Sunday, June 24, 2012

Welcome Home Elder Madsen!

Elder Jordan Madsen returned from the Paraguay Asuncion Mission on June 22nd. After not seeing him for two years, this was an exciting day for our family!


Waiting for his arrival

 Cousins Stella and Josie

He's Home!!!

Brothers and Dad with "Hermano Yordan" 

Stella meeting her Uncle Jordan for the first time

The handsome R.M.

We can't forget that this special day was also my mother-in-law Kerri's birthday.  What an exciting birthday for her!! 

(I tried over and over to upload the video of him arriving, but it wouldn't work :(  In fact, I can't get any videos to upload on here.  Anyone have any tips for me?)

Welcome Home Jordan!  We are so proud of all of your hard work.  You were a wonderful missionary.  We love you and are happy to have you home with us again!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Solids

Hm.... This is new.... 

What is thist stuff? Squash, you say? 

Ew! Yuck!!!

Well...maybe it's not SO bad.

Okay, I think I can get used to this :)

That's right - sweet Stella babe is on solids already.  At her four month appointment, her pediatrician told us she was definitely ready for them, and encouraged us to get her started soon.  So we did!  She took a liking to it pretty quickly, and has done very well.  So far, she particularly loves nanners (bananas). 

Let me just say the one thing I was NOT prepared for when starting solids.  The difference in diaper messes!!  (TMI?)  The doctor warned me - but holy moly!  Let's just say changing time is a bit...less enjoyable now!  ;)

She is getting big so fast and we are loving every second of watching her learn and grow!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

4-months old!

4 months already?!  Time is going WAY too fast!  I feel like we just brought her home from the hospital yesterday.  And now...

She's playing on her tummy (still not a huge fan of the tummy time, but definitely improving!) and rolling over...

Enjoying looking at pictures, colors, feeling textures, and having story time with dad...

Learning new things...

 Sitting up like a big girl, watching Baby Einstein and Baby Signing Time...

Laughing (I have yet to capture her laughing on video.  Every time we pull out the camera, she stops!  As soon as we get it, it will be on here because its the cutest thing ever! But I think this face says it all)...

And basically just being completely adorable in every way...
I mean really....look at those cheeks!  How could you not love that face? 

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Blessing of Stella Babe

May 6, 2012 was the big day for our little girl!  We had been anticipating this day for a long time, and it was finally here.  That morning, there was a lot that needed to be done to make food and prepare for our guests we would have after the blessing.   But I honestly remember waking up that morning and just feeling completely overwhelmed.  Not because of all that had to be done... But because of what this day meant. I was completely at peace and knew the Spirit was with me that entire day.  I feel a little piece of Heaven every day when I hold Stella, but it was especially strong this day, and I knew it was because of her.  She brings such a light into our lives!  Maybe it is just because I am her mom, but I think she is an extraordinarily happy baby.  Of course she has her moments, and her first few weeks here were difficult.  But she is such a joy.  Getting her to smile is not a chore - not even close! 

Josh gave a beautiful blessing.  I will never forget the many things he blessed her with, and I know those things will be instrumental in her future.  I am so grateful to have a husband who holds the Priesthood, and who is worthy to bless our daughter.  I am also grateful for the other men who stood in the circle that day.  You don't know what it meant to us to have you there.  The Priesthood has been a huge part of my life.  I know it is real, and it holds a special place in my heart.  I know that every part of the Church is true, but if I have a truly strong testimony of one thing, it would be the Priesthood.

After the blessing, everyone joined us at my Parents' house for lunch.  We enjoyed a baked potato bar, and I was very happy with how it all turned out!  Thank you to everyone who brought food that day - it was a HUGE help!
 

 J.B. and Zach

Melissa and Kellen.  I love this picture - can you tell she really loves Melissa?!  That girl is going to make a wonderful mother someday! 

Uncle Brian and Aunt Brittany

 Uncle Josh and Uncle Tyler

Aunt Krissy and Uncle Tyler

 Great-Grandma and Grandpa Cox

 Great-Grandma Greenwell and Grandpa Bart

 Beautiful Josie and Adorable Sadie

 Aunt Heidi, Uncle Jason, cousin Josie, Uncle Johnny, Uncle Jared, Chandler, and Grandpa Scott

 Grandpa Scott and Grandma Kerri

 Grandma Brenda and Grandpa Bart

I especially have to thank my mom for all of her help with everything on this day!  It would not have been possible without her - there is absolutely no way I could have done it on my own!

 This was such a perfect day!  Thank you again to everyone who came and supported our family.  We love each and every one of you, and are grateful to have you all in our lives.

These are a few photos that were taken at the time we had her 3-month photos done.  Thank you Brooklyn for taking such beautiful photos! 
Dear Stella, 
 We hope you know how much your mom and dad love and adore you.  You have been the greatest blessing in our lives!  We are so grateful to Heavenly Father every day for trusting us to be your parents.  We know you are going to have such a wonderful life ahead of you!  Keep being the sweet angel that you are.  We Love You!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Stella's 3-month Photos


We just got these photos back today.  I don't even know what to say about them... This girl is an absolute angel, nothing makes us happier. 







There are no words!