Big Girl Bed!

Madelyn's new bed finally arrived. She slept in in last night...all night long. Her room is upstairs and our room is on the main floor, so I think this transition was harder on Mom and Dad than on Maddy. I woke up every 2 hours and finally just gave up and went upstairs to sleep with her. The new bed is very comfortable, at least. :)

On a more random front, I put a bird house in the backyard and we have been getting a steady stream of birds. My mom asked for pictures, so here they are. We've had more than just Cardinals but I haven't been able to get any good pictures. I need to get a field guide so I can tell what kind of birds we have.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Today is my dad's birthday- I know he is now older than the speed limit, except maybe the autobahn in Germany. I have been trying all day to get Maddy to say Happy Birthday while grandpa is on the phone or while the camera is rolling....we'll see

Here are a couple of other videos from today and earlier this week.

Maddy's latest trick.

Pladydate and one more pillow

Maddy and I met up with a friend from preschool (and her mom) to check out the Pretend Playground. The Pretend Playground is this really neat place that has a bunch of toys and areas to play. There was a store, a cafe, a vet, a stage with costumes, a camper and even a sit and spin.

Maddy and Elizabeth at the store

In the camper

Maddy checking out the cash register at the store.


I think this was right after Maddy bumped her lip on something inside the castle she was in.

Maddy on the sit and spin.

I think Maddy must have learned how to drive by watching me.

We had so much fun, we will do this again soon.

Here is my latest sewing project. I think I told Kate is was a six hour pillow, really it took longer.

Look at that detail!

The two pillows together.

I'm not sure what I am going to do next.. Maybe something for Maddy's room, her new bed should be arriving soon. Then maybe we will move her upstairs.

Pillow talk

I tackled my first sewing project this weekend, a pillow. I think it turned out OK for my first project. It took me almost two hours -the directions said it would take 20 minutes to an hour. Here it is.

I didn't get too frustrated, just a little confused. Thank goodness for the Internet; I had to stop a few times to check pictures. I am going to try another pillow this week.

Here's Maddy chillin' on the couch. She insisted on wearing the Minnie Mouse hat, I think she was cold.

Really I do comb Madelyn's hair... I swear

Ok so I was looking through my posts and I noticed that Maddy's hair is always disheveled. So I decided I would take a picture of her right after she got dressed this morning. Not as easy as you would think.

"Hey Maddy, come here so I can take your picture."
"No way mama, you chase me around.. just try and find me I have the best hiding place ever."


"Ok how about a cookie? Will you hold still for a cookie."
"Only if it is chocolate chip"
"Deal"





Back to the crafting I spoke of last night....
I was at Target today and I found a sewing machine for less than $50.00 so I decided to get it. Watch out everyone you just may get some handcrafted "art" for Christmas.

Rain Rain Go Away

I think it rains more here than in Seattle. Now they are talking snow for the weekend! So what do you do with a two year old on a rainy afternoon? Paint.



Nate has been working extra hours this week so Maddy and I went to the store and got art supplies. She really seems to enjoy herself while painting. I am really going to enjoy myself whilst doing laundry. :o)

I have been feeling crafty lately and I am trying to ignore it because I keep thinking I can sew curtains for my windows. Have you seen my windows? They are ginormous. Have I ever sewed in my life? Once- Kate has the blanket to prove it. Did I enjoy it? Not really- too impatient. I need elves to come during the night and sew the curtains for me. So if I ask any of you for sewing supplies ignore the request and give me the number to Calico Corners instead.

OK it's really late and I have no idea why I am up so I am going to sleep now.

Skating... Maddy style

Ok all of you who have been asking for video here you go. This may be one of the funniest things I've ever seen her do.

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend after a crazy week. Wednesday night Nate got home from work and he wasn't feeling too great. He ended up with the flu and was home Thursday and Friday. Saturday he started feeling better and we had great weather so we played outside most of the late morning and early afternoon. We also decided that Maddy needed a wagon (I should have kept the one I had in Everett but I donated it) and a big wheel for the basement. After two trips to the store, one for propane and one for the heat shield piece at the bottom we dusted off the BBQ and had burgers. Sunday was super nice so we packed a picnic and went to the park behind us. We played at the park for about two hours. Here are some pictures of Maddy.

Here she is in her wagon ready to go to the park.


Maddy and her football (or basketball or soccer ball depending on what she is playing). Nate showed her how to throw it up the slide and catch it.



Here she is swinging, she kept putting her arms down like this and then she would lean forward and tell us she was stuck.

I like this picture because you can see her hair flying -action shot.

We keep trying to get video of her doing stuff but every time she thinks we are recording a video she will just lay on the floor and hide her face. That doesn't make great video.
We are off to the library and Costco today. Pre school tomorrow.

preschool

We went to pre-school yesterday. I think it is going to be really good for us. I spent half of the class standing up against the wall, letting Maddy play by herself, with the other kids or with the teachers. This class is a warm up for real preschool (the drop off and leave kind). Three weeks of us together with me leaving the class for longer and longer periods of time. Four weeks of Madelyn by herself (I think I get to sit in the lobby, this would be a great place for a corner Starbucks).

Today has been one of those days that isn't very much fun. There is no particular reason for it, the sun is shining, Maddy is well, but not a good day. I have finally come to the conclusion that I really had the best friends that I have ever had in my life back in Everett. I am finding it really difficult to duplicate. Right now I would settle for one friend or even a nice chat with someone older than 2. Heck, even a good conversation with the 2 year old would be good about now, but she is sleeping. I know that this period of time- not really having a social network- is going to change (but its kinda like the lottery you actually have to play) but right now I don't know how much longer I can stand it. I am seriously thinking of going back to work just to meet people. I watch Maddy meet new kids all the time and she makes it look so easy, you just go stand next to them, maybe offer them a truck or a cookie and wham-o new friend. Can you imagine doing that with a adult? Scary!

Well, I hear the kiddo stirring so I am going to see if she wants to go to the park.