Here's M pretending to talk to her Nonni and Grandma on the phone.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
For the Love of Lady Gaga
Here's the thing... Maddie first heard Ms. Lady Gaga live when I was 7 or 8 months pregnant and went to the New Kids on the Block reunion tour. Lady Gaga opened and Mads spent almost the entire concert kicking around in my tummy. Now it's clear to me that she was dancing like the little pop music maniac she is!
Let me tell you, her love for Lady Gaga has not faded and she continues to enjoy busting a move or just busting out some lyrics! Today I obtained some video evidence for your enjoyment.
Paparazzi
Bad Romance
Singing Bad Romance
As for my love of Lady Gaga, I was definitely intrigued when we saw her in Oct 2008 and liked her more and more as she released new singles. A couple nights ago, some girls and I went to see her "Monster Ball" concert at the tank. I have to say that I think I have a girl crush now! She was absolutely phenomenal!! I also loooooved her message of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and don't-let-anyone-stand-in-your-way attitude. She basically rocks and I had an amazing time dancing my tush off at the party... er, concert!
A friend of mine did my makeup before the show. She loosely based it off this photo:
How awesome, right?!
Let me tell you, her love for Lady Gaga has not faded and she continues to enjoy busting a move or just busting out some lyrics! Today I obtained some video evidence for your enjoyment.
Paparazzi
Bad Romance
Singing Bad Romance
As for my love of Lady Gaga, I was definitely intrigued when we saw her in Oct 2008 and liked her more and more as she released new singles. A couple nights ago, some girls and I went to see her "Monster Ball" concert at the tank. I have to say that I think I have a girl crush now! She was absolutely phenomenal!! I also loooooved her message of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and don't-let-anyone-stand-in-your-way attitude. She basically rocks and I had an amazing time dancing my tush off at the party... er, concert!
A friend of mine did my makeup before the show. She loosely based it off this photo:
How awesome, right?!
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
Friday, July 16, 2010
18 Months
A year and a half!!
- 18 Month Appt Stats (7/22) :: [Weight] 23lbs 15.6oz (45%) :: [Height] 2' 10.5" (99%) :: [Head] 19.09" (93%)
- Walking really well (hardly falls) and running sometimes. Climbs pretty well, but isn't all that interested in it.
- Has hundreds of words.
- Knows many shapes and can name them (circle, star, triangle, heart).
- Knows and correctly answers the basic colors. Her favorite color of the moment is pink. Last month it was blue.
- Can distinguish between her left and right side when asked. (Points to left foot, etc.)
- "Sings" the ABCs. She gets up to D or E, then babbles the rest to the tune.
- Favorite song of the moment is "Wheels on the Bus" and she does all of the little hand gestures while trying to sing along. The other day, she listened to it happily 15-16 times in a ROW! The only reason I let it keep going for that long was because she always gave me the biggest, sweetest hug when it got to the part that says, "The Mommies on the bus say, 'I love you! I love you!"
- On that note, M is a really affectionate little girl and likes to give lots of hugs, kisses, and snuggles.
- Likes to "rough house" with us on the floor or the bed. She will laugh hysterically if we push her over or tackle her. She's even pretty good about knowing when it's okay to play rough like that and when it isn't. Her current favorite physical activity isn't the slide at the park or running through the grass, it's tackling/climbing/tickling Mommy on the living room floor while we both laugh and act silly.
- I think (and maybe mention) every month that her personality is coming through more and more. I can't help but reflect on it because it's one of the most fun things to watch as she grows. She's her own person and we LOVE getting to know her more each day.
- 12 teeth. (Including all 4 of her 1st year molars - finally.)
- Weaned herself this past month.
- Her hair is finally getting longer and fuller. It's still a strawberry color, but the blond might be coming through a bit stronger lately.
- Current social activities include swim class on Monday, Gym Kids (like Gymboree) on Tuesdays, trips to the Children's Discovery Museum, Happy Hollow Zoo, day trips to Monterey and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, weekly playdates with friends, and lots of time at the park with our friends and neighbors.
