Since we're up...

Good morning! No one will have to wait for our blog post today since I decided Mommy needed up at 5:30...

Your welcome ;0)

Mommy actually wanted to fight me on it, but with my persistence we ended up downstairs talking and playing with toys. Really, who can resist this face anyway?

"Good Morning Mommy"

I was then napping by 7:30!

We had a really good week. Things slowed down and we only did things we wanted to do; play dates, had friends over, caught up on some emails... Mommy's favorite part of the whole week was my sleep schedule. All but one day (that is 6 out of the last 7 days), I was in bed by 7:30/ 8:00 and only up every 4-5 hours. It seems that all I need is a splash in the tub, a little snack, and two goodnight kisses!

I also found my hands this week...once...I continue to suck on them, but have not been able to 'see' them again, at least not while Mommy is paying attention. I'm not sure what you all think, but with that slight preview, I know that they will be VERY entertaining once I find them again!

I am fitting in more clothes lately and got to sport some more of my "one-of-a-kind" onsies this week!

This one says, "Daisy's little sister" :)

Still love hangin' in my high chair.

Todd (Daddy's co-worker and friend) is leaving us this week. He arrived in England the day after Mommy and Daddy, lived in our village, and spent a lot of time at our house... he even lived with us for 5 days last week! Todd gets to go back to Montana and is very excited about it since that is where his 3-year-old daughter Lily lives. We had a party for him on Friday night and then went bowling on Saturday per his request. I'm sure he'll be over every night this week until he leaves. Not much for him to eat at the hotel! We will definitely miss having him around, but promised to try and visit him in Great Falls next time we're up there.

Chad, Brian, Todd, Clint, and the back of Daddy's head.

The video this week is from this morning and all the fun I was having!

Until next week,

Madelyn, Shaye, Jody, and Daisy

Routine...

is what we are desperately trying to establish! We are getting better at bedtime so keep your fingers crossed. I'm loving every minute - awake or asleep - but want some predictability for Madelyn. Here's "her" post this week. (I've been told it is much more entertaining from her eyes! :0)

Being 10 weeks old is hard! Mommy was dragging me around all week. We/ she had lots of appointments to keep. First I went to the Dr., then Mommy to the dentist, twice (long story), the physical therapist, and meeting with friends. I was lucky enough to spend one appt. with Mommy's friend Erica (who is also going to start babysitting me in February). I then got to go to Ms. Jennifer and Isabelle's house during another. I guess the base has a silly rule that I'm not allowed at Mommy's appointments.

This is how Madelyn often reacts to the camera coming out.

Friday night we went to a retirement/ going away party for Chief - Daddy's co-worker. We are going to miss him a lot. Matthew (Chief's 4-year-old) really entertained me. He talked to me and sang to me too. Mommy caught the end of it on video...

Matthew really wanted to hold me.
"Because I am four!"

I spent some of the week enjoying my swing and other parts enjoying my high-chair. Yep, Mommy got it out for me and I LOVE sitting up high watching everyone walk around the room. It is a lot easier than cranking my neck when I'm laying on the floor to catch all the action. I also took the opportunity to catch up with some old friends.

In other news, I've decided to give Mommy a break and start going to bed earlier. Well, in truth, I get really tired now that I can see so much more. It is exhausting keeping track of everyone and talking to all my friends all day! I like it best when Mommy gives me a bath, feeds me, and puts me to bed with one of my fuzzy blankies. It is always gone when I wake up, but it is nice to curl up with until I drift off to sleep.

Love you all,

Madelyn and Family

*With limited excitement this week, I grabbed an opportunity to catch Madelyn splashing in the bath. She loves this time! Unfortunately, every time the camera comes out, she stops talking/ smiling/ entertaining altogether!

So BIG!

Guess what??? I had my two month check-up today and I weighed in at 11 lbs 10 oz (75%) and am 23 inches long (90%)! No wonder I am outgrowing all my clothes. Daddy says the pants look like I'm waiting for a flood :) The doctor was really nice and told Mommy that I was doing Great! He asked her to work on getting my attention to the right side (she was already trying this) because I really favor looking left. The doctor doesn't want my neck muscles to get too tight or for me to end up with a flat head - man, that'd look silly! They also stuck me 3 times and made me drink some sticky stuff that no one there has actually even tried. They "guess" it must be sweet. I actually liked that stuff, but the rest of it was NOT fun. Then they stick on a Snoopy band-aide... like that is actually going to make it all better!

