Thanksgiving at the West Nest

We just returned from Ennis, MT where our friends Margot and Andy's family have a home. The "West Nest" is always a great place to relax, and Thanksgiving proved no different. Aaron and Leah, Margot and Andy, and the three of us spent three days having fun, going on walks, and cooking and eating up a storm. Unfortunately, Mike came down with a nasty cold on day one, which is why you won't see much of him in the pictures (upstairs sleeping and resting!). Madelyn and I were lucky enough to have plenty of Aunties and Uncles to pitch in and love Maddie up! Madelyn had so much fun, she could hardly keep her pants on!

Clapping!

Madelyn has just discovered how fun clapping can be! More like, she has discovered that every time she claps, we ooh and aah! Here's a clip of M clapping for dinner...

Finally!

Finally, Madelyn's first tooth has arrived! Look forward to some pictures of our little "narwhal" soon!

A visit with the Lewis Fam

Yesterday we spent a great afternoon with Jean and Jason, Grady, and Owen. We bundled up before the sun went down and strolled over to visit Owen's new pets: 5 chickens! They are currently living at a friend's shed but will be coming home to the Lewis' garage in a few weeks. Here are some pictures of Maddie and Grady in the stroller, Owen and Jean introducing us to "Elmo," and Maddie and Grady eyeing one of the chicks.

Overalls

Here's Maddie, loving her first pair of Carhartts! Thanks Leah and Aaron! We're thinking a little bottle in the tool pocket would fit just perfectly...
(Sorry Mom, no worthy videos in surplus right now. We'll try tomorrow morning!)

Fridays

Madelyn has been spending Fridays with the Hoovers in Kelly, lucky little girl! Sometimes I'm lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of her in school as Sunny and Amber bring/pick up Dana... Here's Sunny and Maddie in their puffy winter jackets this morning.

Sleep

We just a had a fun quick visit with our friends Anne and Leah... of course, we got to talking about sleep, and how to get more of it! Leah is almost 2 months older than Madelyn and is finally starting to give her parents a great night of sleep. So, to "cry it out" or not? And how do we separate Madelyn's ability to sooth herself from all of the little things that always come up and influence sleep (learning to crawl/sit, teething, stuffy noses, etc)? Many of you are experienced parents, and many of you are parents in "the thick of it." Send us your thoughts in the comment section below!

Just For Fun...

Madelyn's week has been filled with teething biscuits, piano playing, and chewing on everything (Maddie's hands and Moma's hair included!) Also lots of conversations in the highchair. New foods/flavors this week: egg yolks (featured on face in video), cinnamon, dill, and as of tomorrow, yogurt.

Laundry Day

A rainy day in JH... While Michael is trying to navigate the ridiculous instructions for putting up a baby gate, Madelyn and Lisa are busy having some fun with the laundry!