Princess Maddie Anne

my own blog

2009-11-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've started a blog of my own. I really hope to keep up with Maddie's but my blog is just for to record stuff, without pressure - no pictures or daily updates needed.

If you want to check it out, find it at Mommy Mimi's mini moments - mommiemimi.blogspot.com.

She ate what?

2009-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

One day I really have pictures again... and as Blair reminded me, I can use my phone.

While shopping at Whole Foods this week, (and I finally figured it out - shop at 5 pm - Maddie snacks her way around... berries, pineapples and broccoli in produce, deli turkey slices, many cheese tastings and a box of raisins or cereal bar at the cashier... dinner!) okay back to the story... Maddie really takes tasting to heart. I was putting some corn in the basket and turned to find Maddie with a GIANT heirloom tomato in her hand. Well, 2/3 of the tomato. She had eaten the rest... and dripped it down her shirt. At least it was healthy!

For breakfast, I offered the usual... cereal, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt... but she had other plans. No, mommy, gape leefs, pees. (grape leaves, please.) Yes, stuffed grape leaves for breakfast.

Four words you never want to hear

2009-09-14T20:09:00.001-07:00

"Yesh, peas in nose."

Good news: she's very verbal; bad news: she was right.

"Yesh, pea in nose" was true. We were at a playdate and Maddie was rubbing her nose. I thought it was just the weather or her new fascination with sticking her finger in her nose. She did have a snack cup of dried peas and Elmo crackers, but I never thought of that. Fortunately, a friend was paying attention when Maddie said "peas up nose." And then when I asked, she said, "YESH!, peas in nose." Oops.

We rushed out went straight to the doctor and waited - and waited - with all the back to school and flu kids (hooray!). Let's hope the sick/well kids waiting rooms and hand washing really do help. We then went to an ENT (and waited some more), who then sprayed her nose with something and then (after more waiting), removed the pea!

He gave it to me to show her dad.

And, even better: the doctor told me that "stuffers" tend to be "repeaters". Oh, joy.

Royalty

2009-09-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have always thought I was Princess Mimi. I am quite happy to share that title with Princess Maddie, but she is not.

At Gymnastics: "Maddie, are you a tiny tot?" " No, I pincess."

Later in the car: "Maddie, is mommy a princess?" " No, Maddie pincess." "How about mimi-mommy, is she Princess Mimi?" " Um, (At least this got a pause), No, Maddie Pincess."

She has also bestowed the title of queen on my mother, who is quite pleased with her designation.

She is also certain about the line of succession: "Maddie, who is the queen?" "Mum; Mum keen." "Maddie, is Granny Pearl a queen?" "No, Mum keen."

You're Kidding, Right?

2009-09-11T13:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was fun - and I use that word very loosely. No pictures (big surprise, right?) but... this was my day.

Maddie slept just late enough to make us rush for school, but not late enought that we could justify calling in tardy. Okay, that's a typical day for us, but it would be nice to leave the house calmly once. (And I mean once, not even once in a while.) In the car, she decided no more school for her; did not love it anymore and had her first day of tears. (She does stop crying the second I leave the room so it's fine.)

I promised that it really would be snoball day and gymnastics after school - and I think she understood.

After leaving my crying child, my day was spent getting ready for MNO (moms night out) at my house - a pool party. Yes, a pool party. In the rain. Again. (Rain forcasted for all day and night; you're kidding, right?) So I cleaned and organized inside AND outside just in case.

When I went to pick Maddie up, it was STORMING. And I found out that yes, she had understood my promise. As I walked in the door, she announced "Oball Day." I tried to convince her that it was raining to hard, but the entire way from school to Sal's all I heard was "oball day; pink one; oball day; pink one; oball day; pink one." So, yes, I stopped and got her a snoball in the RAIN. Not too bad, until I got in the car, closed the umbrella and then dropped the umbrella out of the car into a puddle. You're kidding, right?

Our Saints playdate was scheduled for tomorrow so I checked my order of footballs and party supplies. Oops, the order was delayed and would arrive the afternoon of the playdate, not the day before. You're kidding, right?

MNO was nice... even watching Kevin put Maddie to bed at 10 pm instead of 8 pm. (You're kidding, right?)

Then, I cleaned up and went to bed. Or planned to go to bed. Kevin had locked our bedroom door to keep Maddie in; also kept me out. You're kidding, right? At least we have a really soft sofa!

Just Ducky

2009-09-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

We went to our favorite play place again with our group.

As usual, I have another mom to thank for pictures of Maddie.

And, she caught Maddie standing on the firetruck. Oops.

And the Maddie came tumbling down

2009-09-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Maddie started gymnastics class and loved it. Check out her tumbling!

And over she goes

Getting ready for her floor exercises...

And over she goes again!

Tumbling with her friends. (Following Josh may have actually been her favorite part!)

Water, Water, Water Everywhere

2009-09-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

We finally got to check out some water fountains.

These are across the lake and the day was just right -

enough breeze, shade and spray to make it fun for the moms,

and just enough water and chalk for the kids.

Running through the fountains.

(Or it at least looks that way!)

Babies, babies, babies everywhere.
My, how our group has grown.

Just getting a quick drink

Sammy, does this look weird?

Hey, boys, whatcha up to?

Boys, what are you up to?

Jumping for Joy - I love school

2009-09-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

My sassy girl went off to school in her sparkly bow and mini skirt today.

When I asked her if she loved school, she shouted, Yeah, yeah, love chool!

Then she jumped for joy!

Elmo Live!

2009-09-01T14:36:00.001-07:00

We drove to Jackson to see the love of Maddie's life, Elmo!

First she posed with an Elmo cutout, then she held up her hands like Abby.

Showing off her shirt before the first show.

We had great seats and Elmo was really close.

During shows, we resisted the Elmo balloon temptation.

For the second show, we were in the front row and Elmo stopped to

high five Maddie and then dance right in front of us!

Most of the characters stopped by for a hug, high five or to tickle Maddie.

The ladybug - and then Zoe - had time to dance with her!

After the show, Maddie gathered streamers and then dragged them out.

Elmo's World

2009-08-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Maddie & I are heading for double header Elmo shows in Jackson.

(Well, really the same show twice but since we're going that far,

we want to see lots of Elmo!)

I wanted to see how much Elmo stuff we've accumulated.

Wow. That's a lot of Elmo. Somebody's mommy got carried away.

Checking out the Elmo puppet.

See my Elmo shirt?

And I love this Elmo book.

Can you still see my Elmo shirt?

Here it is!

Maddie told Elmo to "say cheese."

Look at my Elmo piano!

Can you believe this stuff?

Shadow needed to check it out, too.

Reading my Elmo book to Elmo puppet; check out the Elmo slippers.

An even bigger Elmo book.

Finish it up with Elmo juice in the Elmo cup. Elmo snacks, anyone?

Happy Birthday, Emily!

2009-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Emily celebrated her birthday today at the Monkey Room.

Happy "Burfday, Emaee"

It has been fun to watch you grow up!

Maddie & Emily ... watching each other grow up? or just staring one another down? ....

and pals, Frank, Haley & Alex at Christmas, 2008Mama's Christmas angel, 2008

Daddy's little sweetheart, Valentine's, 2009

Kim & Emily (and Haley) last June (2008).

The party was great, but sadly, my photo abilities haven't much improved!

This was Frank waving hello.

And a great picture of Egan's face... oops, too late!

And Maddie was looking at me!

My diva had to wear a tutu with her "silly monkey" shirt.

Andrew helped Maddie jump.

Look at that bounce... Maddie is looking at the "utter jump." (Where is Alex?)

Now she's got it!

Emily & Daddy

Frank on the slide

On the "big slide" with Egan.

My camera ham. Say "cheese."

(Check out the color coordinated birthday girl and daddy in the back.

And can you see the monkey on Frank's shirt, too?)

Mommy, why are they all looking at me?

Okay, I can blow out my candles. Mommy & Daddy both helped.

Emily & Daddy again... see, color coordinated.

Maddie, where's your cake? "IN MOUF" (And just in case, you were confused...)

Ava & Andrew agree: we love cake!

Alex thinks it's faster with two hands.

More, please!

Dance Party

2009-08-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our second week of school - and it's great! Maddie really seems to like it. Her verbal skills are multiplying - she told her teachers "Daddy back, aipane (airplane)"

We ended our week with lunch at Whole Foods and an impromto dance party Friday night. I put a music channel on TV and turned it up. We danced and shook and twirled and clapped and then got out the instruments, too.

the impressive dancing yoga move

with that pointed toe, it really is time for ballet class!

Maddie plays dueling guitars and a shaker!

Sentences!

2009-08-24T22:09:00.001-07:00

I don't have any pictures of this, but Maddie now has three sentences:

"I got it." "Here it is." "Open it now, please"

Okay, they don't sound quite like that... "opentitnow, peas" is more like it, but sentences, really? I am not ready!

She also now says, yeah, instead of yes. What happened? At least I went from Mama Mimi to Mommy!

Happy Birthday, Caroline!

2009-08-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our week ended with Caroline's 2nd birthday party at Gym Rompers. It was so much fun to be at Gym Rompers again and see how much our kids have grown. Maddie had a blast and can do everything now. Alex has really decided he likes her again and tries to get her to play on all the same toys. Maddie would much rather dance with the big girls, but she did have fun rocking with Alex. (And, again, thanks Blair for the pictures! )

Singing in the Rain

2009-08-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Kevin was out of town this week so we stayed busy. We hosted a new member playdate, an organizer meeting, and two playdates with friends. Maddie loved seeing Frannie and the "big girls" and sharing juice was the best!

We needed some "down time" so Maddie went out to play in the rain - check out this outfit. She's wearing the pj top she kept on all day, the capri jeans (that look much better with the white top mommy picked out), her black boots (thanks, Kirk & Stella) and her new rain hat.

When she found her fairy costume, her fashion sense kicked in and she changed boots!

First Day of School

2009-08-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today was Maddie's first day of school! She started at Edisen House, Country Day, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My baby goes to school!

I thought it might be hard, but she only cried for about 30 seconds when I dropped her off. Luckily, her friend Elmo, also started school with her so he stayed with her all day. When I came to pick her up, she was busy with snack time - and I had to wait for her to have seconds (and thirds).

Her teachers said she was very social and verbal. She played with the blocks and was so great at building that her teacher thinks she is a future architect. As usual, she loved eating - especially the garlic bread - and also loved nap time with her mat.

Outside play with the big kids made the day even better.

A snoball playdate (followed by the park) was the perfect way to start her school year!

Here we go again... I hope

2009-08-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Blair started me on this blogging thing... and convinced me that an iPhone would be great. I'm still not sure about either, but I promised I'd keep trying. I meant to start blogging again when Blair moved far, far away (okay, it's a two hour drive). Life - and the Hamptons - got in the way. But, Maddie & I got to visit Blair & Frannie today so I read Blair's blog tonight. It sounded sad so I thought I would try to cheer her up by actually blogging.

I also realized how much Maddie has changed. It is been almost exactly five months since I "blogged." Maddie was a baby and I could almost list all her words and in the blog, she's "jumping." Well, we spent two weeks with my sister and her boys again (hopefully, I will add more about that later.) The boys got a new trampoline that I thought would be fun for Maddie to watch. Watch? Her? She loved it so much Rome said Mum got it for Maddie. My little girl would run outside, across the yard, climb the ladder (yes, a ladder - a three step ladder) and then into the trampoline and jump and run and then jump and run and giggle, giggle, giggle.

Thanks, again, Blair. We miss you. (Oh, and, yes, we do love Oxyclean... you were right about that one!)

Oh, Beautiful Day

2009-03-19T21:09:00.001-07:00

Today was the best. Maddie slept late (9:30) and was pretty clear that she wanted to stay home and play. We had plans for a playdate with our mom's group, but went late. While hanging out at home, Maddie figured out where I keep the pacifiers and holders - now she goes to the drawer, grabs a paci and holder, sucks on one and brings me the other to attach. Cute, but I think I might have to find a new place for the pacis.

When finally got to the car and I am really glad I convinced Maddie to go - she loved every minute of the playdate and wanted to check out every single one of Egan's toys.

It was an all ages playdate (hooray!) so we got to see lots of babies - Luke, Henry and big brother Andrew. Baby Julius was there, too. Bre, Sammy and Delaney were there, too, but they are almost the big kids now!

Xan the Man pushed Maddie and made her scream with laughter - love that boy!

He loves Maddie, too, and politely, but firmly, pushed Egan off - no sharing Maddie!

We visited the playground after nap time and Maddie proved she really is a toddler. I didn't know if I should take pictures or make sure Maddie didn't jump! (Thanks Amy for taking pictures!) And, more babies - baby Sara and Gerard, too!

I love having Peyton at the playground - she is a self appointed Maddie watcher and helper!

Peyton taught Maddie how to slide on her tummy - they've decided it's time to slide on her bum!

And jump on the bouncy bridge. Xander came along and made Maddie shriek with laughter again when he bounced her on the bridge. She tried hard to jump like him, but can only manage a stomp.

If Peyton can climb the rocks, so can I, or so Maddie thinks.

Okay, Peyton, can you teach me how to get up the slide backwards now?

Catch me, Xander!

Look, I'm sliding - and I think I like it!

The weather is great and this day was wonderful - more in our "Oball post."

Baby hugs

2009-03-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I love Maddie hugs. I can't take pictures since she is hugging me, but I love her hugs. Last night, after her bath, she hugged me for a long time and melted my heart. She hugs great, smells so good and has the best baby skin!

I love "oballs"!

2009-03-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day and ended perfectly. We stopped at Sal's for Maddie's second snoball. As soon as we drove up, she started babbling. Once we got into the seating area, Maddie just stood in the middle and laughed - and that was before she got a snoball!

She loves sitting on the log, using a straw, and really loves her snoballs!

More, mama, more! I spooned it as fast I as could.

On our way home, we stopped for - hot (oh, joy!!) - boiled crawfish and ate on the back porch again. Maddie loves being able to eat at her table and play with her outside toys. I am a stickler about having her sit and eat inside, but outside, I let her eat and play and then eat and then play - the freedom!

We found out she really is a New Orleans baby, too. She absolutely had to try boiled seafood. She spit out the first bite and was clearly astounded by the spice. Then asked for more. She learned fast to eat two, shriek a bit, drink some water, eat two more, repeat!

She also told her Daddy all about our snoball trip (which I planned to leave out of our day - not quite on my diet!) As he changed her, she babbled "oball" "oball" until he guessed!

St. Joseph's Altars and Aunt Cessie

2009-03-19T19:36:00.001-07:00

Today was Aunt Ces day - hooray! Maddie slept late (9:30) so we missed music class, again. The child has rhythm and knows how to dance so I don't think a missed music class is stunting her cultural growth... we'll go to every day of Jazz Fest to make up for it!

Maddie was thrilled to see Aunt Ces and took off to her car, with a brief stop to wave at me. They went to one of Maddie's favorite stores - Sams, and then lunch at Tiffany's for a special St. Joseph's Day menu. They also visited some of the local altars and brought back some cookies and lucky beans. They really enjoyed the beautiful day and visited Longue Vue and Perino's. I hear Maddie loved running on the lawn, playing in the gift shop and hiding behind the "tree" at the garden center.

I know it was a busy day because she slept for over two hours this afternoon. Thank you, Aunt Ces, for my free day!

This is Maddie in her St. Joseph's Day dress. (Okay, it was really her Christmas dress, but the colors were perfect for today and I was thrilled she got a chance to wear it again. I love this dress - thanks Amy, for talking me into buying it!)

Maddie is relaxing in her basket - the Moses infant basket. She now has a princess blanket and pillow (thanks, Granny Pearl) and uses the basket as her own recliner. She's too busy with a couple of her favorite things to smile - a drinkable yogurt and a straw! She's also watching one of her favorite shows, Dancing with the Stars, on TV so she is very focused.

The yogurt is empty and the TV is paused so she can take a break to smile - with a St. Joseph cookie in her mouth!

We ended the day outside again. With the great weather, we have had breakfast and dinner on the back porch almost every day. It is so great to watch Maddie play with her toys and enjoy her picnic dinner - and we can eat dinner, too!

Since Cessie didn't take pictures, I found some photos of local St. Joseph's Altars. This is what Maddie saw today.

The Best Cousins

2009-03-19T16:05:00.001-07:00

After our trip to Disney, Rome & JW spent two nights in New Orleans, waiting for the snow storm to end in New York.

The first night, I had JW and Mom took Rome, as usual. The next day, Mom & Cessie decided I needed a break. They took ALL THREE kids to LCM, lunch at Planet Hollywood and then an Aquarium visit... all in one day. And I slept all day!

For dinner, Cessie took everyone to the Country Club for fried chicken night.

JW showed his love for Maddie....

and Maddie loves him.

We got all four of the cousins to "pose" outside.

Okay, all four of them were near each other...

The three midgets made faces and the giant (aka Trenton) tried to look cool.

Playdates and other adventures

2009-03-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

In between our travels, we've tried to spend lots of time with our friends. We visited the zoo (after music class) and learned how to steer from Peyton. This came in handy at Trinty Park in Fort Worth - Maddie knew just how to steer the jungle gym - and how to slide. (Thanks, Peyton!)

At Betsy and Gabriella's playdate, we saw a lot of our friends - and imitated Isabella, tried to boss Frank and argued with Emily. Maddie actually tried to move Emily by lifting her by the waist. Fortunately, Emily thought it was kind of funny and just kind of smirked at her. (Maddie is bit shorter than Emily, after all.)

A roomful of girls...

The organizers of my moms group met at our house this week. With their kids. Missing from the picture - two boxes of Krispy Kreme, one child wanting to be in the picture, one child not wanting any pictures, three of our group babies, two toddlers (how did my child get so big?) and two boys hiding their drink cup in Maddie's play refrigerator. (Andrea, I found your sippy cup!)

