23 Years

I had a birthday. And luckily, I have a wonderful husband who made it so memorable.
(Let me apologize ahead of time for having so few pictures of my day. I am horrible with taking photos - something I really need to work on!)

My day actually started the night before when I was able to see Breaking Dawn at midnight! It was so much fun and such a great way to start off my birthday. Honestly, it was kind of hard being 7 months pregnant and staying up until 3:00 in the morning - but well worth it!

Then, when I got home, Josh had balloons waiting for me. Isn't he adorable?

The next morning I woke up to this...

And this...

A few of my favorite treats. Yes, that card says "Mommy" on it. So weird to think that someone is going to be calling me that soon! Josh wrote me such a sweet note from both him and Stella. He really is the most thoughtful, romantic guy!

See that little present in the middle of that pile? Well, inside was this picture...

Yep! I got a pair of these bad boys. He gave me the picture because they were being shipped and hadn't arrived yet. I got them a few days later and wear them ALL THE TIME. He even picked them out himself - perfect size and all. I was impressed to say the least!

Later that day, my mom treated me to a massage. I told my mom all I wanted was a maternity massage. Of the course the massage was incredible, but to be honest, I really just wanted to be able to lie on my stomach for a while. I was never really even a stomach sleeper, but being deprived of it while being pregnant has been SO hard for some reason. I guess its the whole "wanting something you can't have" thing. So being able to lie on my stomach for almost an hour was such a treat! My mom also gave me a new set of scriptures with my Madsen name on them (about time I got a set of these right?) and a gift card to my favorite store.

Later that night, Scott and Kerri had us over for dinner and to celebrate with the family. It was such a wonderful night and I always enjoy Kerri's delicious cooking!

22 was a great year. The most exciting event was finding out I was pregnant with our little girl! But I know 23 is going to bring so many great things, including the arrival of our little one, and I seriously can't wait to see what's in store!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. I was completely spoiled by my family. Josh went out of his way all day to make sure my day was perfect. But being able to just relax with him all day was honestly the best gift of all. He is such a thoughtful and sweet man and I feel so lucky that he is all mine! I love him so much! How could I not? I mean seriously...just look at him!! ;)

Madsen/Cox Family Shower

A few weeks ago, Kerri and Heidi threw me such a wonderful shower in Manti at Grandma Cox's house. The Madsen and Cox families are truly some of the most supportive people I know! Almost everyone in the family was there and I couldn't be more grateful! Here are a few photos of the fun evening.

A few pictures of Kerri's decor. That woman sure does know how to throw a party!

And some of the gifts we received.

A swing (which I am SOOO excited about!)

A bathtub

My mom gave me this beautiful blessing dress. I know you can't see it well here, but it is seriously the most precious thing I have ever seen! I will be sure to post more detailed pictures on Stella's blessing day.

Along with this dress, she also gave me the shoes, tights, and accessories to go along with it. (I'll be honest...I helped pick out the dress, so it wasn't a huge surprise!) But my mom did surprise me with a beautiful blanket for Stella to use on her blessing day. One of my mom's best friends has a daughter who was studying abroad in Bethlehem. She brought home a blanket from Bethlehem. I wish I had a picture of it, but it is truly something we will cherish.

Josh's sweet grandma made us this quilt. She is not in the greatest of health, but still puts so much work into making a quilt for every new baby that comes into the family. She is truly amazing!! And this of course is another gift we will always treasure!

Those were only a few of the gifts we received. We were also completely spoiled with blankets, toys, a baby monitor, books, a play mat, bath time goods, and lots of cute clothes! We really got so much stuff that it would take A LOT of photos to show it all :)

The Greenwell girls who made the road trip down with me just for my shower!

And the Madsen ladies who put together this whole party! They are incredible!

Ps...isn't baby Josie so sweet? She is three months old now...and Stella is sure lucky to have a cousin so close to her age! I know they are going to be the best of friends.

Josh and I really appreciate everyone who showed their love to us and baby Stella. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful, supportive family! And thank you so much mom Madsen and Heidi for putting so much effort into such a wonderful shower. I love you both more than you know!!