How to use a porch swing

P.S. Please disregard the fact I look like Madeline's 15-year-old babysitter and not her mom

Very random thoughts before 8:30 a.m.

1. My microwave broke this morning and for 2.5 seconds, I thought Madeline and I couldn't have oatmeal. And then I remembered the stove.
2. I could never have survived the real Oregon Trail.
   
3. One of the best things about Madeline turning one is that I just have to buy a $3 gallon of milk instead of a $26 can of formula.
4. As I was super excited to water my flower pots, I wondered when I became an old woman who gets excited about flower pots.
5. (I really do love my flower pots.)
6. I'm getting my hair cut next week after a 15 month sabbatical and can't decide how short to go. I like the idea of long hair, but I can't pull it off. I want sleek, long hair like Lauren Conrad, but in reality, my hair is more like Hermione Granger. "...she had thick, bushy hair..."
7. This is my very favorite cookie recipe.
   
8. Is it bad to eat cookies before 7:30 a.m.?
9. Much like Hubby, I'm looking forward to 2 hours of So You Think You Can Dance tonight.
10. I love shallow TV.

Happy birthday Madeline

Our sweet girl turned one today! I won't go into how quickly this year has flown because you've heard it all before, but how true it is. Joe took the day off to celebrate so we had a special family day.

Ever since Amanda blogged out The Flying Cupcake, I've wanted to visit the bakery. We headed over there for Madeline's first birthday sweet and then spent some time at Kids Inc. Bookstore. Madeline went crazy over the animal puppets and Corduroy collection. And Joe and I treated ourselves to white chocolate mochas at Starbucks. Yum!

We feel so incredibly blessed to be parents to our little girl. This past year has been more than I could ever have dreamed. She makes being a mom so much fun. Our God is truly good. We love you, Madeline!

she really wanted my cupcake instead of hers...

so she gets what she wants on her birthday

our resident people-watcher

Dear Aunt Jen

Mom says you love bread, too. Let's share a slice when you come home.
Miss you and love you,
Madeline

Wanted: pacifier with leather fringe