At Amber and Conner's house, Maddie showed Ms. Blair her "v" - learned from Charlotte and Francis' cousins. (Okay, Blair, how do I attach your blog?) And do I really want to encourage my child to do this?

My giggle girl.. thanks, Blair, for capturing this picture. Gotta love that giggle.

We're back... for a little while

2009-03-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

We have a had a whirlwind of activity for a month: Mardi Gras, 2 cousins visiting, Disneyworld, Dallas with the Imagination Movers and now it's parade time again! One day maybe I'll actually post pictures of our big adventures, but for now, we'll feature the little ones.

Maddie had her first snoball Thursday and I know she's my child. She LOVED her "o-ball." She got wedding cake flavor (no color) and it's pretty good - really sweet. I really goofed by (once again) having no camera, but I cannot believe I'll ever forget how adorable she was, sitting next to me on the log benches at Sal's, just giggling with the joy of it all. She loved being a big girl, sitting next to mama, using a straw and spoon and eat it she did - she finished every bit of the snoball. I thought we would leave when I was done but she wasn't fooled. She knew hers had more and insisted on draining every last drop!

Today was the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day parade. It rained. A lot. Didn't stop Ms. I Love A Parade. (Yet more proof that she really is my child.) She still wore her green tutu and shirt tiara and her clover shoes and was the center of attention. Well, she may have been the only child on the parade route. Did I mention it rained? A lot? She was fine, of course, in her covered stroller. Her really patient Daddy and determined Aunt and Mom were a bit wet, but hey, it wasn't crowded.

Of course she got all the flowers and beads (and stuffed animals and toys and balls and...) - I mean how cute is she? And she waves and claps and smiles and cheers and then waved her Irish flag... how could the marchers not notice her?

Notice the big pink beads. When she got those from Aunt Ces, she whipped off her tiara and put those on so fast we barely saw it happen. My girl knows the "good beads"! (And, yes, that is a second stroller just for her loot in the background.)

Off to Disney world!

2009-02-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

We have loved Mardi Gras. Happily (and sadly), I think this may be Maddie's favorite ever. Too bad she won't remember! I will post some of the thousand pictures I took after our trip to Disney, but I hope I will always remember her absolute joy with every minute of it. And she had a lot of minutes, since we went to every possible parade from noon until night and she only napped in the drive downtown and on shoulders! She fell asleep tonight wiggling her hips, waving for beads and nodding at the horses - all in her bed. I think she was reliving it all!

Having her cousins here, was great, too. JW & Rome loved the parades, too, but they are much more particular - Maddie likes everything, although she does know the difference between good beads and boring ones. The boys wanted spears and toys, and JW wanted the Star Wars people to come back again. We will really miss them next year, but maybe they share beads in Abu Dhabi.

I won't be posting from Disney, but these are some pictures from our trip in December.

Mardi Gras Mombo

2009-02-21T21:32:00.001-08:00

Maddie LOVES parades! Everything about them - the crowds, the bands, dancing girls, floats, flambeaux guys, the horses ("ho, ho, ho") everything! Last night, when the rest of the family went inside, Maddie insisted on staying until the end of the parade (well past 11 pm). She line danced with the big kids - stomp two times, right foot this time, left foot this time, everybody clap - she's got those moves! She is the funniest, dancing, waving and absolutely loving it. She sits in her high chair and watches, or stands on her box and dances. She wants someone to hold her up when the floats go by and gets so excited when horses pass, she claps her hands and her head. Her two cousins, JW & Rome, love parades, too, so we have been parade maniacs and haven't missed one yet! I had some camera difficulties (oh, that's auto focus?), but we had a great time!

Rome, as the super hero princess.

Waiting for the parade - notice all the kids, especially Maddie, know which way to look.

JW, the strongest superhero

Jester hat Rome watched the parade and people from his high chair.

Here, Rome, I caught this for you.

Sure, Maddie, you can have one, too.

I'll take this one, please.

And yes, I can put it on myself.

Check out the lighted ones!

Rome just couldn't quite make it to the end.

Friday night was a little colder so peacock girl stayed warm in costume.

I can still line dance!

I am really cute, aren't I?

I'm even cute from the back! (No wonder Rome wanted to pull my tail!)

Aunt Ces, quick!, pick me up - a float is coming.

I want those beads.

Okay, I'll take the whole pack.

I think I will just sit here and wait for the beads to come to me.

Nick, the official bead catcher.

And, I said throw me something!

Hugging Mum; maybe she has beads!

Got them!

Where is that float?

Maybe if I bend over backwards, it will come.

Finally, I see it!

Catching beads, toys, footballs, clappers, stuffed animals...!

Bookoo Bouncing and the many faces of Maddie

2009-02-21T07:13:00.001-08:00

The boys are here, the boys are here! Look they're here!

JW & Rome arrived on the 7 am flight from New York, which means they got up at some crazy hour. What do you do with two wired, tired boys? BOUNCING!!

My moms group was meeting at Bookoo Bounce (hooray!) so after music class, Maddie & I met mom, Aunt Ces and the boys, who came straight from the airport. The boys LOVED it! Bouncing, jumping, sliding, bouncing, jumping, sliding, repeat. Maddie followed them around and posed for Blair's camera (thanks again, Blair!) Her favorite part was the pizza - she ate her whole slice, finished half of JW's and then got another slice!

Mediatating?

Mom, that girl took my ball...!

Sweet eyes for Miss Blair.

Cupcake Playdate

2009-02-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

We went to a small playdate with some of our best friends - Jessica & Alex (& Luke), Tiffany & Frank, Kim & Emily and Texann & Haley - on Monday. Tiffany and I wanted to conduct a cupcake tasting test - Maddie was too happy to participate.

Our friends at a Christmas party.

Our friends - and their Daddies - at the Little Rascals parade.

We love our friends - a tale of two Valentine playdates & and a party

2009-02-18T22:32:00.001-08:00

We love our friends and playdates.

We got invited to two Valentine playdates!

On Valentine's Day, we went to a birthday party.

I took pictures with my friends.

And I clapped for the singing and Frank's amazing itsy bitsy spider hands!

At his house, I used his police car.

And played with more friends.

Then, the girls and I had lunch.

I was so worn out by all the fun, I napped for part of the party.

At least I woke up in time to see the amazing cake Chloe's mom made.

The birthday girl showed me how to work her really cool toy.

Happy first birthday and thanks, everyone, for including in the party fun!

The boys are coming!

2009-02-18T22:26:00.000-08:00

Maddie's cousins, JW & Rome, are coming for their annual Mardi Gras/Disneyworld trip. (It's Rome's first time to get to do both trips, but JW's third!) This will be their last, too, since they leave for Abu Dhabi in mid-March.

I can't wait to see them and I know Maddie will love playing with them again.

Here Comes the Parade!

2009-02-18T22:08:00.001-08:00

I love Mardi Gras! I really hoped Maddie would enjoy her first Mardi Gras and hooray! She loves it, too. We are really lucky - my mom lives on St. Charles and her condo building erects a giant stand. Maddie can watch all the parades with a front row seat, room to run (and pick up beads off the "ground") and be perfectly safe (except from the occasional flying bead).

We have seen every parade possible, including the boy scout parade, Little Rascals and part of Barkus. Maddie has dressed as the Mardi Gras fairy, a peacock, a princess, a cat and herself. She enjoys her costumes, too, and will try to dress herself in the one she picks. She truly loves to dance with the bands (and sometimes just out of parade joy) - she shakes, wiggles, stomps, claps, bops, and has any number of moves. She even got to hold and shake a pair of pompoms on loan from a real cheerleader in a parade. She actually signed "thank you, thank you, thank you" on her own as the girl marched away!

She really loves the floats, too, and gets annoyed if anyone holding her faces the wrong way. She has learned to wave for beads, which is different than a hello or bye bye wave. She liked to catch things - and actually catches stuff herself - and does not want anyone to give away her beads. She is happy to share, she just wants to be the one sharing. Maddie wants to catch the beads and is not really interested in beads someone gives her - the catching is the fun part. It's fun to be with a baby - people throw all sorts of trinkets, including a big Mr. Bingle and a hula hoop (maybe that's where she learned to rotate her hips - another dance move!) Her favorites so far have been, unfortunately, a well used baby doll, a Hannah Montana brush set and a fairly large plastic rat!

Loving the dance team.

Making a parade friend - and riding her new toy - a stuffed dinosaur.

Checking out her loot.

And being quite pleased with her stuff.

Aren't these beads great on me?

Bye, bye, Mama

2009-02-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

In the past two days, Maddie has left me at home twice and stayed home without me twice. She's definately my baby, so I always worry that she won't stay with sitters. (Of course, at our visit to Metairie Ridge, I should have guessed it would be fine... she made a beeline for the room with kids and toys and then ran past me with her loot - a "borrowed" baby doll.)

On Monday, my friend Amy was wonderful and stayed with Maddie so I could go to the doctor alone. (Thank you, Amy!) Maddie knew I was gone, but was perfectly happy to play with at her house with Amy & Delaney. (Just like at Blair's a few weeks ago, she occasionally pointed to the door and "talked" but then moved on - and I thought I was irreplaceable!)

