After Madeline’s big birthday bash, we kept things much more mellow on the actual day she turned one. My friend Casey and her daughter the moosh were in town, so we took the girls to a fun indoor play yard. Maddie had a blast watching the moosh climb all over everything. Maddie idolized her.
After playing, we made a stop by a shop for dessert and then it was time to celebrate. We put a giant cream puff down in front of Maddie and let her go wild.
if you can’t see the video above, click here.
The cream puff was such a hit we decided we’d make it a tradition for her birthday every year. So next week, on the 11th, we will go to the store and get giant cream puffs. We’ll eat them with our hands and make a big mess, and we’ll remember how much fun she had on her special day.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) says:
Ohhhhh the sweetness!!!! I bet she is eating cream puffs in Heaven right along with you!
So sweet to see the Moosh too!!! What a treat.
.-= Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..$150 Shopping Spree in Our Two Stores =-.
CarrieB says:
My beautiful, spirited and funny daughter ( favourite colour purple) turns 21 next Wednesday. Maddie’s story has made me realise how very lucky I am. We will honour Maddie’s memory with 2 special purple balloons.
Heidi says:
I love it. What a beautiful way to celebrate. xoxo
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Single White Male =-.
Steph says:
Precious story. And fabulous pictures. I will never think of cream puffs again.
.-= Steph´s last blog ..As Seen On TV JUNKIE =-.
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
That is the perfect way to celebrate and remember. Love to you all.
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Haircuts =-.
dysfunctional mom says:
I hope the cream puffs and the memories make that day a little bit easier to get through.
xoxo
catherine lucas says:
Another hard day coming up, but I do hope and know in a way that you will crawl your way through it. If cream puffs can help, by all means have one on me too. I so hope that a cream puff might make it a tad easier, but then I know it is crazy to even think this… I wish you strength and lots of people who love you guys for the 11th…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Trouts and an Asian couple… =-.
Kelly says:
How very beautiful =)
Enjoy your cream puffs, and have a wonderful celebration of the day your amazing daughter came into the world! I look forward to seeing Binky enjoying her big sister’s birthday cream puffs
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Catalog browsing =-.
Krissa says:
Much love to you guys. I’ll be thinking of you as you honor Maddie’s birthday. And I’ll find something to honor her, too. Right now I think a candle…. (((Hugs)))
Cinthia says:
I’mma hit up the Beard Papa’s inside Marukai in Costa Mesa and to town on it… And think of Madeline playing in a warm fluffy edible cloud up in heaven that the angels will clean up, but with smiles on their faces… (((hugs)))
J in eire says:
LOVED the video, maddies full attention is given to that cream puff, while all around her, her freckles are being discussed! Such a sweet sweet baby. . I am so so sorry for your terrible loss. . I too will light a candle in maddies honour on her special day. .
Bec says:
Will be thinking of you guys.
Jenn says:
I think that is a PERFECT way to celebrate such a wonderful event. If you don’t mind, I think we shall do that too (it’s 1 day before my own baby was born 1 month early)….all in the name of the Wonderful, Beautiful, GLORIOUS Maddie….one special little girl who will NEVER EVER be forgotten and will ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE LOVED DEARLY!!!!
November 11th is our Rememberance Day here in Canada. This year, it will mean that much more as not only will we, Mourn, Honour and Remember all the men and women who selflessly fought for our Country but we will also Mourn, Honour and Remember a little girl who made a Country light up with her beautiful smile, a changed my and I’m sure many, MANY more lives not only forever but, also for the BETTER!!!!! Thank You Maddie!!!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
I love the look of concentration on Maddie’s face as she figures out the cream puff.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..I love failure =-.
jen says:
that sounds like a fantastic idea!
.-= jen´s last blog ..repeat =-.
Jen says:
What a wonderful way to celebrate the day! I hope you enjoy every bite!!
Jacki says:
I LOVE it!! Enjoy your cream puffs!!
Jenny says:
I love the picture of Maddie with her hands above her head. She looks like she is dancing in a club. Maddie’s story and pictures touch my heart. Not only is she beautiful but she has an obvious pure, deep joy for life. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy your cream puffs. It is a wonderfully unique way to celebrate your daughter.
Al_Pal says:
Awww. Darling. I hope the cream puffs are well enjoyed.
