Photos

Coupon Clipper...

I have a very important job on the weekends.
I am the house coupon clipper....even though I can't use the scissors yet, I sure do have fun tearing the paper.

Maybe next week I'll learn how to clean up after I'm done.

Happy Day...

...Happy Day, Happy Day, Happy Day...
Miss Madeline starts and finishes our day with this line.
It's absolutely adorable.

No longer do we wake up to have her come sit in bed and hang out with us. Now, we wakt up and immediately are instructed to brush teeth...while putting toothpaste on Madeline's tooth brush she jumps up and down saying, "Happy Day, Happy Day."

It makes me wonder why we don't express the same enthusiasm every day when waking up. I feel more like, ugh, it's only Wednesday...turn on coffee pot. ha ha

She has taught Jeremy and I how to appreciate every day and apparently start it off with, Happy Day, Happy Day, Happy Day.

So to you reading this, I wish you a Happy Day...because Madeline says so!

Enjoy!

Daddy...

...I have lots of new words. About 3 weeks ago I decided to start talking and let me tell you I haven't stopped since then. Some of my new words include:
Daddy
Doggie
Please (sounds like peas)
More
Cheese
Cookie
Water
No (sounds like mo)
Elvis (Eviz)
Dibs (Bibs)
Sadie (Sabie)
etc, etc, etc
Juice
Bath (bat)
Ba Ba (ba......)
Moo Moo (mmmmmmm.....)
Duck (buck)

There are tons of words and it's really quite fun. The list above is just a short list of what I can say/do. Really, if you ask me to say a word, I will. I've been a little stubborn on the talking thing, but it was more entertaining watching mom and dad try to figure out what I wanted before I talked.

It's been pretty busy around here. We went for a little trip. I got to go on an airplane again and was a really good girl....for the most part. I opted not to sleep this time and I think mom and dad enjoyed my company on the flight. They kept trying to entertain me with food, water, books, toys.

Anyway, we went to IA and saw some family. This time I wasn't as shy. I let Grandpa and Grandma hold me. I have Grandpa wrapped around my little finger. He was even willing to play baby dolls with me....they are some of my favorite toys right now. Grandma had jello and powdered donuts so she made my list of favorite people. Then, I got to play with Caleb and Katelyn. They are SO much fun. Caleb and I had tons of fun together...he sure can make me laugh. And I met Hailey....I wasn't too fond of the idea of mom and dad holding her. Remember, I'm the baby and the important one. Anyway, I tried to hit....I mean touch....her and mom and dad said to be gentle. Finally I came around and gave her a kiss. She wasn't much for playing yet, but maybe in time. She sure can toot and had 2 diaper blowouts on mom...I think that means she likes her.

Oh well, some of my favorite activities now are puzzles, playing baby dolls, books and blocks. I really like hats too and frequently make mom and dad wear them for fun. They're good sports about it.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll try to upload a video of me playing and talking soon.

Love - Maddie

Move over Shawn Johnson...

....I'm moving up. That's right. I'm in tumbling class now and let me tell you, I sure enjoy it. The balance beam is pretty cool. I don't think it's very tough to walk across. Maybe it's because I have a low center of gravity...being short has it's benefits. Also, the uneven bars aren't that difficult either. The most challenging thing is remembering how to let go. But I can hang on really long....like maybe 5 seconds all by myself.

Also, I'm getting more teeth. Mom and Dad really like it when I'm teething. (note sarcasm) But I'm drooling quite a bit again.

Mom and Dad also say I will need some remedial training before I start dating. I'm not sure what they are talking about since I now eat with a spoon all by myself. Granted, I turn the spoon over before I get it all the way to my mouth so some, well most, of the stuff falls off on my bib and then I rub it in my hair. I like to think I'm creating an organic hair product similar to gel or hairspray.

Oh yes, I'm not the youngest anymore....cousin that is. I now have a new baby cousin, Hailey. I can't wait to meet her. Mom and Dad say I get to visit real soon and I can't wait. I wonder if she likes building with blocks, reading books, or can do puzzles by herself? I can do all of those. I have a basket that holds all of my books, today I thought I would see if it would hold me....it does.





