T-H-R-E-E!

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe my little girl is 3 years old!

This picture describes her perfectly right now.
Full of JOY!
Uninhibited, relentless JOY!

Most days you can find her in a Princess dress. She loves playing pretend and dressing like the character. Usually she will tell me, "Mom, I'm Cinderella..." or "Mom, I'm Jake (a pirate)." She then expects me to call her by their names, instead of her own. What an imagination.

What a personality! Daily she says things that leave me in stitches. Both Bryan and I look at each other and shake our heads, a lot. She has never meet a stranger and typically is the center of attention. Definitely something we will have to watch and continue to shepherd her heart in preferring others and fleeing from prideful ambition. Right now its all innocent fun. She is full of life and spunk. I love it.

On Mady's actually birthday this year it was a yucky, wet rainy day. So we had our bff, Moriah over for cup cakes (my sweet friend Annie brought over because I had a 1 week old and was unable to plan something fun for Mady's actual birthday) because it was Moriah's birthday just he day before. They had a fun Princess playdate.

Later that night we sang and celebrated again with another cupcake.
The girl has a major sweet tooth!

Mady is our little spit fire! I often describe her this way because that is totally her personality.
She is eager to help and often intuitively knows when someone is hurt or upset. She is ready to ask "whats wrong", take care of them and offer not only a band-aid, but her puppy and blanket too. Bryan and I love this about her. She already is nurturing and loving. Maybe a future nurse like her Mimi?

Mady knows all her letters, both upper case and lower case; their sounds and often will recite them when she sees them on signs around town. One of her favorite thing to do is to go up to license plates and recite the letters and numbers. I have started to use flash cards to help her start memorizing some sight words for reading later. She can count to 20 and even surprised us yesterday and counted (some what) in spanish. We have no clue where she picked this up! She knows all her colors, shapes and is learning concepts like seasons, months of the year, "nocturnal vs. diurnal" etc.  She is like a sponge and loves to learn.

She also knows several bible verses and has LOTS of songs memorized. I have begun teaching her basics about the bible. Like all the books, who wrote them, how many, new and old testament, etc. She prays in the evenings and at meals and loves to hear stories from her Jesus Storybook Bible. Her favorite continues to be David and Goliath.

One thing to note about Ms. Mady is her love for all things music. She loves ALL kinds of music and dance! Anything from kids songs, to bible songs, worship songs to Mumford and Sons to Hall & Oats to Andrew Peterson to Florence and the Machine. She has a wide array of interests (mostly because of Mom and Dad's interests). She has rhythm too. Dance class is next on our list.

Mady goes to Mother's Day out twice a week and loves it. Being very social, this has been a great thing for her. She loves to do the art, finger painting and crafts. She learns songs and plays with new friends. I always get a report, via Mady of the days activities and which kid shared and which one did not. Oh my! Yes.

At her well visit she was right around 32lbs (65%) and not sure how tall, but she was in the 20%tile for height. Growing just fine. Healthy as can be. We even had her blood tested to see what her nut allergy was (number wise) and she was negative! Thankful!

Overall....doing very well!

Dear Mady,

We are so thankful for you and the beautiful young lady God is growing you up to be. We are exceedingly proud of your kind and tender heart towards others and thrilled for your love for your new baby brother. You are a great big sister!

It is a joy to be your mommy. I can think of NOTHING I'd rather do, than spend my days with you and your brother, serving you all and helping your daddy. What a great blessing you are. Thank you for your love and laughter! You keep me smiling, little one.

Love,
Mommy

SHE DID IT!!!

She finally did it! After a year or more DEFIANCE of all things "potty", she decided [after some bribing, not ashamed; don't judge].
Haha. Ok, ok. 
There was a little bribing with a new princess toy as a celebration and reward for a BIG DEAL thing taking place.

I really wanted Mady to be ready when we started trying again.
So we talked about potty training a lot and she new A LOT about it. Saw some of her big-girl friends and cousin use the potty. We role played, read books and just WAITED.
Waited until she was ready.
Still suggesting, but really just waiting.
My only goal was SOMETIME with summer.
Warm months to go naked around the house, if needed.
Seemed logical to me.

Our method is diaper free, with underwear wearing except with nap (maybe) and bedtime.
We'll see how it goes. It went well today.
She was excited to wear her princess panties and knew she didn't want to be wet. So I asked her if she needed to go...a lot!
We went about our evening. Dinner at Qdoba, two errands to Bed Bath & Beyond and Target.
Stayed dry the entire time.

I knew when we got home she'd be ready to pee.
We even took a stroll down the isle of all things Princess at Target, to pick out our "Potty Training Success Prize". Good motivation.

We came right home and she went right away and without hesitation! THANK YOU LORD!!
Then....
The POTTY TRAINING PARTY began....
We made the BIGGEST deal over this small puddle.
HAD to, so that she'd be excited to do it again.

So I am just praying that this continues tomorrow, because we ain't turning back now!

here is part of her reward tonight...it was well received and well earned. i am so proud of my little girl. 

yes, it was only ONCE!
but hey, here's to positive thinking??? Haha.
boo to positive thinking and amen to the power of prayer.
we've been praying together for this and after she "went" we prayed and thanked God for giving her courage to actually go. hopefully the rewards don't over shadow the Lords hand in this.
Blessings come in all forms.
From little ice cream cones to beautiful daughters that are GROWING TOO FAST!

Say What!?

Christmas Version

My daughter, oh my daughter.
She is the inquisitive type.
Always asking questions, always listening (even when it seems like she is not).
She is a sponge.
Absorbing it all.