LOVE the photo with both of Maddie’s arms in the air, triumphant: Victory! ;p
*HUGS*
Jennifer says:
Precious, precious, precious, as always.
I will never again be able to celebrate my 11/11 birthday without thinking of your sweet Maddie.
She is missed.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Fall Rocks… =-.
amanda says:
love how much she looooves that cream puff! so sweet!
xo from ct,
amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..Halloween! =-.
Robyn says:
What a wonderful life you gave your girl.
Mary Ann says:
What a sweet memory, for a bittersweet day. Everytime I eat a cream puff I will think of her. Sending extra ((hugs)) your way on the 11th.
Notesfromthegrove says:
She was a cream puff lover–a girl after my own heart. I could live off those. I know her upcoming birthday is on your minds…I’m thinking about you both.
.-= Notesfromthegrove´s last blog ..I’ve Always Liked a Man in Uniform =-.
DesignHER Momma says:
perfect, perfect and perfect. Heather – I’m thinking and praying for you often, especially next week.
Much love~emily
.-= DesignHER Momma´s last blog ..I could blog… =-.
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
Love this! And what a wonderful tradition for Binky to be able to do to honor her big sister.
((hugs)))
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..You Capture-At the Park with A Nephew Edition =-.
Lisa says:
Those pictures are adorable. I love it.
I think it is nice that you guys are going to continue the tradition in Maddie’s honor. I know she’ll just love watching you make a big mess eating your cream puffs. I’ll be thinking about you guys that day as I do everyday.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Unsafe Jobs During Pregnancy =-.
Ruth says:
Look how much she’s digging that cream puff!! I love the expression on her face while Mike is picking her up: “Why didn’t anyone TELL ME these things existed?!?” Sheer delight.
.-= Ruth´s last blog ..Thankful Thursdays =-.
Deborah says:
What a sweet way to celebrate and remember Maddie’s life next week.
(((hugs, as always)))
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Birmingham and Urban Decay =-.
Amanda says:
So sweet!! Thank you for sharing that with us..
chatty cricket says:
OH SO CUTE.
I love how she’s looking at it in the first two. so funny.
Adventures In Babywearing says:
We should all eat cream puffs in her honor. So precious.
Steph
Liz says:
how precious.
I thought of you while driving to work this morning. Steven Curtis Chapman has a new song out called “Heaven is a Face”. It made me cry, because the whole song just said “Maddie” to me.
Jill says:
You know… I read your posts and routinely think “this is so frickin’ unfair”.
I can’t even imagine how often you think that — you’re living this unfairness.
I’m pissed off for you and for Maddie — it’s just not fair that she is gone!
.-= Jill´s last blog ..Memories =-.
kelly says:
She looks almost as excited as I am about cream puffs… YUM! I wonder if Binky will like cream puffs like her big sister!
Michele says:
Such beautiful pictures. Such a heartbreaking loss. I think your plan to eat cream puffs on the 11th is awesome, and I also agree with others that Maddie will be digging in to a giant cream puff on her birthday alongside you and your family.
Thinking of you and your family today and everyday,
Michele in Staten Island, NY
.-= Michele´s last blog ..You know this one… =-.
Nikki says:
Beautiful pictures and memories. I hope they put a big smile on you and Mike’s faces.
I, too, will be having a cream puff next Wednesday and lighting a candle for dear Maddie.
Thinking of you guys and wishing all the best. I hope today is a good day for you.
Kristen McD says:
I could watch that video all day. She is loving the pastry. Sweet girl.
Lori says:
Cream puffs are so heavenly. I love them too. I am so glad that you took so many pictures of Maddie. My daughter lived a week shy of ten years and I started taking a lot of pictures again this summer. If it hadn’t been for that, I don’t think I would have had as many. Thanks for reminding me this summer that I needed to get any camera out and click away.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Nightly Prayers =-.
Katie in WI says:
I just can’t imagine how much you must miss that sweet, sweet girl.
JoAnn says:
I absolutely LOVE the 2nd picture. He curiosity and intensity are so cute! What a pretty, pretty little girl…
Karen Chatters says:
That cream puff looks good, no wonder Maddie loved it so.
I think your plan for celebrating her birthday is an excellent one. Maddie will be smiling down upon you.
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..H1N1 and Healthcare =-.
Momma Uncensored says:
nothing better then the look of a girl enjoying her first delicious cream puff!
