Peas! Carrots!

We took a leap, folks.....and tried baby food. We started with carrots and peas. She liked the carrots way better. And a special thank you to Kassie Kemp (a co-worker) for reminding me that a naked baby is easier to clean when they get the food all over themselves. Mmmm.....

Alex Turns 18!

Last weekend, we made a trip to San Antonio for a couple of reasons: 1) see Alex (max's little bro) play Varsity football; 2) celebrate Alex's 18th birthday and 3) hang out with the San Antonio DuBois.

Go Canyon Cougars!
Despite her scared looking face, she enjoyed the game and all the sounds.

We were taking family Christmas photos and ended up posing a few times with Maddie.

She loves those hands.

Gregg is a champ at making her laugh.

Alex gets his birthday dessert at Salsalito's.

Sunday morning group shot.

Family Shot

Alex and Maddie

Oh man, this is the best photo-bomb ever.

Please note their parents' dog 'Sooskie' at the bottom. She is obsessed with Maddie and wanted to love on her the entire time.

On the way home, since I sat in the back entertaining my little darling Reese and Allie snuggled in the front seat. So sweet.

The First Attempt at Food

After we went to the Pediatrician for month 4's check-up and shots, the Dr. told us that we could start testing Maddie with rice cereal. So, we got started and for some crazy-hippie reason I decided to make my own.

Peace, love and rice cereal y'all!

To make, you take brown rice and grind it in a coffee grinder until a fine powder.
Be careful not to spill!

After boiling and adding milk to it, we were ready to rock.

Before!

After!

As to be expected, she had no idea what to do with it. Since, she has turned into a rock-star eater. She watches us take the spoon to the bowl and then opens up when we get it to her mouth. Now what happens after that, I think she is still a little shaky on. Luckily, this event is followed by bathtime!

I did video the first eating experience.....

She Grasps and Chews

Maddie is in full swing of grabbing toys and directing them straight into her mouth. You may have noticed in some of the pics her abundant slobbering. She is not teething yet, but is definitely close.

I had Max take these pictures because I wanted to take a quick snapshot of this sweet time when Maddie is: alert, able to sit against me without support, self-contained and ooooooooh so squeezable and cuddly. I have a feeling getting her to sit still in my lap won't be something that lasts forever.

Charlotte and Maddie

Our neighbors down the street have a 2 year old named Charlotte. Charlotte is about to be a big sister to James....due any day now....actually he was due yesterday.

Anyways, we go over to Charlotte's house for dinner often and always have a good time. They have recently converted their dining room into a playroom. Pictures below are of Maddie and Charlotte in the room on a Dora the Explorer kid couch.

Konked Out

You know how warm and cuddly fresh towels from the dryer are? Well, my dogs think so too! When it is time to fold, I put them in the white chair in our living room and immediately they jump and nestle in. I thought that maybe Maddie might like the warm and cozies too which is why I put her on top of the pile. Excellent photo ops.

Reese and Allie enjoying warm towels, fresh from the dryer.
Maddie sleeping like a dog, wait a baby.

Scholastics Start Early

Just a typical Saturday morning.....

learning and reading.
My baby is a genius. ;)

Weekend with the 'Grands'

Last weekend, Dad and Natalia (Grandad and G Natty) came to visit. It was a great weekend looking back. I put that disclaimer because my three-some (plus the dogs) seemed to be having a serious meltdown.

Examples:
1) Allie had an allergic reaction to her shots at the vet and got all kinds of swollen and lethargic on Friday
2) Allie rolled in a big pile of ants and was blotchy red and puffy....Dad and Max rushed her to the vet on Saturday
3) Maddie had her first fever and was acting all kinds of crazy - now if you have had kids you know that the first time your kid is sick you go into complete freak-out mode debating between buzzing your pediatrician's cell phone and rushing your kid to the ER. Luckily, we have some neighbor friends who have had the drill before. They recommended children's tylenol to break the fever. It did, but it was a stressful day to say the least.

Wrapped into all the drama, was a great weekend!

Saturday lunch at Babe's....two meal options on the menu: fried chicken or chicken fried steak. Awesome!
Still waiting......

Maddie had enough fried chicken and needed a nap.....

So did Henry! In fact, so did Max, Tim and Natalia who all also took a nap. That left Dad glued to the TV for every football game on earth that became the 'big' game which meant they were all important. That left Misty and me to converse. Family time is great, no matter how you slice it. ;)

Maddie wanted to sit on the couch like a big girl!

Tim and Reese enjoying an afternoon cocktail and a little football.

Cousin business!

Cousin playtime. Maddie and Henry sported Longhorn gear in honor of the team's off-weekend. Hook 'em kids!

This photo has so much more than meets the eye. At first you see Dad and Maddie. Then, you see Max and Reese off to the right and sweet Henry int he swing behind Dad's left shoulder.

The night ended with a round of Cranium in which we all ended up in stitches by Misty's humming....if that's what you want to call it.