Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Shopping Cart

Madison received a shopping cart for her birthday. Once it was assembled, and she figured out that she could be mobile, watch out! Everytime she ran into a roadblock, which was usually the dog or a wall, she would let out a short and frustrated "ahh!" After awhile, when we stopped laughing, we tried to teach her other ways to ask for help. Regardless, it was definitely entertaining to see her charge through with much gusto with the thing. I had to hide it from her when I was getting her ready for bed because everytime she saw it, more shopping had to be done. Beware of the baby shopping cart!

Hey! What's this?

I can walk with it?!
Out of my way!

I love my shopping cart.

I wonder if I can get monster tires on it too!




Madison's 1st Birthday

I started a tradition where I write a poem for my niece and nephews (Luke, I wrote yours, I just need to send it to you) when each turned a year old. Now, it's my daughter's turn, and I can't believe she is already a year old. So here it is:


May you always be surprised
with "ooos" and "oohhs"
through the chapters
you will travel

May your laugh be
just as infectious
over silly dances
and offbeat songs
Remeber
there was a dog
who had a name

May you get beside yourself
with flailing arms and feet
at the sight of your
favorite people
(even if you don't call us by
name and when I say us, I
mean me)

May you continue to find excitement
in touchdowns, Christmas lights, and
pushing the shopping cart of
your life
no matter what's thrown in
your basktet

Remember
Monster trucks
are for girls too
People will love you
for who you already are
and
Reading does make you
smarter

You
are one of my favorite people
I love you and will love you
Always
From the second you were born
I knew the word
unconditional
Happy Birthday
My Sweet Girl

Thanksgiving

Grandma came to visit for Thanksgiving. Hooray! Madison got lots of loving and quality time with Grandma, and I even stole some Mom time for myself. Tony smoked a turkey, and got up during the wee hours to start the project. He told the story of the first time he ever smoked a turkey, and I must share. Apparantly, smoking does not entail a rip roaring fire of five hundred degrees with constant stoking for hours. The outcome was a burnt bird with charcoal sprinkles. Well, that was far from what we had this thanksgiving. Everything was delicious, and made even better by the company. Thanks Mom for flying out!
Getting a little help from Grandma



A perfect Fall day

Halloween

For Halloween, Tony took portraits at Madison's daycare to raise money for the Make a Wish foundation. The portraits turned out extremely well, and of course we couldn't miss the oportunity to take some of our own. Madison was Princess Leia. She wore it well, and even tolerated the ridiculous felt wig. The belt was a bit too small for this chunky monkey, but she carried off the outfit with style. Of course, she really didn't have a choice, and I realize that at some point she will want to pick her own costume, but for now, enjoy.
She just saw Daddy behind the camera.

Definitely the best costume ever!


Looking for her buns.


Read Read Read

With school starting in late August, my one mantra is to read. Some of my students come in with the most famous phrase of all "I hate reading." I try to remind them that maybe you don't like what you are reading instead of all reading. I repeat this over and over, and I know they get tired. In fact I get tired of saying the same thing over and over, but not tired enough to stop nagging them. I find it so refreshing to read to a kid that actually likes reading. True, she is only a year old, but she oooos and ohs as she flips through her books, as if she hasn't see them a hundred times before. Madison loves books. She will sit down and flip through a book (upside down) for minutes. Way to go Madison!


Thanks Aunt Marline for all my great books!



What is Madeline going to do next?


It's been awhile..thanks Gina!

I have no excuses for being so late on these last few blogs, and thank Gina for being a constant reminder to update the blog. So here are a few postings. Summer ended, and with the hot and humid weather, we spent as much time possible near or on the water. Here are a few shots of us by one of our favorite spots on Eagle Mountain Lake, back in August.

Looking at the water and boats with Mama.

Smiling for the camera with Dada.


Showing the only two teeth that she is
sprouting on the bottom row.


Sharing some drool with her teething ring.