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..duggar – no shit edition =-.
Mama Cas says:
Somehow, watching video of Maddie makes my heart break so much more. It’s as if only seeing pics of her makes it seem less real. Does that make sense? By only seeing pictures of her, it’s easy to forget that she was a real live little person. Thank you for posting these videos as a reminder of her sweetness and life.
Karin Roseland says:
Due to an inoperable and growing brain tumor, I knew my daughter would be passing – she wondered if we would still be celebrating her birthday, even if she was gone. Of course you know the answer –
Now, 22 years later, we look forward to September 3 as eagerly as we do any other holiday. Somethings just get better with time.
Zandi says:
Heather, will you tell us honestly if you want the Cream Puffs to be a special thing that only you and Mike do, or if we can all eat one in her honor on the 11th? And wear purple. And celebrate her soul. PURPLE PUFF DAY ?
Thinking of you as you approach and pass this milestone.
Amelia Goetschel says:
Such a beautiful tribute to Maddie. My little sister passed away as a baby and still every year on her birthday we get cupcakes and sing her happy birthday. Maddie will be smiling down on you…eating her own cream puff too!
.-= Amelia Goetschel´s last blog ..Keep on truckin’ =-.
Donna says:
In honour of Maddie, my family here in Northern Ireland will also get big cream puffs on 11 Nov and eat with our hands. It’s the only way to eat them.
What a special girl. Please continue to hold each other tight and know that your wee girl touched the hearts of many worldwide.
Much love
Donna
Northern Ireland
Alissa says:
She was such a special little girl. I love getting to see your videos of your Angel Maddie. Hugs.
Jodee says:
I love the video how adorable. I will be thinking of sweet Maddie on her birthday….
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Shoes….. Wordless Wednesday.. =-.
Kathryn says:
I live in Germany and on the 11th of November, we celebrate St. Martin’s day here. Short story of who St. Martin is- a good man, who shared with others and in doing so, saved someone’s life. On that day, children decorate lanterns and walk around the neighborhood with them in the evening and sing songs in celebration and it’s often followed by a big bonfire. Next week, I shall hold a purple lantern in honor of Madeline and give thanks to her for touching the lives of so many. So for me, it will be a celebration of her as well as St. Martin. :o)
Casey says:
Ahhh, love the video! My 8 yr old son was watching this with me and suggested that we have cream puffs to celebrate Maddie’s birthday. It will be a bittersweet day.
Michelle Pixie says:
I think that is a perfect way to celebrate your sweet little girl!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Scaredy Cat =-.
Sylvie says:
I’ll be thinking of Maddie on her birthday and perhaps even indulge in a cream puff. I love the video, she is so sweet.
Courtney says:
How adorable, I think that tradition with the Cream Puffs is a nice way to remember her! God Bless.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..I’m around… =-.
Trisha Vargas says:
I am sure Maddie wouldn’t want it any other way!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
P.S.
I think I’ll indulge in a cream puff on the 11th too!
Jen says:
November 11th my baby will be 10. She does not want a traditional cake. We will be having cream puffs. And I will think of you at every moment on that day and pray for your peace. You have no idea what a better mother I am because of you. Thank you, Heather.
Heather says:
I think to myself, “How can I miss someone I never met? But I look at her and think “How could I not miss her?” I adore Maddie! I adore your family. So much love.
cj says:
my thoughts/feelings exactly….i don’t know how it can be that i miss her so much but i think it is that i (we all) miss her for Heather, Mike, Binky and the rest of their family.
the Spohrs have made such a difference in the lives of so many of us and we thank you and mourn your loss with you.
Erica says:
Dear Heather,
What precious memories of your Maddie enjoying her first Birthday cream puff. I just love the photos and the happiness on her little face. The video is just so adorable. Thank you for sharing. I can’t help but smile through the tears pouring down my face. My heart breaks for you and Mike. I’m holding your hand as you approach 11th November. I’ll be thinking of your special girl even more so on 11th November. 11th November is Remembrance Day – or Poppy Day – in the UK when we remember and honour the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. A two minute silence is held at the eleventh hour (of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) as that marks the time when armistice became effective in the UK following World War I. At 11am on this 11th November I’ll also be thinking of your precious World Famous Maddie, remembering her and all the wonderful stories her parents have shared with us. Your World Famous Maddie has made such an impact on the lives of so many people all around the world. She has changed us all for the better. Your World Famous Maddie will always be remembered.