I was much happier by evening and after lots of napping today.

Working hard on my New Year's Resolution

I continue to LOVE searching for my thumb and use the other hand to play with my hair. I really think I'm getting the hang of it all. Mommy told me I need to be more gentle though. Apparently I'm pulling some of my hair out with my daily soothing... oops. I have a new talent of turning myself sideways in my crib. It doesn't matter if I'm in a sleep sack or swaddled, I mange to get a good ninety degrees from starting position. Mommy says I'm a houdini. This morning when she came in I had one foot between the crib rails... got a little stuck :) I also have become quite the conversationalist. I am making Mommy proud with my sounds and turn-taking.

Mommy and I had a busy week of errands... I get really good naps in my car seat. She promised to slow down after all the people left, but with appointments already scheduled, this week is looking just as crazy! I understand though. Mommy is busy taking advantage of her time off to get to all the places she needs. Plus, we have friends leaving in February so we made plans for a coffee date every week until they go (well Mommy and Jen drink coffee, Isabelle shows me how to play in the play yard for when I'm big enough).

Tummy Time on my Cool Surf Board from Chief and Family (Daddy's co-worker)

I got to go on my second shopping trip (the first was when my auntie was here). We went to King's Lynn and I got some new outfits. Mommy says they won't fit me until this summer though. It was CRAZY. We had four Mommies, 3 two-year-olds, a 6 month old, and me! It was a nice day... afternoon and we even went to a restaurant. When I got home, I got to tell Daddy all about it.

I got to go to my first baby shower on Sunday. It was fun watching all the women get excited over diapers. The best part was that I got to dress up and wear my new dress that I got in the mail from Sarah Su and Gracie. They are the Best!

I want you all to meet my best friend... Ducky faithfully shows up every morning and evening while I'm getting dressed to keep me company. We have the best conversations and I know I can always count on our chats. I've decided to let you in on one...

Love to you all,

Madelyn et. al.

*Note from Mommy: I can't help it... you get so many videos and pictures each week because I am unable to pick just one! I am slightly bias to this little girl so pick and choose what you watch, but I know you are all loving the chance to get to know our little munchkin. Enjoy because there probably won't be as many when I get back to work in February! BTW, ignore the coloring... all the videos seem to be taken at night under our wonderful yellow lights :0)

Oh, I added a new feature last week. Please check the "Reactions" (Thanks for sharing) box below when you read our blog. I know not everyone signs in to leave comments and it is fun for us to see just how many people are 'checkin in' on us!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2009 everyone! I am 8 weeks old today and Mommy says I am getting SO big! I gave her the gift of soothing myself to sleep in my crib by 10 last night, only got up twice. But when I woke at 5 a.m., I decided I missed out on too much and we needed to play- she obliged and hung out until I passed out again at 8:30. I think she actually worked on my Christmas cards you are all waiting for, so really, I did you all a favor!

Now where did we leave off...

We are on the tube. I look a lot bigger in my 'bear' suit and am still a little messy with the bottle.

I got to see London for the first time when I took Grandma and Grandpa there. Grandma really wanted to tour the Westminster Abbey and Grandpa humored us all by tagging along. I got to take my picture in front of Big Ben and look at the time... we actually got out of the house and were out and about well before 2:00 p.m. - GO Mommy! I was a good girl all day riding around on Grandpa and then he talked to me and made faces with me while we were on the Underground (tube) getting back to our car.

That says 11:10 a.m. (and London is 2 hours from home!)

New Year's was pretty relaxed for us all. I posed for a few last pictures with Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy had some friends stop by. Daddy made some yummy snacks for everyone. They all ate, talked, and watched the craziness in London on t.v. I woke up just in time to ring in the new year and then eventually went back to sleep.

Grandma and`Mommy took the tree down and I got a cool jungle in its place!

We got up really early on the 1st to take Grandma and Grandpa back to the airport. Daddy says that was the least amount of traffic he has ever seen on the motorway. Grandma did really well... only a few tears (in front of us anyway). Mommy reminded her we would come and visit this summer and that I'd be bigger, sleep a lot less, and be more fun to hang out with. (I, on the other hand, think I'm pretty fun right now!)

This was my favorite place... all snuggled up with Grandma.

Hi five Gramps!

My New Year resolution is to get that thumb!

Mommy couldn't decide on what video to post... so enjoy two this week!

We are hoping for a quiet week at home. Next week, I have to go in for my two month appt. and shots :( Not looking forward to that!

Until then... Love,

Madelyn and All