Some days I am amazed when I over hear her singing every word of "How Deep the Father's Love for Us", "Gather Round Ye Children Come" and others like "The Doxology", "Jesus Loves Me" and even some Disney favorites like "I just can't wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata". She loves music and constantly is singing.

The comprehension does not stop with the songs and their lyrics. She actually listens as I attempt, in my meager ways to bring the gospel into teachable moments. There are many moments in being at home with her that guide to a natural gospel conversation (especially in the midst of discipline). Learning sin, repentance and forgiveness is essential in any good time of correction.

However the fun parts of my "job" is when I can see and hear her make these connections without my prompting.

The other night when I was putting her to bed. She has given up the rocking part of our bedtime routine....{tear} I have since started laying her down, rubbing her back and praying with her. As I have stated before, this is the sweetest time of my entire day. Now granted, lately she insists on singing 8 thousand random songs and will often yell over my singing if she doesn't want to hear "my" song or listen to my praying for her (sheesh)....however, we have nights where we have great conversation and I can really listen to her heart as she pours out the random thoughts, there in the quietness of her room. Just me and her. This is where she is like me. I do this to my very tired husband most nights. He usually has to tell me "your therapy session is over, go to bed"!  Hah!

Anyway....I digress.


As I finished praying with Mady she began to talk...(I wish I could remember verbatim how it went...but this is the gist)


Mady: Mommy....I sin?
Me: Well, yes sweetie you do. In God's Word Romans 3:23 tells us that all people sin.  Even Mommy and Daddy.
Mady: Jesus... sin? 
Me:  No baby. Jesus didn't sin because He was God. He took our punishment for our sins. He was perfect. We are not. This is why we ask God to forgive us when we disobey. God loves to see you repent and turn to Him. He wants it to "go well" with us and that is a big reason why He gave us Jesus.


I was not prepared to have such deep theological conversations with my two year old!
I love her little inquisitive nature.
I am so glad that God is redeeming our hardest moments as parents (in having to discipline) and using it to draw their little hearts to himself.
Only the Holy Spirit can evoke those kinds of questions in the heart of a 2 year old.

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We have, like many other people our Manger scene out.
We like to play with it and talk about who every one is.
My awesome M.I.L. got Mady the Fisher Price Manager Scene (and I will say I may have been even more excited than Mady to get this one).  I am obsessed with it!!! Its so so so cute.

Mady adores it and carries the little people every where.
She has her own versions of their names.

Joseph: Joefish
Mary: Meery 
Wise Men: Wise Ben
Lamb: Yambs
Angel of the Lord: Angel of the Yord or Princess Gurl Angel

Lately Mady has enjoyed playing with a few Tiger figures my brothers gave her and continually adds them to the Manger Scene. In case you didn't know. There was as Siberian and Bengal Tiger in attendance on the night of our Savior's birth. Also....and if she is feeling into it....Pumba, the Worthog from the Lion King, can also be found admiring our baby Jesus. 

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Having a toddler this year around the Holidays has made me contemplate the whole idea of "Santa" even more. I am thankful for a friend of mine posting this link to an awesome blog about their families interpretation of how to handle this in a God honoring way in their home. Makes you think.....(I am not saying what she is says is perfect and should be done...just saying it makes you think)

Thankfully, we don't have to really delve into this for another year or so. Mady thinks Santa is Moses. True story. We went to the mall the other day and she saw him and we asked her who it was and she said: "Moses!" Big difference from last year when she thought Noah was "Ho-Ho". Haha.The confusion isn't just with her, but in my hear too, as I think about our kids and the real meaning of Christmas. I am going to truly pray about this....but the more I think about it. The more it makes sense.

Lets exult Christ this season (and every season of our lives)....but especially in light of his miraculous virgin birth. Which lead to a perfect, sinless life and perfectly, painful death on a rugged cross....to save a perfectly imperfect sinner, like myself. So that I can experience paradise with Him forever and ever. "Gaining from His reward"....and all because He cares for me and making His glory known in this truly GLORIOUS picture of true LOVE. ......

...so YES, lets over shadow that with a large, glutinous, fictitious man that most people mistakenly view as "god"...lie to our kids so they can be overly showered with gifts they won't care about in a few days to only have to "un-do" our lie, years later and explain ourselves in saying we "just wanted them to have a great Christmas"....but wait....isn't it all about Jesus anyway. Isn't that why we spend half a second (like I did as a kid) in the dreaded Christmas Eve service. Bearing with all the other families that will think on the cross just long enough to feel good about God and thus feel then worthy to receive their over indulgence in things they don't need anyway......uhhhh!

Exhausting and UNNECESSARY.  Just saying. 

This post wasn't supposed to be a rant....sorry.

I am loving this time of year with my 2 year old. So much fun and excitement. I love telling her about the true Christmas Story.
The one that actually happened.
I love telling her the truth of the Gospel. He is my delight and I want Him to be her's too.

Say What!?

Mady had her first introduction to Popcorn the other day. Which surprises me it has taken me this long to share this tasty treat with her. It is my a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e favorite snack....maybe even food. I will go to the techy-est of guy flicks if it means I can have a bag of popcorn (hold the butter). I know I am weird.

Anyway. Its a great snack and not too bad for you, if you buy the right stuff.

I have won Mady over. She loved it!
The best part....which is the "Say What!?" moment was later in the evening she asked for more popcorn by saying: "More acorns please Mom?" Translation: "More popcorn, please Mom?"
Acorns/ popcorn. Pretty close, if you ask me.
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So the other day, as I was explaining all the things we had to do that day to Mady while getting her dressed and ready to go. We basically had to run a few errands. I used the word "errands"....not thinking that she had no idea what that meant. But actually thought that I was talking about my friend named "Erin" who is mom to her friend "Tim" and "Baby Justin".

So as we walked into the Bank, to run errand number 1, Mady asked with much excitement: "Where is Erin and Tim?" I didn't actually put it together until today...that she thought the word "errand" was my friends name, "Erin". Sorry baby, next time I will have to be more specific and really speak clearly. 
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Whenever I am feeding Mady and she has a last bite to finish I will say: "Last one."
or
when we are reading books, or playing something and she has to finish up soon I will say "Last one" again.

Mady has figured this out. So now, when I am about to say it....she likes to say it for me.
However her version of "Last one" is "Last more". 
You can tell that she actually wants "more" of whatever it is we are doing, but knows its actually the last "one"...too funny. I also love that it is all the while spoken in the same exact tone that I use with her. What a little Mama she is. I already fear how she will boss her siblings around one day. Hope not!
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The last "more" story (hah) comes from something that actually happened today. I decided, don't ask me why, but today I decided to wear my HUGE fake pearl earrings while we ran some erins errands around town.

If you know my daughter, you know that she notices everything and LOVES jewelry.

I was carrying her into the Library for Story Time with she turned to me and noticed my earrings.  She immediately touched them and said "Earrings!!!" 

Then it was (and I am not making this up)...."Princess Mommy, getting marriages!" Translation= "Princess Mommy, getting married!" This basically means (translation of the translation) that when she looks at her princess books she notices that all the Princesses have on earrings and look like Brides (or are Brides) depending on which story and what "scene" the picture is depicting. Even if they are not getting married and its just a "Prince and Princess lived happily ever after" type ending, I usually add "They got married and lived happily ever after". I am all about not putting the cart before the horse, if you know what I mean.

So, now Mady associates all things Princess's with Brides and Earrings with both Brides, Princesses and Marriage. So sweet.

So yes, my darling. Mommy is a Princess Bride and I am married to your Dad, the Prince....and one day, your Prince will come for you and you too can wear Earrings on your wedding day.

"Say What!?"

One evening while Mady was in her bath she was naming all the body parts while I was washing them.
It went like this...

"Mommy wash eey foot...eey yeg....eey bottom....eey agina (bet you can't guess what that part is? hah) and eey arm...." and so on...you get the point.

The best one, and the one that gets the "Say What!?" award was...."eey bobo"....translation= "Elbow"!

So cute!!
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Another "Say What!?" moment comes from a dear friend of mine as she recounted a story about her little one.  It was too funny and I just had to post it 1.) because I love this gal (like a sister) and 2.) I cannot get enough of her little guy and want to remember him forever! I did get permission to share their moment.

One day, while my friend and her son were going about their day.....she was overcome with affection for her little guy (as us Mommas often are) and reached down and gave him some love and said:

"I LOVE YOU!"

To which he responded: "I spank you because I love you!" Hahaha!!!

She said she immediately felt like maybe the only time she says "I love you" is after she has to discipline him....but I can tell you that is not true. She tells him a lot! She also knew that wasn't the only time she shared her love, but I can totally relate. Having a 2 year old means lots of instructing your child's heart in prayer, love and discipline. I am encouraged to hear that he is connecting those two important things: discipline comes because we love you and don't want you to stay the disobedient little rascal that you can sometimes be! I wish my little rascal would verbalize that to me!

LOVE THEM BOTH!

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Say What!?

While my dad was visiting we took Mady to the zoo and he bought her a cute little Tiger Purse while we were there. She loves purses and all things girly right now, so this was a perfect gift for our little girly-girl.

The next morning I asked her what she was playing with and she said: "My Tiger person!" 
Translation: "My Tiger purse". 

To be sure I heard her right, I said: "Mady what is this?", while pointing at her Tiger purse.
To which she said and with full confidence: "Tiger PERSON!" 

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Bryan's cousin faithfully serves us well by giving us her daughter's hand me downs. We love them and think they are very special because we know and love who used to wear them. She always has the cutest stuff, including fun Pajamas. Especially Halloween ones.

So since Halloween is right around the corner we've been putting Mady in the Halloween PJs at night.
The other night I put her in some cute ones with a little black cats and pumkins on the pants.
While I was rocking her in her dark room I noticed they were glow in the dark pants. Little outlines of cats and pumkins were neon on Mady's little legs.

I showed Mady, to which she said after intensely staring down at her pants: "Mom, turn eey yight off!"
Translation: "Turn the light off Mom.", while pointing to her pants.

She thought the glow in the dark could be controlled by a switch! So precious. Love that little mind so much.

Mady's Milestones ~ 2 years old

Two.Years.Old.
How did we get here?
and, so fast??
I'm sure every year I will say that. Why does time go so slow when when you want it to go fast and time go so FAST when you want it to go slow? I'll never understand.

Here are some more pictures from our "Family Photo-shoot". These shots were done in honor of the birthday girl.
She was doing what she does best. Having a tea party and eating some sweets! So fun!

Ok, Mady-Girl...here is a bit about YOU being 2,

Can I just say how much of a delight you are to your Dad and I? Simply saying it, does it no justice to just how much we adore and love you. Your smile, laugh, hugs and even snuggles these days, bring us a lot of joy. We also find your dance parties, tea parties and cup cake parties fun too. Here are a few pictures from your 2nd Birthday "Owl/ Cupcake" party.

You had a great time at your party and we were able to celebrate with all of your friends. Even your Grandpa was able to drive in for the special event. You are certainly something to be celebrated!

You have done quite a bit of growing this year. According to your doctors you are now in the 50th% in weight and the 25th% in height! You are right on track and exceeding where you were. Must be all that broccoli you eat. Hah! Maybe not, but you are a good eater. Mommy is very happy about that.

You are so fun Mady. Playing with you is an adventure every time. This blog is filled with countless things that you have done during our play times that crack me up! I am thankful for a place to record it all. Most days you are into girly things. We are either playing with your doll house or carrying around a stuffed animal or baby doll that you are mothering and taking care of well. You pretend change diapers, change clothes, give baths, cook supper, clean house, bake cookies and so on. You also still love books and stories. Anything Princess or Animal themed is your FAVORITE! You have princess dolls, books and even panties and a potty seat!! We are gearing up for potty training in the next few months. You are ready and so am I!

Your favorite thing to do these days is go outside. You love to go for walks to the park and playground, play in your little house in the back yard and have picnics! You also love trips to the Zoo. We have had a zoo pass this year and it has been wonderful. You are beginning to play by yourself more and more. I will find you setting up your little people and talking away! Having a great time in your own little world. I love it.

I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Especially your kindness. You love people! You are very social and aware. You share and play well with others. You are a delight to be around and have many friends.

Just a few of the things you've learned this year:

• All letter recognition and starting to learn letter sounds, singing ABC's
• Speaking in sentences
• Numbers (I think you can count up to 16 or so) and color recognition
• Catechism questions and Bible memory verses
• Praying (I love this because you rattle off things you are thankful for and "Mommy" usually ends up in there about 3 times and you also thank God for yourself too!!)
• Singing along with songs (Your current favorite is "Gather Round Ye Children, Come", from the Andrew Peterson "Behold the Lamb of God" album. You call it the "Brave Yittle Boy" song. Before this one, your fav was "Wheels on the bus")
• Shaking your hips rather rhythmically to music
• Shapes and sorting games, also recognition 
• Letting other people hold you (other than Mommy). A major MILESTONE! 

You are turning into a Daddy's girl. I knew it would happen....and boy has it! You love your Daddy daughter date nights. You learned this year that dad protects and loves you and you've never been the same. Ya'll play hard and fun together. You always have a good time with "Dad" as you call him now-a-days.

My favorite thing to do with you is still our time spent together before you go to bed. We sing and pray and it warms my heart. You are moving, moving, moving all day....so to sit with you, rock and pray to our great God is a joy.  Teaching you Bible Stories and see you make connections is so fun. You always call Noah "Moses", which is funny and better from last year when he was "Ho-Ho". Your getting there. You are starting to "meet" Jesus too. He and His Holy Spirit, I pray are using these stories to connect your heart to the Gospel, your forgiveness of your sin and a need for a Savior. We have all that and more in Christ. I pray I am faithful to proclaim these truths to you every day and with both words and deeds.

We have had a hard year (not having to do with you), but looking at your face I begin to see and remember what God says in His word about "having more joy than when wine and grain abound". I do have immense joy in you and the gift that you are! Because you are here, God is using your life to sanctify my own.  But hear me love, He is my joy. You are an extension of that joy and a sweet blessing from God. If you could only know how much joy your bring me Mady, you would RUN to Jesus....because I have ten times that amount in my relationship with Christ (which seems impossible when you consider how much I love you). And thank goodness for this, because had I not been loved by Him, who is love, I would not know how to love you! So thank God for showing His love to me, because of this I am able to fully love you and show you TRUE JOY! This can only be found in Christ.

Mady, my love. You are precious to us. We love you so much more than you could ever know...well, until you have your own children...then you might get a glimpse of that love. I cannot wait to add to our days together and grow even closer. Every day you are more fun and every day I fall more in love with you! I am glad to be your Mom, your biggest fan and your constant support.  May we grow in Christ together one day. May we encourage one another with God's Word and be rich in fellowship as "sisters in Christ" ...that you too will taste and see how GOOD our God is. That is my greatest prayer for you. I pray your Dad and I would be found faithful in these things.

    “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
  
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)

Love you darling daughter,

Love Mom

Say What!?

This say what post belongs to my ADORABLE nephew, Layton.


He's 4, the big cousin.....
and every bit of Mady's obsession!
She adores him.

I adore him and the fun things that he says. I work the 4 year old class at church (which has also been a "Say What!?" post) and it makes me smile every time I spend time with these kids. They are starting to make sense of things and ask good questions. I just love to hear how they put it all together.

This "Say What!?" moment is from lunch, after Mady's birthday party. I was sitting down at the table with Mady and Layton. He was teaching Mady the letter sounds and we were examining the table top catties (the thing that holds the sugars and salt/ pepper etc.).

He was studying the pepper shaker and looked up at me and asked:

"Is this Dr. Pepper?"
Haha!!! "No, buddy. That is just Pepper."
So, so precious.

My father in law also shared a fun story with a "Say What!?" moment.

He said Layton and him were sitting watching the World Series and my father in law asked him:
"Hey Layton, what are we watching?"

Layton said, after he thought for a moment: "The World Serious!"

Oh.my.goodness. I cannot wait to hear what Mady comes up with at 4. So fun. My sister in law must laugh and smile all day!
Can't get much cuter than that. Love my nephew(s). Fills my hearts desire for boys quite nicely....wish we lived closer at times so I could have even more time to spoil them with them.

Say What!?

This post will be full of random "Say What!" moments I am trying to desperately remember before they go away. She is changing so quickly that her little mistakes are only cute mistakes for like a week, or even a few days before she figures out the correct way to say what she is trying to say.
So here goes lately:
                                                                                                                                                                     

When I read to Mady and we are done with one book and about too move on to another I always ask her what books she wants to read next with a couple of choices.

I may say something like: "Okay Mady, we just read your Penguin book, what book would you like to read next?"

Then I offer a few suggestions she can choose from. I usually say: "How about...." (while dragging out the how about part, kind of in the 'I am trying to decide' tone)

"How about....'Night, Night Moon book', or 'I Love you Mommy' book?"

So now, when we sit down to read books or do anything, Mady will offer her choices. Only she says:
"About...." instead of "How about...". Her "About" sounds just like the tone and pitch (and even dragging it out) of my "How about..". Hilarious. Definitely one you have to be there for, but totally worth documenting for my own personal amusement.

Its so cute because she will say: "About we go walkin'", then she walks to the door and says: "Okay!!!" Answers her own questions these days. Or, another example: "About....watch eey show gether??" Translation: "How about we watch a show together?"

She loves to pick and choose our activities and I love how she phrases things just like I phrase them to her. So sweet.
                                                                                                                                                                     

Did I mention that I am no longer "Mommy" or "Momma", but rather "Mom". Bryan is also "Dad" instead of "Daddy" or our favorite, "Dadda". We also used to have a brand name, "Momma-dadda". Haven't heard that since about 18 months. So crazy how quickly their language develops at these ages.
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When we read a book about all different dog breeds I try to teach her the differences between each breed. When we get to the "Boxer", which is what our precious Calvin is she usually says: "Bucky- Yamb-Chop", which is what we call him sometimes. Except her word "Yamb, is actually "Lamb". Don't ask why we call him that, but we do.

I know we have problems!
Anyways...

Now when we get to the Boxers she tries to say that they are "Boxers" and it comes out "Boxs-kers".
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So I used to have pre-warn Mady when we'd go places that people would probably come up to her and say how pretty she was, or how cute her hair was...but mainly it was warning her for the "WOW, I cannot believe she has glasses and so young!". And, these well meaning people were usually right in her face about it. So....it took some prepping before Mady was okay with this invasive-ness! Can you blame her? So, I'd warn her before grocery store trips and other outings that it was okay if someone came up to her when Mommy was there to compliment her or ask about her glasses. Just be kind and say "Thank you." Usually, even if they'd ask about her glasses they'd always compliment her in some way. People are just curious. I get it. It was sweet of them to sugar cote their curiosity with a kind remark about Mady. I appreciated it....because the questions do/did get old, and it kind of freaked Mady out when people would do this. So pre-warning was necessary for sometime, now she is used to it and generally pretty kind to people.

Okay, all that to say.....

I also "pre-warn", or rather teach Mady how to interact with others when they ask her things. I'm sure I am not the only Mom doing this. How else do they learn social graces?

For instance... (and this is where the "say what!" part comes in) when we are at the play ground by our house, I generally try to meet the moms and interact with the kids too. Its really something we try to be consistent about to reach our neighbors and our community.

So I used to tell Mady, when she really started becoming verbal: "If someone asks you your name, you say 'My name is Mady' ".

Of course usually its the parents asking the names to each other's kid and my child usually answers their question of : "What's your name?" with : "Names Manny" translation: "My name's Mady". ...which if you say that back to yourself (forgetting her pronunciation flub) she really should have just said in response to their question only her name....but, how funny that she follows her Momma's instruction to a T and tries to say: "My name's Mady.", instead of just answering with "Mady". I love it.

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There are million more stories like this, I am sure I am forgetting. I love celebrating each stage and change in their little personalities. It goes so fast. I remember my nephew going through all of this and thinking it would be forever before Mady did/ said these sort of things....but here we are! Crazy!
God is good to bless us with this little girl to love and laugh with.

"Say What!?"

Ok, so this "Say What" post is actually NOT about my child.
It is about a kiddo from my Nursery class last Sunday. I help teach the 4 year old class. If you know anything about kids, you know that the ages from 3-6 are hilarious when it comes to what comes out of their mouths. Both hilarious and sometimes terrifying! Hah. I cannot imagine what Ms. Mady will say :)

This story was just too funny to not put in my "Say What!?" section. Couldn't pass it up.
I will neither confirm, nor deny that this child is the son or daughter of an elder of my church. Which makes this story even more fun!

We were teaching the Story of Babel.
Teacher explained what different languages were and how the Lord caused the people to speak in different languages to fall into confusion. She even demonstrated in Spanish. Of course none of them understood what she said in Spanish. To which she said:

"You didn't understand me because I was speaking in a different language! I was speaking Spanish."

This certain little someone then stated, with full authority: "I speak NORMAL."

As if that wasn't funny enough....there is more.

A little later we were reviewing Catechism questions. This little someone was asked:

"Who created you?"...."God." 
"Prove it." (Which means, 'what is the scripture reference that tells us this') To this he/she said: "I can't!" Ok, haha. Hilarious....


"What else did God create?" : "HORSES!!" Hahaa!! Yes, true, but not quite the answer we were looking for. How about "All things!"
And again, "Prove it!" : "I can't!" 

Oh, my goodness. I love kids! I love their little hearts and the words that just pour out of their mouths! Never disappointing. This little person knew the correct answers, but his or her first responses were too funny!!

Mady's Milestones 21 Months

Madelyn, Madelyn, Madelyn!? Where has the time gone? You are 21 months old already!
You will be 2 years old in just three short months!!!
These have been the best (and fast) 2 years of our lives. Mommy and Daddy adore you and we'd like to highlight some things that you've been doing since your last Milestone post, from 18 months old.

Well, isn't it quite obvious that your have grown, a lot. Not exactly sure in lbs and inches...but its a lot. I think you've just about caught up to your peers. You are no longer the shorty of the group. You fit in just fine! Its getting harder and harder to carry you around, so we've recently started letting you walk around more than ride in your stroller places, while always holding Mommy or Daddy's hand. I love it. Every time I ask "hold hands?" you always reach up and grab mine. Its so special to walk with you by my side.

You also have  a few more "teethers" in your mouth (you've gotten 3 in the past month or so). One eye (or canine) tooth on the bottom and two canine's on the top. That makes a total of 15 teeth!

