Fall Fun

For the past two weekends, Eric and I have taken Maddie to two pumpkin patches. The Fall weather in Austin has been beautiful (50s at night and 70s during the day) so we're trying to get out as much as possible and enjoy the Fall festivities.

First we visited Sweet Berry Farms in Marble Falls, Texas which is a large pumpkin farm with a corn maze, hay rides, horses, goats, and lots of picture oportunities. Maddie really enjoyed Sweet Berry Farms, squeaking often with happiness.

This weekend, we went to a small pumpkin patch near our house for more fun picture opportunities. Once again, Maddie loved seeing all the different pumpkins and Fall decorations.

So far, Fall has been a lot of fun for the Mahurin household.






To see more pictures, take a look at my flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17603883@N00/4045009982/in/set-72157622663392058/

Our First Family Vacation - Florida

On October 3rd, Eric, Maddie and I boarded a plane for a week-long vacation in Florida. We met Eric's parents and brother, so Maddie was able to see her Grandpa and Gram Mahurin and Uncle Andy.

Maddie handled her first plane ride beautifully. She ate and slept on each flight and played happily while she was awake. She was only cranky for about 10 mins on one flight.

Our vacation went wonderfully too. We spent lots of time with Grandpa, Gram and Uncle Andy Mahurin, swam in the ocean and in the pool, took a paddle-boat ride, saw dolphins, visited an aquarium and ate lots of yummy food. Overall, we couldn't have asked for a better first family vacation.

Here's a video of Maddie having a blast in the ocean:


Family Photo:

9 Months Old

On Oct 4th, our little Maddie turned 9 months old. Eric and I fall more in love with her each day and can't resist her charm and cuteness.

I'm sure I've said this before, but Maddie is truly the light of our lives, bringing us joy every day.

9 Month Well-Check Stats:
- Weight: 20 lbs, 3 oz (75%)
- Height: 29 in (90%)
- Head: 44.7 cm (75%)

Things We Want to Remember About Maddie at 9 Months:

• She CRAWLS! Although she took her time learning to crawl, she's all over the place now, exploring her world every day.


• She stands. Every chance she gets. She pulls up on everything. Just yesterday, she used a 2-yr old friend's shirt to pull up on.


• She takes big steps with assisted walking, but stops every 2-3 steps to look up at us with her dimpled grin.


• She dances to music, toys with tunes and even my humming.


• She's become incredibly vocal within the last 2 weeks. She says "Dadda", "Momma", "Hi" and makes lots of sounds in response to people or things she likes. She's got a lot to say these days.


• She waves bye-bye.


• She loves pictures - especially of herself. Everyday, she points at several pictures around the house and makes excited noises. I say the names of everyone in the pictures and she smiles and laughs.


• She loves swimming in pools and the ocean and thoroughly enjoys bath time.


• She likes reading a lot more now and enjoys turning the pages as we read.


• She's got 5 teeth and one on the way.


• She's still a great eater and has learned to feed herself several finger foods. She's yet to dislike any solid food we've offered her.


• She has started to use a sippy cup.


• She gives Daddy and Mommy zerbits, mimicking all the zerbits Daddy's given her over the last few months.


• She growls and squeaks when she's happy or excited.
• She knows her own name.

All Mommy, All the Time

As of Sept 21st, I am a stay-at-home Mom. Wow. Writing those words make me feel so happy and blessed.

After working for the same, great company for 8 1/2 years, Eric and I decided it was time for a change - a big change. I never imagined that having Maddie would change me in so many ways. I never (ever) thought I'd want to be a stay-at-home Mom. But I do and I love it.

And now that I have experienced working plus being a Mom, I have so much respect for working Moms. It is by far the hardest, most exhausting thing I ever did. So, KUDOS to all you working Moms out there. You're amazing.

I don't quite know what the future holds regarding my career but I'm okay with that. For now, all I want to do is spend my time with Maddie.

How can I resist this face?