Mangum Memories: Christmas/ Anniversary/ Madi's 1st Birthday

We had a very exciting holiday season! I think it will always be that way though, with Christmas on the 25th, our wedding anniversary on the 26th, and Madi's birthday on the 30th. What were we thinking?!

We started out December with some local fun. Madi sat on Santa's lap at our ward Christmas party and she didn't cry. This is quite the feat because lately she hasn't been too excited to be held by men, but I guess Santa was the exception :) Keizer has a light parade that goes down River Road and we were able to take Madi to watch all of the floats and marching bands. Minneapolis has something similar to this called the Hollidazzle Parade that Cody and I went to two years ago. We about froze in MN, so it was nice to not be so cold here (it was about 40 degrees outside). There is also a fun Christmas light route close to our house that we were able to drive through twice. It was fun to watch how mesmerized Madi was by the lights. My favorite holiday activity in the Salem area was the Live Nativity in West Salem. We walked around and saw shepherds,wise men, angels, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus; and Nigel the camel :)

We flew to Utah and were able to spend our wild week of Christmas, anniversary, and birthday with my family. Madi was a pro at opening presents and loved pulling tissue paper out of bags. Madi also mastered climbing up and down stairs and wore herself out in the process. We would usually have her go up and down a few times before she went down for a nap, just to make sure she was really tired.

We also went snowmobiling, sledding, met with lots of friends, and visited Temple Square.

The traditional gift for 6 year wedding anniversaries is candy. Independent of each other, Cody and I got each other the exact same present- personalized m&ms in blue, silver, and white. Great minds think alike! :)

We had a party for Madi's birthday and invited friends and family to watch Madi eat her cake. Our plan was that she would smash it and make a huge mess, but Madi had other plans. At first she didn't want to touch her cake, but once she tasted it she was ready for more. She never got messy though, everything she touched went into her mouth and we could tell she liked it by the "mmmm" she gave after every bite. She was quite the ham opening her presents and "ooh"ed when she pulled things out.

We flew back from Utah on Jan.1 and Madi went to the doctor for her 1 year check up the next day. She is now 29 inches tall (35%) and weighs 20 lbs 14.5 oz (67%). We were also shocked to find a molar, she must have cut it while we were in Utah. She was so happy though that it didn't even cross my mind that she was teething. What a big girl!

It is so hard to believe that a year has passed since Madi was born. At times I thought we would never survive, but looking back I wouldn't give up this past year for anything. I love you Madi and am grateful to be your mom :)