- Still adores the cats. They have both stopped stressing about Madison. Thor has pretty much given in and is very tolerant of her. Amber has a shorter tolerance limit. ;) Madison knows and can say both of their names, though she calls Thor, "Four." The other day we were all hanging out in bed and Mads crawled over to Thor when he was stretched out half asleep, put her arm over him, laid down against him, said "sleep" and closed her eyes for a bit while they snuggled. Awwwwww!!!
- Listens really well for her age. If she's headed somewhere she isn't supposed to go, we say "stop" and she stops dead in her tracks. I'm not expecting this stage to last much longer. ;)
- Tantrums are making an appearance more and more often. They are still a little rare, though. Whining has definitely picked up, though.
The little daredevil loves anything that goes high and fast!!
- 18 Month Appt Stats (7/22) :: [Weight] 23lbs 15.6oz (45%) :: [Height] 2' 10.5" (99%) :: [Head] 19.09" (93%)
- Walking really well (hardly falls) and running sometimes. Climbs pretty well, but isn't all that interested in it.
- Has hundreds of words.
- Knows many shapes and can name them (circle, star, triangle, heart).
- Knows and correctly answers the basic colors. Her favorite color of the moment is pink. Last month it was blue.
- Can distinguish between her left and right side when asked. (Points to left foot, etc.)
- "Sings" the ABCs. She gets up to D or E, then babbles the rest to the tune.
- Favorite song of the moment is "Wheels on the Bus" and she does all of the little hand gestures while trying to sing along. The other day, she listened to it happily 15-16 times in a ROW! The only reason I let it keep going for that long was because she always gave me the biggest, sweetest hug when it got to the part that says, "The Mommies on the bus say, 'I love you! I love you!"
- On that note, M is a really affectionate little girl and likes to give lots of hugs, kisses, and snuggles.
- Likes to "rough house" with us on the floor or the bed. She will laugh hysterically if we push her over or tackle her. She's even pretty good about knowing when it's okay to play rough like that and when it isn't. Her current favorite physical activity isn't the slide at the park or running through the grass, it's tackling/climbing/tickling Mommy on the living room floor while we both laugh and act silly.
- I think (and maybe mention) every month that her personality is coming through more and more. I can't help but reflect on it because it's one of the most fun things to watch as she grows. She's her own person and we LOVE getting to know her more each day.
- 12 teeth. (Including all 4 of her 1st year molars - finally.)
- Weaned herself this past month.
- Her hair is finally getting longer and fuller. It's still a strawberry color, but the blond might be coming through a bit stronger lately.
- Current social activities include swim class on Monday, Gym Kids (like Gymboree) on Tuesdays, trips to the Children's Discovery Museum, Happy Hollow Zoo, day trips to Monterey and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, weekly playdates with friends, and lots of time at the park with our friends and neighbors.
- Still adores the cats. They have both stopped stressing about Madison. Thor has pretty much given in and is very tolerant of her. Amber has a shorter tolerance limit. ;) Madison knows and can say both of their names, though she calls Thor, "Four." The other day we were all hanging out in bed and Mads crawled over to Thor when he was stretched out half asleep, put her arm over him, laid down against him, said "sleep" and closed her eyes for a bit while they snuggled. Awwwwww!!!
- Listens really well for her age. If she's headed somewhere she isn't supposed to go, we say "stop" and she stops dead in her tracks. I'm not expecting this stage to last much longer. ;)
- Tantrums are making an appearance more and more often. They are still a little rare, though. Whining has definitely picked up, though.
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
The little daredevil loves anything that goes high and fast!!
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
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| From 2010 - 8 - August |
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Weaning and my musings about nursing.
This sounds silly, but I was nervous to post much at all about my nursing experience until now because I was afraid to "jinx" it or something.
Maddie and I have been extremely lucky in our breastfeeding relationship. Yes, the beginning was tough and I dealt with a lot of pain (let's just say I used a lot of my labor techniques while nursing), a bit of a poor latch, oversupply (gagging babe), and a few panicked posts on my local mom's message board. However, once we got into our groove after a few weeks, nursing was a breeze and Madison and I were so happy with that part of our relationship.
I've never experienced a clogged duct or the dreaded mastitis. At around a year we realized that nursing at night was causing Mads to wake more and more often, so we decided to night wean. Aside from the very occasional 4 or 5AM feeding, she was night weaned by 13 months. From 13 months to 16 months, she was BFing from 3-5 times a day. Between some light encouragement on my end and Madison's decreased interest, we reduced that to 2 times a day: upon waking and as part of her bedtime routine.
I found that 2 times a day was a fantastic balance for us. I felt like I got a little more of me back as I didn't have to be quite so careful about how much caffeine I drink, etc, and Maddie didn't ask to BF aside from morning and night.
Two nights ago (at 17 months) Mads spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa, so I wasn't there to nurse her first thing in the morning and she didn't ask when I showed up to pick her up. That night, she decided she would rather read her books than nurse. This morning, she had basically the same reaction. I asked her if she wanted milk and she matter-of-factly said "no." I'd be lying if I said a tear didn't come to my eye.
I'm really glad that she's the one leading the way and that I didn't have to try to push her, but I'm still sad. That time we spent snuggled in the glider or in the bed nursing while she twirled my hair in her tiny fingers and I spread kisses across her forehead was intensely precious to me. It's the end of an era... an era I will miss deeply.
Maddie and I have been extremely lucky in our breastfeeding relationship. Yes, the beginning was tough and I dealt with a lot of pain (let's just say I used a lot of my labor techniques while nursing), a bit of a poor latch, oversupply (gagging babe), and a few panicked posts on my local mom's message board. However, once we got into our groove after a few weeks, nursing was a breeze and Madison and I were so happy with that part of our relationship.
I've never experienced a clogged duct or the dreaded mastitis. At around a year we realized that nursing at night was causing Mads to wake more and more often, so we decided to night wean. Aside from the very occasional 4 or 5AM feeding, she was night weaned by 13 months. From 13 months to 16 months, she was BFing from 3-5 times a day. Between some light encouragement on my end and Madison's decreased interest, we reduced that to 2 times a day: upon waking and as part of her bedtime routine.
I found that 2 times a day was a fantastic balance for us. I felt like I got a little more of me back as I didn't have to be quite so careful about how much caffeine I drink, etc, and Maddie didn't ask to BF aside from morning and night.
Two nights ago (at 17 months) Mads spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa, so I wasn't there to nurse her first thing in the morning and she didn't ask when I showed up to pick her up. That night, she decided she would rather read her books than nurse. This morning, she had basically the same reaction. I asked her if she wanted milk and she matter-of-factly said "no." I'd be lying if I said a tear didn't come to my eye.
I'm really glad that she's the one leading the way and that I didn't have to try to push her, but I'm still sad. That time we spent snuggled in the glider or in the bed nursing while she twirled my hair in her tiny fingers and I spread kisses across her forehead was intensely precious to me. It's the end of an era... an era I will miss deeply.
Friday, March 26, 2010
A Tour of Madison's Room
I've changed a few things since a year ago and love how it turned out. :)
Bow holder/display I made.
Maddie's little footprint at 1 month. (Can you tell I adored her itty bitty infant feet?)
<3 <3 <3 IKEA Expedit shelves!!
This top shelf holds a lot of my old books from when I was a baby. Some were even passed to me from my Mom!
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
Bow holder/display I made.
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
Maddie's little footprint at 1 month. (Can you tell I adored her itty bitty infant feet?)
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
<3 <3 <3 IKEA Expedit shelves!!
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
This top shelf holds a lot of my old books from when I was a baby. Some were even passed to me from my Mom!
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
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| From 2010 - 3 - March |
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Day In The Life of Madison (Round 2)
Exactly one year ago, I did I post called A Day In The Life of Madison.
Today I decided to do a one-year-later follow up. Here's what Madison was up to today, March 22, 2010.
