Maddie: 32 Months

My Sweet Girl,

Well, here we are: 2/3 of the way through the year to 3! I'm amazed at how much 3 you already have in you. Having a new baby plus starting school is making the second half of this year fly by so fast!

Starting school was a major milestone of this month. You have only been one day, but it is clear that you love school and will get so much out of your time spent in the classroom in the coming year. Every day you ask about school or talk about your teachers ("Mrs. Knoll gots curly hair? Like me?") We love how enthusiastic a learner you are and look forward to all the things you will be teaching us!

You continue to be a daddy's girl, delighting in him, laughing at him, and constantly wanting him to be a part of what you are doing. Sometimes I feel like the "second string" but I honestly enjoy seeing you two love each other in your own special ways. He's been taking you on short rides about town, he on the bike, and you in the trailer, and those trips have become so dear to him. It makes you so happy to have Daddy's undivided attention as you ride behind him, and the conversations the two of you have leave him smiling for hours after your return. It is my hope and prayer that you and your Daddy will always have this special bond and will find a way to talk about life as you grow and mature and change.

You are exceedingly curious and question everything. This is both endearing and exhausting, as the questions come like arrows, straight and fast and hard all day. When I don't have an answer you get frustrated and so we've taken to googling answers and images to soothe your insatiable curiosity. Just this week we learned that moles have teeth, but they aren't sharp like other rodents, but pointy like a cat. Thank goodness for the internet! Before I know it, you'll be using "google" like a verb and jumping on the desktop yourself.

Your fashion sense continues to develop and amuse us all. Last weekend you announced your desire to go skateboarding and then went upstairs and put on your blue polka dot Easter dress and pink plaid mary janes. I added a couple bows to your pigtails and we were off. Never before has there been a lovelier skateboarder, at least that I've seen.

Just last night, around midnight, you called out "Mama! Mama! Help!" I sat upright in bed and then dashed to your side, preparing for a toddler disaster--bad dream, potty incident, etc. When I arrived at your room I found your closet doors ajar, and you were sitting in the middle of the floor shouting "My ballet slippers! My ballet slippers! I can't find them anywhere!" Luckily I remembered seeing them on Samuel's floor, so I went next door, grabbed them, delivered them to your hands, tucked you in, and left. You take your nighttime fashion very seriously, girl.

You are very confident, capable, and growing more and more independent with each passing day. We purchased your first pair of tie-up tennies and they have caused at least a couple time outs this week because you insist on tying them by yourself and often scream in the process, "I CAN DO IT!" We might have to rethink clothes, shoes, etc. that require Mama assistance, because you are quite good at getting yourself dressed and any interference at this point might not be worth it.

I rearranged the fridge and snack cupboard to accommodate this growing independence. When you are hungry for a snack, you can go into the kitchen and find your own yogurt, applesauce, drink, cheese, fruit leather or zbar. You can open most packaging and then throw the trash away in the compactor or drop an apple core in the sink. The other night during story time before bed, I left your room for a minute to put Sam down. You came in the nursery, asked to borrow his stool, and then disappeared. A few minutes later, I heard a familiar sound that I couldn't quite place. I called your name. No answer. Again, and no answer, but again that familiar thud. Then you called out, "I'm down here, eating marshmallows!" And then, "Oops! Now the marshmallows spilled. I'm picking up marshmallows!" Sometimes independence has its hazards, like straight sugar five minutes before bedtime.

You astound us with your compassion and concern for others. When we are outside the house and someone passes by, you shout with genuine love, "My neighbor, Mama!" In a room of small children you will give hugs, kisses and pat-pats to anyone down at your level. You are quick to rush to the side of anyone who is upset with gentle reassurance. You read emotions well and desire for those around you to be content. We can hardly keep you away from your brother, that "little marshmallow," and you are always wanting to hold and kiss him.

We love you sweet girl. We celebrate the curious and kind person you are, as well as your zest for life. Happy 32 Months!

Love,

Mama

School Days!

Today was Maddie's 1st day of preschool! We decided to start the year off right with a Back-to-School Party last night, and our theme for the evening was: Alphabet!

The centerpiece and decor

Maddie's chair and "special girl" crown

decor closeup

Cheers! It just wouldn't be a celebration without "sparkly!"

The meal: alphabet mac & cheese, roasted veggie letters

& fresh tomato salad (Maddie's personal favorite!)

The dessert: Alphabet mini cupcakes!

M is for Maddie!

(notice she can't take her eyes off dessert)

After dinner we spent a few minutes praying for and speaking blessings to Maddie. We prayed for her class and for her teachers. We prayed that she would be kind and obedient, and that everyone would grow to know and love our Maddie for all she is: kind, smart, compassionate, caring, curious, outgoing, and so much more!

Last night we got Maddie down early for a good night's sleep before preschool. She woke about 12 saying she had to go to the bathroom. Ben got up to help her and it wasn't until around 5am this morning that I realized he never came back to bed! He didn't have any concept of what time he got up with her, so he laid down to help her get back to sleep and stayed the rest of the night there! :) She woke up at 6 am, tickled to find Daddy in her bed, and excited about school.

The big girl, all ready for school!

I hardly recognize her in this picture; so grown up!

Mama, Maddie & Samuel on our way to school

Ready or not, CPP, here comes Mighty Maddie!

Excited to meet her teacher, Mrs. Sims

Samuel conked out in the stroller while Mama & Daddy

grabbed coffee after a successful drop off!

When we went back to pick her up, Maddie didn't want to leave! As all the other kids poured out to meet their parents, Maddie continued playing outside with her teachers. :) When she finally came out to greet us, Mrs. Sims said, "Some kids could just TEACH the class!" Ben and I got a good laugh out of her remark, as that is our Maddie to a T. We're so glad she was able to be her outgoing, assertive, smart self on her first day of school.

Maddie said she did an art project at school, a paint project of the ocean, "Like Hawaii, and like Jennie!" (She was very excited and proud of putting all these things together). She enjoyed meeting Mrs. Fairchild (Bible teacher) and Mrs. Knoll (art teacher) and even played with her classmates!

All in all, a great first day. We are so proud of our big girl. Way to go, Preschooler Maddie!

Six Months: unbelievable!

My sweet little boo-boo bear,

I cannot believe that you are six months old. SIX. Half a year. Halfway to your first birthday. Boo hoo! You must remain my baby forever, understand? No more growing. Stop it.

Okay, seriously, first things first--you are growing, whether I want to believe it or not. You are--how shall we say it?--an enthusiastic eater. You love your milk and you sing for your cereal. I can't wait to get started on fruits and vegetables. A whole world of flavor awaits, my little man! Next thing I know you'll be pounding away the shellfish with your sister.

You are, without a doubt, the smiliest baby I know. All we have to do is walk in the room, look at you, make a sound in your direction, and your face lights up with a large, gummy, round-cheeked smile. Some nights after you've gone to sleep I will flip through pictures on iPhoto and my eyes well up with tears when I see that little smile. It is glorious! Complete strangers comment on your easygoing and happy nature. You can make anyone's day with that grin.

This month you've really gotten mobile. You spend a lot of time on your belly these days, spinning around to reach toys or stretching for a handful of your sister's hair. You will dig your toes in, pull your knees under, and inch your way across the floor after a desired object. One evening I set you down to finish up dinner and you crept your way across the living room floor until you could see me. Then you proceeded to sing to me, beckon me, grin at me and woo me to your side. I figured the least I could do was meet you halfway.

I can no longer place you on a blanket on the grass and expect you to be content in the middle. Oh no, you will scoot and barrel roll your way across to the edge, where you can caress the green grass and feel it between your chubby little fingers.

You are using your voice more and more these days, uttering not only coos but repeating syllables like da, ya, and ga. You can cover entire octaves as you sing for your dinner or work to get your sister's attention. Sometimes all I have to do is look at you and you break out in full belly laughs.

Each month you and your sister grow more and more in love. Maddie loves to be around you and has taken to calling you "little marshmallow," much to our delight. You are soft and round and squishy and delicious, so the name fits. She loves to bring you toys, to talk to you in a sing-song voice, and to help you discover new things.

When I think back to that ultrasound appointment, where for a moment we grieved the "imperfect" findings of a routine test, my heart swells in my chest. God was so gracious to deliver us almost immediately from grief to trust, from despair to hope. In the weeks and months that followed, He revealed to us His plan to not only save and protect you, but to use you for His purposes and for His glory. As we fall more and more in love with the boy that you are we grow more and more excited for what He is going to do with your life.

We could not love you more, sweet Sam. You make my heart grow with joy and gratitude with each new morning that you greet me with a "hi" and a smile. Thanks for being such a great little guy and for completing our family in your own perfect way.

Love,

Mama

my maddie girl

Face painting is fun! And why stop at the face?

