Family Fun

My brother's family sold their house in Charleston, SC and are in the process of moving to Dayton, OH.  They have been staying with us some while they look for a house.  Madison and Christopher have enjoyed the time together!

It was cool at the start of June for a little so we were able to roast a few marshmallows in the fire pit.

We are happy to have their family so close so we can get together more often.

Swim Time

This year we decided to buy a family pool membership for the pool in our neighborhood.  There is a big pool and a kiddie pool.  We are able to use it several times a week and Madison seems to enjoy it.  I hope she loves water as much as me!

Madison with Daddy in the big pool.

Madison with her friend, Alex, floating around :)

Madison and cousin Christopher

Madison playing on the edge of the kiddie pool. 



Messy, but fun!

Madison can be a picky eater at times, but she has learned she likes spaghetti!  I thought I'd capture one of her eating experiences.  

It's always fun to clean up after ;) We have since bought a bib with sleeves!

1st Birthday Party Weekend

We have wonderful friends and family (some who drove from a few states away) who came to help Madison celebrate her first birthday!  We had a fun party on Saturday where we enjoyed watching Madison open her gifts and experience her first birthday cake.  It was a very special day because we had all of Madison's grandparents here along with her Uncle Aaron, Aunt Shawna, Cousin Christopher and our great friends from Michigan, Angie & Josh!  On Sunday we went to church and then grilled out for lunch.  Then on Monday some of us went to Cincinnati to Newport Aquarium on Madison's actual birthday.  Below are some pictures from our adventures.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make her 1st birthday SO special!!

12 Months

Madison is a year old!!  It has gone so fast.

Madison and I spent her first Easter in Michigan with some of our family. 

We flew home on April 11, an experience I don't look forward to repeating anytime soon.

After spending a month in Michigan we are now settled back into normal life in Kentucky.  We have been enjoying play dates and MUMS (a moms group at our church).  The nice weather has allowed us to spend time outside and go on daily walks. 

Madison is learning so much!  She points at everything wanting to know what items are.  She stands on her own and walks behind her push toy but hasn't ventured out walking on her own yet.  Madison has however, mastered the stairs.  She became very interested in climbing up them so we felt the need to teach her how to go down them to help avoid any injuries.  She does great at turning around and going from step to step.  She seems to have no fear and loves to climb on everything. 

It's hard to understand but I feel like Madison is saying a few words.  She definitely says Dada and is referring to Todd.  She says Mama but it doesn't seem directed to me yet.  She says du du referring to duck and bebe for baby (her favorite toy).  She will even "roar" sometimes when player with her tiger.

It has been a wonderful first  year watching Madison learn and grow.  I know the next year will be even more fun!

A few facts
Weight - 22 pounds (75%)
Length - 29 inches (50%)
Head Circumference - 45 cm (50%)
Diaper Size - 4
Clothing Size - some 12 month some 18 month
Sleeping - Bed 8pm and wake around 8am, naps at 10 & 2

11 Months

We have two 11 month photos this time.  The first one was taken on Madison's actual 11 month birthday and the second was taken a few weeks later so that we could have the traditional shot.  We were not at home on the 30th of March because we spent a month in Michigan.  My dad had some medical problems so we went up to help out.  It was great that we were able to go but it was also wonderful to be home. 

God has blessed our family in the many ways the past few weeks!

While we were in Michigan, we were able to spend some time with Aaron, Shawna and Christopher :) We took trips to the zoo, a butterfly exhibit, and a children's museum. We also went to a park near my parent's house a few times. Madison learned that she enjoys to swing!



We also got to see a lot of Angie and Josh while we were there!!   We went to a aquatic center with them which Madison enjoyed.



We are looking forward to seeing everyone again at Madison's first birthday party.  Can you believe our beautiful girl is almost 1?!?

Madison learned to clap and pulls up on objects.  She is starting to cruise on furniture.  She will be walking soon - watch out world!



A few facts
Weight - Didn't get it this time :( I'd guess around 22 lbs
Diaper Size - 4
Clothing Size - 12-18 Month
Sleeping - Bed 8 pm and wakes around 8 am (she did not sleep as well in Michigan due to not being in her bed)

Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever.