It's the little things. . .Maddie @ 18 Months

With how hectic life is, I do everything I can to bottle up the little things that Maddie does to put a smile on my face. Her excitement when I pick her up from kid care melts my heart, her love for food cracks me up, her desire to run all day long keeps me active, her love of the outdoors keeps us on endless adventures. Taking the time to see the world through her eyes is such a gift. I am stressed with the constant activity in our life, but watching her shred the newspaper, build a castle out of blocks, or slide down her slide with the biggest smile on her face takes my stress away. The littlest things make this kid happy!! On Friday I got the BEST greeting from her when I was done with work. She screamed so loud and came running towards me. I got one of those hugs from her that says “Mom, I missed you!” We spent the rest of the day glued to one another and having a blast. In the afternoon we were outside watching the rain clouds roll in when all of a sudden we got soaking wet from a down pour! I grabbed Maddie and we ran in the house giggling like little girls. It’s the little things like that I can’t replace or forget. . . .they bring a smile to my face.

Maddie’s 18 Month Stats . . . .

Weight – Approx 23 ½ lbs

Height – Approx 36in

Favorite Foods – APPLESAUCE (its out of control), Yogurt, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Cheese, Chicken, and last but certainly not least – CRACKERS!

New Tricks –

*She has managed to figure out a way to climb up every piece of furniture and bed in the house
*Counting to 3 – it’s so darn cute
*Pointing out colors. . . .hearing her say purple is priceless
*Learning new words every day. This kid is constantly talking
*Picking out her outfits for the day

Our little Miss Independent is such a joy to be around. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t lay on the floor laughing and thank God for such a wonderful gift. As Pat and I approach our Anniversary get away, I am emotionally torn about leaving her for such a long period of time. I know that she will be in wonderful hands, but 5 days is a long time for me to be away from her. I know that I will drive away on Wednesday and shed a few tears, but then I will be looking forward to the giggles, hugs, and all of her other “little things” on Sunday. . . .Happy 18months babygirl, I love you so much!!

This is what she picked out to wear. . .her bath towel! She had it on for hours!

Hit up zoo ala cart with the grandparents! She polished off mac and cheese, friend rice, italian nachos, friend ravioli, ice cream (see below), and the list goes on and on. Eats like her daddy!


All that food, sunshine, and outdoor air got the best of her when we ran to Target! She doesnt snuggle very often so Pat was loving this!

I Want to be Like Mom!!!!!!!!

Here is a fun clip of Maddie wanting to be like her Mom. She is trying to walk around in her Mom's sandals just like her Mom does on a regular basis. She was so funny. She did manage to get both feet in both sandals but only for about 3 steps. Then it was easier to do what she is doing here...

Enjoy!!!!!!

Dad

Change

Change is one of those tricky words that you don't know how to react to. It could be a positive change. . . .a negative change. . . .or one that pulls you in both directions. The last few weeks we have dealt with a great deal of change. A loved ones health. . . .a family members residence. . . .our daughter . . . .our schedule. . . .and the list goes on and on. No matter what change we have encountered recently, we have done everything we can to roll with the punches and keep a positive outlook. There are a few awesome changes that we have been going through that I would love to share!

First one is by far rather obvious, but Miss Maddie has changed so much lately. I feel like she woke up one day and could speak every word in the dictionary! When I would take her to work with me everyone would comment on how much babbling she is doing. I think to myself . . ."Tell me about it, I listen to it every day!" But it is wonderful to hear her speak because now there is a level of communication. When she was younger it was impossible to figure out what she needed/wanted, but now she makes it crystal clear!! A few of her new sayings . . .

"Bye-bye, see ya!"

"Cracker, more cracker peez!"

"Peelow" = Pillow (super funny when she says it)

The list could go on and on! As we knew she would, she is growing right before our eyes, and it is wonderful to witness it!