Why not color those legs, too?

She loves being scared! Here Daddy is pretending to

do something else and then surprising her with a

"BAWK!" every few seconds. She actually had tears

streaming down her face from the anticipation.

heeeeere's toothy!

Sam's first tooth made its appearance today, August 29, 2009, after a delicious bowl of rice cereal and breast milk. I peeked in his mouth right before dinner and saw the blister there on his bottom gum, lower right (his left). I pulled him in my lap after he finished and felt that poky little tooth!

My baby is growing up so fast.

it was inevitable

Sam didn't seem to mind the bunny ears or the tutu: he just mouthed at the pink tulle and rolled around, smiling and happy. Maddie was absolutely tickled with her masterpiece. I think this is the first of many outfits to come...

madsen

Seriously, how sweet would it be to win the raffle that gets you a free one of these?

precious

There are many moments as a mother of two young children where I find myself desperate for simpler, less trying times. I say, "I can't wait for this stage to be over," thinking how much easier it will be on the other side of running away, sassy back talk, or 3am poop-fests.

But then I get on the other side of my camera, and as I peek through the lens at the angelic, gorgeous, inquisitive and playful faces of my children, those moments drift away. When the shutter flicks open I want to pause life, to capture that perfect speck of time in which my child absolutely takes my breath away.

And so I make it a habit to pick up the camera as often as possible, if not to capture the childhood that is so quickly slipping away, then to make myself see my babies through a different lens, to capture a moment so perfect and so inspiring that I fall in love all over again.

we're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

Yesterday we hit the Oakland Zoo with our buddies, the Larsons. It was fun to get out on a nice Summer day to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the wild animals (not counting the four little monkeys who we brought along).

Maddie watches the elephants

It's no surprise that the girls enjoyed the lily pad leaping pond, otter slide, and frog statues as much (if not more) than the live animal exhibits.

This photo reminds me of an outside concert where one leans

against a friend when tired of sitting up. Too cute.

buddies!

But the absolute highlight of the trip had to be yet another set of inanimate animals--the gorilla and jaguar our girls rode on the Carousel. We saved the rides for last, knowing the girls would be tired out after lunch.

Ben, Maddie, Kate and Kevin are all smiles

The babies stayed behind, but it couldn't stop

sweetie pie Claire's toothy grin!

Another trip past the "mamarazzi"

"All aboard the choo-choo train!!!"

By the time we boarded the Zoo Train, both Maddie and Kate snuggled down against their daddies. It was the quietest part of the day. All in all, a fun trip. Thanks, Larsons, for a great morning!

31 Months: Maddie

My Sweet Girl,

Kelly and I were joking around the other day about how we didn't go into parenting requesting "extra sauce" with our children. You have a spunk and a liveliness about you that I wouldn't trade for the world, because those characteristics make you the incredible girl you are; yet in the especially saucy moments I wonder just how I will make it to bedtime. With each passing month I fall more and more in love with who God has created you to be. I also laugh more and more about what He wants to teach me about myself as I learn to parent you.

You are inquisitive and curious and incredibly intelligent. You soak up information like crazy, asking questions pretty much non-stop until you get all the details necessary to make your own opinions on subjects. At times we are dumbfounded with your questions and observations and wonder to ourselves how best to respond. In other moments it is all we can do to keep ourselves from busting at the seams as you piece facts together. "You got a BAJYNA, *babysitter*? A BAJYNA? You are a girl?!" Poor Daddy will never be able to forget that long, long car ride with our teenage sitter.

You are immeasurably sweet and caring and affectionate. If someone falls on the playground, you rush to their side with kind words, a hug or kiss, and an offer of a band-aid. You encourage your brother as he learns new skills with exuberance and effusive praise: "Oh, Samuel. I am SO proud of you! You rolled! You rolled, buddy!" You love to help me with your brother and are the best at running little errands and doing little projects around the house. Even as you grow tall and lean and long-legged in my arms, you still love to be snuggled, carried, hugged and kissed.

You delight in making jokes and find the thrill of laughter irresistible. All you have to do is don a pair of goggles and instantly your face finds comedic charm and your body starts in with physical humor. Your squeals of excitement at your own cleverness reveal a confidence that is deep, deep within. That is what we love about you, Maddie--even if we didn't laugh at your jokes (and we do), you would find yourself absolutely hilarious.