I have a new tent/tunnel and for some reason Dad doesn't want to share with me. I thought it was my toy, but apparently he's really into princesses and castles as well. Soon enough I will train him to play tea party. My other favorite toy right now is my Ice Cream riding toy. I dig it.

I got to go sledding today. It was pretty intense. Dad pulled me and then mom pulled me around the driveway. I thought it was pretty fun!



Last week it was really cold and I got to stay home with mom one day because it was really, really, really cold...like ice. Anyway, the University was closed so we had a play day. Well, since it was so cold I thought I would help cover the dogs with mom's dish towels, don't worry the towels were dry, to help keep the dogs warm. Here's a pic of one.




Until next time - Madeline

Pass the paper.....

....oh wait, I'll just get it myself. (ha ha ha)

I have a bit of an obsession with.....paper. I find it all over the house. Last month it was under the tree around presents and I tried to tear it free many times before Christmas but mom kept catching me in the act. So, I then turned my focus to toilet paper and any other paper within my reach. Did you know mom and dad put paper and kleenex in the garbage?! I kept pulling it out and they kept making me put it back in saying, "no touch." I only wanted them to recycle every little bit to help the environment but apparently they aren't into that. By the way, sometimes the kleenex was a little sticky. I'm not sure why. Anyway, that's my obsession with paper.







Christmas....I must have been really good last year (aside from the paper obsession)and the bottle of wine I left Santa must have helped as well encourage his giving mood, because Santa brought me a cool castle climb and slide.....I'm pretty much an expert at it now. Mom says it a good thing becaues her coffee table couldn't handle much more.







Family....The Gacnik family came to visit the week between Christmas and New Years. It was pretty cool to see some of my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We kept busy and I got to practice my talent at unwrapping presents again (did I mention I really like paper?). Anyway, I got a really, really, really cool car which Dad let me take for a test drive when it was nice outside. We also went to the zoo lights one night. I was so bundled up I couldn't put my arms down.....I felt like the kid from a Christmas Story movie. It sure was fun though and I saw a big elephant.












I'm not a big fan of clothes. I really prefer to run around with only my diaper on and sometimes in the evening mom and dad let me do it before putting my jammies on.....well, now I have a new game....pulling my diaper down below my hips....mom and dad say I'm sagging my draws. Anyway, mom says if I keep this up I'll either learn to be potty trained really early or end up with duct tape on to hold my diaper on. Oh that mom character....she's just silly. I think mom and dad are just jealous. Oh heck, enough of that....you look at the photo and make your own opinion for the fashion statement I'm trying to set. (Don't mind the crack)






Looks like 1 just wasn't enough. I'm now am working on 4 molars. I really don't recommend cutting them at the same time to anyone else. Although it allows for great bonding time with Mom and Dad in the middle of the night, it's rather painful.

That's all. Happy New Year!

Madeline

Blogging...

..apparently to be a professional blogger you must update your blog more than once or twice a month....some do it daily....I however, do not.

Mom and I had a girl's week while dad was traveling last week. It sure was tough managing mom without dad there, but I kept her in line. We played, laughed and heck, she even remembered to give me a bath. Then on Saturday she took me out for a very special breakfast. It's sort of a new tradition when mom or dad travel, if the other parent is very good while caring for me, then we get to go for DONUTS! Yes, you read that correct. I love donut holes. They rock! I actually can eat 5 all by myself. Mom took a picture of me shaking my head when she asked if I would share one with her. Heck no lady!!!!




While dad was gone I also helped mom put up the tree in the basement. It needed some additional decorating with family coming to town, so I offered to help out. Until then, I really didn't care about the tree or the presents in the house. But now, I have learned that you can pull ornaments apart and I am becoming an expert at tearing paper. It makes a really loud sound though so mom and dad keep using this word, "no" and "don't touch." Whenever they say "don't touch" I gladly put the item down and then clap for myself for listening. Then, I touch it again which makes them say "don't touch" and I then put it down and clap again for myself. It's great game that lasted 10-15 min. the other night. I have mom and dad well trained!




Well, that's all for now. Supposedly we will be baking cinnamon rolls this week. I'm sure mom will need my help with that too.....good thing I'm around.

Love - Ms. Maddie

PS. Elvis is even in the holiday spirit....he really wants a new dog bone...

My Stats.....

...well the latest stats are in....

I'm 18.5 pounds and 30 inches long.....with 1 molar working it's way in.



I have a countdown on for Christmas. Somebody, Mom calls him Santa, is going to stop at the house. I guess he'll come through the fireplace.....I better make sure we don't leave it turned on, otherwise he might burn his bottom. Dad says I'll be fast asleep, but I was thinking of turning the house alarm on so we will all wake up and greet him. Mom said we need to make some cookies to leave out with a bottle of wine....did you know Santa likes a glass of wine? Actually last year he must have been really thirsty and drank the entire bottle. Oh well, silly Santa.

Anyway, I am going to see Santa this weekend to make sure he got my list. I asked for some books and a softball bat/ball. I thought about sending him an e-mail with GPS instructions to our house, but I think he remembers me.

Talk to you later - Maddie

PS. I'm also going to a birthday party soon. I don't know much about it yet, but Mom and Dad said it's at church for someone named Jesus........I wonder if they'll have a cake like I had on my birthday? Mom and Dad said it's church, no party.....but I think they're wrong. You can't have a birthday celebration without a party!!! I'll bring the treats to help out. I wonder if he likes Cheerios?

The season of giving....

It's the season of giving. You can feel it all around you if you step outside. There's something in the air, you can't put your finger on it, but people are just genuinely friendly in December and heck, more apt to open a door for you or offer a warm smile. Maybe it's the anticipation of Christmas. No matter what, it's a great time of year.

This time of year presents it's challenges as well. Presents, presents, presents.....it seems we rate a successful Christmas on the amount of material gifts one gives/receives. It seems we keep moving farther away from the meaning of Christmas.

I found two clips; one which is a tear jerker and one that just warms your heart. The first one will stop you in your tracks and makes you appreciate everyone in your life. (you may have to copy and past the URL) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E

The second, well it's just cute and a great display of sharing your gifts with others. (you may have to copy and paste the URL) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

With that, enjoy the holidays but take time to give back. Not only will it warm your heart, it will warm the recipients.

From - the management of Madeline

PS. If you have any childrens books which you no longer need/want, feel free to send them our way. We are always looking for new ways to connect with the community and there are places requesting books. I know many people have hundreds sitting on shelf that haven't been touched for years. Send them to us please. Thanks!!!!

The Tree...

Hi there!!! It's me Madeline and I've got a countdown of days until Christmas.



First, I have had lots of questions about what a red nose looks like. Here it is...





Last weekend we went to the mountains and I cut down my very own Christmas tree (well, Dad cut it down but I like to think it was for me). I figured we would come home with something similiar to the tree on Christmas Vacation (the movie) or the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.......actually I thought we would end up a mile from our house buying one at the end of the dad....that happened to Mom and Dad a few years ago. I was wrong on many levels.

I thought this adventure would be great.....something filled with snow and hot chocolate....maybe Dad pulling me on the sled and then pulling me on the sled while carrying a big, big 50 ft. Christmas tree back to the car. Well, there wasn't any snow so the sled was a "no go." Then Mom informed me I wasn't allowed to have hot chocolate (maybe when I'm 2 she will let me have some).

Anyway, I dressed really warm and got to ride in the hiking pack on Dad's back as we hiked up and down the mountains looking for the perfect tree. We finally found one but it was pretty big.....Mom and I weren't convinced at first since we couldn't see the part of the tree that would fit in our house. You see, the tree must have been 50 ft. tall, but Dad said the top 10 ft. would look great in our house. So Dad started sawing and Mom and I had a snack. Then, Mom got to carry me in the hiking pack so Dad could carry the tree....the really big tree. Did I mention it was all up hill/mountain to get back to the car? I think they enjoyed the workout and I enjoyed the view.












