2 Month Check Up

Today we had our two month check up for Maddie. We got to meet Dr. Kauffman today and she was incredibly nice. Dr. Kauffman confirmed that Maddie now weighs 10 lbs 10 oz. and is 23 inches long! She is a growing girl and seems "just perfect." Maddie is in the 50th-60th percentile for just about everything and is doing great. We also got all of her papers filled out so that she can go to day care and meet lot's of new friends in a few weeks.

The only bad part about the appt. was the shots! I could barely stand to hear her poor little scream from the first shot, I think it hurt me more than it hurt her. The nurse did well though, she did them all quickly and right in a row. We are now napping contently in front of the fire place, let's hope this continues for most of the day.

Just two of her "battle wounds." *Sniff, sniff*

Enjoying the Bumbo

Mom went out yesterday and got me this cool chair. It's called a Bumbo and guess what? I can sit up on my own in it! It's the best thing in the world! I told you we were going to be monkeying around yesterday, and boy did we ever.

Here I am the first time in the Bumbo.

And here I am after bath time in the Bumpo. Mom felt it was appropriate to keep me dressed in a monkey attire considering the day we had. Monkeys everywhere!

Monkeying Around

Mom and I are going to be "monkeying around" today, so I thought I would dress appropriately. It's perfect no?

And here I am all dressed up to cheer for Penn State at the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately they lost, but there's always next year right? My Adidas track outfit is courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa Howe!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Last night we rang in the New Year with a Bang! Well not really, but we hung out with some great friends and some great New Year's Babies.

Me and my New Year's Baby before we headed out.

In the Car Seat ready to go!

Just hanging out in my cool outfit from Grandma Ayres! Don't you just love my shoes?

And it's the stroke of midnight...passed out.

Giving Dave some practice for when their little one arrives in March! Multitasking already!

The Addams Family

They're creepy and they're cookey, mysteriously spookey, they're all together ookey, the Addams Family...

Maddie was doing her best impersonation of the Addam's family the other night...not too bad egh?

Christmas Morning

What I woke up to on Christmas morning...


The best gift in the world, a happy, healthy, beautiful little girl, and my amazing husband asleep in our bed. I love this photo.

Maddie's First Christmas

We spent Maddie's first Christmas in Harrisburg at Grandma Ayres' house and in Parkersburg, WV. It was a week of traveling, but it was well worth it. Maddie got to meet some cousins she had never met and had an amazing first Christmas. Here are some moments we caught with the camera.

Maddie and Aunt Kristin at Christmas Eve Dinner.

Great Grandma and Maddie, notice the bracelet on her wrist from Aunt Bridget!

Hanging with Dad on Christmas morning.

Visit with Grandpa Johnson in WV.

Just hangin'. You know?

Maddie finally got to meet Lori and Skitch! Don't worry Skitch, she won't hold it against you for not holder her....we'll get there though!

The infamous Chad Murray and Maddie.

Uncle Matt and Maddie.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Joyce.

More of the family from the Howe side!

HO, HO, HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HO, HO, HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Lesson One...Finally!

Here I am listening intently to my mom teach me my first ballet lesson. Okay, first position, got it, plié and relévé...got it. Well, almost!

Here I am listening intently to my mom...she's good!

I think I got it! This is fun! But where is the bar?

Making sure Sadie's new bed is safe!

"You see, my mom and dad got my sister Sadie this new travel bed for the car, so being a good sister, I had to test it out first. I am happy to say that it has passed all tests, yes even the napping one."

And hanging with dad on a Friday night, doesn't get any better than this!

Sweatpants and ballet socks

Here is my little dancer. I am ready for my lesson mom...let's go!



Here I am ready for my lesson mom...let's go!

There she blows!

So the past few days Maddie has been having these "explosions." It's really quite hilarious, Brad and I can barely keep our composure just trying to get her undressed and into the bathtub. She did this the first time at our friend Jeremy and Cory's House, and then the other night we were at Kelly and Justin's for a cookie exchange, and it was so bad, we had to give her a bath at their house --- No Joke. Thank you to Miss. Oliva for sharing your bath. And finally the other night when we had friends over, this explosion occurred. We could barely get the onesie off of her. It was ridiculous. We had to grab some photos of it this time so we could document it. I think these will be good to show a future boyfriend some day don't you?

Santa!

This past Saturday, Brad and I took Maddie to meet Santa for the first time! We went with a group called Happy Valley Moms who set up this time and place for the kids to meet Santa. It was especially nice because we didn't have to go and meet scary mall Santa. Yikes! It was a great time, Maddie didn't seem too interested, then again that might be because she can't really see him yet. HA! Anyway, we got some cute photos.

Here she is all bundled up ready to leave. This will be her hat for the month of December!

Waiting to see Santa!

Santa who? I'm sleepy, let's get this over with already.

Family photo with Saint Nick. Isn't this a great looking Santa? Real beard and everything!

Here is our house all decked out for Christmas! It turned out great thanks to Brad's help :)

Of course Ms. Hanna had to sneak into a photo and make a cameo appearance.

Lounging in my pink booties

Our friend Liz Raquet got Maddie these comfy slipper/booties, and I have to say they are fabulous! They are the one pair of actual shoes that doesn't fall off! Maddie was rockin' them for the first time the other day with her mouse outfit, and it was too cute to not take some photos.

Loving the booties!

I can make myself this small!

Having some fun time with Daddy!

Santa Madeline

I've been wanting to do a holiday photo of Miss. Madeline for a few weeks now, and today I finally got the chance. We took about 50 shots, and I think I got a few good ones. I've played around with the filters on them to give them a fun look, but I don't know which ones I like best. I need to pick one. Help! Any input would be appreciated.

Santa 1

Santa 2

Santa 2 - but with a slightly different filter.

Santa 3

Santa 4

Santa 5

And some fun ones ...