What Gets Me Through

When I leave to go on business trips people typically make the comment like well you will at least get to sleep in or at least you can get away for a couple days. I know that they all mean well and don't mean those comments in any ill way. But I don't like to be away from my girls for long periods.

I catch myself thinking: I wonder what they are doing, I wonder if everything is OK, I wonder what new trick Maddie is up to now. The last several times that I have gone away on business I have felt that when I got back my daughter has changed. She looks different. She is doing new things. She is getting bigger. The list keeps going.

If anyone has traveled for business by themselves more than a few times know that there are some pretty lonely moments on the road. I have had a couple of those moments and they typically come about when you are at dinner. You look around see families eating together, friends laughing and having some beers, and kids running around the restaurants. Then there is me walking in the restaurant the hostess greets you with a smile and then I say, "Just one tonight". They drop their smile and look at you like some poor sap, I would hate to eat alone.

I find myself sitting at my table at dinner time flipping through my phone. All I can say is Thank GOD for new cell phone technologies and camera phones. I have so many pictures of my little Maddie that I sit and look at them all during dinner. That's what gets me through...

Don't you think this picture would get you through it too?

I'm 5 months old!!!

Hi -

Can you believe that I am 5 months old already?? I can't believe how fast I am growing up. I got to celebrate my 5 month birthday with my favorite guy . . .my dad! Mom and Kari were doing wedding stuff all day on Saturday so I had dad all to myself! Now that I am getting older, mom and dad pulled out a new toy for me. . . .and I cant get enough of it!!!

My favorite things to do:

*giggle and make lots of noise

*EAT . . .up to 2 bowls of cereal a day now

*going on walks and being outside
*pulling the leaves off of mom and dads trees in back . . .I just figured out how to do that!

*sucking my thumb . . .I cant help it!

*sucking on everything and anything I can get my little hands on

*rolling over . . .again and again and again

Things I don't like right now:

*Taking an afternoon nap! But at least I'm not fussy. . .I just want to hang out and play!

*My mouth. . . .my gums are hurting me quite a bit
*WI weather. . .I have been waiting for it to heat up so that I can have dad put my pool up again

I think that pretty well describes me at my 5 month milestone. I have been keeping mom and dad on their toes like usual, so that is fun! More to come soon. . . .

My new toy!

Giggle Monster

There are some things in life that when you hear them they just make you smile and your heart sing. This video is one of those where the sounds you hear will melt any person's heart. At the end of the day here is the true litmus test to let you, as parents, know that you are doing things right. I can't wait for the day when she says "I love you", but for now this will do just fine.

Enjoy,

Dad

It's the little things. . . .

Morning,

Well, for those of you that know me, you know how excited I can get over deals and coupons! I must admit, I got Pat on the bargain wagon with me! While we were on a walk Thursday night Pat suddenly darted in a different direction which made me wonder what the heck he was up to. . . .you never know with him! We approach a house with a Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox outside. . . .and Pat was determined that Maddie was going to have it! He knocked on the door. . . . .no answer! As the days passed Pat made an effort to go to that house each and every day, and Saturday he got what he wanted - a free sandbox for his daughter! Watching the look on his face as he walked to the truck was priceless . . .you would have thought he won the lottery! He would do anything for that little girl, and that is why we love him so much!

Another nice weekend spent at home. We had some visitors throughout the weekend . . . .but we had a good time! And, we did unofficial measurements of Maddie yesterday. We think she is about 25in long and 15lbs! She is growing so fast! :)

Enjoying the summer weather!

Always rolling over and on her tummy!



Family comes to visit - we had so much fun!

A special request for Auntie Jilly!

Smiles for Grandma and Grandpa!

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

While Pat was home on lunch today I kept hearing noises coming from the living room while I was cleaning up in the kitchen. Here is what I found. . . .the first video I needed you to see the both of them. . . .the second video is a close up on our little monkey!

Now for My Next Trick!

Here our happy little girl learned how to roll over all on her own. We are so excited for her. The newest change we have to adapt to. Right after she did this Dad left her on her back to grab his water bottle and by the time he looked up (5 seconds later) she was back over on her stomach. Pretty soon she is going to be running away from me.




Way to Go Babygirl!

Love,
Dad

Rolling Over!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi!!

Well, I am happy to report that Maddie rolled over by herself for the first time today! She has been rolling over for weeks now, but we have always had to give her a slight nudge or hold our hand on her back to keep her from flopping onto her back. The last week she has had us on the edge of our seats waiting for this to happy and today was finally the day! I am SO happy that Pat was home on lunch and able to see this milestone! The best part is that she wont stop rolling over now! haha. . .We praised her, gave her kisses, and placed her on her back. . . . .she rolled over again! I ran and got the camera and video camera so we could have this moment saved. Pat will have to upload the video tonight. . .I have not figured that out just yet! Here is a picture of her after her first roll over!

And yes, she rolled over UNDER her jungle playmat. . .of all places to rollover. . . .the one with the least amount of space to do it in!! Im so proud of this little peanut!!!

Video to come soon. . . .