Maddie & Delaney now - borrowed from Amy's blog - thanks!

Delaney & Maddie last November.

Monday night was movie night for Mommy so Maddie stayed home with Daddy. She happily waved "bye bye, mama."

On Tuesday, Aunt Ces took her an exciting trip to Sam's and lunch at MacAllisters. Their first outing! Maddie waved as she backed out the driveway. I don't think she even asked where I was. Of course, Aunt Ces also took her to enjoy the perfect day at the park, so Aunt Ces was a much better option than house work with Mommy.

Aunt Ces teaching Maddie to use a straw at the Teddy Bear Tea.

Tuesday night, Kevin took me to dinner for Valentine's. (Stella - it was wonderful, especially the lobster, truffle egg!) We left Maddie with my mom. The last I saw was her getting into the elevator, on her way to visit some dogs, waving bye bye!

Maddie & Mum before Christmas, on a tour of downtown hotel decorations.

Thanks, everyone, for helping my little girl take another (dreaded) step toward independence.

Splishing and Splashing

2009-02-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

Maddie has been dying to wear her boot somewhere besides the bathtub. Today was perfect: early nap, rain followed by sunshine, no afternoon plans.

Puddle splashing was a hit!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:48:00.001-08:00

I told Kevin I didn't need or want flowers on Valentine's; Maddie must have thought I did. She picked a tiny bouquet for me - the first time she has given me flowers!

2008

2009

Nick's Grand Prize

2009-02-13T00:36:00.000-08:00

We have been working with Nick on his Louisiana State Parks project since Christmas.

Today was the school competition and show.

Check out this amazing project.

What you can't see - the parks light up when you push the location button.

The judges loved it, too - Nick got first in his category, and -drumroll - Grand Prize overall!!

Check out the plaque and ribbons.

Maddie was so excited she twirled in circles.

And showed off her brother to everyone.

We are so proud of you, Nick. You really worked hard and did a great job!!

Now on to the regional competition...

It's raining balloons

2009-02-13T00:27:00.001-08:00

After everyone left and the party was over, I had lots of cake, ice cream and pickles. And balloons. Maddie came home to sinking balloons, sinking balloons, everywhere. They covered the floor of the office, and she had a blast playing with them. Some had just enough air to bop around her in her high chair, but a lot were at ground level, perfect for her! Until tonight, when I decided the balloons should go. I started (quietly) popping and she began to cry - I didn't think she'd know that the balloons would be gone for good, but once again, I underestimated Maddie.

Before the party.

Wow, check this out!

What are these amazing things and are they everywhere?

They sure are cool.

And, even better, I can catch them!

And then put them where I want.

Walking my balloons - check out my hair!

princess in training

2009-02-13T00:09:00.001-08:00

Being a princess is hard work

Luckily, she's been practicing since birth.

This is Princess Maddie one year ago.

Blair, is she real or is she Barbie?

2009-02-12T23:58:00.000-08:00

My friend Blair - and I am so glad to call her my friend - is tall, thin, pretty, funny, has good hair and often seems like wonder mom. She hosts totally cool arts and crafts playdates and has the best dog, Maggie. She's also mom to Maddie's best friend, Frances and her sweet big sister, Charlotte. I am really sad - they are moving to Lafayette this summer and we will miss them. I got this perfect picture of Blair helping get ready for Sara's shower.

She is the photographer in our group and I have to thank Blair for getting me into photography and blogging. My kids will have the memories on file, disc and hopefully, books, thanks to Blair!

Sara's shower and Houma-bound

2009-02-12T23:21:00.000-08:00

Whenever I have plans, I send Kevin & Maddie off to visit his parents in Houma. Thanks, Granny Pearl and Paw Paw Raymond! (And Kevin for giving me time alone!) Through some strange twist of fate and scheduling, Maddie has spent a lot of her monthly birthdays in Houma. On her fourteen month birthday, she was once again Houma-bound!

Maddie on her three month birthday with Granny Pearl and

Paw Paw Raymond

Eight month old Maddie with Granny Pearl

Maddie with Granny Pearl and Paw Paw Raymond on her

14th month birthday (last week).

While Maddie played with her grandparents, I co-hosted a shower for my friend Sara. Baby Henry is due at the end of February, and we wanted to say thank you to Sara.

We threw a pickles & ice cream party.

I think Sara was surprised.

Thank you, Sara, and hello soon-to-be Baby Henry!

Aunt Ces shows me the rest of the children's museum - you mean there's more than a toddler room?

2009-02-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

My moms group was headed to the zoo on Wednesday but rain was in the forecast so we decided to spend the day at LCM with Aunt Ces. (My moms group ended up at LCM, too with rain threatening but the weather ended up being beautiful; I should practice what I preach: no listening to the forecast.) We decided to show Maddie more of the museum; she thought the toddler room was it. And boy, does she get the toddler room now! Just a few short weeks ago she couldn't climb the walls or slides. Now, she is up and over, no problem. The rest of the museum was pretty great, too. Aunt Ces showed us Trenton's favorite spots - he's all grown up now, but he liked LCM as a kid, too.

Daddy, Mommy, Maddie, Aunt Ces and Trenton during Gustav evacuation in Florida.

Check me out, Uncle Joey. I can drive Aunt Ces in a police car, too!

Are you sure this bike is too big for me?

Don't worry about Whole Foods, Mom; I'll do the shopping today.

Oh, yes, two drums at once. Think I can dance at the same time?

Thanks for great service, Aunt Ces, but this cake tastes a little plastic.

After LCM, we had lunch at Cafe Reconcile. She really is a big girl. She sat at the table and waved at everyone and ate everything, including the collard greens.

Hello, Vietnam!

2009-02-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

I celebrated turning forty on a fabuous cruise ship with my mother in the far east. I loved Vietnam and hope to bring Kevin, Maddie and the boys someday. I often stop at a nearby restaurant (and I use the term loosely) for bubble tea, spring rolls and chicken pho. Now that Maddie is eating "real food", she can join me. And, hooray! My daughter loves pho and spring rolls. Vietnam, here we come!

Brynn's birthday party

2009-02-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

I missed a few days last week (and all of last year...) but I really preach, better than never these days. I hope that is true for thank you cards since I still haven't finished all of them from Maddie's birthday... two months ago! Oops.

On Saturday our cousin Brynn turned two. Her party was at a great indoor playroom on the Northshore. (For my mommy friends, Ducky Joes is great for the under six crowd. It's just across the bridge so I think the thirty minute drive is worth it. Check their website at duckyjoes.com.) As I often do, I forgot my camera but Aunt Totsy was great about sending me a couple of photos. (Thanks!)

Maddie loved dress up and waited - not so patiently -for her turn in the mirror. She really does think she is royalty - she happily walked and played in the cape, which billowed behind her.

It took her a little while to figure out the bubbles. Once she did, she chased them and laughed. The kids in the picture are our cousins, Brynn, Bennett and Madison.

Happy Birthday, Brynn!

More new tricks - hugging AND utensils

2009-02-09T22:40:00.001-08:00

My sweet baby has really learned to hug. She hugged me over and over again a couple of days ago - and snubbed her daddy. Today, she blew kisses, waved and hugged good-bye to Aunt Ces. Each time she hugged, we would say "aaww" and soon, so did she. She liked it so much, she kept hugging and aawwing, even after we stopped.

She's also decided it is much more civilized to eat with a fork and spoon. How did she get so big so fast? And how can that be so much messier than eating with hands?

Maddie, my eating machine. For breakfast this morning she ate a bowl of oatmeal, pineapples, a tangerine and as much of my eggs as I would share. I think she ate a whole egg. For lunch, she ate her noodles, green beans and fruit and then shared white beans and sausage with Aunt Cessie. Guess she really does need a fork and spoon for all that food.

Aunt Cessie's carrot and school time

2009-02-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today we visited two preschools - Metairie Ridge and Little Red Schoolhouse. We are also on waiting list for Munholland and Edison House, but wanted to make sure we'll have some options next year.

Our first stop was Metairie Ridge. (And we did briefly spot our friend Charlotte on our way out.) Maddie was thrilled to get out and follow people inside. Once she heard the sound of kids playing, she was on her way down the hall. She found the two year old class (which would be hers next year) and went right in. About then, I met the director who invited to me to come outside and see the playground. Maddie decided to stay in school! When I got back, she was playing with a baby doll and a couple of the other kids. She was glad to make her escape, but only because she wanted to hang on to that doll. When I asked her to give it back, she gave me a look and took off down the hall! At least I found out that she's ready for school, even if I am not.

We had lunch at Aunt Cessie's house and spent a lot of time in her back yard. On the way out, Maddie & Aunt Ces stopped to check out the garden. I was so sorry I did not have the camera - I need to carry it everywhere, like Blair. Maddie was fascinated with the plants and watched Cessie so intently, it was adorable. She was quite proud to come home with her prize - a baby carrot.

Goodbye, Sweet Chelsea

2009-02-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

Chelsea, one of our Katrina cats, died today. It's been a rough year for the pets of this family. We lost Gon-Gon's Molly, then our big boy scout, Choclit, and now Chelsea. She joined our family after the hurricane; when we bought the house on Belmont, the owner couldn't take her, so we let her stay with the house. Poor sweet thing, she never really recovered from the loss of her first mom and then the excitement of our family. When we moved in, we brought our other Katrina cat, Shadow, who was just a kitten. He batted Chelsea and chased her and made her play. She often seemed annoyed with him, but I think he kept her young. When we moved to this house on Green Street, Chelsea retreated upstairs and only came down for occasional visits, food and water. Once Maddie was born, I think she had enough. After sixteen years, I think she was done with us - and did not want to move yet again. We will take her back home and give her a funeral at Belmont tomorrow. We'll miss her - Maddie saw her rarely, and her reaction was usually shrieks of exitement, which Chelsea did not love. I know Shadow will miss his pal and playmate, and Kevin will miss her almost-human crying.

Yesterday, Chelsea hung out with us in the kitchen and let Maddie pet her. (That is Shadow in the background.) I think it was her way of saying goodbye. Goodbye to you, sweet Chelsea.

Little Rascals and a little rest

2009-02-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

Today really was the start of the parade season - hooray! Aunt Ces & I have a tradition for Little Rascals: every year, we meet at Houston's when they open at 11, eat lunch and then go out to watch the parade. We've done it with Trenton and then Nick, and now, best of all, Princess Maddie, joined us today. She wore her "Mardi Gras fairy" costume, but didn't love the headband I made. No surprise, the little princess kept the tiara on!

The Mardi Gras fairy and I waiting for the parade.

Catching beads. She really liked catching stuff and loved the floats. She waved at all of them and wanted everything they threw. She even fought for a pair of beads. (And won.)

The bands fascinated her and she clapped for them as they passed.

She really wanted to join a dance team, and stomped along with this one.

Parades are a lot of hard work, so she stopped to take a rest on Aunt Ces. She actually bopped herself to sleep. She bopped her head to the music and one time, it just couldn't bop back up. We let her nap for 20-30 minutes and then woke her for the rest of the parade. She got right back up and started waving at the truck driver and the float.

Our friends - Tiffany, Frank & Frank, Kim, Emily & Philip, Texann, Haley & Rob and Jessica, Luke, Alex & Joe were at the parade, too. I loved watching Haley yell "hey!"

Maddie, my sweetie, it is the best thing in the world to share my favorite things with you and watch you enjoy them, too.

Nick's project - all you ever wanted to know about state parks

2009-02-08T23:40:00.000-08:00

I think all my friends have heard me talk about Nick's project. Yes, the same one about state parks... we have been working on it for over a month, so yes, it has been forever. The paper was done two weeks and this weekend was the marathon project building. It is fabulous! The pictures do not do it justice. The board is really neat and the lettering is great. And get this, it lights up! If you press the name of a park, a light on the map goes on showing where the park is located. And, he also made a cool little diaroma of a park with people fishing, biking, hiking, and running from bears. I am really proud of his hard work. (And his dad's!)

A little help and encouragement from his biggest admirer.

Finally finished!

Maddie's tricks

2009-02-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Maddie seems to learn new tricks every couple of days.

She has been nodding (yes!) and clapping for quite a while.

She really does know the difference between nodding and shaking. I asked her tonight if she wanted to eat and she shook no. I asked if she wanted to keep playing with Nick and she nodded yes. About twenty minutes later, I asked again and she signed eating and nodded, while heading to the kitchen.

She can also sign tired or sleep and signed please, today.

Her other favorite moves have been shaking (hips) and dancing (shoulder swaying).

She has added:
- waving (sometimes at people, sometimes at objects)
- blowing kisses
- head shaking no
- stomping (or tapping)
- head bopping (part of the dancing routine)
- blinking and sweet eyes - so cute!
- twirling or ballroom dancing (spinning in a circle, with one arm extended around an imaginary partner, apparently learned from some older black & white movies)

and her new trick today:
- the "V" (lie on back, hands on feet and spread legs in a "v"; I think she learned this from Blair's neices and she is very proud of this one!)

I tried to get a picture, but she's fast! This is an "after" picture.

Maddie, each time you learn a new "trick", I think you are the most talented child in the world - and the cutest. And then you learn another one. Ballroom dancing is best! Until the next best.

Parade Season... Hooray!

2009-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Maddie & I went to our first parade today - finally! The boy scouts paraded through the neighborhood and it was great. The weather was so fabulous. We parked at Cleary playground and watched from across the street. Maddie sat on the ground and paraders piled beads, toys, stuffed animals and candy on her lap and all around her. By the end of the parade, she was in a mountain of throws! Some other kids came along and we gave them all our beads. (Hooray!) We gave them most of the stuffed animals, too. It took a little while for Maddie to understand that she was supposed to let them keep the beads and animals, but once she got, she handed everything over. Everything, that is, except the moon pie. How did she know that was food? And bad for her food at that?

Of course, I had camera problems again - batteries not charged - so I borrowed a picture from our friend Corine. (thanks!) Picture Maddie's pink car instead of Ethan's blue one, and that's the parade.

Princess Maddie & her roses

2009-02-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

So we went to see Beauty and the Beast this weekend and of course, bought one of the blinking roses - okay, we bought two. (Hey, it's a good cause - JPAS is great!)

I forgot the camera that night but it's okay - we forgot the roses in the stroller. As soon as Maddie saw them she remembered the little button to turn them on. Her snow princess dress and Belle cape were perfect, but the beret is pretty cute, too.

My Miracle and the doctor who made it happen

2009-02-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

We we finally went to visit Dr. Sartor, our fertility doctor. Both Sissy and Oliver (my dad's cancer doctor) will always be near and dear to our hearts. Oliver helped us say good-bye to my dad with dignity and against the odds, Dr. Sissy gave us Maddie. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will always think of them together, one helped an incredible personality leave the world and another brought this incredible miracle to us. (Kind of a cosmic equalizing!)

My mom, Sissy & I at the Cancer Crusaders luncheon in 2005, before Kevin & I were even married or dreaming of a baby!

Maddie & Sissy Sartor. Maddie really wanted her necklace.

Special mass and Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-01T23:35:00.000-08:00

Hooray for today. My mom took Maddie to a mass for special children at St. Francis this afternoon. I hear it was great and I hope to go with them next month. It was fun to watch Maddie drive away, waving at me.

The highlight however - this is the first time Kevin & I have been alone in our house since Maddie was born! Wow!

Tonight was Superbowl Sunday and we spent the evening at the Ritz Carlton - pretty fancy digs for a football party. Aunt Ces and Uncle Joey won a night at an auction. They got the really fancy Ritz Carlton penthouse suite and invited all their friends over (and everyone brought tons of food!). The suite was great - lots of open space and thankfully, no small knickknacks. A surprisingly, easy, wonderfully kid friendly place to watch the game. My social butterfly had a great time pushing her doll stroller all over and hanging out with everyone. She has no doubt that every person she sees will love her shoes, want to hold her, give her grapes (or king cake or junk food), or hold (and save) her half eaten pickle until she reclaims it. Kevin remembered the little camera but the pictures aren't so great. He did, however, get some great video of Maddie pushing her stroller down the hall of the Ritz and dancing to the Boss Bruce at half time. She shaked, bounced and head bopped as the mood and music struck. Her favorite part, however, was under the table peek-a-boo with Daddy. He would squat and then she would squat and see him under the dining room table. It never stopped being funny or surprising to her. Daddy's legs, however, weren't quite so thrilled with the endless game.

Headed home after another late night.

Art and Theater, all in one great day

2009-01-31T23:07:00.000-08:00

Today has been fabulous! (Too bad I once again forgot the camera!) We met Mum (my mom) downtown and then walked to the Farmer's market. Maddie drove her car again and, of course, loved it. We found a lady selling baby cakes - individual sized kingcakes. My daughter with the sweet tooth was thrilled. Mum bought some strawberries and shared them with Maddie, who thought four was not enough. She kept handing me the bowl and pointing inside, where she knew there were more!

The day was so pretty we decided to take the street car to the Art Market - all the way at the end of the line, about an hour ride. It was so nice with the windows down and Maddie loved riding on my lap without a car seat.

We had a picnic on the grass in the park and watched kids play ball. Maddie was so excited about lunch she was dancing and wiggling when I put down her plate. The olives, strawberries, blueberries and grapes vanished, along with the pasta. She also attacked my crawfish sausage, and seemed to like it.

Walking around the market was great. There were lots of kids and plenty of dogs (hooray!). We bought some kids French books at the library book stand. Great deal - $1/book! Maddie & Mum tried on feather hats and headbands - and I am so sorry I didn't have the camera.

The craft tent was fabulous. Maddie made a hat, decorated with shiny stars, glitter and confetti. Although I put on the glue and confetti, Maddie quickly figured out how to attach the stars and added a lot - she loved the shiny ones.

I took pictures of Maddie and her art project when we got home:

Showing off her project and her boots.

