She does it all

Second place goes to Josh for his amazing baby girl laugh.

A little update

So I'm sitting here, uploading and going through pictures, trying to come up with a post that isn't a complete Maddie overload and... well... I didn't get too far.  Tomorrow is Elder Mikey T's birthday and I just wanted to get one picture of Maddie holding a sign and smiling and then I realized that she's 16 months old and I'm crazy.

Life is so good right now.  We moved up to Bountiful for the summer and are loving it.  Sometimes a change of scenery is the greatest thing.  Our days have been filled with swimming, long walks, trips to the library, playing outside, and just being overall ecstatic that summer is finally here.  I could live in a world where it was always summer. There's something about 9:00 sunsets, laying on the tramp at night and the not-too-crisp morning air that are perfect.

Josh is gone tonight.  I realize how spoiled I am considering that in over two years of marriage, this is only the second time we've been apart at all.  He went to the Celtics game 7 in Boston and is loving life right now.  Maddie celebrated Josh being gone by having a 4:30 am mom/daughter party the last 2 nights - awake and as happy as can be at 4:30 in the morning.  Good thing she's cute right?

And, finally, Maddie took her first steps a couple weeks ago.  Huge milestone for this stubborn girl.  She just took 7 or so steps, sat right down and hasn't walked since.  That girl.

Officially a toddler

I'm not sure when the step from baby to toddler officially happens, but I can say with confidence that we're there.  I'm not sure if it's the constant jabbering - "I think I'm carrying on a full conversation at all times", or the fact that she has all of this new-found independence.  But I think it most-likely became totally obvious to me when I compared what I thought was my baby to my new teeny-tiny, adorable, newborn niece, Nora.

At 15 months, Maddie has hit full toddlerhood.  She's in to everything, stubborn, determined, sweet and curious, and when she wants something - well, she lets you know.  She's so full of personality.  When we're out about with the stroller, she has to be pushing it, and she has to stop to say hi to everyone.  I'm loving everything about this little girl right now.

She's still holding on to some of her baby-ish qualities - she loves sucking her thumb, is completely attached to her blankets (and I'm not sure if this will ever change), loves being held and cuddled, and is determined to not walk... yet. (any advice on this? She's so close, just not quite there).

This girl is the biggest blessing and joy in our lives.  We love our Madds.

According to Instagram

First time seeing her elephants // Baby Blues // A perfect storm // We need a pet // Nemo would count as a pet // An anniversary // teething // Who's child is this?

Two perfect years.

Josh and I celebrated two perfect years on Monday. Words can't express how grateful I am to have this wonderful man in my life.  These past two years have flown by, but it feels like I've known him forever.

We spent the morning at the Salt Lake temple, reminiscing on our wedding day two years ago.  The rest of the day included burgers, a family nap, a perfect dinner date, and the sweetest letter from the sweetest guy.  I love the life that we've started together - and after two years, I can't wait for two hundred more.