I am the only one out of my friends to not be induced and to go into labor naturally so to say I had no idea how to prepare for this would be an understatement.

We arrived at the OB where he checked me informing us that I was 4 cm dilated and he would recommend for us to head to the hospital. Here we go, it's really happening, we are going to meet our sweet baby girl. I began to cry, scared for the unknown of how labor happens but filled with joy that she no longer would be a black and white image that hangs on our fridge. Vy comforted me stating there was nothing to be scared of, that I would be in the best hospital (in the South they are known as the “baby factory”) and I would be so happy when I got to finally hold Madelyn. He was right.

We drove right over the bridge to the hospital where we checked in, once in the room I feel like everything happened so fast that it was kind of a blur. Reminded me of our wedding day, when you’re so excited for the day to finally come but then it all over before you know it. The first request to the nurse was for an epidural, there was no way I was going to be relaxing with these sharp pains. Our parents and family arrived taking turns coming in and out of the room to chat and sit. The on-call doctor, Dr. Robins, determined that we would be there for awhile (even drawing us a chart on the white board), hoping that I would be dilating 1 cm every hour which made Vy and I think that we wouldn’t have Madelyn till early the next morning. Boy were we wrong, around 7PM the nurse shifts were changing and before she left she asked if I was feeling any pressure when I replied yes, she decided to check me. Her response was if I have the urge to push…don’t,  she said she could feel/see Madelyn’s head and she has a lot of hair. My doctor had just gone in for a c-section and would be over right in after. My delivery with Madelyn was so different then I expected, in a good way. It was just Vy, Dr. Robins and the nurse, there was light humor conversation with a few pushes. The three pushes with contractions and one without then here was our little Madelyn Lee gracing the world. It was such a beautiful moment and one I will forever remember, the moment you realize that you could love so deep for another human being.

Welcome to the World Madelyn Lee | May 16th @ 8PM | 5lbs 12 oz | 18in   

As I laid Madelyn in her crib tonight, my eyes fill with tears…I cannot believe how quickly a year has gone by but filled with joy and excitement for all that is to come. She will forever be my baby girl and I will hold on tight to every cherished moment with her and my little family of three. 

“Let her sleep…for when she wakes, she will be ONE!”

ELEVEN WHOLE MONTHS

to my sweetest madelyn, 

i just cannot believe it has been eleven months since you graced this world. i feel like it was just yesterday when i first held you in my arms. i am amazed how much you have grown and how you have so much personality. you are a silly little girl, when anyone sneezes...you say "ah choo" then laugh, when anyone coughs...you cough then smile the biggest smile. you are something my little peanut. you are waving hi and goodbye, you say "buh bye" and it's the cutest thing. oh my little mini, you may be in the fifth percentile in weight but you can eat. you have loved almost everything i have ever given you, except for actually bananas you'll pass. you are the cutest eater and your daddy and i love to watch you. we are amazed sometimes how much you eat but seem to not be gaining that much. it might be all the moving you've been doing lately. you are still army crawling but you are quite quick. your a fan of walking, you will grab our hands and start walking away so we have no choice but to follow and you absolutely love it. you are a little afraid to walk or stand without anyone near but i think it will be soon before you find that confidence in yourself, i know you can do it!

madelyn lee, your mommy has been quite emotional lately. i just cannot believe in a few short weeks you will be one. one whole year! i am not quite sure how this happen or how the time passed so quickly through my fingers but i have been trying to be in the moment more with you because i want to make sure i remember every single piece of you. your are my everything and i love you with all my heart and soul.

i am planning one beautiful pink and gold first birthday par-tay for you my little girl so bring on the glitter.

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl!

love, your mommy

FAMILY PICTURES

A few weekends ago my sweet friend Brooke took some beautiful family pictures of us. She just launched her photography company, Brooke Whitney Photography. If you are in the Atlanta area, check her out!!

Look at this face!?! I absolutely L.O.V.E these pictures and will forever cherish these!

Thank you Auntie Brooke oh so much for spending the afternoon with us. We love you!!

Outfit Details

Vy | Peachy Plaid Button Up Shirt (old - similar here) / Chino Shorts

Me | Mint Maxi Dress (from Dress Up Boutique) / Bloom Necklace

Madelyn | Flower Dot Bow Dress / Mary Jane Jelly Sandals / Lace Headband (Made by Me)