Now it's not a tree like you see in the mid-west. It's not exactly full and tall. Don't get me wrong, the tree is tall....heck, Dad had to take it back outside to cut more off after we got home because it was hitting the ceiling, but you can see right through it. So, full? No. Tall? Yes.







We had a ton of fun though and would honestly do the hike again. I offered to help decorate the tree but apparently my "style" isn't what mom and dad had in mind so they laid me down for a nap. I guess Christmas isn't about the tree you find, but the experience to find the tree.

I've been good though and haven't pulled any ornaments off the tree. Heck, I don't really care we have a tree because I have a singing bear that someone gave me. I really like it. It sings the same 3 songs over and over and over. I think Mom and Dad like it too. They like it so much they race to turn it off since it doesn't stop.

I'm at a new sitters house now. My other one accepted a job out of the house so now I'm at Ms. Katie's place. You know what this means right? I have a new boyfriend. His name is Alexander. He's kind of a two timer though since there is another girl and he flirts equally with Brin and myself. Oh well, she's pretty nice so it's okay.

Life is good!

Maddie Rose.

Gobble, Gobble and Wobble, Wobble....

...and now presenting Rudolph!

Last weekend I was outside playing and practicing my running skills. I guess I was running so fast I didn't realize my little legs couldn't keep up with my ambition and upper body, so I tripped and fell. I didn't just fall either, I landed on all 4 limbs and then tipped forward and skinned my entire nose. I cried a little bit....but I really wouldn't slow down to let mom clean it off. Anyway, I now look like Rudolph. I am going to practice my running again soon, but I may put a rubber ball on a my nose (like a clown) to stop by falls.

Thanksgiving was great. Mom, Dad and I just stayed home and enjoyed time with each other. Mom and Dad said it was very relaxing, but I'm not sure how they came to that conclusion when all they did was cook that day. Oh well, we ate a turkey and lots of other stuff. Really, my favorite was the pumpkin pie. Other than that, not much else is new. We had a great long weekend at home and even did a little shopping. It was nice to get back to my routine today at daycare. I also thought it was nice to get mom and dad back to work....I don't want them getting laxy and relaxing too much...just kidding.

Oh yes, I got another hair cut this weekend and am now sporting a "bob" cut. I'm not to sure why mom and dad got my haircut after someone named Bob, maybe someday I'll get one named after a girl. Oh well. Have a great week and I'll get some photos for you all soon.
Love - Madeline

PS. You'll notice I got stuck in my chair when I tipped backwards and mom and dad thought it was a perfect kodak moment...I disagreed.

PSS. You'll also notice me in a photo which looks like I lost at strip poker, but no I was merely running in my diaper and carrying a toy before putting my PJs on for bed.

Dancing...

....I definitely do not get my moves from Mom or Dad....mine are WAY better

Just playing in water...

....as Tinkerbell!

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da-Day....

It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here.
Let's recap for you.

First, Aunt Debbie came to visit and for some reason mom made her run the Denver 1/2 Marathon. Can you believe how mean Mom was to her....she chased Aunt Debbie the entire way. Dad and I played a very important role during the race....we were cheerleaders! Actually, I fell asleep and missed Mom and Debbie running by at mile 3.5, but I did clap with all the other cheerleaders (aka fans) at the finish line as they finished. It was good day.




Then, I had a Daddy/Daughter weekend because mom had to go to Washington DC for work. It was pretty fun. I even got to talk to mom on skype while she was gone....I'm convinced mom was really stuck in the computer. I bet Dad put her there. ha ha

Then, Mom came home and we went on a vacation to Disney World in Florida!!!! It was super fun. I went to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and then trick or treated (I was Tinkerbell in case you're wondering) at Downtown Disney and then trick or treated at Fort Wilderness Campground and then we went to the Hoop-De-Doo (dinner musical). I didn't really care about the candy since I don't eat candy....heck, I don't have enough teeth to eat candy. It was a really fun trip though. We camped and hung out with Grandpa, Grandma and my aunts, uncles and cousins. I went for lots of walks, boat rides, swimming in the pool and just hung out. It was very relaxing, so relaxing that now Mom and Dad are looking at travel trailers so we can go camping more often.





























