tales from a far-land

A couple of weeks ago, we had Madilyn's six month photo shoot.  We returned back to JC Penney Portrait Studio to try them out again.  What a different experience!  Madi was in a happy mood.  Our photographer did a great making all of us smile.  We did not feel rushed.  And we were even given the opportunity to double take some of the photos we were not pleased with after previewing them.  A very satisfying experience overall.  Here is a collage of some of the photos taken. 

Madi turned six months old last Tuesday.  Can you believe it?  On Wednesday, we visited her pediatrician for her six month well baby check-up and shots.  Madi was a trooper, she only cried for a little bit after receiving her shots.  At this visit the physician shared that we could start adding more solids to her diets, like Cheerios and teething biscuits.  She also encouraged us to start teaching Madi to drink water out of a sippy cup. Madilyn's stats as of this visit were: Head circumference - 16.25" (18th percentile) Height - 26" (61st percentile) Weight - 16 pounds, 11 ounces (63rd percentile) Here are some of Madi's new milestones we have experienced this past month: She is sitting up on her own completely She is able to roll from front to back and back to front with ease She consistently talks to herself.  If only we knew what she was saying .... She has mastered the "riverdance" by bouncing in ...

At Madilyn's four month well baby check, the doctor told us that we could start slowly introducing Madi to solid foods once she started sitting up on her own.  Well, she really started mastering that skill about a month ago.  So, off I went to the market to buy some Gerber baby food.  We are busy people and it was fast and convenient.  This trend lasted only a little while until one evening when Josh was feeding Madi and he decided to taste her food.  His critique was that it was bland, boring and tasteless.  Thus was born Mr. Cuisinart.  He decided that he could make better tasting baby food than what we were currently feeding her with our steamer and Cuisinart.  I was supportive, yet skeptical.  We both work long days and when we get home at night, we are tired and barely find time to make ourselves a homemade dinner, let alone her.  However, once Josh got this idea into his brain, there was no changing his mind and he ...

Here are some photos from a trip we made to Pinewood in August to visit Grandma and Grandpa Farrell.  As you will see, we forgot to bring Madilyn's pack 'n play so we had to create a makeshift bed for her.  She didn't seem to mind.  We also experienced eating her first "cookie".  Her face shows how much she enjoyed it.           

Here are another couple of photos that I just received from Yolanda via picture message.  We are so lucky Yolanda gives a preview of Madi's adorable moments throughout the day.  So cute!!! "She found a new friend!" Talking to herself in the mirror ...

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, Madi experienced her first roller-coaster ride the last time we visited GP & GG.  Albeit, it was not the traditional roller-coaster that we all know and love, but to a five month old, it was as real as it gets.  GP created the fun-filled ride by taking Madi, one blue office chair and one belt which was introduced halfway through the process to keep Madi secure (thanks to GG).  He then pushed her throughout the house while Madi squealed the entire way.  This video was taken in the kitchen, but it portrays the fun that was had by both the participants and the audience.  *So cute!*

Just a couple of photos we took of Madilyn tonight during bathtime ... she *really* loves bathtime!!!

Here is a quick photo collage of this weekend's trip to see GG (great-grandma) and GP (great-grandpa) in Laguna Woods, California.  We were welcomed not only by GG and GP, but most of the Katz family who were visiting from Israel.  Madi experienced her first visit to the beach and chair roller-coaster created by GP in their kitchen.  Much fun was had by all ...

I have been told as Madi becomes more mobile, it will be harder to post as often.  I am finding this to be true *and* she isn't even crawling yet.  Time just seems to slip away.  Anyway, here are some random pictures of our little girl this summer.  I hope they capture the true essense of her happiness and emerging out-going personality. Look, Mom, I can sit on my own ... Feeding time with Uncle Greg I'm working on my glamour shots Too cool for school Daddy & Madi at August "Family" Dinner "Hey, did you check out my pink camouflage?" An afternoon swim at Grandma Farrell's...

A few weeks back, we were very lucky to have Josh's parents in town for a visit. The high school where Gary is employed is out for the summer and Teresa had some vacation time that she needed to expend or she would lose it. So, where did they chose to spend their vacation? Phoenix in July! Actually, the Arizona weather was very gracious and provided us with a couple of days of rain and less than 100 degree heat. They thoroughly enjoyed spending time with us -- spending a couple of days watching Madilyn during the day while Josh and I worked, checking out a new farmers market near us on Wednesday evening, and they even took Madi overnight on Friday so Josh and I could have a date night and sleep-in on Saturday morning.  It was only the second time we have had the opportunity to take advantage of an offer like this since she was born.  And even with all of the time that they spent with her, they still love her!  Actually, I have to admit...we have a really a ...

Take a look at the photo of Madilyn sent to me via my phone this afternoon by Yolanda (our daycare provider) with the following message ... "Hey mom, need formula and wipes!" How can you not love this face?  I cannot wait to get home and gobble her up!  Yolanda, thanks for sharing this adorable picture of our little baby.

The Farrell-Landers family visited Chicago.  I had an industry conference to attend, so Madi and Josh decided to tag along.  We really enjoyed ourselves and Madi was such a good traveler.  She experienced her first airplane ride, first cab ride, first hotel stay, and much more.  We were true "tourists" hitting all of the major museums and events.  And even experiencing the locals incredible food venues like Portillos where you can get dinner and a show from the kitchen staff. The weather was pretty nice (much better than the 100+ degrees we left in Arizona).  Madi's favorite part was the Shedd Aquarium.  Here take a look at her excitement ... Josh and I decided that we cannot wait until she is a little older to *really* enjoy vacations.  Here is a slideshow of our trip ... now you can say you have visited "The Windy City".

So, you probably have been wondering what new things Madi has been up to for the past two months.  Here are some of the "firsts" she has shared with us.  Each new moment is *so* much fun!  It makes parenting so rewarding. First Laugh ~ Her first laugh occurred while we were visiting GG and GP in California for Memorial Day weekend.  Take a look at this clip.  I couldn't help but laugh myself.  First Swim ~ Madi took her first swim in my parents' pool on Memorial Day.  As you will notice, it took her a while to warm up to the idea, but once she did, she seemed to enjoy it.  Here is our water baby ... First Solid Food ~ Yes, that is right.  Madi has started eating solid foods.  We are slowly starting to introduce rice cereal into her diet.  Wait until you see this clip.  Too funny!  Game Playing ~ Madi has started playing little games with everyone.  She plays her own version of peek-a-boo....

I'm back! Summer has arrived and unforunately the Farrell-Landers family has been keeping busy.  Therefore, I have not been diligent updating the blog.  I had a few moments so I wanted to update you on our summer adventures.  So, here is a brief recap of our first family road trip ... Our summer officially began with a weekend trip to California for Memorial Day. It was a wonderful way to escape the Arizona sun and visit with family and friends. For Madi's first road trip ever, she did remarkably well. She mostly slept the entire way, occasionally, waking up to admire the toys that Josh and I had strewn around her car seat. We didn't want her to get bored. The adventure began with a brief stop-over in Yuma, AZ, as I had to assist with a client's benefit enrollment meetings. Luckily, the meetings concluded mid-afternoon and we were able to get back on the road earlier than expected. Many thanks to GG and GP for welcoming this rowdy clan into their home for...

Madilyn is three months old today (okay, technically, she is 12 weeks old today).  Can you believe it?  We cannot.  It seems like she has grown so much in 12 weeks.  She isn't that somewhat tiny, fragile, little baby that we brought home from the hospital.  She is turning into quite the little person. Madi visited her pediatrician for her 2 month well baby check-up on May 5th.  We are happy to report she is healthy and the pediatrician is very pleased with her progress thus far (although she was a little surprised that Madi drinks 6 ounces of formula at almost every feeding).  What can I say ... she is a hardy eater.  At this baby check, Madi received her first set of immunization shots.  She was such a good baby.  She didn't even realize she was getting her shots until she received the second one and then she only cried briefly.  We were so proud.  Her stats as of this visit...