NINE & TEN WHOLE MONTHS

 ^^Nine Months^^

^^Ten Months^^

to my sweetest madelyn, 

these past two months you have grown so much. you're personality is really shining through and we just love you with every ounce of our being. you definitely have you daddy's sense of humor, which can be explained by your fake cough you use to attract attention to you. you love doing things then clapping like you're saying good job to me. oh your clapping, you love to clap,clap,clap...all.day.long. i mean it is the cutest. you have learned to wave buh bye, blow kisses and give high fives. you are the smartest and sweetest girl and i am thankful every minute of everyday that you are mine. i was a little worry a few months ago as you had absolutely no interest in crawling or getting around. you were perfectly content with whatever was in your reach but lately you have figured how to army crawl which you have become quite quick. however, you love to walk more. anytime we're around you pull on us and up you go just walking, walking, walking around anywhere and everywhere for as long as we allow you to. you have such a big smile and we're still pretty sure that you'll skip crawling and start walking. you are talking and laugh so much, it just fills our hearts. btw, you said "mama" shortly after you turned eight months...so i won. you do say "dada" and it sounds like you'll be picking up on a few other word real soon. you l.o.v.e to eat, just like your mama, and it's one of my favorite things to watch you eat. plus, you have grown six teeth to help you.

i cannot believe in two months you'll be one. it's been such an emotional thing to think about. this time has passed so quickly but i love watching you grow and learn everyday. not to mention no matter how big and old you get you'll always be my baby girl.

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl. 

love, your mommy

MINI STYLE

Like most Mommas, I love shopping! Now having a little mini to dress has made my heart so happy! My style for Madelyn is of course a reflection of my own, I mean most of the time I wish her wardrobe came in my size. 

There are a few tips I keep in mind when shopping for M: 

-Would I wear it? She is my child so I want to dress her like me.

-How long will she wear this? Since I started shopping for M, my mom has always told me that she will grow fast so not to spend too much on her clothes as she may not get that much use out of it. M is on the smaller end but I do want her clothes to somewhat grow with her. So I shop in both the baby girl and toddler girl section. For example: a toddler shirt can now be a dress for M and as she gets older can actually be used as a shirt.
-Is it on sale? I rarely ever pay full price, I always want to feel like I'm getting a deal and I will wait for one. If I see something I love I will keep my eye on it and if it's meant for M then it will find a way home with us.

-Do I love it? Just like when I shop for myself, I try not to buy pieces unless I love it so I do that with M. 
-How will she wear this? I tend to buy pieces and not outfits when out shopping so I try to always stop and think what does she have at home that will make an outfit. 

Over the last two weeks, there have been some killer sales around and I have picked quite a few pieces for M. After bring all the goodies home I couldn't wait to play in her closet and see what would come together. So I wanted to share a few outfits I just can't wait for her to wear.

(I apologize in advance for the photo quality, my camera setting was a little off and needs to be fixed)

Cotton Knotted Headband / Empire Top / Bloomers (from an existing dress)

Denim Jacket / Flower Print Romper (Baby Gap, got it in store but no longer online) / Gold Braided Sandals (Old Navy, gifted from a friend)

 Empire Top (Baby Gap, got it in store but no longer online) / Legging Jean (Baby Gap last year, similar here) / Rose Mary Jane (Old Navy last season)

Headband (Made by Me) / Stripe Sundress / Gold Mary Jane Jelly 

EIGHT WHOLE MONTHS

  
to my sweetest madelyn, 

i cannot believe how much you have grown. i still feel like it was just yesterday we were in the hospital snuggling with you soaking in all your beauty. you have brighten our lives so much and make our smiles bigger and brighter. 

in the last month you have become quite chatty and vocal. you are almost to the point where we think you have said "mama and dada" but you haven't said it enough to believe it. you still show no interest in attempting to crawl, you rather sit up or stand (with help of course). you love your walker and have pretty much mastered how to move around, we just love to watch you. you move fast in that thing that sometimes we can't get out of your way quick enough before you're running over our toes. you love to chase your brother, jager and back him into corners attempting to pet him. you are eating better everyday by yourself and i can't help but feel proud when i watch you. {i still have every intention on writing a baby led weaning post about our experience, so coming soon.} your two top teeth are beginning to come through which has provided some interesting and restless nights. it breaks my heart to know there isn't much i can do to help you with the pain but there has been lots of cuddling and kisses. you have learned to clap and do it often when you ba noi (my mother-in-law) sings you a song. you now give me kisses that just melt my heart. your daddy and i love watching you grow everyday and we talk often about how your little personality is developing into a sweet girl. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl. 

love, your mommy

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

(I realize I am a little behind in posting about this but I couldn't miss writing about M's first Christmas)

 Since Christmas fell right in the middle of the week this year I took the whole week off to celebrate. Trust me, I didn't complain one bit as I was beyond excited to spend all that time with family celebrating little M's first Christmas. When I got off of work on Friday we were on our way to Orlando. The ride down really threw M off her usually schedule which resulted in an hour and half melt down. It was the first time she was stuck in her car seat for six and half hours but we made it with a semi happy baby at 1:30 in the morning. We always try and made it to the Christmas service and this time Madelyn was on the program to received her dedication. 