6:15AM Apparently it was time to get up for the day.
Bed head!
Hungry! Milk!
And a fresh, spankin' new diaper. Followed by a little book browsing from her bookshelves.
Oooh and and always exciting KITTY CHASE!
She insisted on some reading time (*sign "book"* *look at mom* *sign "book" harder* *look at mom* *very deliberate "please"*) I couldn't resist. So she climbed in my lap and we read a few books.
Sticky dog kisses and fuzzy bear kisses. Oh my!
Look! Look! Another kitty!
7:30AM - Time to wake up Daddy! Between the crawling, talking, and tickling, Mads is pretty good at getting him to wake up.
7:45AM - Breakfast! Waffles and yogurt were on the menu this morning.
"No, Mom! Not the toothbrush!"
After saying bye bye to Daddy, it was time to get dressed for the day. | Then she and I headed out - both of us with keys in-hand.
In the car seat..... and out. (That's her sleeping if you can't tell.)
At the mall shopping for shoes for M's Easter basket.
And we had to stop to play when we spotted this.
Crawlin' over to mama for some snuggles and play time.
Lunch time temper tantrum. She's definitely, ahem, asserting herself!
1:00PM - Nap Time! *phew*
Less than an hour later and look who's up again! :)
After some more play, it's time for a couple snacks.
Then, Maddie talks to her teddy bears, kisses her baby, and goes for a bike ride while I get some work done.
At 5:15PM, it's almost time for Daddy to be home and for me to go for a run around the neighborhood. What a beautiful day outside! Here's Mads playing with Daddy while I'm gone.
6:15PM - After getting filthy dirty at the park, it's definitely time for a bath!
6:30 - Her and Daddy are snuggled in for pre-bed story time and then it's off to dreamland!
7:30 - She's been sound asleep for a little while now, we're eating our delicious BBQ dinner, and we're already missing her. <3 We're so lucky to be Madison's parents! (Even when the days do feel really really really long.) ;)
Today I decided to do a one-year-later follow up. Here's what Madison was up to today, March 22, 2010.
6:15AM Apparently it was time to get up for the day.
Bed head!
Hungry! Milk!
And a fresh, spankin' new diaper. Followed by a little book browsing from her bookshelves.
Oooh and and always exciting KITTY CHASE!
She insisted on some reading time (*sign "book"* *look at mom* *sign "book" harder* *look at mom* *very deliberate "please"*) I couldn't resist. So she climbed in my lap and we read a few books.
Sticky dog kisses and fuzzy bear kisses. Oh my!
Look! Look! Another kitty!
7:30AM - Time to wake up Daddy! Between the crawling, talking, and tickling, Mads is pretty good at getting him to wake up.
7:45AM - Breakfast! Waffles and yogurt were on the menu this morning.
"No, Mom! Not the toothbrush!"
After saying bye bye to Daddy, it was time to get dressed for the day. | Then she and I headed out - both of us with keys in-hand.
In the car seat..... and out. (That's her sleeping if you can't tell.)
At the mall shopping for shoes for M's Easter basket.
And we had to stop to play when we spotted this.
Crawlin' over to mama for some snuggles and play time.
Lunch time temper tantrum. She's definitely, ahem, asserting herself!
1:00PM - Nap Time! *phew*
Less than an hour later and look who's up again! :)
After some more play, it's time for a couple snacks.
Then, Maddie talks to her teddy bears, kisses her baby, and goes for a bike ride while I get some work done.
At 5:15PM, it's almost time for Daddy to be home and for me to go for a run around the neighborhood. What a beautiful day outside! Here's Mads playing with Daddy while I'm gone.
6:15PM - After getting filthy dirty at the park, it's definitely time for a bath!
6:30 - Her and Daddy are snuggled in for pre-bed story time and then it's off to dreamland!
7:30 - She's been sound asleep for a little while now, we're eating our delicious BBQ dinner, and we're already missing her. <3 We're so lucky to be Madison's parents! (Even when the days do feel really really really long.) ;)
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