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