This last weekend Annie went to her first birthday party. My oldest (since 1981) and bestest friend Tara’s daughter Reilly turned four on the 13th, and to celebrate we all dressed like princesses.
I am the Mommy Fairy Princess, and Annie is the Purple Tutu Princess. They are very famous princesses.
Maddie’s first birthday party was Reilly’s second birthday, and last year she went to her third birthday party, where she dyed her face and fingers with delicious frosting.
Reilly was super excited to meet, as she calls her, Baby Annabel. She asked me if she could hold Baby Annabel, “when I am older.” I told her it could be arranged.
Meeting Baby Annabel is exciting, but nothing compares to holding Tinkerbell’s wand.
Reilly talks to Tara about Baby Maddie almost every day. Whenever I see Reilly she talks to me about her too. It makes me happy to know that Reilly still thinks about Maddie and knows who she is. Most of Maddie’s friends aren’t going to have memories of her, but Reilly does and that means so much to me.
Maddie, Reilly, and Reilly’s brother Georgie in September of 2008
I look forward to the day when Reilly will be able to tell Annie stories about big sister.
Nanette says:
So very sweet! What a lovely party for a lovely little girl…with lovely princessy guests!
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..Work it, baby, work it =-.
Nanette says:
And woo hoo! FIRST! I rule!
:::fist pump:::
.-= Nanette´s last blog ..Work it, baby, work it =-.
Heather says:
Chest bump!!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
How gorgeous! Happy Birthday, Reilly
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..What has two hands but no fingers? =-.
Marnie says:
So sweet.
Heather, I can’t even begin to say how much Maddie has touched my heart and I never had the honor of meeting her. Thank you for sharing her with all of us (& Annabel too).
*Hugs*
kelly says:
What beautiful princesses =)
I remember when you posted all those photos of your wonderful Maddie and her frosting – she looked like she had the BEST time EVER with that =)
Maddie will never be forgotten. She is in the hearts of so many people – all around the world. Never, ever fear that she will just fade away.
And Annie just keeps getting more beautiful with every photo =)
Big hugs to all
.-= kelly´s last blog ..Quality control =-.
Laura says:
Yes, this. She will *never* fade away!
Angie says:
So special that Reilly will be able to share memories of Maddie with Annie! And don’t even get me started on that purple tutu!
Fions says:
Heather & Mike
Your little Maddie is divinely beautiful…I have never seen such gorgeous eyes in my life! Your photos are lovely of her. I am so sorry for your cruel loss. Some things in life just don’t make sense.
How you cope with your conflicting emotions is amazing to me. You’re an inspiration.
I read your blog and think about your family every day. It’s one of the first things I do when I get up.
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Fiona x
Cinthia says:
I am very glad. Maddie’s always in our hearts.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Reilly will be a precious friend to Annie.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Oops. I forgot to tell my husband. =-.
Sue says:
You & Annie make such beautiful princesses, Heather! It’s so sweet that Reilly remembers to always mention Maddie,and I know how much that must mean to you. Love all the pics, but that last one takes my breath away.
Kristen McD says:
My husband lost his father when he was three years old. It’s remarkable how much he remembers, being so little. I’m glad Reilly will remember Maddie too.
Andria says:
What a wonderful party, wonderful pictures, and a wonderful memory for Annie one day!
.-= Andria´s last blog ..Thirty Six Weeks =-.
Angela says:
Such an adorable party that both of your girls got to share with their buddy! I’m sure Maddie will live on with Rielly. I know I never met her, but I think of her daily. Just reading about her has made her come to life in my heart. My son was born a week after Maddie and right now he is major into Sesame street. He knows Big Bird, Elmo and Ernie…..but yesterday Abbie was on and I made sure to acknowledge that she had a huge fan with big blue eyes! I’m sure Maddie is loving being a big sister in the only way she can. I am so glad that Annabel is helping you survive….because really, that is all you can do…..I know some days you probably don’t feel you even did that. I can only imagine the joy and hurt you probably feel every day. I do know that you have two of the most beautiful little girls in the universe. I am so happy that Annie is so healthy and growing by leaps and bounds. She looks like her own little person but then some photos you can see those cherub lips that she shares with her sissy…..and no one can deny those fists of fury!
Andrea says:
So sweet. Although I don’t know you personally, Maddie will never be forgotten. Little girl has some of the same clothes as Maddie. When I packed away her blue fairy Gap pjs, I got a little misty-eyed because I thought of Maddie and all the adorable photos of her in those same pjs.
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..57/365 =-.
Kelly says:
What a fun princessy party! You and Annie look super cute!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..A Problem… =-.
Mary Ann says:
I love that cupcake picture – I still have that look on my face when someone gives me a cupcake full of colorful frosting. Mmm I’m in a cupcake trance just thinking about it – been dieting and haven’t had one in a while. Maddie’s little curls and huge eyes in that picture are gorgeous. She is such a beautiful girl. I’m happy that Reilly will have stories to share with Annabel, there will be a lot of people who have stories to share with her. I know Maddie will be in my heart forever.
Sarah P says:
Every time I see Tinkerbell, she’s a little curvier.
As my mother said, she’s got badinkadink.
Anyway, that purple tutu is adorable.
And Maddie + cupcake? = so, so cute.
Reilly is a special girl indeed. Happy birthday to her!
Kristin says:
I love that party theme. And, it’s wonderful that you have someone with such unique memories of Maddie.
I have to say that every time I look at a picture of Maddie, I am in awe of her gorgeous, expressive eyes.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Answers =-.
Hope says:
How sweet! Aren’t children amazing???
Delenn says:
I love that Reilly will have memories of Maddie to share with Annabel.
.-= Delenn´s last blog ..Perfect Moment Monday =-.
cj says:
so many of us will remember Maddie forever. she has touched so many lives. also, Annie gets more beautiful everyday.
Erica says:
Hi Heather,
You and Annie look so adorable, you make very good princesses. How very special that Reilly talks about Maddie every day, she will have lots of memories of Maddie to share with Annie when Annie is older. What a special photo of Maddie with her little friends. Its so wonderful how you have so many photos of Maddie, I remember you writing last week that you have a photo from nearly every day of her life – such special memories, Heather, although of course never, evber enough. Thank you for sharing your special photos of your precious girl with your readers. Your World Famous Maddie has touched my life so greatly – she’s simply amazing – just like her Mum and Dad and little sister.
Thinking of you all.
Lots of love
Erica
Alexandra says:
I can feel how hard this is for you, but you’re doing so much for Annabel.
That is the hardest thing, to get out and do, when you just want to curl up and not.
You’re doing so so much for baby Annabel. You are something else, Heather.
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..One Thousand Cranes =-.
Jenn says:
A wonderful day remembering Maddie and making new memories with Annie. Maddie will never be forgotten Heather…NEVER. I know this too be true b/c when someone grows in your heart, it is simply impossible to forget them.
Hugs, love & friendship!!!
Jenn
Katie C. says:
I LOVE the mommy wings! I Want some!
Stephanie In Canada says:
Your friends seems to be just awsome as you are and thats why your kids are amazing and extremely beautiful.
Reilly is really cute just as Annie and Maddie and she will be a greall friend to Annie
.-= Stephanie In Canada´s last blog ..bus..subway..train part2 =-.
Ella says:
Thank goodness for modern photographic technology. I have thousands of pictures from my darling Bel’s 2 short months, just as you have of Maddie.
Annabel is going to cherish being able to see so many beautiful pictures of her big sister, just as I hope any children I might have might do with their big sister.
love to you and your little fairy princess
.-= Ella´s last blog ..When a house is no longer a home =-.
Lamb says:
I’m happy to see that you had a fun time at the party.
.-= Lamb´s last blog ..Myra M. Lewis =-.
J says:
What a fantastic birthday party, and great pictures.
.-= J´s last blog ..Nesting? =-.
cindy w says:
I cannot think of anything more awesome for the 4 year-old set than a princess party. Love the pics. And I love that there will be another kid (along with all the adults) who can tell Annabel all about Maddie when she’s older.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..couch-to-5 wha? =-.
Stephanie Parnell says:
Your friend totally looks like the woman that was on the episode of “Undercover Boss” that we watched last night (dvr’d)!
Lora says:
I discovered your website through my cousin’s site for his son, Elijah. I’ve been following your journey for close to a year now. I just wanted you to know that even though we have never met, that I am praying for you and your family. Maddie is so beautiful, and so is Annie. They are lucky little girls to have been born into your family.
Jen the Catalyst says:
What beautiful girls!
I know a few people who have not loved the way you have… life just isn’t the same without feeling that depth of emotion.
Namaste…
.-= Jen the Catalyst´s last blog ..With the Help of my Friends… =-.
Nikki says:
Little princesses! Your girls are amazingly cute. Annie is going to hear such amazing stories about her big sister. She’s definitely NOT forgotten.
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Lisa says:
What an adorable idea for a party. You and Annie make gorgeous princesses!
That is so sweet that Reilly talks about Maddie. It will be so adorable to see what kind of stories she decides to tell Annie when she is older. Annie will love learning about her big sister from Reilly.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Successfully Breastfeeding in Public =-.
Molly says:
What a special memory for all of you guys. I’m so glad that Annie will have a friend who can tell her all about Maddie!
Laura says:
This post is very sweet. Annie will love to hear Maddie stories as she grows up. It’s wonderful that Reilly will get to share some.
JennK says:
Little kids are amazing like that. It’s how they process. I overhear my oldest (5.5) telling my youngest (3.5) about their dad and all the things he taught her. It makes me feel like I did something right!
And, I might have to do the princess party. That looks like so much fun.
.-= JennK´s last blog ..Fat camp, day 22. =-.
Gale @ Ten Dollar Thoughts says:
That pic of Mike and Maddie is priceless. Maddie looks like the cupcake is magic and she cannot believe her good fortune at having found an actual, magic cupcake!
.-= Gale @ Ten Dollar Thoughts´s last blog ..Shame and Prejudice =-.
MrsEAM says:
So sweet! It feels like that is the perfect example of the innocence of children. It must be a wonderful feeling to know that Maddie is remembered by so many.
Marianne says:
How cute!
.-= Marianne´s last blog ..Forward =-.
java@Nevergrowingold.blogspot.com says:
Ohhhhhhh your so lucky!! You get to go to Princess parties!!! I’ve always wanted to do this but didn’t think my 4 sons would appreciate wearing tutu’s and tiarra’s!!
Dawn says:
Look how cute you and Annie are in your princess get-ups!!
I know it will be a special day when Reilly gets to share about Maddie with Annie!
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..it started out as coffee =-.
alimartell says:
aw. I love that you guys have people like Reilly in your lives who will be able to tell Annie EVERYTHING about her big sister.
also..Annabel in a purple tutu? SWOON.
.-= alimartell´s last blog ..I’m an Excellent Driver =-.
Miss Grace says:
Those memories of your daughter from one of her peers must be so special.
Love to you mama. Dig the tutu.
.-= Miss Grace´s last blog ..Life List – Hair =-.
Krissa says:
Looks like it was a fun part! Reilly and her brother are very cute kids, too. … Glad you all had a good time.
Ashley says:
Looks like ya’ll had tons of fun! I love babies in purple, or tutus or, well just whatever I love babies!
I think as Reilly gets older or as you listen to her more she’ll share memories of Maddie that will make your heart soar, there’s something so precious about life and people seen through they eyes of a child.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..The weigh I see it =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
Those are some very fancy princesses!
How special for Annie to have such a connection to Maddie through Rielly.
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..My First And Last Time =-.
Alison says:
One of the best things about kids is the way they tell it like it is, imho. (Some parents may think this is the worst, especially when their child tells embarrassing family stories to their whole preschool class!)
Maddie and our memories of her are so special, and Reilly knows it.
xoxo
.-= Alison´s last blog ..What is a Twin Good For, Anyway? =-.
Adventures In Babywearing says:
Oh how precious and fun. I love seeing photos of both your girls.
Steph
Chrisie says:
Thats wonderful! I love seeing pics of Maddie!
((((HUGS)))))
Mia says:
I was watching Sesame Street with the little girls I’m a nanny for and Abby Cadabby came on the screen. I immediately thought of your sweet Maddie. She was and still is so loved by all us creepy blog readers!
Glenda says:
I love the Princessy theme! I can’t believe how big Annabel looks. Chunkyyyy That’s so sweet that Reilly mentions Maddie. Thanks for sharing Maddie’s pictures. She’s beautiful! Sending you hugs Heather XXX
Stephanie says:
That photo of Maddie brought such a smile to my face-she is so beautiful!!! I’ve been a follower for a while now and think about you guys and Maddie every day. I hope that doesn’t seem strange. We have never met but she has touched so many lives. Please know that. Annabel is just as beautiful as her big sister….keep the pictures coming…..!! You guys are always in our thoughts….
AmazingGreis says:
So, was the Mommy Fairy Princess wearing a tutu too?
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Top Ten {Tuesday} – Random News =-.
Danielle in GA says:
Maddies eyes amaze me. she always looks as if she has a secret know one else knows and she’s just tickled to death to have discovered it.
Amazing.
Mary says:
What a sweet day. So nice for Annie to be following in her big sister’s footsteps and so wonderful to have a little friend who remembers Maddie with such love. So special.
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Being Auntie M… =-.
Sarcastica says:
Loved this post, and I love the pictures of your adorable little girls.
.-= Sarcastica´s last blog ..Of videos and huge ass needles =-.
Marti from Michigan says:
Awwwww, so sweet. My 5 year old granddaughter loves to dress up like a princess or a fairy as well. She also just loves Tinkerbell. What little girl doesn’t?
Your girls are SO lovely and beautiful……just like their parents.
Thank you for sharing them.
Michele says:
I just love seeing Maddie’s eyes… They are so breathtaking!
.-= Michele´s last blog ..The Big Choice… =-.
Rebecca says:
Lovely photos of Maddie. If your heart doesn’t warm up and make you feel happy when looking into her precious eyes, you are not right. Thanks for sharing the photos!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Pre-Medicated =-.
Jess says:
Man George is cute!
I’m glad little Reilly remembers and talks about Maddie. Maddie is such a memorable child, her smile and eyes stay with you always. Even though I never got to meet her in person I know she’ll always be in my heart.
Princess Annabel looked adorable in her purple tutu!
mythoughtsonthat says:
Oh! That picture of your girl with the cupcake! Sweet!
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..Fifty =-.
Ray says:
That tiny purple tutu is precious. I love purple. And how AWESOME that Reilly still remembers Maddie and that she’ll be able to tell Annabel about her big sister.
Laura says:
Love your little princesses- both of them. You are such an amazing mommy!
Karen says:
Oh my goodness! Where did you find a tiny tutu for Annie?
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Day 4. =-.
Sara @TomTheGirl says:
annie is getting SO BIG!!! good grief!
xoxo
.-= Sara @TomTheGirl´s last blog ..The best sound in the world (6 mos) =-.
Maria@pedometers reviews says:
Your baby is so beautiful. Actually, all the kids are adorable. Btw, the kid eating a cup cake looks like a doll! (”,)
.-= Maria@pedometers reviews´s last blog ..Bodytronics ProCal Calorie Pedometer Review: An Advanced Pedometer! =-.
The Editor says:
I love how Annie is gazing at you with complete adoration in her eyes in the top photo. You have beautiful girls.
.-= The Editor´s last blog ..The Valedictorian =-.
chandan says:
Very very sweet and nice…
.-= chandan´s last blog ..10 Work from Home Money Makers =-.
Bec says:
“I look forward to the day when Reilly will be able to tell Annie stories about big sister.”
aaww that will be lovely! Something precious for Annie
.-= Bec´s last blog ..Blogging Peeves =-.
Al_Pal says:
Awww. So many wonderful photos of you, your daughters, and your friends. *heart*