My absolute favorite little girl is ten years old today. It seems so surreal to me. Not just because all parents say that but because ten years and nine months ago if you were to tell me that my life would be this amazing I would not have believed you. For those of you who don't know, Kyle and I were surprised with Madi while we were in college. Until Madilyn came along I hated surprises, me naturally being the planner and all. We were 22 and pretty terrified, at least I was. Kyle has been calm and optimistic since the moment I met him. Madilyn is the most kind- hearted, fearless, athletic and creative girl I know. She always has a positive attitude, always wants to help and is wise beyond her years. She is the best big sister to Brody, always practicing patience, kindness and playing along with his little games. She never complains about school despite all of the extra work she has to put in. Because of that, Madilyn is my hero. Parenting her with Kyle for the last ten years has been a complete joy and honor. I had no idea how much love, happiness and entertainment (she is the life of the party everywhere she goes) she would bring to our lives.
This year we decided on an experience instead of a party, so we are going away for the weekend. I wanted to do something that would make her feel loved and celebrated and I didn't want to ever forget her at this age. So, I booked Laura Foote of Laura Foote Photography, to do a little photo shoot with Madi. Since Madilyn was two she put her creative input into my events and photo shoots and I wanted to give her a turn to creatively direct a shoot for herself.
We worked together to create a color palette, overall theme, wardrobe and look. She wanted it to be playful and fun and in her favorite colors. As any kid would, she wanted to incorporate a lot of candy and sweets too. She got her hair done the morning of the shoot and we decided to do the photo shoot on the white brick walls of Hyde Park Village and the ice cream shop, Astro at Armature Works. They turned out to be the perfect backdrops!
I love how it came together and that she felt like a celebrity. Mostly, I love that these photos capture Madilyn's true fun and sassy personality and her adorable little freckles. I will truly cherish these photos forever. Of course Brody had to sneak in a couple of the photos too and I love the photos we got of them together.
For everyone who has supported and loved us since the moment we announced Madilyn's arrival and the new friends who have come along the way to be part of our tribe, thank you! To my favorite daughter Madilyn, may you always feel empowered, supported, loved and celebrated by your family. We love you and are incredibly proud of the person that you are.
Photography: Laura Foote Photography | Cake and macarons: Dough | Candy on cart: Party City | Location: Hyde Park Village and Astro Ice Cream at Armature Works Dress: Nordstrom Hair: Dry Bar, Tampa