Love those shiny stars!

Our big outing was yet to come. Maddie & I were going to see Beauty & the Beast. I put her in the bath but first, she found my boots. Apparently, all boots are great and wearing them with clothes is not required.

She loved the show. We actually walked over to East Jefferson (no parking anywhere!). The show was sold out so it was really crowded but Maddie was so sweet. She sat on my lap and was mesmerized by the performance. It started late (8 pm) so she was really tired, but wanted to watch it so badly. I thought we would leave at 9:30 at intermission, but she wanted to go back again. She watched for about another half an hour before getting too fidgety. My incredible husband was sitting outside waiting for us, since he didn't want us to walk home in the dark. (Thank you, Kevin!!) Maddie was totally wiped out - I really blew it since I needed a picture of the snow princess in her "fur" lined dress, awesome black cape (kind of like Belle's) and her flashing roses, sound asleep in her stroller. Maybe she'll let me recreate it!

Maddie's car and more boots

2009-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

We try to walk to the store every day - it gives us a nice half hour outside, usually right before dinner and we can get anything we need for dinner.

We now take her "car." I use her front trunk for carrying heavy items and she cracks up laughing every time. She loves driving her car and waves to everyone. As we wait at the traffic light at the intersection, she waves to the passing cars. Then, as we cross the street, she waves to the cars sitting at the light. The best response has been a car of teen-age boys - they honked and waved back. She was thrilled but her mother hoped she'd never attract the attention of teenage boys again!

Today, she wanted to wear her boots, even though they are too big. Every time someone talked to her, she showed them her boots. She is trying to lift up both legs to show her boots to the camera.

She loves boots so much that she threw a pair of rain boots in the tub tonight. I let her bathe wearing them and she thought was great! I wanted a picture but decided against leaving the baby in the tub to get the camera. She looked pretty funny, sitting naked in the tub, wearing purple and pink boots!

How fast they grow

2009-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

Maddie in her boppy one year ago today, January 30, 2008.

Check out those cute feet!

Maddie in her boppy (otherwise known as her recliner) today.

Check out those cute feet - hanging off the end!

(notice the socks, too!)

Oops

2009-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Oops! Not only did I forget the memory card for the camera, but I forgot to post yesterday! We went to a playdate at Betsy and Gabriella's house with our friends. Maddie loves playing with other kids' toys, especially if they are the same toys we have at home! Gabriella has a different version of the toys - the kitchen, we have the door; the zoo, we have the circus, etc, but the toys look and work the same way, while being a bit different. Maddie seemed really fascinated by that. She's understanding so much more and really figuring things out - she finally learned how to follow Shadow and crawl under the coffee table (too bad she hasn't learned how to crawl out yet!)

She has the funniest laugh. Her baby giggle is wonderful, of course, but the "fake laugh" is hysterical. She really just thinks the world is so much fun and I am the luckiest mama and have the cutest, happiest, smartest baby ever! (That's not too much, is it?)

Since I forgot to take pictures, here is a picture of our friends at the playdate - including a new member, 8-month-old Maddie!

Grocery shopping with Aunt Ces

2009-01-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, the excitement - today was grocery day! I guess driving your own car (and one with two steering wheels at that) is pretty cool when you are only 29" tall. And, she taste tested her way through Whole Foods - she tried all the cheeses, ate a baby apple (her first whole apple! - even if it was a really tiny one), freeze dried snap peas and jackfruit and some animal crackers. And all of this was right after lunch at the Kosher Cajun deli.

She must be growing since she ate all day. She ate breakfast and then really wanted Daddy's bowl of cereal and blueberries. He left without eating his cereal - to meet an early deliveryman - and she signed "want" "eat" over and over to me. I finally said she could sit in Daddy's chair and eat his cereal. I know she understands words: She lit up, cheered and RAN over to try to climb in his chair. She was so proud to sit in a big chair and eat from a big bowl - she at at least a third of his cheerios and berries. (Oops, then he came back home for his breakfast!)

Maddie is really understanding words and doing so much so fast. Last night, after Kevin put on her diaper (crooked), I laughed and said "Maddie, look at your funky diaper." She laughed, too, and then sat down to look at her diaper. And then laughed some more! I love the sound of her laughter, both her giggles and her funny laugh. I try to memorize it because I know one day, she'll grow outgrow the baby giggles.

Grocery day really is kind of fun now - Maddie can eat so many new foods. I love watching her try olives and today's new food, tangerines. She loved it and kept asking for more.

Aunt Ces spent most of the day with us and helped us shop and then get dinner started. Maddie really lights up when she sees her now.

Maddie laughing with Aunt Cessie at her stuffed animals. We use her baby bassinet for stuffed animals - I wasn't ready to let it go just yet - and she loves to get in and sit with the animals.

Pajama Party

2009-01-27T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today was pajama day at our house. Good thing I have such cute princess pjs (and check out my fuzzy socks!) It's kind of nice to stay home sometimes - I learned to blink, blink my eyes and how to put my cars down the race track. Mommy & Daddy & I went to dinner at Outback Steakhouse and I tried mushrooms - loved them, too! (Food is great.)

Monkey Room

2009-01-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

We went to the monkey room yesterday with our Meetup Mom friends.

I wondered why all those kids were climbing all about.

Looks like fun; I'll try it.

My friend, Frances, wanted to hold hands again; I liked it better when it was my idea!

Now where did the kids go?

Xander says, "come on, Maddie, I'll help you!"

Mama had to slide down with me; we raced Aiden & Xander!

Maddie, One Year Ago

2009-01-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

How fast the year flies by! Maddie, last January 26:

52 days and 7 and 1/2 weeks old!

She was a smiley baby, then, and hasn't changed!

Goodbye, Nick & Hello, New Hair-Do

2009-01-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

Today was our final day of recovery from our nightmare last week - and the final day of finishing Nick's paper. I wanted to go to the parade and then Dominick's birthday party (both in Slidell), but my family had other plans. Nick actually asked if we could stay and finish his paper - I'm still not sure what THAT was about, but I didn't say no.

We spent the day here, doing not much. I cooked a Sunday brunch - my invention, Eggs Louisiana (biscuit, boudin, over easy egg topped with crawfish etouffe) and a big fruit salad. Then, I guess Maddie & I were both still pretty wiped out from being sick last week so we went back to bed at 10:30 and slept for two hours.

Nick's paper got done and Maddie finally got a variety of food again. She spent an hour eating dinner - thrilled with every new thing I put on her tray. Of course, she really wanted the cupcakes from Andrew's party. All day she pointed at the favor box and signed "eat, eat"!

Maddie pulled out all the stops and blew kisses to Nick as he left. It's been great having him around every weekend.

Blowing good-bye kisses to Nick.

Nick and one month old Maddie (1/11/2008)

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Kevin must have been bored and lonely after Nick went home, because:

Daddy decided to fix Maddie's hair!

I'm not so sure about this, Dad.

Well, I can still smile at the camera, of course.

Okay, let me see what he's done to me.

Oh, no, it's horrible! At least I'm still cute!

Happy Dirt Day, Andrew!

2009-01-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Andrew, celebrated his second birthday. I think he can say "birthday" now, but I still love "dirt day"! His train party was great, and Maddie was well enough to get to go out. She walked in the door, and headed to Andrew's new table. Maddie and the boys, playing train...!

It was great to see our friends, especially Frances and Charlotte. Frances really loved Maddie today. Usually Maddie loves on Frances too much, but today, Fran wanted to hug and touch Maddie. I think Frances is checking out Maddie's growing hair, because she kept patting her head. It is so nice to have a best friend at 13 months! (And it is even nicer that Frances' mommy has a camera and takes pictures since Maddie's mommy forgot hers - again.)

Maddie was so thrilled to see real food again, especially Frances' chez-its and the cake. She wanted everyone's lunch - gumbo, such a New Orleans girl! - and followed Frannie around until she shared snacks. I let her eat a piece of cake without icing and yes, she ate it all, my child with a sweet tooth.

Sara brought out the balloons at the end and Maddie loved them. She was so tired she could hardly stand up, but she could chase balloons.

Nick is still at our house and I love watching them together. Maddie gets on his lap and just leans back, relaxes and smiles. She giggles with him - and for him - all the time. Nick is really sweet and patient with her and loves to tease her and is just a great big brother.

Tonight, I got to go out with my "Gym Rompers" mom friends. It was so great - thanks, Jessica for getting us all together. Same time, next week? We went to Crepe Nanou and although the food wasn't as great as I remembered, the evening was. We talked and laughed and shared secrets and just had a really nice, no kids evening. We were at our table for 4 hours and our waiter never seemed tired of us and brought me a chocolate mousse crepe. What more can a girl want?

Kevin took the kids to Spudly's for dinner. Maddie was a little tired - and loud, he said. Kevin actually blew bubbles at the table for her. I know I remember hearing that we didn't need bubble in the diaper bag - when would we use those in public? Um, now, I guess. Think it's okay to blow bubbles on a plane?

Future Mardi Gras Royalty

2009-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

This was from our trip to Disneyworld in December.