Pat and I got to celebrate our 10yr class reunion this past weekend and we assumed that things would have changed drastically. Well, in my opinion, they didn't. Sure, people may have a new look, a new job, a new addition to the family, etc. . . .but getting us in the same room proved me wrong. We were all able to interact and hang out like we did in high school. I am blessed to know so many wonderful individuals. . . . .it was like no time passed. I know Pat and I had a great time! I have some life long friends from the Class of 2000!

My longest friendship is with this gal!

2 fantastic friends of mine

Part of my old volleyball team

Another great friend!

And I think the most shocking change that I have to share is the fact that Pat and I are putting ourselves first for once and going on vacation. . .JUST THE TWO OF US! Maddie is our #1 priority, as it should be, but we both decided that the hard work and sacrifice that we have been doing deserved a reward! We are headed to good ol' San Francisco next week!!

I am the winner!

Last week had me nervous, it really did!! With Pat heading out, a super sick kid, and a lot to do for the upcoming weekend, I had my doubts. However, I am happy to report that this mom was able to come out victorious! Even though my little monkey was a snotty mess, we still managed to have a great week together. Pat decided to hop a red-eye Thursday night from Seattle so that he could be home on Friday to help me with things. That back-fired on us. . . somewhat! He managed to get home. . . .after a 2-3hr delay! I woke up Friday morning to find an email from him letting me know that he was delayed and would be pulling in right before I had to be to work!! WHAT!?!?! Throw another curve ball at me why don't ya!?!? He pulled in. . . .I pulled out. . . .and as soon as I was done with work, we began the race to put the final touches on Kari's bridal shower. It's done. . . .it's over. . . .and it doesn't seem possible one bit.

Ryan proposed over a year ago and I cant believe that we are a month away until they get married. I sit here saying to myself. . .

"He isn't old enough to be getting married!?!?"

"Mom, Ryan stole my Easter candy!"

"Dad, tell him to stop hitting me!"

It seems like yesterday that we were that brother and sister duo that had the love/hate relationships that siblings have. 1 minute you love me because I got you out of trouble. . . .the next minute I hate you because I want to get on ICQ and chat with my friends and you wont get off. Those memories seem so close but so far away at the same time. Each wedding event checked off the to-do list gets us closer to my little brother walking down the isle - WOW!!

Maddie talking to her dad on speaker while he was in Seattle. . . .one of the cutest things I have seen in a long time!

Bridal Shower Dessert Bar stocked with Kari's favorites!

Move over Martha. . . .

She is going to hate me for this. . .

A perfect end to the weekend. . . .state fair fun!

Operation Kick It . . .

That is the theme this week. . . .we don't have a choice! After an adult night with Pat on Saturday, Pat picked up our little girl Sunday to see that she was sick! We assume she picked something up on Friday and it slowly got to her over the weekend.



Snot, swollen throat, barking cough, throwing up, unhappy lil' one, and the list goes on and on and on. . . . That is a summary of our life since Sunday. After a restless Sunday night, I took her to the Dr first thing on Monday to hear that she has a double ear infection and a viral infection - AWESOME! Not like she has any control over this but I think to myself, why this week, why!?!?!?!? We said adios to daddy this morning so the mucus queen and I are fighting the virus together this week! I'm always up for a challenge, but a sick baby, a part-time job, and the final prep for a bridal shower are on the list of to-dos for the week. . . .yikes! However, I'm focusing on the positive today, we get to see the beautiful bride in her gown tonight as she has a fitting for the big day. Any suggestions how to keep an eager toddler away from her in an effort not to get vomit or snot on the dress?? That is #1 on the to-do list today!





Maddie has not had a good meal since Sunday morning, however, during a FAST (record timing) trip to Target for Motrin, a box of whale crackers made her glossy eyes light up! How do you say no to that? She insisted on holding them on the ride home. . . . .and opened them.

I say to myself, "knock yourself out kid, if this is the one thing that makes you happy today, who am I to take that away from you!"

Operation kick the damn virus is underway! We are armed with antibiotics, booger suckers, humidifiers, and one determined mom! I will have this little monkey giving knuckle sandwiches and running circles around everything this weekend - mark my word!