My favorite part of the vacation was running through the fountains at Downtown Disney....that's where water pops out of the ground....can you believe that?!!! I got to do it in my halloween costume and it was totally fun. I was giggling the entire time.


My second favorite part was the wine experience....well, actually I think that was Mom and Dad's favorite part and I was merely along for the ride in the stroller. I got to have fun though....no, I didn't get to drink wine silly.....I got to dance to the live music and meet some characters (who I didn't really like, one was an oversized cat).





Overall, it's been a crazy couple of weeks and although it's nice to be home, I'm ready for another camping adventure.

Until next time - Tinkerbell (aka Madeline or Maddie)

From management...

Just a quick update from the "management of Madeline."

We are in the process of building a family website. Hopefully soon (within 2 years) we will have an up and running website where blogs will be kept. When that occurs, Madeline will update this blog to notify you of the new web address.

The benefits to a family website, for us, will be ease of uploading photos and maintaining content. There will also be a recipe section. We love cooking and would like to share some of our newfound recipes.

That's all, nothing else new here. If you have an ideas how to get the "little one" to sleep better we would GREATLY appreciate your thoughts. No a sip of wine or borrbon are not acceptable suggestions.

Thanks - Management of Madeline

Sporting the goods...

...my new favorite shirt courtesy of Uncle John and Aunt Jan....I think it looks pretty good.

Love - Madeline Rose

Professional Golfer in Training.....

It's been a busy month. I've been improving my golf swing and finally think I'm at a point to share with you. Now I realize you'll start recommending agents for me after seeing my swing, but hold tight, I figure I should wait until I'm 14 months old before getting my professional rating. I realize Tiger Woods started early and perhaps I'll follow in his foot steps.....but only on the golf course. He's not much of a role model off the course. For that, I'll follow mom and dad's example. ha ha Enjoy!

Happy 1st Birthday to Me....

....Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Madeline (that's me), Happy Birthday to Me! I'm 1 year old today!!!!



It's been a really great year. I've trained Mom and Dad to respond when I call...even at 2 AM. They're pretty nice and have passed the "new parent test" throughout the first 12 months. Congratulations you two; you're now grown ups and certified parents.

I've trained the dogs to let me climb on them and inspect their hair, ears, eyes, etc. My only complaint is they all have bad breath and Dibs has sharp teeth. I think in time Dibs will really like me, especially when I have a toddler bed and he can cuddle up with me or maybe when I start playing dress-up with him. He'll be my buddy in time.

I now have 5 teeth....I'm working on 1 more right now....Mom and Dad say they'll be happy when they all appear.

I gave up crawling because my knees were getting sore. I don't know why Mom and Dad never told me to just use my feet. I sure get around faster and into things quicker now. Speaking of getting into things, I found the tupperware cupboard this weekend and have helped Mom and Dad reorganize multiple times.


I'm a good eater....I found out this weekend at my birthday party I really like strawberry cupcakes with frosting and pink sprinkles! Did you know on your birthday you get present?! It was really tough (not sarcasm) turning 1....I got a stroller and a baby doll and an indoor riding toy that plays music....and some books and a puzzle. It was great!


All in all, it was a great first year. I got to travel a ton to see family and friends and learn what life is all about. I can only hope the years to come are just as much fun.

Until later -
Madeline

Busy Bee.....

I sure have been a busy bee lately.

The past 2 weeks have been kind of crazy around here.
I got the flu for the very first time in my entire life....I'm not sure if I should feel special because it wasn't very fun. But, I did get to stay home with mom and dad for an entire week and a half until I was all better. We played quite a bit and mom did lots of laundry.

When I was sick Dad had to travel a little bit, but Mom said "no problem, I can handle it." That was before she got the stomach flu....while Dad was gone...and while I was still sick. It was less than plesant for both of us. But heck, we are all better now!!!