Check out that royal wave!

Power Wheels and Basketball

2009-01-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it and Maddie is fine, I think. I'm still feeding her a very limited diet so the real test will come when I finally let her have a bottle of milk! She keeps asking for the food on our plates and she really enjoyed dinner tonight so I think her tummy is better. Thank goodness - the night she was signing "eat, eat" was awful! (Kind of cute that she can do it, though!)

She found her power wheels today and was buzzing around on her ATV. She gets frustrated because her thumb is not strong enough to hold the button for long. (Mommy kind of likes that!) She did figure out that if she used two thumbs, she could actually move the car. It's great to see her motoring around, especially since I just (and I mean just- today - $34 in shipping today) returned the power wheels bus, thinking she was too young for these. Maybe after helping me box up the bus then watching the UPS man take it away and figured she'd better start using the ATV and car or they'd be gone, too!

Nick is here for the weekend again and she is thrilled. Her face lit up when he walked in the door. It is so great to hear them playing. She giggles and then laughes when he laughes and then giggles some more. She will do anything to get him to play and laugh with her, the little flirt.

Her best time today, though, was playing basketball. We went for our neighborhood walk and stopped to watch the neighbors play ball. (The boys are probably about 5 and 8.) She was so excited that she yelled and cheered and threw her arms up in a "touchdown" motion every time the ball went near the basket. Then... one of the boys brought over an extra ball for her. It was so big but she was determined to pick that thing up and toss it! I think I will wait to tell her that with her genes, a future in basketball is probably out.

I had already forgotten that she slept in "touchdown" position. Maybe she getting ready for a future in officiating.

(Of course, we also called it "under arrest" so we're going to assume it's just a baby position and not a prediction of her future...!)

A New Day!

2009-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

I think Maddie is finally better. Without sharing any more gory details, she is wearing the same jeans I put on this morning and only used one sleeper last night!

Unfortunately, that one sleeper did not sleep in her bed all night. Two nights ago, I watched her sleep, snuggled up to her daddy and wondered why I wanted her out of our bed. Last night, when she woke up at 3 am and remembered that she needed socks on top of her pjs, I remembered why!

Then, she convinced me that we needed to get out of bed to find out why Shadow was making noice. How a 20 pound toddler with no words can manage to boss me around, I don't know, but of course, we had to find Shadow and play with him and bring him back to bed!

This is Maddie actually sleeping in her own bed - last January!

and Maddie bossing me around at six weeks old...

at least the weather is nice

2009-01-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

I am finally feeling better, hooray!! My poor baby is still sick, but she doesn't seem to know it. I really thought we were going out today. We got up and were dressed around 8. (Yes, am, for those who know me well!) Breakfast - toast for me, Os, banana and yogurt for Maddie - went well. I pushed my luck and gave her a bottle of milk. Seconds after polishing it off (and maybe because she sucked it down), it came back - onto the sofa that did not need steaming cleaning (well, until now.) I was still pretty hopeful and made plans to meet my sister for lunch and a kid movie.

Maddie's tummy had other plans. I started to pick her up to leave and realized she had exploded. Also realized that a onsie was a really bad idea. Kevin took her straight to the shower and I headed back to the laundry room.

Kevin did keep Maddie for a little while so I could run to the store (and frankly, escape the house for a little while.) It was such a nice day! As soon as I got home, I plunked a blanket in the stroller and set off with Maddie. We walked while she napped and then had a picnic on the back porch and just played outside. Once again, I thought we had made it - maybe the really cheap store brand chicken pot pies were the answer; forget the homemade organic food! - but then, oops. I realized that she had thrown up on the porch, and once again, as I picked her up, yuck! Please tell me that the slide was wet and got it on her pants. Oh, no, she was "wet" and got it on the slide. What fun to be a mom!

Dinner - I was sure I could find something that would stay in her stomach so I made chicken soup, using all organic ingredients (at least she liked it), yogurt mashed potatoes (hated it) and homemade cranberry jello. (I didn't even know you could make your own.) The jello didn't set until after dinner and unfortunately, Maddie's tummy didn't set either. Well, at least it was bath time!

Somehow, I didn't take any pictures today. Since I didn't start this until Maddie was thirteen months old, I hope to add pictures from her first year. This picture was taken a year ago today - Shadow, Mommy & Maddie!

we made it through another day!

2009-01-21T21:08:00.000-08:00

It has been almost 48 hours since anyone in our house has thrown up - hooray! Maddie is still leaking and my poor baby has watched more TV this week than she has her entire first year. (It's hard to entertain a sick baby when mommy is sick.) Kevin & I are still sick, but can see the end. (Thank goodness - yesterday and this morning, I couldn't remember what it was like to not be sick, tired and depressed.)

My sister Cessie brought us sprite, bread for toast, diapers! and chicken pot pies for lunch and then matzo ball soup for dinner. Thank you! We were all glad to eat something besides bananas and rice!

Maddie is still in love with her socks. I found a set of matching mommy/baby fluffy socks and she was thrilled. She kept checking both our feet and holding her feet up to see.

She's back in her bed tonight. We'll see if it lasts. Before she was sick, she had been sleeping in her bed for about a week. She even fell asleep in her own bed three nights in a row. Maybe she likes it and will be happy to sleep on her own? (Yeah, I know, that's funny!)

Here's hoping for a good day tomorrow!

A Bad Night and Sock Boots

2009-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

We made it through all of Maddie's first year without any illnesses, medicines or sick baby doctor visits. Since her first birthday, we've been to the doctor three times, called twice after hours, been on antibotics (twice) and experienced her first bout of real illness. Bring babyhood back!

After throwing up all Saturday night, Maddie was better Sunday and I thought we had made it pretty well. Then came Monday - diarrhea for her, all the symptoms hitting me and then Maddie threw up all over Daddy at 2 am. (He did pretty well and held her anyway.)

We spent all night trying to make it to morning! We've also washed every sleeper she owns, every towel in the house and a lots of other miscellaneous blankets, pillows, tshirts...

I've wiped down every door handle, phone, light switch and surface space I could - and now I am doing it again. And all her toys are going for a spin in the dishwasher!

Through it all, she's been great. A little bit cranky and whiney (who can blame her?), but she able to be jollied into a good mood and she has developed a new habit. I got out some fluffy socks for me to wear and she wanted them! I let her have a pair, of course, and they came up to her hips. She has worn a pair of my fluffy socks since then. Kevin said that after she threw up all over him at 2 am, she first checked to make sure her socks were still on! (It's a good thing I had more than one pair!)

They remind me so much of my first meetup with the Metairie Moms. I went to story time at Barnes & Noble with 2 month old Maddie and met a (now former) member, who had forgotten her shoes. She pulled up her socks and called them sock boots. I must have really needed friends because looking back, that's really weird - I should have run away from that group!

Weekend with Nick

2009-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Much to Maddie's delight, Nick came back again this weekend! Since we cancelled today's playdate (sharing with our friends is encouraged, unless it's a virus!), we had two days of FUN, FUN, FUN.

Nick is working on his social studies project. He picked the exciting topic, Louisiana State Parks. I am the official paper writing helper, so we often spend weekends in the office, fighting over wording. At least for this paper, we could visit some of the parks. It still ended up being a pretty boring list of the state parks, with a little bit about each. We did actually finish almost all of it this weekend, so we are pretty pleased with each other. His Dad is really proud of us and wanted this paper saved forever, so I am copying it to the bottom of this post. If there is anything you really need to know about the state parks, read away. Otherwise, sorry!

Maddie loved the time with Nick. She thinks her brothers are pretty wonderful and I think Nick may have actually been her first word. I know she said Nick & Michael (or something with the right syllables!) before she said mama.

When she was really little, she would just stare at Nick all weekend. Now she finds him to play or help her. She loves to lean against him so I tried to get a picture.

Louisiana’s State Parks

Louisiana’s State Parks are part of Louisiana’s Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. CRT is headed by the Lt. Governor. There are three kind of parks within Louisiana: the historical sites, the preservation area and the recreational parks. There are sixteen historical sites and one preservation area. This project is mainly about the twenty state recreational parks.
Louisiana's State Parks System began in 1934 with the passage of legislation creating the State Parks Commission of Louisiana, a state governmental agency charged with the "establishment, protection, and management of state parks and recreational centers

The state parks system began in 1934. In 1974, the State Parks and Recreational Commission developed a long term plan for making the parks better and larger. Since 1975, the state has spent $77 million dollars buying land and improving the state parks. Since 1995, the Office of State Parks has built new facilities and upgraded many others, spending more than $80 million dollars. In 2002, more than two million visited Louisiana state parks annually.

