Lula Birthday

This little stinker turned One on December, 8th. Boy how the times flies. We had a fun party with family and friends. Lula got some great gifts, all of which were so nice for them to give her. Some aren't pictured but she made out like a bandit (not pictured: building blocks, darling book, a teddy bear, a fun button game.... and I hope that is all). 

She got this activity center... which she loves. Notice her 'cheese' smile. 

Miss Lula and her Uncle Taige. 

Her puppy. It teaches her to clap and dance... both of which she has down thanks to him.

Below is a play by play of her getting her first baby doll. She was so excited!

She also got her first soccer ball. She loved it. Still doesn't get the concept of kicking the ball. 

At her party I (along with her Aunt Amy) made these darling sugar cookies with polka dots on them. I had all my money betting that she would destroy them. I lost. She was completely dainty about it. Funny girl.

Over all the party was a hit. I forgot to take pictures of the set up..... ugh. It was all polka dots. So happy that its over. She isn't walking yet, which I can't figure out if that is good or bad. Either way she is close to doing it but just a little reserved. We love out little Lula-mon as Papa calls her. So happy that we have her in our lives. We cannot believe its already been a year since she entered our family. We can't imagine life without her. Happy Birthday Little Lula!!! 

! year ago...

One whole year ago Rand and I were blessed to become parents to the most beautiful baby girl! Boy how the times flies.... (I am already teary eyed writing this post, really Madison?! I know I am a total emotional mother.) Really though it makes me so bitter sweet to look back on those precious moments with our little girl. How sweet those first moments are when you see your child for the time. The spirit that feels the room.... words cannot describe. When two people who love each other, become a family of three... it is incredible and surreal. I am so grateful to have such an amazing husband who is always supportive, caring, sweet, thoughtful and such an amazing father. I still remember their first moments together, the tender look on his face. I will never forget that. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. Some days are hard and some are easy, but regardless I try to focus on being the best mom I can to my little Lu. She is constantly making me laugh, and be creative with her. She is super expressive, talkative, and a social butterfly. Sounds nothing like me, I know. Little Lula still isn't walking, which is okay for now.... she loves the stairs, her blankie, getting into my measuring cups and spoons, opening and closing EVERYTHING, dancing, talking, steal cut oats, and her Daddy. (I am sure I forgot many but that is the basics.) We love you little bean!

Surviving the wind...

As I am sure most of you are aware. Our area in which we live... (being discrete) had a terrible wind storm come through late Wednesday night and on to Thursday morning. Our small little family seemed to barely sleep at all. Then sometime between 5am and 7am the power went out (this I know cause I went to the gym). I found myself thinking how grateful I am for what I have. We have been incredibly blessed here in the Sargent household, especially this last year.

Since all throughout the night we were constantly up and checking on our house, when it came time for Rand to go to work I hated the thought of being alone in a storm like this without power. So, Rand dropped Lula and I off at his sisters home. On our way we were amazing at what was going on. Trampolines on the highway, completely demolished. Huge hundred year old trees ripped from the ground, on with they stood. Shingles and anything else not tied down was gone. We happened to get tagged by a white picket fence on our way over.....

Once there we found we had to be a bit more creative with the kiddos. Keeping them entertained at first wasn't terribly hard. It was later in the evening that things got a little harder. It was fun to be able to enjoy each other's company. Whether that was driving in the car to charge our phones, or eating dinner by candlelight. Overall it was nice to not have the distractions of life staring you in the face.

Here are some pictures of the carnage once we could leave!

Yep that is my Nephew going to jump on the the tramp....

This was our live savor!!! Oh gas fire places!