Easter

First, let me say that any child who looks this fabulous and is this well dressed needs her picture taken for the world to enjoy - just look at the cuteness!!

We celebrated Easter all weekend and had so much fun! Madeline even got to meet more family for the first time.


I love this picture of Madeline and John because she looks so tiny. When I hold her she looks huge and I forget how small she really is.
Ellen LOVES Madeline. Andrew loves her too but it's harder to get pictures of them together. I'm going to work on that next time they're together......
Anyway, look at them playing together.

Ellen's showing Madeline how to use the buttons on the car.
Now she's showing her how to use a cell phone.
And finally, just a good 'ol hug.

More Yard Work

Michael and Ashley came to see us a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed seeing them but I especially enjoyed all the help with my little princess - they're naturals!

We are continuing to make progress with our front and back yards. It's taking forever but looks much better. This picture was from a few weeks ago when a cold front blew in. I thought Madeline looked great!

I don't know if you can tell from this picture but John moved the "landscaping" back by 50%. Our yard is now double the size from before and much less jungle-y. Now if we could just grow some grass....

Yard Work

For those of you who have been to our house, you know we need a little improvement on our landscaping. Last weekend John worked very hard to clear out the back yard. Luckily he had a large crowd cheering him on.

Madeline observed and gave suggestions.
Ellen suggested watering more often.
Andrew helped with excavation while Aunt Jennifer helped Madeline with suggestions. As you probably guessed, I helped with the planning of the relocation of plants and stones. John couldn't go wrong with all of the help!
The next day Grammy came over and Madeline had fun squeezing her face. She loves to do this now and it HURTS! I guess she likes the ways cheeks feel squishing in between her fingers.
John took this picture of her because he thought she looked cute in the hat. I have to agree although she's a little bit farmer Jane.

Valentine's Weekend

I wasn't really sure what to call this blog, but it's pictures of this weekend.
First, here's a picture of Madeline in her morning chair. She watches me get ready every morning from her chair and then switches over to her Exersaucer. She chews on her toy and throws it - lots of fun! She's very excited about this picture because it's the first picture on my new camera! Thanks, John! (Also the reason I've been taking so many pictures this weekend.)
Madeline is swinging on her new swing. She doesn't look that happy but really she's just chillin'.
On Friday, Madeline got to see her cousins. She and Ellen were watching TV together but they seemed to be giving each other the eye. I think Madeline would like some of Ellen's cookie and Ellen's saying "No way." They really do love each other and are great friends. (For Ellen, who wouldn't want a live doll to play with? and Madeline, she loves the attention.)
Ellen is being a dare devil and trying to go down the slide. I think she's a little big for it and if you look at the left side of the picture, I think Andrew agrees.
Grandma and Grandpa came to see us this weekend. We had a great time and Madeline got plenty of attention.


Grammy took us all to see the Lipazzaner stallions on Sunday. All of the kids were great (M, A, & E) and enjoyed the horses. Thank you, Grammy!

I have more pictures to post, but I have been requested by someone whom I won't name (my sister) to spread out my posts and not put everything on one day. It's a good suggestion so there will be more later!

New Stuff

Jennifer helped me improve the blog. Actually, she did it all and Madeline and I watched. I think it looks really nice and hope everyone likes the improvements! More pictures to come later!

I love peas!

We went over to Andrew and Ellen's house and Madeline got to swing for the first time. I think she really liked it! It looks like some very serious swinging!

We started solid food in January. We tried to post a video but it wouldn't work. I think this picture captures the experience. She loves everything but peas are the best. She's figured out opening gets her more food - so here's what we get!
Look what a big girl she is with her sippy cup. Mostly she lets it run all over her but every now and then she will actually drink some. I think it's fun for her to chew (no teeth yet, not even close).
A little bonding with Dad. He's so much fun!
This is "success" at sitting. I guess she just needs more time.... but look at the concentration!

February Update

Things have been pretty calm around here. I had the flu last week and Madeline stayed at Grammy and Grandpa's house. Here is a picture of us her first day back. We really missed her and having her sleep on me made me feel so special. Also, it was great to have her take a nap for 1.5 hours! As most of you know, she's not a good napper - usually 45 min per day.
I just thought this was so cute. She loves her feet!

Aunt Jennifer finally decided I wasn't contagious anymore and A&E got to come play with us! They're looking at Madeline like she crazy. I think they are telling her "Ma-ma, we've got a movie playing, plenty of Cheerios, and lots of toys. Why are you making a sad face - life is good!"
This is how John spoils her after her bath - fancy lotion and a back rub - that's worth smiling about!