Professional Pics

Well, this is my first day back to work and with internet since we evacuated for Hurricane Ike a week and a half ago. I have lots to share, but until then, I wanted to share the proofs from our professional photo session a couple of weeks ago. We just got these back today - a great way to start off my Monday!!

The link below is only good for two weeks when our deadline to order is up, but until then, enjoy! :) Turn up the volume on your computer too because the slideshow is played to music.

CLICK HERE!! SEPTEMBER 2008 PHOTOS BY JEN VAJDOS

I've got to get it together!

Ok, I have totally been slacking and am determined to get back into the groove on this blog! It is really amazing how much things have changed since Madison started sleeping less and moving more!! :) I think back to when she was sleeping so much and not mobile and am amazed at how much I got done compared to now. These days, I am satisfied if I get supper fixed, the kitchen cleaned up afterwards, Madison's bath and read or play with Madison for a little while before bed before I pass out on the couch. Note, I didn't say all of those things happen every night. In fact, there is a sink full of dirty dishes at home right now. Dylan usually has homework in the evenings, but if he is free to help with those types of things, I have a better chance of maybe getting in some tv time or computer time before I crash. Forget cleaning the house otherwise or doing laundry! Something's gotta give, huh?! And the poor ladies at daycare must think they did something wrong. I used to bake for them all the time, but haven't brought treats in months!

Anyway, I've felt like I've been in the fast lane for the past couple of months and I'm now making the decision to try and slow things down, get organized, and pick back up where I left off on the blog! I say this just as we are awaiting a news update on our dear friend, Ike, who may force us out of our homes for a few days...!

In honor of Landon's 3rd birthday....

I thought I would post a few old pictures too.

This is a funny picture I just came across. Wow, how much he has changed! What a little dumplin'...



And look how cute!



Now such a big boy!

Happy Birthday to Landon!

Landon's 3rd birthday was yesterday, September 1st, but he celebrated his birthday the weekend before at Chucky Cheese! It was Madison's first experience at Chucky Cheese, but she seemed to enjoy all the excitement and definitely the cupcakes (well, the frosting, that is).

Happy Birthday, Landon!!!

If only every day were crazy hair day

Many more birthday pics!

12 months

What a busy month it has been for all of us! Dylan has been extremely busy with school (by the way, I'm blaming him for hogging the computer each night and not letting me update the blog - which is more important, the blog or homework?!). Work has been super crazy. We are about two months away from trial and I'm not sure things could get any busier there. Madison is really the ray of sunshine in our lives and always re-energizes us after a long, busy day at work. Picking her up from daycare is the highlight of our days - there's nothing like walking in and seeing the excitement on her face as she makes her way over to us as fast as she can. She is becoming such a big girl so fast! She is doing so many new things it is hard to keep up. She definitely keeps us on our toes these days - trying to push all the limits and to see just how much she can do. Here are a few pictures of our little munchkin the past couple of weeks.

Another trip to Iowa!

I'm very late getting these pictures up but about a month ago, Madison and I made a quick trip to Iowa with my mom, Katie and Katie's boyfriend, Terry, where Madison got to meet new aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, cousins and lots of others on the Daman side. It was so nice to see everyone - unfortunately, it had been years since I saw a lot of them too. We're just all so spread out across the U.S. that it makes it hard to see everyone frequently. Some of you hear a lot about my family in Iowa, so now you can put faces with names.

The five of us (from left to right):

Chad (being a dork), Charity, Christina, Cathryn, Chase
Charity will probably hate me for adding this, but Chad and Charity are out of age order. :)

Us with Madison and Addison. Missing Landon (Katie's little boy), Skylar (Chad's baby boy), and Charity's twins, Hunter and Harrison.

Madison with her sweet cousin Addison! How cute is that??!

My dad's favorite pizza: Ham, hamburger and bacon..... Yikes!

Eating at Pascouli's Pizza, my dad's favorite pizza joint in Humboldt, IA.

Our cousin, Tyler, and Chase.

Chase's mom, Menen, and Madi.

Chase's artwork (from left to right): Katie, Chase, Tyler

Yes, this one would be me. See Madison on my hip? :)

Aunt Katie making Madison laugh.

Trying to survive the longest road trip made in the shortest amount of time EVER!

....and she did SOOOO good!

My new baby doll

Our Little Birthday Girl

We had a fabulous PINK party to celebrate Madison's 1st birthday! So many of our friends and family were able to make it. We had a full house just as we had hoped! Madison wasn't feeling well Saturday morning, and I think she was a little unsure of the reason for the celebration, but she was a trooper and really did well. She got so many wonderful gifts - lots of fun toys, which keep her busy these days, some really cute clothes and even some new earrings!

We just can't get over the fact that our little angel is already a year old! It was a life-changing year for us, all for the best, and was worth every bit of the celebration.