I'm Back!!

So I haven't written for 7 months. I haven't had time. Maddie, my daughter, has never been one to fall asleep in her crib on her own. I have always nursed her to sleep for her naps and at night time. She slept in the bed with my husband and I; and I never got a minute to myself. Well, on Friday night I put Maddie in her crib and after a bit of whimpering, she fell asleep! AND, she slept there until 6:30 the following morning! I got 6 hours of sleep and that was the best nights sleep I've gotten in MONTHS! Every night since Friday she has slept in her crib! YAY! So now, I have some free time. I had forgotten what free time felt like. It's nice.
My daughter will be 1 on Wednesday. On one hand, it has flown by; but on the other hand, I can't remember my life without her. Maddie and I got off to a rough start. She had some difficulties when she was first born, and she cried a lot. A LOT. That was a time I would not wish on my worst enemy! People would say "At 3 months it gets so much easier" and I waited and waited. And then 3 months came. It was not easier. Maddie is a major Mama's girl and she wanted me to hold her 24/7. I could not even use the restroom without her screaming like crazy! Then, slowly, I could sit her down to play for a few minutes at a time. It became a lot easier when she could sit on her own. When we moved into our own place in February, I noticed a world of difference. And now, Maddie is just a normal hard 1 year old.
Maddie turning 1 has been a lot harder than I would've thought it would be. I can't believe my baby is growing up! On one hand I am so excited that she is getting older and for all of the fun things we can do. But I want her to stay my little girl forever. It's sad; but also so fun and exciting and new!
On Saturday we are having her birthday party. It's a cupcake theme and it is going to look like a cupcake threw up in our house! I will post some pictures for sure. I know Maddie won't remember the party, but I will!
OK, I've blabbed on. Now that my baby is sleeping on her own, hopefully I'll have more time to write!
I hope everyone has a fantastic week!