Your are still a wonderful eater. Trying new things everyday. Especially from other people's plates. You love to mooch share. Some new favorites are grapes, sandwiches, marshmallows, peas and even salad (with vinaigrette dressing)! You love sharing pretzels with Daddy. Often when we are at the grocery store you will spot the pretzels and say "Dadda pretzels!".

We've greatly enjoyed sweet treats this summer too. Lots of trips to Graeter's for ice cream and even a milk shake or two with Mimi and Pops. Popsicles with your cousins and friends at the park; anything sweet is probably your favorite. We are still working on eating with utensils and less tray action, more plates and bowls.

You still take about 8 oz. of milk twice a day. Maybe more. We are transitioning away from your bedtime bottle and now to sippy cups only. It makes my heart hurt. Mommy has purposefully continued in our night time routine of bottle, rocking, singing and praying....just to have you in my arms for a few minutes longer for your bottle! Now we are just singing, rocking and praying.  Night time songs include "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" and the doxology, but recently we've added "How Great is our God" and "Jesus Loves Me". You also ask for "ABC's" and "1,2,3,4" to be sung.

Over the past few months you have begun to form more and more sentences that make sense. You can string about 5 words in a sentence, at the most, but usually its about 3-4 words with gibberish for the words you don't know.  You then sting those sentences together and make paragraphs, LOUDLY. You are a chatter box. People are constantly asking us how old you are because its hard to believe all that chatter comes from such a petite little package.

My favorite words you use lately are: "Please", "Thank you", "Your Welcome", "Yes, Ma'am", "Sorry" and "Love you Momma". Your manners have gotten much better and you are learning the appropriate times to use them.  One that makes us laugh is when Daddy clears his throat, loudly, you usually say "Bless-you Dadda", because you think he's sneezed!  So sweet.

You have learned to say all of your ABC's and you can count all the way up to 20! You are starting to recognize some letters and learning your colors. I don't know why, but colors have stumpted you....but you're slowly getting them.

You still love to play with baby dolls. Feeding them, pushing them in strollers and giving them "aahhaas". You are kind and gentle, going to make a great big sister one day. Every time I ask you if you are the Mommy or the Big Sister, you always say "Big Sister".  You still love playing with all animals and seeing them at the zoo. We take many trips with all your friends and once you understand that you cannot hold the animals you enjoy seeing them.

Your newest favorite thing is Princess'. You LOVE the "Princess and the Frog" disney movie, which has been an instant watch for the past few months. We've taken advantage. Watching this has sparked the fire in your little heart for all things Disney Princess. You adore them all and even know their names. We've only let you see two actual Princess movies, but read many books about Ariel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (whose name is Aurora, which I didn't know) Belle, Jasmine, Snow White and your favorite, Tiana (from "Princess and the Frog").

I love seeing your femininity coming out. You love jewelry, make up and playing with your purse. I'm hoping your love for Princess' will help you as we begin to venture down the road of potty training again with new Princess underwear. I have decided to try the 3 day boot camp with you. Cover furniture and roll up rugs. Plan to be in for a while, but we're going to get it, eventually.

You are sweet and kind, generously lavishing Mommy with kisses and hugs. Playing hard to get with Daddy, but always giving in and showing him lots of love (regardless of what he says, he just wants more!!). You are our delightful daughter who continues to blossom and change before our eyes. You are growing in discipline and understanding the "law". Hopefully so one day you will see its impossibility to keep, repent and believe in Christ as your Lord. For now, you are learning obedience to Daddy and Mommy, so that you will easily obey your heavenly Father when He calls you.

This picture is a good example of how little I am able to get a good picture of you smiling. You are too quick and always wanting to see yourself in the camera, after I've taken the shot. Too funny.

Here is a little look back on what you were doing this time last year, when you were only 9 months old! Wow, how you have grown and so has our hearts for you!

 

Talk about a shorty! You can touch the handle with ease now. You were so petite and adorable!!!

Love you Mady girl.

You are a joy to our lives and a blessing to our days.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Mady's Milestones, 18 Months

My little baby is only 6 months away from being 2 years old!
Half way to the age where you stop referring to your child's age in terms of months, but years. 
Halfway to leaving more reminders of baby days (like bottles and paci's) and leaping, running, skipping into days of being a kid (with big kid beds and pull ups). 

It only seems appropriate to begin these milestone posts with a bit of reminiscing and sentimental momma talk. What can I say, I'm guilty. 

Mady is changing so much lately. 
From routine, to development, to motor-skills....she is definitely getting older. We've been told this would happen, but you don't believe it until it happens to you. Everyday, I am more and more amazed at how much she changes and so quickly.

Among these changes....are moods.
Yes, since about 16 months we've noticed fit throwing, screaming, biting, hitting, pinching, hair-pulling and toy stealing. No longer are the days of "cute" little cries.  Some days, you never know how she will wake from her nap! 

You may get a face like this....

or this.....

or this! Which is what we all prefer. 

Seriously though. We are smitten by our little Mady. She is a joy and the Lord is teaching us so much through raising and loving her. We are thankful for both the fits and the laughs! We are thankful for being able to love her, in her sin; just as Christ loved us and cared for us enough that as we sinned he died for us. We are thankful to learn how to discipline her, while painting the beautiful picture of the Gospel...even when its hard.

"Let us not become wearing in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal. 6:9 

Mady Girl, 
Here is what you've been up to....

Routine wise: You are sleeping from about 8 to 8. Give or take 30 minutes on either side. You only take 1 nap a day and it usually lasts anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. You love to sleep! You often ask for "bankey paci time" when you are tired. You take 8 oz. of whole milk in the morning and evening, before bed, while taking a sippy cup of cold milk throughout the day. 

