Monkeying Around

This is a long video (like 2 min) so I apologize for that. I felt like it needed some air time because of a few reasons:

1) it opens with Madison playing with this hysterical monkey toy that Dad and Natalia brought for our weekend at the zoo. Needless to say, the monkey is a hit with baby and doggies. And if his giggles don't make you crack up then.....I suggest you get some more coffee or a shot of tequila to loosen up. :)

2) there is a sweet smile somewhere in the middle

3) she stands using the coffee table at the end

Enjoy!

World Outside of the House

Now that the weather is starting to turn nice, we've enjoyed more outdoor activities. One of which, includes leaving the back door open. This Saturday, Maddie mustered up the courage to cross the threshold and discover the world beyond the inside.For a good 30 minutes she would leave and come back to the door to stare outside.

Then, she got ready to do it! She would reach out and touch the doormat to 'test the waters', then retract her hand. Needless to say she possesses Max's adventurous spirit, but my follow-through (as in thought out and cautious).

Congratulating herself for a job well done!

Winds were 30 mph + so we like to call this the model shot....hair flowing in the wind.

Then, we end on a horse ride through the backyard.

Giggle Box

I'm not sure this warrants any commentary. She's amazing!

To the Zoo

Last weekend, Dad and Natalia came up for a visit. It was the first truly beautiful Saturday in a long time and a perfect day for the zoo. We had a great time!

No lie Max, Maddie and I were at a glass barrier looking over the gorilla exhibit and this guy crawled right over to us. He and Maddie stood nose to nose reaching for each other through the glass. It was surreal.

Max enjoyed photoing the animals.

Henry enjoyed showing off his handsome smile.

Two ladies ready for the zoo! The scratch on her nose is from a bump at school. :(

Maddie's gorilla one more time.

Family shot

Madison's New BFF

Rory Hammerlun was born on Saturday, February 20th at 10 in the morning. She was 6 pounds 8 ounces and is beautiful. Madison and I were the first to stalk (ahem...I mean) arrive at the hospital. We were so honored to see baby Rory and Dad walking proudly down the hall to their post-delivery room. Lacey and I are so excited to hang out with our two wonderful daughters.

Loving pats!

And the family grows.

Do you see the laser beam stares from Maddie to me?

Mr. Bumbo - RIP

Farewell, dear friend....Mr. Bumbo. You helped Maddie with so many wonderful milestones, but you have now been replaced with a highchair.

Eating in the Bumbo (4 months)

Eating in my shiny new highchair (9 months)

'sup

IHOP Fun

Last weekend, Max's family came to visit and just like every good DuBois trip we made a visit to IHOP for breakfast. And we had no shame in snapping photos..........

Maddie's 1st pancake! As my child, I would have imagined a more favorable taking to this delicious treat, but maybe next time when I smother it in syrup we will have a winner.