Bayou Segnette State Park is in Westwego near New Orleans and was established in 1934. It was swampland at one time and was changed to marsh by the creation of canals. It is 580 acres containing a boat launch, 100 campsites, 20 cabins, a group camp, a playground and a wave pool.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park in Bastrop, near the Louisiana-Arkansas state line, is 503 acres. It was created in 1935. The word Chemin-A-Haut is French for “high road.” It has 35 picnic areas, 5 group sites, cabins, a boat launch, rental boats, swimming, a playground, fresh water fishing from the shore and hiking.
Chicot State Park is found in south central Louisiana in Ville Platte and was added to the system in 1939. The 6400 acre park contains a 2000 acre lake, with record breaking fish. The hiking trails go completely around Lake Chicot. It has 200 campsites, a lodge, 27 cabins, a group camp, picnic areas and playgrounds, a swimming pool, a boat launch, a fishing pier and a dock with rental boats, a 400 ft. fishing pier. The only state preservation area, the 300 acre Louisiana Arboretum, is located near the entrance to the state park.
Cypremort Point State Park is southeast of Lafayette. The 185 acre park was created in 1970. Visitors can go sailing, windsurfing, pleasure boating, fishing, swimming and waterskiing. The park has a 100 foot fishing pier, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, barbeque grills, covered picnic pavilions and outdoor showers.
Fairview Riverside State Park, near Madisonville, was established in 1963 and was named for the 1880s house located on the property. It is the site of the Otis House, the 19th century home donated to the state with the land for the park. Otis House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Fontainebleau State Park, near Mandeville, formed in 1938, was originally named Tchefuncte State Park and Conservation Reservation. It is a 2800 acre state park, containing the ruins of a plantation sugar mill and brickyard. The property was donated to the state by the owner’s son.
Grand Isle State Park is located on Grand Isle, and became a state park in 1968. There are over 280 species of fish in this state park. Every year in July, Grand Isle hosts the Tarpon Rodeo, an annual saltwater fishing competition, the oldest fishing tournament in the country. This park is located on a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico.
Hodges Garden State Park in Florien was donated to the state in 2007. The 700 acre parks contains 40 acres of gardens and a 225 bass fishing lake. The lake water is also used throughout the park for waterfalls, pools, fountains and a watering system. There are hiking and biking trails and also has RV and wilderness camping.
The Jimmy Davis State Park in Chatham was established in 1996. It is located on a peninsula in Caney Lake. The park was originally named Caney Creek Lake State Park and the name was changed in 2003 to honor former governor Jimmie Davis.
Lake Bistineau State Park, on the western side of Lake Bistineau, is in Doyline. Lake Bistineau was created by a gigantic log jam in the Red River two hundred years ago. The park has a hardwood forest containing cypress and tupelo trees. The park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach, camping, cabins, lodges, and excellent fishing.
Lake Bruin State Park became in a state park 1956. It is located in St. Joseph, is a 53 acre park, and has access to the 3000 acre Lake Bruin. The site was originally established 1928 as a fish hatchery. The park has three large fishing piers, a year round boat launch and a boat shed.
Lake Claiborne State Park, near Homer, was established in 1974. The lake was created by damning Bayou D’Arbonne. When the lake is at full reservoir level, it has a surface area of 6400 acres. Visitors to the park can go swimming, fishing, birding, boating of all kinds, waterskiing, camping and hiking.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park is in Farmerville was created in 1967. It is 655 acres, with a 15,250 acre lake. It has a swimming pool and a tennis complex, and 65 campsites, 18 cabins, 2 lodges and a group camp that sleeps 52. Lake D’Arbonne is also a good fishing location, with fishing piers and boat docks.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is located 18 miles east of St. Martinville and was established in 1974. This state park was once part of the Atchafalaya Basin and is 6,000 acres and was once home to the Chitimacha Indians. It is located near Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site.
North Toledo Bend State Park is located in Zwolle and was created in 1976. This state park is located on Toledo Bend Reservoir. Toledo Bend is one of the country’s largest man-made reservoirs. This park is 900 acres and it is situated on a peninsula, which extends into the reservoir at the mouth of Bayou Miguel. This state park is located near five of the state’s historic sites: Fort Jessup, Fort Jean Batiste, Los Adaes, Mansfield and Rebel. The park has a boat launch with a fish cleaning station, boat rentals, fresh water fishing competitions and an Olympic sized swimming pool. It also has 63 RV sites, 10 vacation cabins and a group camp that sleeps up to 150 people.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is in Delhi, which is located near the Mississippi flyway. Visitors have good chances for viewing birds, and sighting black bears.
This park, created in 2003, was located on a 2700 hundred acre manmade lake, which was formed in 2001 as a water resource for the area and also as a recreational park. The park features 24 campsites and 8 lake front cabins, with a water playground. The north marina complex features a swimming beach area, a boat launch and a marina with 48 covered slips, as well as a concession stand, fishing pier and fish cleaning stations.
St. Bernard State Park, 18 miles southeast of New Orleans in Braithwaite, was established in 1978. The land for this park was donated by a local family in 1971. This park suffered the most damage of all Louisiana parks during Katrina, and was re-opened in December, 2006. It has a network of manmade lagoons and is located near the Chalmette National Historic Park, Jackson Barracks, and other historic sites and plantation homes.
Sam Houston Jones State Park is named for the Texas folk hero, Sam Jones, who traveled in western Louisiana and became the 37th governor of Louisiana. This park is 1,087 acres, and was created in 1944. There are three hiking trails and the most interesting is the old Stagecoach Road.
South Toledo Bend State Park was established in 2003 and is located in Anacoco. The area is a common nesting ground for the bald eagle. It is located near Fort Polk Reservation Center and has a 3000 foot surface nature trail.
Tickfaw State Park is located southwest of Springfield in Livingston Parish and became a state park in 1999. The park was the first state park devoted to natural resource education. Visitors can canoe on Tickfaw River or have fun at the water playground.
In 2009, there will be two new additions to the state parks system. These additions are Bogue Chitto State Park and Palmetto Island State Park. Bogue Chitto is located near Franklinton and Palmetto Island is located south of Abbeville. There will be fishing, camping, swimming and nature trails, and visitor centers at both of these parks. There will be continued upgrades to all the state parks, including new cabins at Bayou Segnette State Park and improvements to the Hodges Gardens State Park.
Since the start of the parks in 1934, the state parks system has greatly improved and expanded. Visitors to the state parks system, spending over $40 million annually, can now fish, hike, camp, swim, picnic and enjoy numerous wildlife, floral and vegetation habitats. This year is very special because it is the seventy fifth anniversary of the state parks system, and there will be special celebrations and events throughout the year. ((this can be a theme on the display board))

Finally blogging and Maddie's New Boots

2009-01-18T22:27:00.000-08:00

I follow my friend's Blair blog with fascination and admiration. She has made me laugh and cry and I am always so grateful when she includes Maddie in her posts and pictures. With her encouragement, I started this blog - and posted once. I vowed to start on Maddie's birthday and post once a day, with at least one picture. With two parties (both for Maddie), two birthday dinners (one for Maddie and one for me), a fabulous trip to Disneyworld and the Christmas / New Year holidays, blogging fell well down on the priority list.

At Charlotte's third birthday party (thanks for including us!), I decided to honor our friendship and really start blogging. Well, I planned to, anyway.

Maddie had other plans for my evening. With Kevin & Nick in Houma for the day and evening, I thought I would finish the thank you notes from Maddie's birthday (yes, still working on them!), clean up a bit and have some quiet time. Maddie seemed especially cranky and tired so I thought I would put her to bed early and have an evening alone. Right at 7 pm, I fixed her bottle, then heard a bad noise - Maddie getting sick. She opened her mouth and it just poured out, right onto the sofa arm, then on me, then the floor, then everywhere. She was sick over and over until 1 am, poor baby.

Fortunately, she bounced right back and has been fine all day. Her mommy is worn out and the house is still a mess - and smells a bit - steam cleaner needed!, but Maddie is happy baby again.

Yesterday's picture was going to be this photo of Maddie wearing her boots from Mr. Wayne. We finally took him to dinner - a month and a day late - for his birthday on Friday. He gave Maddie a great present - rain boots, and she loves them. She wanted to wear them to Charlotte's party, but compromised on the lavendar loafers on loan from Blair. (Neither were the pink ballet shoes I had planned, but I think it is my fault for creating a shoe princess.) Maddie had a great time pushing her blue dog around in her favorite toy (a $4 stroller from KB toys - not any of the presents I picked out for Christmas or her birthday, of course!), wearing her new boots.

Today I followed Maddie's lead on food and drinks. After strongly encouraging her to eat dinner - and then having to watch it it all come back up, I realized she really did know if she wanted to eat or not. Tonight, I let her feed herself - bananas, rice, rice noodles, and then the fun stuff - yogurt and pear sauce. I found out that she's not bad with a spoon. The tray and Maddie look a bit messy, but a surprisely small amount hit the floor. My baby is growing so fast and is able to do so many things herself now. It is so much fun and so exciting, but I wish it were just a little slower!

Houma

2008-10-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Maddie is in Houma today, with Granny Pearl and PawPaw Raymond. I am so lucky to have a husband that gives me free time, a husband that wants to help his parents and inlaws that want to spend time with my daughter. I am so glad that Maddie has a strong relationship with Kevin's parents. I am using my free time to learn how to manage and organize pictures. This is a picture of Maddie on her 8th month birthday at her granny's house.