Eating: Everything! Thankfully, you haven't started to be too picky, but I've been warned that any day now it may begin. Your favorite foods are Italian (after your momma). Pizza, Tortellini and home-made Parmesan mac n' cheese....just to name a few. You also love fruit (like your daddy). It must be said; you are a major mooch and will ask for whatever we are eating. Including biting off the same apple we are eating. This is one of your favorite things to do. Mady and Daddy share many apples together, its sweet. 

Believe it or not, you are growing! You have consistently stayed right on your growth curve since the day you were born. You have not (really) budged from that 25% tile in both height and weight. 

Your stats at 18 months where: 22 lbs and 4 oz. and 31 and 1/4 inches.  You are our little peanut and we'd have it no other way!!

If anyone is around you for more than two seconds they don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that you love to talk! We are amazed everyday at how your vocabulary grows. You are even speaking in some four word sentences. My favorite will always be you seeing a bible and saying "Bible tell me so!" , from the song Jesus Loves Me.  Daddy and I often look at each other laughing at the things that come out of your mouth. Here are just a few: 

"Oh boy!" After her Mimi, who often says this phrase.

"Oh my goodness!" I must say this more than I know.

"Momma hold you?" Meaning = Momma, hold me?

"Momma missed you." You will often say this when we pick you up and then you will even kiss us. Sometimes you'll even throw in a "Wuv you!" = Love you.

"Alright!"/ "Oh-Kay!" 

"Uppy downey" = Up or down

"No Ma'am" or "Yes ma'am" and "Good Girl"= When you know you are doing something good or bad....

"Come on" = When you want us to go
"How you doin'?/ How are you?"= You do this when you are on the phone :)
"Are you?" = Where are you?
"Tank you, Welcome" = Thank you and You're Welcome (she saves you the trouble of your reply and says both) 

Other developmental milestones include: 
Repeating songs sung, or finishing where I leave off.
Recognizing letters and numbers.
Learning to do some chicken scratch on paper and pretending like you have drawn some letters. 
Counting in sequence and finishing where I leave off. (I had no idea that you knew numbers like 13 and 11 and 18)! You DEFINITELY get that from your daddy. Your counting is not always super consistent, but you enjoy pretending like it is :) by practicing counting fingers and toes.

Fun stuff: 

Did I mention you love to play pretend? You cook, do doctors visits, push and rock baby dolls, care for animals and you even go grocery shopping. You are very busy.  


You love to play chase and peek-a-boo behind objects. You always think your hiding when you are behind something big...even if I can still see a bit of your sweet face, you think you are completely hidden. 


You are very caring and thoughtful, Mady. You love to share your toys and we often don't have issues with you stealing toys or throwing fits when someone else plays with a toy you want. You are learning to prefer others. You love to blow kisses and say "Hi" and "Bye" to all your friends when you see them. You even know some of them by name! I am so proud of you. You are such a good hostess!

You still love playing with animals and making their sounds, pretending with them and putting them to bed ( you lay them down and make them snore and say "Shh seepin"). Daddy often jokes that you may be an anesthesiologist because you love to put them to sleep and wake them back up! However, your new favorite game is sorting through your pajama drawer. You love to pull out each sleeper and tell me what kind of pajamas they are according to what character is on them. Its loads of fun for you and you almost always clean up when you are done. 

Your best bud is still Calvin and you love to take him on walks. We go almost every day! You like to hold (part of)  his leash and pull him where he needs to go. You also feed him everyday (with lots of help from Mom), you are a great pet owner. The best is when you scold him for being bad or praise him when he's good with "Good boy" or "No ma'am!"...even though he's a sir. 

Mady you are just too fun! We go on great adventures together and I am so thankful that I am your Momma. You make the menial walk, car ride, grocery trip and cooking experience so much more enjoyable!! Your comments and smiles continue to bring me so much joy. Your hugs and kisses tell me that that joy is reciprocated! I cannot imagine my life without you. 

Both Daddy and Momma love you very much and have had much pleasure in watching you grow over these past 18 months. Mady, please know, that no matter what lies ahead, we love and support you. Around each corner awaits a new adventure....we will always be here to lead you in the right direction. You can rest assured that we are lead by the Author and Perfecter of this journey; He guides our steps. We praise Him for the gift you are to us. 

Love you Mady!

 Love,

Momma and Daddy

Happy 18 Months!!!

Mady's Milestones: 14mos- 16mos.

Little Lady,

You have grown by leaps and bounds over the past few months. You have changed from a baby to an official toddler.

Your official stats are (at 16 months) 21 pounds and 30 inches. 25 %tile in both. 

The biggest change has been WALKING! You started this around Christmas time, you were 14 months old. Once you started, you haven't stopped. You often scare Mommy when you sneak up behind me. Walking has also made your favorite game of "chase" & "peek-a-boo behind a door" even more fun. You squeal every time you run behind the door and hear us running after you. You are so fun.

14 Months, Christmas

You were able to fully participate in this years Christmas. This was your second Christmas, but last year you slept through the entire gift exchange! Mommy opened your gifts while you slept in my arms!

This year you enjoyed watching everyone else open their gifts while you and Luke, your cousin shared paci's and toys.Your favorite gift was the Kitchen set Pop's and Mimi gave you. You love to play pretend and this gift really helped you put pretend cooking into action. Another favorite gift was from your Mom-Mom and Phil-Pops; a Zoo Membership. You have been saying your animal sounds since 11 months and you add to it daily. I cannot wait to hear and see them all as you hear and see them for the first time. Your newest animal sound is a Lobster. You make a biting sound while pinching your little hands. We melt when you do this.

