Further Madventures: in the Fall, in the City

Ben has Fridays off. Every once in a while, we wake up feeling ready for an adventure. It was supposed to be a marvelous day, so we headed to the City. San Fran, baby!

Are you ready, Maddie?

Hmm, not so sure? What if we get some lunch first? Yeah!

After Vietnamese hoagies and fruit in da Square, she was feeling much more adventurous.

She explored all the square had to offer and made friends with

an extraordinarily fastidious homeless man.

"How did you get here?" "A bus." "We came in our car. It is black. Are you cleaning?" "Yes. I sprayed ammonia and now I'm cleaning up this space." "Okay. Bye!"

We hit a few stores and then...

...feeling especially adventurous, we took two kids and a behemoth of a jogger stroller to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park where we danced and sang...

...and danced and clapped, and made friends with all our neighbors.

"Do you want to share your snack with me?"

"Can I dance on your mat with you?"

"Your feet are brown? Look at mine!"

And then there was this guy, who managed to get by on a handful of

cat naps and still be the smiliest, easiest-going, loviest baby ever.

After three awesome sets, we decided it was time to catch some dinner. Other highlights of the festival included the roving braless woman, a lot of ganja smoke, crowds, a whole lotta f-bombs (Kelly or Melissa, if Maddie drops the phrase "Jump the *&$# up!" after circle time in Sunday School, blame it on hippie Tom Morello and the "secret" verses of "This Land was Made for You and Me.") Yikes.

Boppa met up with us for Lyle Lovett and his Large Band (awesome backup vocalist with a basso voice that sounds like there's distortion, but it's just his awesome gravelly deepness), then we headed to Japantown to Rassela's for some injera, lentils, beef, lamb, cabbage--yum-a-licious! We started dinner just before 8 (note: one hour past the kids' bedtime) and the restaurant was mostly empty. It was super late for us suburbanites, but the city operates on a different schedule. Maddie tried everything and liked most of it, even some of the spiciest dishes.

We took Boppa back to his car, changed the kiddos into jammies, and headed home just before 9. Add in an accident on the Bay Bridge...well, it was definitely an adventure! Hooray for our kids who did awesome and enjoyed themselves and even were enjoyable despite the busy day and lack of sleep.

two little monkeys

petite prayers

The other night Maddie said to Dada after dinner, "Let's go to Old MacDonald's for ice cream!" We thought it a fine idea and hopped in the car in our jammies and comfy clothes, as the drive thru has no dress code. Over the course of the five minute drive, Maddie proceeded to grow more and more excited over the prospect of her "great idea" and mentioned no fewer than a dozen times, "We're going to Old MacDonald's! We're going to get ice cream!"

About a block before the restaurant, she folded her hands, closed her eyes, and prayed, "Dear Jesus. Thank you for Old MacDonald's. Thank you soooo much for ice cream. It is delicious. AAAAMEN!"

How can you say no to that?!

peas, carrots & pjs, oh my!

this boy LOVES to eat!

can't stand the cuteness of the backlit fuzz-head

Nicole and Maddie were very excited about matching pjs

Par*kour!

If you haven't been on u-tuub or seen the off*ice, then this won't make any sense to you. But, if you are zany like us, you will try to reenact "Par*kour!" in your free time, at a public park, with your daughter.

These are actual pictures of actual people. They are not stunt doubles. Do not attempt these tricks at home. Do not attempt to be as cool as Ben. Do not pass go. Do not collect $100.

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!