I hope you and Mike enjoy your cream puffs on the 11th November and that through your extreme sadness and grief there will also be happiness with your precious memories of 11th November last year.
Thinking of you lovely lady.
With much love
Erica
Lisa_in_WI says:
What a great way to remember Maddie! The video was adorable.
.-= Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..Shameless Plug for Donations — Help me Raise $500! =-.
Carmen says:
Hi Heather,
I’ve never commented before but have been reading for a while. It seems like such a little thing that has urged me to comment but your last two videos have made me think of something I wanted to tell you. I have really been touched by you and Mike’s interaction with all children, not just your Maddie, but with others too. It’s just something in your voice or maybe how you guys just loved having the other kids there to enjoy Maddies birthday too, or something I can’t really describe. But it shines through. You must be very special people in “real” life. Thank you for sharing your story (and Maddie and Binky’s story too), with us.
Maile says:
Amen. I’ve had the same thought.
sandi says:
I can’t begin to imagine what it feels like to lose a precious baby. I have four of my own and they are truly my life. Your story touches me deeply as a parent. God bless you on your new one to come. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Tina says:
What a beautiful memory of an amazing little Angel.
XOXO
Lindsay says:
What a great way to celebrate her birthday every year! It will be wonderful for Binky too, someday she will share in those cream puffs and think of her big sister!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..1 Down…18 More To Go =-.
Glenda says:
What a beautiful tradition to honor Maddie! Sending you hugs!!XX
missy says:
That is a tradition that should be carried on. What a yummy, sticky, wonderfully beautiful Maddie. Thanks for sharing it. Love to you all always.
Marcela G says:
I wish genies could exist, so that one of us could wish for you to have sweet Maddie back with you. It’s always a bittersweet experience to read your posts. Maddie always makes us smile; no exception. But then we feel the impotence of not being able to do or say anything that will be enough, that will heal your heart. But we do think of you, pray for you, cry with you, keep Maddie in our thoughts, and hope that wherever she is, she knows that she’s touched many lives. Thank you for sharing those amazing pictures & video.
.-= Marcela G´s last blog ..When your English is not perfect… =-.
Maile says:
She really went to town on that! I’m glad she had so much fun!
.-= Maile´s last blog ..The Maine Event – ohhh boy, she’s on the warpath! =-.
Amanda says:
I love coming here, but sometimes I worry my first response is wrong. Today I am going to say it, with apologies. She had just the most potent spirit, from these pictures and your stories. I am sorry for the chasm you must have, but imagine that there just have to be wisps of her. I hope, more than anything I’ve ever hoped for, that there are and that they find you.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Endings =-.
Christiana says:
I’m so glad you’re going to celebrate with the cream puffs. I’ll be thinking of Maddie on her special day.
.-= Christiana´s last blog ..7 Quick Takes =-.
Marti from Michigan says:
Tears in my eyes yet again. I bet Maddie is sitting on a giant cream puff in Heaven with a huge happy smile.
Thank you so much again for sharing your beautiful daughter with all us strangers.
****Many Hugs*****
mythoughtsonthat says:
You must miss her so very much.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..I Wish I Knew =-.
Aunt Becky says:
I’m going to have to get some creme puffs and think of Maddie while I eat them.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Let Me Tell You ‘Bout The Birds And The Bees And Why Mommy Is Snickering Into Her Hand =-.
AmazingGreis says:
I’m absolutely craving a creme puff now!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Happy 200 to me… =-.
moosh in indy. says:
That was the happiest I’ve ever seen a little kid covered in sugar and pate a choux.
Cream Puffs will be had in Indy as well.
Although WAY less authentic than Salty Beardbodies. (Wait, what was the place called?)
Anyway. So happy I get to share that memory with you guys.
.-= moosh in indy.´s last blog ..moosh is actually latin for “lady with a camera shoved to her face” =-.
pgoodness says:
Great pictures and wonderful video. I shall eat cream puffs and wear purple in her honor on her birthday.
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..feels good =-.
Alexandra :) says:
I’ll bet THAT was a happy birthday for her! She’s making ME want a giant cream puff!
Debby says:
She loved it! I know that it will be hard to go and eat them but try to have as much fun as she did. You are always in my prayers. Take care & God bless.
.-= Debby´s last blog ..I GIVE GOOD BLOG AWARD =-.
cara says:
The 11th should be Maddie Cream Puff Day. People everywhere should have a cream puff to honor your sweet little girl.
Okay, now who do we have to talk to about getting that on the federal holiday calendar?
.-= cara´s last blog ..Friday Fancies =-.
Casey says:
What a sweet way to celebrate your sweet girl. I’ll be thinking of you that day, and if I happen to see a cream puff, I promise to bring it home and eat it with my hands.
Casey
.-= Casey´s last blog ..This panini was a pano-no =-.
Rammi says:
I will be eating a cream puff on the 11th for Maddie. It seems bittersweet that she was born on Remembrance Day.
.-= Rammi´s last blog ..Tags and categories =-.
Jenny says:
What a great video clip! I wish your girl were still here chowing down on celebratory cream puffs.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..High Chicago, Low Chicago – Day 1 =-.
Krissa says:
Thinking of you guys and your families today and remembering Maddie. (((Hugs))).
Culpepper says:
That is a great tradition. As always, I appreicate you sharing Maddie with all of us.
Amy K says:
I passed, of all things, a cream puff store in an Asian mall yesterday and thought of Maddie.
Katrina says:
Well I’m glad she was enjoying a creme puff on her birthday instead of something like….fish…because I hate fish, BUT I would eat fish on the 11th just for Maddie, in her honor….
Just say’n…I’m glad it will be a creme puff that me and my kids will be eating with our hands on the 11th:) surrounded by purple and pink balloons, of course.
Adorable photos — thanks for sharing!
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Capturing the moment =-.
Mindy says:
Sending you as much love and hugs today as possible. Your love for Maddie will get you through your darkest days.
Mishelle Lane says:
We’re so eating cream puffs on the 11th! And, sugar be damned, I will have one, too!
{Thinking of you!}
.-= Mishelle Lane´s last blog ..thank you =-.
Molly says:
I too will break with WW (twist my arm) and eat a cream puff for Miss Maddie on the 11th! What a lovely happy sweet video.
Cass says:
Thinking about you tonight.
RzDrms says:
I will too, then. And btw, I’m pissed off that she died, and I think of her frequently. I’m sorry that you lost almost every bit of your heart. The grieving part of you overwhelms me sometimes; I feel your pain more than any other person’s, and I’m sorry that you hurt. Your honesty is the most touching, most REAL stuff I have EVER read, and I thank you, despite the pain that it must take you to write it. I hate that she’s gone. I’m sad with you…
Dagmar Bleasdale says:
How adorable. How I wish she was with you to celebrate again…
Hugs from New York,
Dagmar
Dagmar’s momsense
.-= Dagmar Bleasdale´s last blog ..“Be The Media” And Make a Living Doing What You Love =-.
Alisha says:
That sounds like a WONDERFUL tradition. I bet she is eating tons of cream puffs in Heaven!
mommymae says:
my molly asked to watch this over and over again. she just kept signing ‘more,’ ‘more,’ ‘more.’
.-= mommymae´s last blog ..home sweet holycrapitcostshowmuch? =-.
Ray says:
That’s a great tradition.
Lisa says:
Thanks for sharing this story with us. I, too, will always think of Maddie when I eat or even see a cream puff. I think of her, and the two of you (and Binky) all the time, but will say a special prayer on Wednesday. Miss you much!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Pumpkin for Breakfast? =-.
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) says:
That is so sweet.
You know I don’t think I’ve ever given my girls a cream puff. I’m going to enjoy some cream puffs with my girls and think of Maddie.
Wishing you all the best!!!
.-= Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Books: America’s White Table =-.
fraulicious says:
Dear Heather,
I rarely comment, but read your blog every day. I wanted to send you a quick note ahead of Maddie’s birthday tomorrow. I know you will find the strength to get through this difficult day with the help of your many beautiful memories of Maddie, and the support of your family and friends. My daughter and Maddie share a birthday … we will be eating cream puffs tomorrow; and I will be thinking of Maddie, you, Mike and Binky!
.-= fraulicious´s last blog ..Tall Girl =-.
Maria Delgado says:
She is so precious. Thank you for sharing your memories.
.-= Maria Delgado´s last blog ..Bloggers Unite! June 24th-27th 2010!!!! =-.