Our First Moments

Madison-
Ok, after tonight I should take away the "Who the hell are you?" joke.

Tonight I fed you and afterwards you smiled and stared at me and grinned ear to ear. We talked and played nose to nose for about 20 minutes. One time your smile was so big that you eyes squinted.

If I didn't know better I'd say you were buttering me up for a new car, an extension to your curfew, or permission to date. To all of which the answer is no - at least not while you're still in diapers. :)

Comfort

For 2 years 335 days, Emily has ran to Sondra every time she needed comfort. Last night she threw herself into my lap with Sondra only a few feet away. It's moments like these that make parenting so great!

Madison Smiles

Madison is smiling now. When Emily talks to her she gives a big ‘ol grin. When Sondra talks to her she smiles and coos. When I talk to her she looks at me like “Who the hell are you?” :)

Emily on Religion

Emily was deadly serious as she spat out these gems.

Quotes:
-grandma is in heaven:
"Jesus and God are trying to fix Nana's mommy"

followed by:
"They exercise in heaven"

"Maybe Jesus and God could get to Bakersfield"

-Do you like God?
"No, I like Jesus. I saved him from the ghosties."

Not Feeling Well

Madison's first illness is upon her. Poor kid, she gets breathing treatments every day to help her lungs. Most times she just sleeps with the mask near her face. Other times, she cries and screams for 20 minutes. The doctor said that the nose plunger has prevented phenomena. It's amazing how stuffy such a little nose can be. It's also amazing that with no control over your arms, you can still manage to swat the thing away when we try to use it. :)

Emily has a mild cold that has turned into a hurricane. The house is completely trashed and no one blames her. She is sick and used to 100% of the attention. With her sister even worse off, Emily is letting us know that she is not getting enough attention. She is the self-proclaimed "Grumpy Emily."

Turn The Page

Emily has gone to sleep listening to the same lullaby music every night since birth. Last night she said "no music."

It's hard to explain but this feels like a very important moment. It's as if she is saying that she no longer needs the security and comforts she has depended on. Now begins the fast track towards adolescence.

Madison Lately

Madison,
You are laying on the floor next to me as I type this blog. You are as content a person as I have ever witnessed.

Lately, I have begun feeding you once a day with a bottle to wean you from mommy so she can return to work. It's an exciting part of my day because you stare at me the entire time as if I was the only person in the world and to you, in that moment, I am.

You are a baby of few words. You cry only when you absolutely need something. Otherwise, you are content to watch and listen to the world around, its sounds and colors, in quiet fascination.

Shots? I'm Too Young for Lolipops

Madison,
Today you had your first immunization shots. Given your typical demeanure one would guess you took the event in stride. Perhaps you would have if the doctor hadn't woken you from a slumber only twist you and turn you, poke you and prod you. I dare say you did not need a needle to make you wail. You were quite perturbed long before that. Mom says you cried from the moment they stripped you down to your diaper. I'd cry too if strangers saw me in a diaper.

Quote of the Day 3

*stern face* "He's vewy busy and I don't want to bother him"

-Emily, when asked if Papa could put her to bed

Breakfast of Champions

Emily - Every morning for breakfast you insist on this combination of cereals - all in the same bowl! You saw her uncle Charles mix cereals one time and have wanted it ever since.

Mornings with my breakfast Diva go something like...

"I want a laaaaat of Cheerios, and a laaaat of Crispix and a laaat of Kix." Your food must be in an orange bowl with a regular spoon - none of that kiddie stuff for you.

It's a lot of food for someone your size but then again, you refuse to eat your dinners and are therefore quite hungry in the morning.

Final Night in the "Toddler Bed"

Feb. 13, 2006 -Actually it was a nap taken while we finished getting the "big girl room" ready. :)

Quote of the Day 2

"I'm drinking water, I don't have time to shave."

-Emily