Maddison Joy

**for background music click on "She's a Butterfly" on my playlist. It is my song for Maddison. If you have daughter, I hope you love it as much as I do!!

The baby's due date was
the 4th of July!!
I was so excited to think that
my baby would have fireworks
to celebrate a birthday every year.
Instead, almost three weeks early,
she made her appearance.
A little girl!!
I secretly had hoped we would
have a girl first.

And every year since,
we celebrate her again.

age 2

age 3 1/2

age 8

age 10 1/2

Officially a teenager! Happy 13th Maddison Joy!

I come to better understand my purpose and my season

as a mother of a young family as each of

my children reach milestones in their lives.

I must pray continually, love unconditionally,

serve them faithfully, ask for forgiveness daily,

forgive readily, rebuke softly, offer praise immediately,

seek inspiration regularly, hug and kiss repeatedly,

teach patiently, and savor each moment gratefully.

Maddison is a JOY!

Her love, kindness, and obedience - mixed with

the very energetic drama of a female teenager -

are part of what makes our house a home

and our lives totally complete.

My first teenager. What a wonderful milestone!

But with all the happiness it brings, I must admit

with a deep sigh of motherly sadness,

I am aware that every milestone is a stepping stone.

Each taking her another step farther away from me.

Don't go too far too fast Sis. I love you "17"!!