It's hard to believe you start school in just a few short weeks. But you've definitely outgrown the nursery. At church on Sundays some have taken to lovingly calling you "boss" because you have so many ideas for games and entertainment, and yet so little cooperation from the babies. You are imaginative and energetic and creative. All day long you are making up little conversations between your toys, setting up scenarios for the stuffed animals, throwing tea parties for Samuel's chew toys and play dancing around the house.

Once you are in a classroom, I imagine your intelligence, curiosity, creativity and imagination will flourish. You will love having kids your own age to play with and alongside of you. Undoubtedly you will meet your match in some feisty and fun classmate and you will be fast friends, because you are friends with everybody.

Tonight I watched you run around at the Neighborhood BBQ, smiling and laughing and entertaining everyone with your sociable nature "Hi! What's your name? What are you eating? I'm Maddie. I like cookies. Why you eating that?" Each week our neighbors comment on what a sweet and beautiful girl you are, and your Daddy and I just smile and nod. We know, Miss Maddie, we know. We understand more than anyone what an amazing, precocious, precious and lovable girl you are.

Before I know it, you will be three, and the days known as the "twos" will be far behind us. While in many respects I will be relieved to move beyond the melodrama and loudly-point-out-the-obvious-and-awkward stages, I will miss these last months of Summer at home, just the three of us, making our own adventures, laughing at our own inside jokes, twirling feather boas and donning beaded necklaces, dancing around the house, singing at the top of our lungs.

You are a remarkable child, Madeleine Noelle. Thank you for teaching me each day how to be a better person by increasing my patience, my love, my creativity, challenging my mind and expanding my heart. I love you.

Love,

Mama

5 Months: Samuel

Hey Bubba,

With each passing month, I love you more and more, but I also grieve the baby we are leaving behind. It's an incredible journey, this first year, and I just wish it didn't go by so fast! You are such an amazing little guy. You are at a stage where you just give and give and give. Each day you have so much love to share and I can't get enough. You are the happiest, sweetest, most easygoing little fella and you sure make our lives enjoyable just being you.

As I searched through the pictures for this update, it was hard to find many in which you aren't all smiles. Every time I grab the camera you just start grinning away, all gums and cheeks, cooing and singing. You delight in your Mama (or sister, or Daddy, or anyone, really) just being down on your level, talking to you, listening to all you have to say.

Another change this month is your hands. Those two chubby little hands are all over the place, reaching, grabbing, finding things to explore and place in your mouth. When you nurse your hands are constantly moving, touching my face, caressing my hand, holding my fingers. You will even grab your toes and do little stretches all while getting your tummy filled up. It delights me to no end to see you enjoying your world through such careful and tender exploration.

You look up to your big sister, Maddie, and adore her. She simply walks into a room and you laugh, smile or sing in her direction. If she happens to get down in your face to offer a kiss, a sweet remark, or a tight embrace, you go crazy with joy. When she asks to hold you, you will sit for minutes at a time, slumped to one side, squeezed within an inch of breathing, all with that characteristic Samuel smile.

When your Daddy arrives home at the end of a long day, you never fail to deliver, coming through with the most adorable grin and coo in his direction. You could call for me at all hours of the night and it wouldn't matter, because once I peer into those big brown eyes I am sucked in. I delight in caring for you, carrying you around, and cleaning up after you. You are a constant source of joy for this family.

You have gone through so many changes this month. You can roll both ways and shimmy your way around on the carpet and in your crib. You love to arch your back, stand up on our laps and are even attempting to sit on your own. Nearly all your baby hair has been lost, making way for the delightful peach fuzz that is your baby buzz (and so, so soft for the nuzzling!) You love to be outside, on a blanket, rolling around with just a few toys and in earshot of Mama and Maddie.

Thank you for enriching our lives and filling us with giddy joy, for laughing at our lame jokes and putting up with the crazy voices all in order to get you giggling.

Love,

Mama

siblings

As Sam gets older and changes from a quiet newborn to engaging baby, he and Maddie have more and more fun together. As far as big sisters go, Maddie is sweet and loving and gentle and kind to her brother. She loves to get in his face and "nuzzle noses," or make him smile by using a funny voice or making silly faces. Samuel is always searching the room for his beloved sister, lighting up with a huge smile whenever she comes into view. Today after waking from his nap, Samuel was all smiles for his big sister Maddie as she told him, "Hey best buddy, did you have a good nap? Did you, sweet little boy?" My heart swelled with love.

jammie time on the couch

all smiles, all around!

resting in the laundry basket