15 Months, January

15 Months

15 Months

This winter we stayed indoors mostly. We had some snow and you loved to see it from our big glass storm door, but I , we didn't want to venture out to build snowmen. Most of the snow drifts were about half your height. So no snow escapades for us; we stayed nice and snug inside. Its no secret that Mama hates that cold, wet stuff and is happy to see it go! Besides our fun trips to Seminary and Starbucks to see Daddy, and the Mall to walk with friends, we hunkered down and got creative in finding fun games to play together.

We mostly played pretend. You love it. We cooked and cleaned. Played Doctor with every stuffed animal patient this side of the Ohio River. We took magical carpet (blanket) rides up and down the hallway. I pushed you in diaper boxes and laundry hampers for exercise and your entertainment. You love to say "Weee!", smile and laugh. You also learned that car's go "Beep-Beep!", which is the sound we make when we pretend we are riding a diaper box-car.

We read ALL of your books, at least 10 times. (We need to get some more). We (and you) often made up different and interesting stories to the same old books, just to keep it interesting. We played chase, hide and peek-a-boo behind all doors. You learned that you love pudding and pudding painting. You really play with all your toys too. I often wonder if you are getting sick of them. We are in need of those yard sale bargins to come back soon!

When you are finished playing with your toys (and carrying/ scattering them all throughout the house) we sing the clean up song and you help me put them in your toy box. I am so happy for this! Its such a joy to have you as my little helper. You will make such a great big sister one day!

15.5 Months

15.5 Months

Your schedule has changed a bit. You are only taking one nap a day now, usually from 12:30 to about 3:30. You also now wake around 8 am and go to bed at 7:30-8 pm. You have whole milk 7 oz. in the morning and at night; warmed up and in a bottle. Although, you will now, thankfully drink it cold and from sippy cups (which you do every afternoon)...but there is no rush here. I love rocking you at night.
You down your bottle and I pray for you, sing to you and love on you. This is the only time of day you slow down and rest! You stay awake in my arms and let me pat your back and kiss your head about 18 thousand times. I put you in your bed awake (Daddy is the only one that can get you to fall asleep in someone's arms). You don't make a peep and go right to sleep! So thankful. You sleep straight for about 13 + hours a night.

We have begun potty training. You seem very interested and have adjusted well. You like not being held down on your changing table a few less times a day! I also like not having to struggle to keep you from wiggling while changing a stinky diaper! You like to be clean and you love to be a big girl. You love to say "Yay!!!" when you've gone and loudly proclaim either "Pee-Pee" or "Poo-poo!".

15 Months

Your vocabulary continues to astound us. I can no longer keep count or track of all the things you say.  Your new favorite thing is to repeat Mommy. When I say things like "Oh-kay" or "All-right", you repeat it back to me. You also have learned to string words together in sentences. Like "Bye-Bye Daddy" or "Hi Sophie". You can say most of your friends names with the "Hi and Bye". You can also say "All done" and other small sentences like "Lets Go!" or "No more", "Yes please" and my personal favorite: "Up and down". When you are reaching for me to pick you up you say "Up down". You know then go together, but still haven't quite figured out how or which is which.

You know most of your body parts and some specifics like: eyes and eyelashes, mouth, teeth and tongue, hair and head, hands and fingers, feet and toes, etc. You also like to count your fingers. You have begun to catch on with sequences or patterns. If I start to count you can finish where I left off. This always surprises me because you usually are correct.

You are learning your letters, numbers and colors.  You can repeat most letters when I say them, but you usually aren't right when asked what each letter is. For instance, you may say "A" for E or "D" for U, or "C" for R....its completely arbitrary at this point, you just know that they are all letters. You love to tell me what letters are on my tee-shirts too. You are the same way with colors right now. Every color for a long time was "blue", but you have just begun to guess some of them correctly when asked.

The biggest help in this endeavor was you learning about stop lights while driving. We talk about Red Light meaning Stop and Be PATIENT! and Green Light is "Go, YAY!!" So fun! I love teaching you Mady. You are so eager to learn and quick at picking things up. You're Daddy's genetics certainly help!! I also think I missed my calling as a teacher. That's what I always wanted to be when I grew up, but advertising got me out of college quicker! Now I get to teach (in a much more fulfilling way) every day!

16 Months

16 Months

Right now we are enjoying watching you embrace your femininity. You dance, twirl and giggle like a little girl. You are gentle, kind and considerate of others. You love to wear jewelry and comment or point out other peoples jewelry. You love Mommy's pearls and bracelet cuffs and bangles. You walk around and say "Pretty!".  You have also begun to notice clothes and all the clothes in your drawers. You like to pull them out!  I am not a fan of folding and re-folding. You have begun to learn obedience in that specific discovery! You are a good listener and usually obey us when we ask you not to do something. Thank you for this Mady.

You continue to mother all things by patting them and rocking them. You often state, from the "I will love you forever" book, "Back and forth, back and forth" as you rock your babies. You also love to push them around in your stroller. Its so fun to watch you mother. I know that you have only learned that from me...so it truly can be reflection of how we are raising you.

16 Months, March

We desire and strive every day to love you, as Christ first loved us, not as our sins deserved but rather to bring us to God. We hope and pray that you would see the Gospel being lived out every day in our home. In the way Mommy and Daddy communicate, to how we discipline you, all the way down to how we love you. We only know love because we know God, who is love. Perfect sacrificial love. We want to raise you up in this love to fear and glorify our God together. You are a great and wonderful gift from Him. We are honored to be along side you in your journey.

I cannot believe you are 16 months already! You are becoming such a fun and vivacious little thing! We are constantly laughing at all the fun things you do. Each and every day has been a joy. Thank you little one!

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy