Almost Christmas...Lollipop Anyone?

Thought it would be fun to let Maddy have her first taste of peppermint...so we gave her a lollipop instead of the traditional candy cane she could stick down her throat.

My Many Party Moods...

Let's get this party started...

Party's Over? That stinks!

One Year Old...ALREADY?

Well, it's been a year and Maddy had her big birthday bash! She tolerated the cake, enjoyed the presents...but LOVED her first cup of Coke.

Fans at Opening Night Under the Lights

Mom and Maddy make regular trips up and down the sidelines, following the play. Sometimes it gets cool at night, so every dedicated fan should have their own Under Armour Skullcap.

Family Support

Some people say Mom is a bit too intense...

Mom calls it "support"

and feels it's important to pass this on

to Maddy so that she understands

the importance of family support.

Aren't we cute though?

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

It's that time of year again...FOOTBALL SEASON!!! This is Hunter's 3rd year playing for the Andover Apaches and this year has pumped up to the 85lb team (just making weight at 84.5 lbs.)

Hunter is again starting offense as the Center, starting defense as Linebacker or Defensive Tackle and starting special teams as the Place Kicker.

HE ROCKS!

Nice shoes...You go girl!

Maddy got her first pair of new shoes today!
We found the perfect pair of pink "crawlers" to go with every outfit she owns. We felt it very important they match everything since a pair of shoes at Stride Rite cost about the same as Maddy's entire wardrobe!

I'm coming to getcha!

Maddy has finally started crawling and got her first tooth all in the same week. I was sitting on the floor, trying to get a picture of her crawling. Everytime I would sit down on the floor with her, she would crawl over, bite me and laugh. I was finally able to get a picture of her crawling...unfortunately, it was of her crawling at me and I was nervous.

Back into the swing...

Hunter is great with Maddy...it's obvious he loves her (he always wants to give her a bath) and as you can see in her smile....she LOVES him too!

We're trying to get back into the swing of:
7:45 Maddy Bath
8:00 Maddy Bottle
8:15 Maddy Bed
8:15 Hunter Shower
8:30 Hunter Bed

So far, so good...but that's one night. We'll see how tomorrow night goes with football practice ending at 8:00, grabbing Subway for dinner on the way home, bypassing the bath for Maddy because it's just too late and arguing with Hunter that a shower after football practice is necessary.

First Day of School Dinner...

Yes, we're suckers for our kids and we admit it. Hunter suckered us into dinner at "Cheeseburger in Paradise" which totally goes against the "healthy eating" that Charlie & I are desperately trying to adopt. The adoption process is not going well.

First Day of School for Hunter

Well...today was Hunter's first day of the 4th grade! He didn't know who his teacher would be until school started this morning. All I heard for the last week was, "I hope I don't get Mrs. Smith. She is SO mean."

I waited outside of the school until they posted the class lists for the parents. Low and behold...out of 4 teachers and 60 kids, Hunter was paired up with Mrs. Smith! As he arrived home on the bus today, I was greeted with a HUGE smile and I was told, "Mrs. Smith isn't that bad. She told me I did a great job today. I think I kinda like her."

What a relief. Of course, we'll see what he says when he gets homework on the weekend.

He already started on his homework? OMG!!! Please tell me this teacher is a miracle worker!

Madelynn is dedicated to God

On Mother's Day, May 14th, Madelynn was dedicated to God in our Church. She was very excited to be in front of a crowd and loved the attention (don't know where she gets that???) She was the 3rd generation to wear the gown at her dedication. The gown she wore was worn by both her grandmother (yea G!) and me.

My Mother's Day Present

All I wanted for Mother's Day this year was a family picture. Somehow we managed to find time (of course at the One Hour photo), but I got my present! You'll notice that we're all in bare feet. This is when I fractured my foot on Hunter's field trip and had the big black boot. I didn't want it in the picture, so I brought my other shoe...but I couldn't get it on my foot. So the photographer made Charlie and Hunter take off their shoes (Maddy refuses to wear shoes). You'll also notice that Maddy has staked her claim...she's got a tight grip on Hunter's ear.

Happy Easter!

This was Hunter's first time holding Maddy,

since she's gotten "bigger".

I think by the look on her face...

she senses this.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Baseball season has officially begun for the New York Yankees. Oh, not the Yankees in New York...the New York Yankees of LFYAA (Linthicum Ferndale Youth Athletic Association). Hunter was VERY upset that they had to be the Yankees. Since he's the catcher, he chose #18 for his uniform for Javy Lopez...then the Orioles go and trade him.

I think this is the, "I've had enough pictures Mom" look.