Moving on...so Dad got to go to Minnesota (when mom and I were sick). He went to Uncle Michael's graduation for his Masters degree. It sure sounds like they had a great time. He saw Uncle Michael, Aunt Jodi, Cousin AJ, Aunt Sue and Uncle Don. They had a hoot! He sure is happy he made the trip and took the time to reconnect with everyone.



So, back to me....let's focus on me, the kiddo about to turn the big number 1!!! I've been a bit of a grouch this past week. Getting up at least 3-4 times/night and resorting back to only eating baby food. Mom and Dad didn't pick up on the hint, but I was getting another tooth....yup, #4 finally came through today. Thank heavens....I really had to work for this one and it hurt!!! (the reason I kept waking Mom and Dad up at night was because I wanted orajel and tylenol...they didn't pick up on the hint)

Also, I have another big, Big, BIG announcement.....I can walk now! Yup, I decided the past 2 weeks to take it up and athough I don't go super far or fast, I sure can move my little legs. I'll show you soon enough!

I have another trip coming up. I'm going back to the lake cabin in Minnesota to catch the big one. Mom calls the fish "Walter" like from the movie, The Great Outdoors. It should be a good trip.

That's about it for now. Have a fun-filled week and I hope you don't get the flu or cut any new teeth....neither is fun.

Love - Madeline

It's been that kind of month....

....sorry for the delay in my posts, it's been that kind of month.

Our adventures from CO to Ames, IA to Northern MN to Davenport, IA and back to Colorado....totally 2,800 miles....went well. I don't mean to brag, but I really am a great traveler. Seriously, I like to read my books, take naps, stop for breaks at random parks and see the road, all while riding backwards because I'm not 20 lbs. yet. (I hope by my 2nd birthday to finally be 20 lbs. so I can experience the joy of looking out the front window). Anyway, the trip was great. It was really rushed though because we had so many people to see and things to do.

I experienced some firsts again though. My first trip to the lake, my first time wearing a "boat coat," my first boat ride (I kinda fell asleep but that had nothing to do with Uncle Brian's driving) and my first princess fishing pole.



Mom and dad had fun too I think. They went fishing and came back aweful wet one night. I don't think they used any fishing poles, I think they fell in the lake and tried to catch the fish with their bare hands. Mom claims they got caught in the middle of a big rainstorm and she was catching fish, but I think that's just a fish tale. Oh well, we had fun.



I completed my first Bix race. It was tough, I had to crawl 10 feet on a carpet with all these other kids. Oh course I didn't take off when they said "GO" I waited to see if any of the boy crawlers had cute buns (you know what I mean) and then I took off and finished. My number on my bib was "A3." Mom says that stands for ankle biter #3 since I was crawling. Oh well, I got a medal and it was awesome. Mom didn't get a medal when she did her race the next day.....did I mention she ran the entire thing in the rain...no one went to watch her. Grandpa dropped her off and picked her up, but I think she was nuts and should have stayed home.



Since getting back to Colorado it's been crazy around here. You would have thought it would slow down, but nope, not in this household. Dad got sick right after we got back and missed work for a few days (that never happens). Then mom got sick (I think it's from running 7 miles in the rain storm, but what do I know, I'm just a kid) and she missed work for part of a week as well. Then last night, well this morning, at 1 AM I got the stomach flu and was up until 6. Now, mom won't let me eat anything fun today expect crackers, water, toast, etc. How boring is that?! Mom keeps drinking coffee and doing laundry....I'm not sure why? I think she likes to clean.

Other than that, not much new. (I will add some more photos later but I'm tummy doesn't want to wait for them to upload on this slow computer)

Until later - Madeline

PS. I'm getting a new cousin on February 4....I'm pretty pumped to have a new friend. Congrats Tom and Mary and cousins Katelyn and Caleb!

PSS. If you ask me how old I'll be in 1 month, I will hold 1 finger up and show you....no, it's not my middle finger people, get you head out of the gutter.