On Saturday before heading to church we had to stop by and see Vy's grandpa. He was the pastor of the church and a gentle kind hearted man. Before he passed, he was waiting for Vy and I to have a baby as she is the first great grandchild to carry the family name. It is apparent that Madelyn shares a few of the same features with him so we know that he is living within her.

When we arrived at church, it was the first time M was meeting the majority of the family. She was quite popular. Madelyn received her dedication from Vy's oldest uncle.

Vy and I say often that we are very lucky to have such a happy and sweet baby. She was so well behaved during service that you wouldn't even know there was a baby there.

A little family photo after service.

{What Madelyn Wore: Headband - Made by Me, Floral Cord Top, Tights - Old Baby Gap & Bow Back Flats }

  Then we have a very tired sleeping baby girl. This girl can really sleep anywhere. We are definitely enjoying it while it last.

For being such a sweet girl, M's auntie gave her an early Christmas present. 

 This year we were in Orlando a little longer than years past so we got to hang out with cousin and family a little longer. We were able to leave M with her grandparents a few nights to have a little grow up fun, we went a Magic basketball game and went to see Anchorman II. We have not been to the movies since I was about 38 weeks preggo when we saw the Great Gatsby, it's been that long. Vy's family celebrates on Christmas Eve where we all go over to his uncle's house to eat dinner, play white elephant game (wish I had photos as my hubs gifted a giant photo of his head) and open presents.

M stayed up way passed her bedtime and was not into any photos at this moment. Everyone was so sweet and generous to little M. 

  {What Madelyn Wore: Green Polka Dot Dress - Old Jack and Janie}

M wasn't too sure on what was going on.

On Christmas day we left early to head back to Atlanta to spend Christmas with my parents. The drive back home was 100 times better than on the way down and M was such a happy baby when we arrived at my parents, she is such a little trooper. It is a lot of traveling but we are able to spend time with both sides and full our hearts with all the joy and love of the holidays.

(After being in a car for six and a half hours I was looking pretty rough and the pictures that were taken I am not a fan so I'll spare you those.)

SEVEN WHOLE MONTHS

 

to my sweetest madelyn, 

seven whole months, the time sure does feel like it flying by. i know i say this every month but i just cannot believe how big you are getting. it is such a bittersweet feeling, daddy and i truly try to just soak in every moment of everyday with you because we know we will never have it again. you are the happiest baby and we are truly lucky to be your parents. 

oh boy, this month you have just grown so much. you are a rolling machine and can roll just about anywhere. you are not a fan of tummy time anymore and aren't real interested in attempting to crawl, you just rather roll or stand with help. we wouldn't be surprise if you skip crawling and begin to walk. your silliest is really starting to show which makes me think you may have your daddy's sense of humor. you have your two bottom teeth and it is pure cuteness when you smile. you have really started to notice the details in things, you love to look at your little bear and point at his eyes, nose and mouth. you are so focus that i just love watching you and seeing your expression. you are quite chatty when you want to be and we are just waiting for you to say your first word. i am hoping for "mama" of course and your dad is hoping for "dada," well see who will be the winner out of that hopefully soon. you just make my heart so full that i look forward to all the moments to come. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl. 

love, your mommy 

SIX WHOLE MONTHS

 

to my sweetest madelyn, 

happy happy half birthday!

 

these past six months have been the best. daddy and i cannot believe it has been six months since we first held you in our arms. we still remember it like it was yesterday. we feel so blessed and thankful you are ours. you are the happiest baby, only crying when you are hungry or tired. don't worry if you ask daddy he would probably say mommy does the same thing. we love you to pieces and i make sure to give you all the kisses in the world everyday. 

you have grown so much in the last month, you have learned to roll over. you haven't made it very far but you sure are rolling. you are beginning to smile more at unfamiliar faces but still have the cutest shy smile. you are laughing more and learning how to make mommy and daddy laugh. you have learned to do a fake cough when no one is looking at you to say 'hey, remember me." you are sitting up by yourself for a good few minutes but have not quite mastered it. you love to stand with help and love love jumping in your jumperoo. you are our world and you have made our lives so bright. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl. 

love, your mommy

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We celebrated Madelyn's first Halloween as a family. This was our first year in our home, in a neighborhood to say the least we were excited to pass out candy and see all the little trick or treaters. Only one little problem, we did not have a single little one come to our door. At least little M won't notice. We live in a neighborhood with young families with little ones about Madelyn's age so we are thinking next year will look a little different, at least we hope. Vy and I had fun anyways, we took quite of few pictures of M in her little mouse costume, she was the cutest and took a little stroll around the neighborhood. It was a pretty night and I am so in love with us. 

 

  

Happy Pumpkin Day from my little mouse! xo

 

FIVE WHOLE MONTHS

to my sweetest madelyn, 

i cannot even begin to tell you how you have filled our hearts. i cannot believe you are already five months but at the same time i just cannot remember my life without you. you have made your daddy and i love more than we ever imagined we could. 

this month you have really shown how silly you are, which makes me think you may have your daddy's sense of humor. you love to laugh and when we smile you smile. you're learned recently how to sit up with your boppy, we knew you were on your way when in the beginning of the month you some what began refusing to lay down. you went to your first georgia tech {your uncle vu went there} game and were such a sweet girl. the noise didn't bother you one bit until the marching band decided to surprise us in the suite, even mommy got scared. you play so well by yourself on your play mat which helps mommy and daddy eat dinner, you have learned how to knock the play mat over which you get pretty pumped about. your are learning so much and growing everyday that i look forward to all that is to come. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl.

love, your mommy

FOUR WHOLE MONTHS

to my sweetest madelyn, 

you are my baby girl. we love you beyond words that sometimes your daddy and i will look at each other and say we cannot believe how lucky we are to have you. you are the happiest and sweetest baby. 

this month you have figured out how to roll from side to side and you can roll from your tummy to your back. you are very amused by the television that i just keep telling myself it's the colors that attract your attention. you are beginning to giggle and it is the sweetest sound that i ever did hear. it is so cute that i look forward to many more. you are so very happy and your smile just melt our hearts. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl.

love, your mommy

THREE WHOLE MONTHS

to my sweetest madelyn, 

as you get older each month, i just can't believe that you are growing up. as much as i love watching you develop i can't help but get teary eyed. i love you so much. 

this month you have become a mover and shaker, your daddy and i love to watch you move and see how excited you get. you are doing so awesome sleeping in your crib like such a big girl, you made transitioning into your crib so easy. you are such a sweet baby that your daddy and i are so very thankful and don't know how we got so blessed. you are beyond happy and your are beginning to become little miss chatty. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl.

love, your mommy

TWO WHOLE MONTHS

 
to my sweetest madelyn, 

i cannot believe how fast you are growing, everyday you do something new and i just want to soak in every little thing. i tell you everyday to not grow up too fast because i just want to remember it all and truly enjoy the moment.

in this month your daddy and i have watched you break out of your swaddle which kind of makes me sad because you always look so cute and snug but happy you decided to break the habit and i won't have to. we have allowed you to nap in your crib with the hope to transition you soon to night time sleeps although i don't quite know if i'm ready to let that happen. we have falling in love with the fact that you see us and really us! you are so alert and we have enjoyed watching your face when you see something new and not to mention the facial expression that comes along with that (your daddy thinks you'll be like me in that aspect.) your neck control is getting stronger which explain why you love tummy time, i think you'll be a tummy sleeper (like your daddy.) 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl.

love, your mommy

ONE WHOLE MONTH

to my sweetest madelyn, 

today you are one whole month! i cannot believe you have been here for a month because i cannot quite remember life without you. you are my soul and heart and i look forward to your growing future. these past few weeks i have found myself crying each week that you have grow older and think that i just don't want to miss a moment with you. i know there are going to countless moments where you will overflow my heart with a love that i cannot quite describe but i am forever grateful for the blessing you are. 

in this month your daddy and i have enjoyed starring at you and watching your every movement, we love the faces you make while your sleeping, we love when you wake up and the way you stretch (which is cutest thing ever to watch), we love the little oohs, aahs and grunts you make, we love that we have been able to take you out and you are such a well behaved little sleeping baby, we love the way you look at us and for the first time we have falling in love with the first smiles we have experienced from you. you certainly have us wrapped around your tiny little finger. 

i love you to the moon and back my sweet baby girl. 

love, your mommy

IT'S A GIRL

At 10:30AM this morning, Vy and I were so excited and could not wait to find out what our little baby was going to be. Last time I went to get an ultrasound my little baby just sat on his/her bottom the entire time just moving his/her arms. So I made sure to get up early this morning to get the baby moving as I wanted to find out today what little Baby P was going to be. I took a shower, wrote some Christmas cards, played with my two puppy dogs and had a little talk with my Baby P. As we went into the ultrasound room I was oh so excited but nervous in hope that he/she would be active enough to tell. Once on the monitor, of course he/she was waving at us as he/she has done every time but still relaxing on their rump with legs crossed. After poking for about 10 minutes, it was time for a break and I had to have another little talk with Baby P. Sure enough it must of work cause once on the monitor again he/she was stretching their little legs and our sweet ultrasound tech was able to tell us..."you're having a sweet baby girl!" It was such a wonderful moment to hear what the sweet little baby that Vy and I created would be. As I looked at Vy, I just thought that she will be as much of a "Daddy's girl" as I am with my Daddy. It just fills my heart. Now, it's time to do one of my favorite things...SHOP! I cannot wait to start decorating and filling my little baby girl's room.