Rock and Roll

Maddy has started to get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth.  She's very proud of herself for this and gives big smiles to her adoring fans that give her praise for her efforts.  She is also able to move clockwise in a matter of minutes on her belly.  Scooting is her favorite new trick.  

What a day

Today I was home sick. With my 24-hour couch-bound "freedom," I began thinking about the possibilities of staying home in the future and immediately started creating multiple lists. Things to do, birthday cards to send, groceries to buy, presents to buy, bills to pay, ways to save, etc. As I watched our new president and his wife walk the streets of the capitol, I thanked God that my lists are not ever going to be as long as theirs. (I can't believe Michelle Obama walked the parade in such cute heels...you go girl!) Nevertheless, I am still praying about the possibility of staying home next year and making lists of all that we could accomplish this year. Logan posted his list a while back so here is mine...not in any particular order of course:

Make a photo calendar (like my Mom, cousin and sister-in-law have done)
Read at least 5 books (for me, this will be an accomplishment)
Send birthday cards (Josh, yours is the only one I've missed so far. I'll send a belated one soon)
Go on a vacation
Have date night at least 3 times a month
Start writing ideas about my "private practice"
Start writing "mother-to-daughter" story
Paint a picture
Write food journal
Run Half-marathon in April

That's all so far.

Instead of a picture of today, I'll give you a glance back at this time in 2008 studying for comps at the Miller Speech and Hearing Clinic in Fort Worth with my girls minus Sofia. All of which I will see this weekend for Karen & Dave's wedding. Can't wait!

One half down

Our little Maddy Bug is 6 months old today! I can't believe she is that old and that she has been in our lives for 6 whole months. I brought her up to school this morning to say hi to her favorite babysitter, my co-workers Jessie and Marci, since my mom bumped them out of a job for tonight. Maddy is now sitting, eating, squealing, laughing, and jabbering. Last night we all went to another co-worker's (Brandi's) house for the OU/Florida game and Maddy just sat in my lap and gave her own commentary of the game.

Her other new facination is remote controls and cell phones....just like her daddy. At first we were giving her ours to play with, but after the copious amounts of saliva that accumulates on every inch she can fit in her mouth, we decided older versions were best for her ammusement. So now she has her very own cell phone and remote control that we don't use anymore.

This month has also brought on a strong desire for some serious change next year. As many of you know, I came into my position this year knowing that it would most likely be over in June at the end of the school year. Being home for two weeks was wonderful, but it left me wanting to be home with Maddy even more. If you're reading this, you are a friend, so please be in prayer as I seek to find answers from the Lord if I should pursue another full time position somewhere else or pursue staying home with Maddy. I love my job and since I can't stay at Sunshine next year (most likely) there's really only one other job I would love even more...being Mommy full time. This really has come as a complete shock to me since I never really saw myself as a woman that would stay home versus helping support my family and trusting her in the hands of loving people during the day. Thank you for your prayers. I'll post some more big girl six month pictures later.

Back Home Again

Well, Christmas has come and gone again.  Luckily, we were able to make it to see all of our family and friends in one long, but enjoyable, trip.  On Friday we made it to Mineral Wells where Maddy opened her very first Christmas present.  This girl raked in on new clothes, more clothes and lots of toys.  

On Saturday we met up with Scott, Jane, and Katie at Cracker Barrel for more Christmas fun.  

On Sunday was Mama Joyce's 100th birthday party.  It was such a blast and everyone had a great time.  She was beautiful, as always, and even enjoyed a slice of cake to celebrate the day. 

By Monday we made it to Knoxville.  It was 12 degrees when we woke up on Monday morning in Memphis, but by the end of the week it was around 60.  So much for a "White Christmas."   Again, Maddy raked in on more clothes and more toys.   We decided we won't need to bring a single toy with us next time we make the trip since she will more than likely come home with another loot similar to this year. 

The drive to Knoxville was very cold!  We saw ice-cycles along the highway throughout Tennessee.  

Tuesday through Sunday were full of eating, visiting Mommie and Poppie (Logan's grandparents) in the at the nursing home, opening more presents, playing Wii, and did I mention eating.  Vicki made her delicious homemade cheesecake among many other yummy dishes.  

Uncle Adam had a good time with Maddy. 

My parents gave Maddy this Santa suit.  I wasn't too sure about it at first, but once I saw it on her I had to take a bazillion pictures of her in it on Christmas Eve.  By this point she still needed to be propped up with the presents to sit up, but not for long...

The day after Christmas Jason, Trish, Abby, and Morgan came over and she was sitting pretty all by herself!  Morgan and Abby loved getting to help take care of her and play with all of her new toys.  Vicki even found some old toys of the boys for Maddy to play with. 

All of the babies in the Baker family are given their inaugural dunk in the sink at the cabin. Since we couldn't make it to the cabin, Nana gave Maddy a bath in her kitchen sink. 

Sunday we made it to Slidell, LA to see my co-worker, Jessie, and her family.  Logan and I ate seafood gumbo for the first time and loved it.  We drove to Houston the next day and got to see Josh, Amy, Garrison, and McKenna.  McKenna was very helpful in changing diapers and feeeding "Maddy Lou," as she calls her.  There is a "Maddy Beth" the same age as our Bug at their church so they have to distinguish the two with the middle name.  G, Logan, and Josh played lots of basketball and McKenna showed off all of her new Christmas and birthday toys.  

We made it home on Tuesday after a long time on the road and away from home.  I was so blessed to make it to both of our homes and especially glad to be back in our own bed when it was all over.