Tummy Time

Maddie joined Carly in her tummy time exercises (and she watched The Wonder Pets at the same time).

A Language all Her Own

Maddie continues to add words to her vocabulary each week but still says some words and phrases that Eric and I can't quite understand. She's also recently started adding extra syllables to words she's known for months.

It's interesting to watch Maddie's language develop and evolve, so I wanted to document a few of the words she says so we don't forget.

Dadda is now "Dadd-u-watt"
Momma is now "Mommaye" (pronounced mom-eye)
Baby (Carly) is now "Baby-o" or "Baby-yuck"
Maddie is now "Mahihi"

Imagination

Recently, Maddie has begun to spend more time playing with her legos, building castles and buildings. She'll spend a solid 20-30 mins putting the blocks together and taking them apart and clapping for herself when she figures out a new way to connect them. It's fun to see her use her imagination and build her confidence too.

Also, she loves to put one of the lego containers on her head just to be silly.

Christmas Lights

On Saturday morning, we had an unusually warm day with highs in the mid-70s. But, that didn't stop Eric from putting up Christmas lights!

I took Maddie and Carly outside for a while to watch Daddy decorate and enjoy the weather. Our neighbors visited us and played with Maddie so we ended up having a fun Saturday morning.

I love this time of year!

Bath Time

Although we've given Carly sponge baths every few days since her birth, we were able to give her a real bath now that her belly button was ready.

Like Maddie, Carly enjoys baths and really enjoys warm water being poured on her head. Very cute.

Thanksgiving 2010

This year, my parents, brother and his family joined us at our home for Thanksgiving. We got to spend lots of time with our sweet nephew, Mason, and watch the kids play together all day.

Eric and I have been pretty busy since Carly's birth, so my parents happily prepared a delicious Thanksgiving meal, plus several other meals throughout the long weekend. They also helped with the girls and made us feel extra loved. Thanks Mom and Dad for making the holiday so relaxing and special for us.

Besides being thankful for my parents, brother and his family, Eric and I are so thankful for our growing family. We are truly blessed.







More Thanksgiving pictures: Click Here

Outside Time

Although we've had a heatwave the last few days (weather in the 80s!), last week's weather was crisp and cool and sunny. Perfect weather for taking the girls to the backyard for some fresh air.

Happy Big Sister

Maddie is adjusting to her new big sister role more and more each day.

Carly's Birthday

On November 10th, 2010 at 1:19pm, Carly came into the world. Suddenly, we became a family of four. Almost two weeks later, I still can't believe Eric and I have another daughter and Maddie has a sister.

Maddie is adjusting beautifully so far. She's helpful and seems to understand that Carly is her sister and part of our family now. It's so cute to watch Maddie smile at Carly every day.

Although having a newborn and a toddler has been a bit tiring, I look forward to watching the girls grow up together become best friends.

Park Time!

This morning, Maddie and I met Erica and Michelle at one of our favorite parks - Dick Nichols. It was in the low 40s but the sun was shining brightly so it was perfect for outdoor play.

The girls spent quite a bit of time on the "big girl swings" - a first for Maddie, and played with rocks and on the slides.

It's nice to see some of our favorite friends before things get busy in a few days when baby #2 arrives.

(All photos courtesy of Michelle. Thank you!)