Sunday Morning Swim

This morning, Eric and I took Maddie to our neighborhood pool. Most of Austin's pools and splash pads close for the season in just a few weeks, so we want Maddie to get as much water play as possible.

When we arrived at the pool, Maddie screamed with excitement and almost jumped into the pool by herself before stopped her. She splashed, jumped and let Eric pull her around on her back. I'm always amazed by how much she loves the water, even if it gets in her eyes or mouth.

One more detail I want to remember: During our swim, one of Maddie's favorite Taylor Swift songs started to play on the radio. Maddie screamed, "THIS!" and bobbed her head back and forth. The life-guards got a kick out of our funny little water baby and Taylor Swift fan.

More Ohio Trip Pics

One rainy morning during our Ohio trip, we took Maddie to a half-priced books store and a local mall. Maddie picked out a few books and rode on several toys at the mall. Turned out to be a fun morning - in spite of the rain.

Dancing Queen

This morning, Maddie put on the pink tutu that came with her PJs and put on a show for us. She did a few head-stands, some twirling and danced around happily.

We enjoyed her performance.

Big Girl Potty

When Maddie turned 18 months old last month, I purchased her a potty seat to fit on top of the regular toilet. We decided to forgo the little potty and see how Maddie would do with a small toilet seat instead.

We've been very casual about it and we're in no rush whatsoever. But, Maddie likes the potty and "asks" to sit on her little seat 2-3 times a day.

Today, she actually peed in the toilet for the first time. She also grabbed a few squares of toilet paper and wiped herself (sorry, TMI but I'm so proud!).

Even though this is only the beginning of potty training, I think we're off to a good start.

Trip to Ohio

We recently returned from Ohio where we visited the Mahurin side of our family. Maddie met her four cousins and got to spend time with her uncles, aunts and Grandpa and Grandma Mahurin.

Maddie was perfectly behaved on all the flights to and from Ohio, much to our relief. I packed a backpack full of activities to keep her busy and it worked like a charm (thanks for the ideas, Michelle!!).

Eric, Maddie and I certainly had a fun-filled week: We visited a water park, an aquarium had a wonderful time at uncle Steven and aunt Susan's BBQ and spent the day riding tractors, playing croquette and running around the hills of Grandpa and Grandma's farm house.

Thanks to everyone for making our trip a memorable one.






For all 200 pictures, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17603883@N00/sets/72157624487745173/

Return to the Splash Pad

We had so much fun at the Ricky Guerrero splash pad on Friday that we went back again Sunday so Eric could spend time with Maddie. Eric loved it too. He couldn't believe it was free and thought it was such a great way to stay cool on hot days.

I brought my video camera along this time to capture a few moments of our little water baby.

Maddie runs under water tunnel:


Water baby in action:

Splash Pad!

Maddie and I, along with some of our friends, discovered a new Austin gem today: Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad located in South/Central Austin. It's almost fully shaded with trees and has lots of fun water features for kids to run through. It's a great alternative to a swimming pool and the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Maddie could not possibly have had more fun. She may be afraid of tumbling at the baby gym, but she's certainly not afraid of water.

Summer Fun - Indoors

Austin has lots of fun, indoor activities for toddlers during these hot summer months. This week, Maddie and I met Michelle and Erica at two different kid gyms for playtime. The girls enjoyed activities like dance, bubbles, the balance beam, hanging bars and even color time.

18 Months Old

The fourth of July is also an important date for us because Maddie turned 18 months old. Our sweet baby girl is a year and a half old. I'm in awe of the person she's becoming and enjoy watching her interact with other kids, play, make decisions, solve "problems" and navigate through life. Maddie, I don't think there are words to accurately describe how much Mommy and Daddy love you. We look forward to every day because of you.

Stats at 18 Months:
Height: 33 in (90%)
Weight: 25.1 lbs (50-75%)
Head: 47 cm (75%)

Things We Want to Remember about Maddie at 18 Months:

• Has full reign of the house now that we've removed the two safety gates. Can climb up/down stairs with ease.
• Eats very well with fork and spoon. Can feed herself yogurt or soup using a spoon with minimal mess
• Is fearless and will run from me or Eric if we let go of her hand for a second while at a store. (This scares Momma!)
• Her favorite word is still "this" but she also says words such as trash, run, bless (when we sneeze), Momma, Dadda, eye, ball, banana, dog.
• Loves coloring, reading and playing with balls, her stuffed animals and baby doll.
• Runs fast and yells, "Nun, nun, nun!"
• Can drink out of a small cup but still spills a bit.
• Has a mouth-full of beautiful teeth.
• Every time we get into the car, she points to the radio saying, "This" until I play the Taylor Swift CD. Every day.
• Bobs her head to music in stores and restaurants.
• Loves picking up lint and throwing it into the trash can.
• Can climb on to just about anything.
• Likes to get her clothes out and try to dress herself, even when she's already dressed.
• No longer uses a highchair.
• Knows several animal sounds such as sheep, cow, bee, snake and lion
• Understands almost everything we say to her and around her.

Maddie napping in the car after a long day of errand running. Fell asleep with a toy in her mouth:

4th of July Weekend

Eric, Maddie and I had a wonderful 4th of July weekend with Grandpa and Grandnee Ramirez. Maddie got extra hugs, kisses and attention which made her a happy little girl. Maddie even got a special 4th of July gift basket of toys from Grandnee and Granpa. (Thanks Mom and Dad!!)

We hope you enjoyed your stay with us as much as we did! We can't wait to see you guys again very soon.

Fun 4th of July with Grandnee and Grandpa:


Yumm!


Maddie running in the backyard (or as she says, "nun, nun, nun!")


Hanging out on the deck with Daddy and Grandpa: