On Christmas Eve, we went to sleep with twinkling lights dancing in our heads
and woke up on Christmas morning to a bounty.
Annie couldn’t believe all the gifts:
(just like her sister two years before)
We opened our gifts
and then settled down for a cozy nap.
Later we exchanged presents with Reilly:
After that, we took a family photo
It was a wonderful first Christmas for our youngest
but we missed our oldest so.
Mandy says:
Two unbelievably beautiful, blessed holidays. Two amazing girls. So sad that neither will know the joy of the other.
Your girls are gorgeous, and your family is wonderful. Sending love and hugs through the good and the bad.
Elle says:
Such precious sisters and I’m sure Annie knows of Maddie’s beautiful presence. Hugs are being sent your way.
Jenny Grace says:
Your girls are both so lovely. I miss Maddie too.
mia says:
God – when I see photos of Maddie like the ones above, it’s like she was too good to be true.
Too **beautiful** to be true.
It’s like she was a beautiful dream.
I hope it gets easier for you all, Heather. I know how difficult holidays can be when the one thing you want the most — to have your baby back — is unattainable.
Athina says:
Merry Christmas xoxo
Deborah says:
(((hugs, as always)))
Lisa says:
I’m glad Annie had a wonderful first Christmas. I wish Maddie had been there with you too.
Love and hugs.
Alexabdra :) says:
This was one of my favorite posts ever! Madeline and Annabel are so beautiful! And I thought it was funny that Rigby was there in both sleeping photos trying to be part of the snuggling but not quite able to get in. And I miss Maddie too, even though I never met her.
Lora says:
Such beautiful photos of both Christmas Days. I wish you could have all spent it together. I wish your girls had been opening presents side by side. Hugs to all of you.
lindajones says:
look at those eyes AND I love the red chair.
Dianne says:
Such beautiful girls!
Sending love and hugs to all of you !
LisaJ says:
So much love; so much beauty.
I am sending the biggest hugs I have from Florida. Your girls are gorgeous, and your family is so sweet and lovely. May peace find you and hold you close.
Nikki says:
Your girls are so gorgeous. So sad that Maddie is not here for Annie’s first Christmas, but I know she’s watching over your family. Sending you hugs and love and peace.
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Shirley L says:
Annie’s facial expressions are priceless – so are your memories of Maddie. Your girls are so darn sweet, the best present Annie will ever get are the stories and pictures of her older sister. Peace and happiness to you . .
AmazingGreis says:
So happy Annie had a great first Christmas!
kalen says:
What a great post to show the duality of it all. Beautiful!
Tami says:
Your post always makes me cry. Annie is sooo cute and I love her smile.. I do miss Maddie and I know its a hard time for you all.
Hugs to all!!
AngieM. says:
oh, Heather.
hugs and more hugs…i miss maddie too.
Kristin says:
What beautiful holidays. You know, I never had the pleasure of meeting Maddie but, since you’ve shared so much with us, I miss her too. {{{{Hugs}}}}, love, and Merry Christmas.
Katrina says:
Such similarities between the two Christmases! Both your girls are beautiful
Wishing you joy and peace in the new year.
Skye says:
Your family pictures from both Christmases are gorgeous. I am so sorry Maddie was not here this year to share the holiday with you. I wish your readers could take away your pain, but all we can do is tell you how much we love you and that we will never forget your dear Madeline. Sending you peace and comfort.
GingerB says:
Such a bittersweet experience, to have the one and then the other but not both together. My heart goes out to you and Mike.
Laura says:
I love Annie’s smile in your family photo! And how adorable that the sisters were doing the same hand pose in front of the tree!
I wish Maddie and Annie could’ve shared this Christmas together.
Natalie says:
This is the sweetest Christmas post I’ve read. Your girls are so beautiful! I will admit that the post made me cry…but in a good way.
Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings says:
You are one lucky mama. Two beautiful girls to enjoy with their first Christmases. I came over to see how you’ve been doing and am glad to see your smiling little Annie. Happy New Year to you and yours. Thinking of Maddie, as I do from time to time — especially when I see a little girl who reminds me of her. (I know…I’m a stranger..how weird is it for me to say that…but oh well, I read your blog so I know you, right?!
Sue says:
I absolutely love the expressions that Annie gets on that gorgeous face of hers,,,,,,,,,,,the way that she’s looking at that doll cracks me up!!!LOL
I can’t even begin to imagine how much you must have been missing Maddie, but it’s obvious that you will never forget to remember her, and all of her special moments, too.
Suzie says:
Heather, a beautiful post as always!! Sending hugs and best wishes for a happy, healthy and blessed 2011!! I love reading about your memories…it makes me feel like I know all of you, but most of all I see Maddie and I miss her for you!! I love your tree…it is gorgeous and BIG!! Miss Annie’s expressions are priceless!
Jenn says:
I thought about you all a lot on Christmas but it wasn’t until I saw the pictures of Maddie, I cried. It’s sooo unfair she isn’t here. She belongs with you all. She was so innocent and perfect. Sometimes life sucks and I am so very sorry this sadness will follow you now throughout your live, with every special occassion. It’s so unfair the scars you both bare will never heal. I want to take you in my arms and cry with you. I can’t even say things will get better b/c without Maddie, how will it? I thank God for Annie and all of her funny ways for you. She is truly a gift like no other. Please just remember on the days you feel the most profound sadness right to your soul….so many of us are crying and hurting right beside you and Mike….Now and FOREVER!!!
My love, friendship and thoughts,
Jenn
MyBabyBeluga says:
Wonderful memories
Tina says:
I don’t comment as often as I use to but I have followed your website since you lost your Maddie. I am overjoyed to see her little sister looking so cute and cuddlely and so happy You and Mike are still such an ispiration to so many, me included.
Your home is stunning, like something on a Christmas Card. Annie will have so many wonderful childhood memories
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas Spohr Family… thinking of you often and of your Maddie, God hold her in His arms.
Veronika says:
I’m glad you had a good year with Annie and good memories of the one with Maddie. I’m so sad that she’s not here for another Christmas. Please know that we think of you always and that we wish you all a Merry Christmas. I like Annie’s penguin shirt.
Meghan says:
Gosh, I love both those girls so much. xoxo
amanda says:
Love you guys, love your girls. (and Rigby of course.) Beautiful pictures.
Anna Marie. says:
Merry christmas to all the spohrs. I miss maddie so much.
Rebecca says:
The girls are so beautiful!
JustAMom says:
Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Your family pictures are both so beautiful. I love the pure joy in both your girls faces. Clearly, they know they are loved. God Bles you all.
Laney says:
I wish you didn’t have to write them but I truly love these posts. It’s nice to see Maddie & Annie together, even if just on the pages on your blog.
JustAMom said it perfectly: heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
Sending you love.
Elizabeth says:
These pictures are beautiful yet heartbreaking at the same time. Sending love & comfort your way….
Maria says:
Love these photos. Thanks for sharing the memories.
Suzie says:
Such beautiful photos.
Dana says:
Even now, it is still so hard to see photos of Maddie and not cry. I can’t even imagine how beautiful and heartbreaking it is to celebrate Annabel’s first Christmas and miss Maddie so much. I want to hug you Heather. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.