Madison Mary

Madison, Maddie, Mads, and My Baby Maddie are just a few of the names we call our 'tween' as she now likes to be referred to, Madison Mary. Our Maddie is 10 today and what a blessing she is to our lives. 10 years ago this awesome child came into the world. I swear that my children's birth experiences are a reflection of their personalities. Kennedy as I shared back in November was your typical 14 hour 1st child labor, every thing by the book as reflected in her play by the rules, everything has a place personality.

Madison, however was a different story. 8 days overdue and needing to be induced, I remember crying on the phone to my mother how I desperately did NOT want Pitocin. I had heard the horror stories of intensified labor. I just didn't want to mess with Mother Nature in fear of her rath. With no other options and with Kennedy safe and sound at Grandmas, we started our induction. Pitocin was started at 8:00 AM. I remember at 12:30 while watching 'Days of our Lives', a wise crack comment from Milo was met with 'no more joking around, it is time to get serious, turn off the TV.' Just a few short hours later at 3:30 PM Madison Mary came into this world after only 20 minutes of pushing and in a 'whoosh' as she likes to describe it. Typical of Madison, persistent, occasionally a bit stubborn, and always makes an entrance.

Her Grandma Mo likes to recall a time she was watching the girls and asked Madison (4 at the time) to pick up her room. 2 hours later, Madison was still sitting on her bed in a room that still looked like a tornado had just swept through.

We adore this wonder, who always makes us laugh, has a true heart for Jesus, and will always lend a helping hand.

Things I admire about Madison include her serving heart. Yesterday I got to watch her after school help with 'car duty'. She greeted every car that pulled up with a smile, quickly and carefully helped the younger students into the vehicle, making sure not to shut the door before all fingers and toes were accounted for.

She shares a love of cooking and crafting with her mom and when asked what she wanted to get for a cousin for Christmas, it had to be something SHE made.

A good friend and confidant she is and easily hurts when another is hurting.

She admires her older sister, watching every move she makes just hoping that she gets extended an invitation to just hang out with her.

She has a heart bigger than I could possibly describes for her daddy. Showering him with kisses, hugs, and is always trying to sneak into his side of the bed for extra snuggle time.

She has a passion for Jesus and I remember a time when she was only 4, when she asked me if I wanted to pray about a trouble laying heavy on my heart.

I love our M&M days which started after Kennedy went to school. We refer to those special mom and Maddie days as times when it is just the two of us.

She is kind, compassionate, and beautiful on the outside and the inside. She gives great hugs and challenges me to appreciate the 'touchy/feely' side of life.

When asked for a birthday interview, she eagerly smiled and was excited to share just a few insights into this amazing 'tween' as we are instructed to refer to her today! I asked her 10 questions for a 10 year old and here is what I found out.

What is your favorite color? Blue

What is the best book that you have read? Junie .B Jones

If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be? Twitty bird

What is the first thing that comes to mind, when you hear the word 'fun'? exciting

What is the worst tasting thing you have ever eaten? a piece of fish

What is your favorite kind of candy? Tootsie rolls

Who is the 'happiest' person you know? Erica Ernzen (friend) or Julie (aunt)

Are you a rule breaker or a rule keeper? both, kinda :-)

When are you shy? when i have to ask some one that works in a store a question

What one word best describes you? Weird

I love this tween beyond what words could describe today in this tribute. My hope is that someday if you have not already will get to experience a kindness, love, and compassion that extends from this remarkable young person.

Happy Birthday, Madison Mary.

I love you...MOM