Saturday in the Neighborhood

We "beat" the weather forecast today! Called for rain and we had a beautiful get-out-and-about kind of day. Mike and Mike went birding in the morning, while Jess and Lisa went to Browse - Madelyn picked up a new piece (see orange necklace) for her flair collection and also came home with a balloon after passing our neighbor's birthday party.



Madelyn tried a straw this afternoon- I had to drop a straw-full of water into her mouth with the straw before she realized what it was for, but she was a natural after that little hint!

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day (yesterday)... there's a local nonprofit in town who gave all students (and teachers) a canvas bag to decorate and use... I'm happy to report that Madelyn like's a good ol' canvas bag just as much as her "purse."

spring routines

Now that it's light AND warm each evening when we come home, we've been walking the half-block to the park each night. Madelyn had fun with her ball today, met a new dog, and finally figured out how to step over the concrete berm and into the wood chips without wiping out.

Springtime!

Spring has finally sprung! Lisa had a great b-day weekend - birding, flowers, dinner, yoga... what more could a gal ask for?? I know Mom, you asked for a family picture, but after a night of picture taking, it was mostly Madelyn and random others:) Here's one of Madelyn all dressed up for Mama's birthday party, and Madelyn enjoying the newest "room" in our house- the porch (it's finally warm enough to get out and USE!)

Flair

Again, we found madelyn walking around all dressed up, with my headband on (which she took off for the picture), a hat, and necklace! Don't know where the purse went...hmmm... As Mike put it, "It's clear that this little girl likes her flair." The wet shirt-front is a result of her latest trick - spitting out water after every little sip!



Looking forward to a weekend in the 60s after a few days of snow, rain, and everything in between!

We got a fun package from my mom in Portland today (all of the leftovers that we couldn't fit into the suitcase!) - Madelyn immediately found her "igloo" and we set it up as her lounge station. She made herself right at home.

Here is a video that you will want to watch with your sound turned up all of the way:) !

Home for the week

Maddie and I have been in and about the house for the past few days - WOW, what a change in this little one! She is officially acting the part of a one-year old, chalked full of opinions, frustrations, excitement, won't stay still for anything... Madelyn has been reading up a storm - she is much more able to sit through and engage with a book or two than just a few weeks before, and seems to be enjoying reading on her own as well (see pictures).




Yesterday Madelyn threw a full on tantrum because when I wasn't looking she started to eat an avocado through the rind... when I found her, she had already chewed her way right on in to the good stuff. I took the rind out of her mouth and she lost it! It took me at least 20 minutes to find a substitute that she would accept- see the apple pictures. For only having 6 teeth, this girl can do some damage! She ate half a large apple, with me nervously watching over her. The chomping must have felt good on her molars that are trying to poke through! Madelyn carried the apple around all afternoon like a well-deserved prize.

A spring day

What a beautiful day! Madelyn went in for her 1-year check-up ( a few weeks late): 29 inches and a whopping 17 lbs and 5 oz. Yes, a lightweight, but in perfect health.

We went on a few walks today.... and by that, I mean that Maddie was doing the walking! Here are a few clips of Madelyn walking around in front of the house. And as promised, a few pictures of Madelyn with her "purse" (I cringe just writing that, but she LOVES it!?).

What a week!

Well, after a busy week and a half, we're all 3 back home in JH! MK is glad to be done with Super-8 living, and while Lisa and Maddie had a great time in Oregon, it's pure bliss to get Maddie back to a regular night-time sleeping schedule!! Madelyn had a tough time sleeping in new places each night and seemed to be extra clingy (missing Michael??)...needles to say, it was sometimes hard for Lisa to muster the energy to enjoy vacation! Lisa and Maddie both had loads of fun visiting G-ma Jude and David, and the Haspelas in Hood River. And SO refreshing to be surrounded by GREEN, if only for an isolated week (we are still looking at patches of snow in JH).

Madelyn kept herself (and Co.) busy climbing stairs, walking around like mad, and charming everyone on the flights to and from. She offered cheerios through the seats to each person behind us on both flights home! She also seems to have brought home a an urban flair for handbags (pictures of that to come later).