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!

17 Months Old

We are almost there. . . .1 month away. . . . . .can it really be true? Now when people ask me how old Maddie is I will have to say, "A year and a half!?!?!?" We are almost to the halfway point to 2! Wow!!! This crazy girl has been learning and changing so much (like all of my posts say) but I feel like she is this sassy little adult right now.

Stats at 17 months. . . .

Weight - Still about 22ish pounds

Height - Approx 35in - seems more like 4ft somedays!

Favorite foods -

*Pea pods - thanks to Great Uncle Jeff and Great Aunt Terri

*Pizza is asked for constantly!

*Bananas - she would eat them all day

*Yogurt is an every day thing right now

*Hot Dogs. . . .another thing she would eat all day

*Granola bars

Favorite things to do -

*Build a really tall tower, then destroy it

*Watch Sesame Street

*Play with KIDS . . . .she loves being around other kids right now, it is so cute

*Coloring

*Swimming/Splash Pad fun

*Wrestling under the blankets

Not so favorite things -

*Taking medicine - this is new and quite the challenge

We are really encouraging Maddie to use her words now and it shows. She can say so many words now! We really need to watch the things that we say because she repeats absolutely everything!! I will ask her what she prefers to do, prefers to eat, etc and I am getting answers out of her. Our "baby" isnt such a baby anymore and that is mind blowing for me!

I was nervous going to work and taking her because she wasnt 100% sure of the kidcare there. Now, she gets so excited to go and will spend 3 hours in there!! I will sit outside the glass and watch her with the other kids and it is so funny. I am thankful that she can go in there and have a good time. Today, however, wasnt the best day for her! An older girl. . . .5yrs old. . . .was a bully and pushed Maddie down and chomped on 3 of her fingers! Needless to say I wasnt happy when I got a visit from one of the girls in there. I went to see Maddie, and she was of course upset. I enjoyed being able to snuggle and comfort her, but I thought for sure that I would be packing up my stuff and heading for home. I handed Maddie back to the workers to see if I could finish out my shift, and to my amazement, she was a tropper and pulled through! Maybe I was making more out of it than I should, but that is the first time someone walked up to me and told me my child was hurt. I handled it better than Papa Bear did. . . . .he was ready to elbow drop the 5yr old!! (Wait till she is 13 Pat!) These things are going to happen, and I realize that. I can just count my blessings that I was right down the hall and had the opportunity to give her a hug and a kiss, and go back to work!

Here are a some pictures of Miss Maddie at 17 months. . . .

Lunch date with Breonna

The girls blowing each other kisses

At the park loving the swings

As you can see on her face, she was going nuts on this thing!

Ella and Maddie on the swings

Hard to keep her hand still, but you can see the red marks/teeth marks on her fingers

After it is all said and done, she managed to bring home a work of art!

Another busy weekend. . . . .until next time!

When Mom is Away...

Well I thought I was going to be stuck in California last week. While traveling for work Milwaukee gets pounded with rain and storms. Delays and airport closures I thought were for sure going to affect my flight home. Thankfully it didn't!

Jamie had a bachelorette party to attend on Saturday and I had a date with Maddie. Maddie, Uncle Eric, and I all went to the zoo Saturday morning. We walked around and saw all her favorite animals. I practiced some more animal calls with her too!



We were fortunate enough to see the tiger up close this time. He came up and was sniffing the glass. I asked Maddie was does the tiger say... "ROAR" she says... Makes me so proud when she does her animal noises... :)



Later on Saturday it was so nice out that Maddie and I went to the splash pad at Kinderburg Park in Germantown. Such a great place. Huge playground and athletic field along with a splash area for kids to run through and play with. Maddie tried on her hoodie towel. She finally fits into it.



We finally got back home went for a walk and had some dinner. So much time outside we crashed hard when it was time to go to bed. Sunday we got up and started playing again. We were excited to see Mom when she got home.

Below is Maddie playing with Mom's clothes on our bed. One of her favorite things is to play on our bed and wrestle with the pillows. She also stands up and hangs on the head board and jumps up and down then lets go and falls onto her butt and giggles. She is crazy!



More exciting times ahead! She is learning so much and everyday more words come out of her mouth. She is amazing! Thank God she takes after her Mom!!!!!!!

Until Next Time,
Pat