tales from a far-land

Here are a couple of pictures from this weekend.  I just cannot get enough of her.  Lovin' it! Madi's Glamour Shot Looking into the camera ... Mommy trying to keep Madi awake ~ not really working ... Playtime on her mat ... do you think there are enough toys to stare at? Have you ever seen a baby *so* happy to have a clean diaper?  Pure bliss! Another day, another cute outfit ...

For one of my shower gifts, I received a memory kit made by Tiny Tales .  It is marketed as a great way to capture your baby's little and big moments.  The kit contains several index cards that allows the user to simply check off one of the fun pre-filled categories, jot down the story, and slip the note behind the appropriate divider.  Here is what this product looks like: In concept, I thought this was a great idea and was excited to jot down all of Madi's lifes moments.  And even though the box is conveniently on the counter, I never seem to fill out any of the cards.  Nonetheless, I really like the idea of recording Madi's moments, so I am going to incorporate it into my blog.  I guess I find it easier to type it versus finding the card and writing it down.  Doesn't make a lot of sense, but typing just seems *way* easier. Here is Madi's moment:  She slept through the entire night for the first ...

Since Madi was born, we have taken several pictures of her and even quite a few of Madi with other people.  However, I quickly realized that Josh and I do not have very many photos with her at all.  So, we decided it was time to get some taken.  As a recommendation from a family friend, we ventured to  JCPenney Portraits  last Saturday to get our pictures taken.  Here are a couple of lessons I learned from this experience:  1) Deciding to have family portraits taken the Saturday right before Easter may not have been the best choice.  There were children, babies and families everywhere.  All dressed in their Sunday best.  The Easter Bunny also made a special appearance.  Since the entire world felt the need to get their pictures taken the same day as we did, the studio was running a half hour to hour behind, even if you had an appointment scheduled!...

Yesterday was the day I dreaded would come too quickly.  And, in fact, it did.  It was the day I returned back to work and Madilyn would enter into the world of day care.  Madi is staying during the day with a wonderful woman, Yolanda, who runs a child day care out of her home.  She was so excited to watch Madi for us.  Yolanda was referred to me by one of my dearest friends, who coincidently, has her youngest boy there as well.  I just liked the fact that Madi wouldn't be surrounded by an army of children infecting her with every sickness out there.  But we wanted her to be able to socialize with other kids as well.  Currently, Yolanda only watches four children.  Madi is her fifth.  They all range in ages from the youngest at 7 weeks (Madi) to a four year old who will be entering preschool full-time in the fall.  I cannot imagine having more than the one kid in...

We could not have asked for a more beautiful and more enjoyable Easter day.  Spring has arrived in the Valley of the Sun bringing sunshine and the smell of orange blossoms.  Unfortunately for Josh, this is also the beginning of allergy season and now Kleenex decorates every room in our house.  Our Easter Sunday was spent relaxing, napping, eating and enjoying the company of family and friends.  Josh cooked quiche for brunch.  (Thank you, hubby!)  Then, Josh and Madi enjoyed early afternoon naps while I dyed eggs.  We ended the day at my parents' house for a barbequed shish kebab dinner with Greg and Micky.  Madi was so good!  She was alert hanging out with us until it was time for dinner and then she fell asleep until we arrived home.  I cannot forget to mention that the day would not be complete without everyone jockeying for time to hold Madilyn and the *li...