Spring Break Part II

Vicki and Terry (Nana and Papaw) came into town on Sunday afternoon! Nana was so excited to have her picture made with Maddy on her first day ever to wear pigtails! (By the way, Maddy HATES having her hair done. She shakes her head, "no" and arches her back so I will stop. I've started doing it in her highchair so she can't get away.)

We went to the shops at La Contera to buy Maddy some Easter shoes (which I can't even find at the moment!). Papaw bought her a hat and a dress and made sure to get this picture in his phone.

Later we went to Gruene to eat at the Gristmill. I think this is the first family picture we've taken (and I've liked) since we moved to S.A. So glad to have a new one! Maddy is in her new outfit from Marme here.

I still haven't even been inside Gruene Hall, but I love the way it looks at night.

On Wednesday we went to the S.A. Zoo. Logan and Terry shared the role of Maddy's chauffeur for the morning. By the time we left around lunch, there was line that was very, very long! It was perfect weather and a beautiful day!

The hippos were amazing. This guy was up against the glass for everyone to see and just hung out there for a good while.

My favorite...he was a little guy all alone. Kinda sad.

On Thursday night we went to Market Square and to Mi Tierra's. Since Spring Break was in full swing by this point, there were SOOOO many tourists out and about. While we waited we looked around the market.

Logan said this hat was the perfect "Woo Girls" hat for you HIMYM fans.

Another family shot. Two in one month is just amazing!

Maddy discovered balloons at Mi Tierra's. It flew to the ceiling after about two seconds, but Papaw was tall enough to reach it. I made sure to show Nana the huge painting of Selena. It's a must see for S.A. life.

On Friday night, we got to see more Fritts' in Houston. Garrison loved playing with "Maddy Lou" with an orange cup.

Nana and Papaw got to take $500 worth of vouchers to stay an extra night in Houston. They really had to twist their arm so they got to come see us one more night! When we told McKenna Nana was coming, she said, "My Nana?" She was so excited to see "Her Nana" and to play games with her all night.

Saturday morning Garrison lead the Orioles in their first t-ball game of the season! He is such a natural athlete!

Sofia and Mike tied the not later that evening and had an absolute BEAUTIFUL wedding in Houston. The reception was at Varga's. We watched peacocks and swans all evening, but didn't get to take any pictures of them.

The new Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scott Tilton (put that in just for you Jane!)

Spring Break Part I

I was so thankful to have 2 full weeks off for Spring Break! Like I said earlier, I deleted some pictures of the beginning (surprise baby shower for Monica, Mom's birthday party, Maddy playing with the horses, and Maddy at TCBC), but I was still able to capture lots of great memories from the week. Here is a short recap of our Fort Worth and Mineral Wells adventures.

On Tuesday, we went to Ft. Worth to see friends and family. Maddy loved playing with Granny. She brought out some of Ruby's favorite dolls and stories.

Granny introduced Maddy to their new dog, Prince. She wanted to get down and meet him up close, but it was a little muddy that day.

Grandad let Maddy "read" the paper which she thought was very funny.

Later I stopped by Christen and Scott's new house to see all of the kiddos that were in our wedding. Christen and Scott returned from Vietnam with their new little rascal, Jack, just a few months ago. The only way we could get Quinn to sit in the chair was with the spaceship! (L to R: Jack, Caroline, Grant, Maddy, Quinn)

I also got to help Melissa look around at Babies-R-Us (her due date is the same as what Maddy's was 7/10!), but I didn't get any pictures of us together. Sorry Mel!

On Thursday, Mom and I took Maddy to get her pictures taken. I've had some issues getting them ordered, but Mom was so excited to buy Maddy a new shirt, new outfit, and her tutu for the big shoot. We went to Starbucks afterward to meet up with Logan.

Here's the Bug in her tutu at Scott and Jane's house. She posed for a bit on the couch for me while Juno licked her face when I wasn't looking.

On Friday, Mama Joyce had us over to her house. She bought Maddy a new book and loved watching her crawl around on her floor.

Later that night we made it to Aledo for yummy bbq at Railhead and to hear Shannon's bf, Herbie, play with his band (can't remember the name at the moment!). It was so much fun to see everyone (well, almost everyone--missed you Mere A., Mere R., Red, Becky, Jaime, and Cec) in one place!

Granny and Grandad hosted a brunch for us at their house on Saturday. The Woodruffs, Walkers, Hudkins, and Stantons all made it to see us one more time before we left the Metroplex. Emily loved squeezing Maddy, but I think Maddy was all pictured out.

My mom insisted on buying Maddy the bunny outfit so we put it in her a little early for Easter to show Mom what it would look like. Still not quite sure where we will be fore Easter.

It was a very busy week seeing everyone and running in and out of places from the rain. We were home one evening by ourselves and then Spring Break part 2 began...

Prayer List

Several things to keep on your prayer list for the Fritts Family:

jobs

• current -finishing strong and serving with excellence
• new -several interviews in the SLP world coming up
• revised - more to come on that one

ministries

• Jr. High - that the leaders and students will continue to thrive in God's word
• Sr. High - that with change, everyone will work toward His plans
• College Life - that students will come, feel loved, equipped, and renewed

finding friends down south

• our friends up north are just too awesome to compare, but we long for community
• finding a community group/bible study
• that we will be bold in putting ourselves out there in the community and not intraverted in the students' wing of AHUMC

Fort Worth & Mineral Wells

(All of these pics are from Cari.)

I can't believe anything this beautiful came from us! My boss, Monica, told me that every break (from school) her son, Wesley, did something new and different. Well, I think Maddy just gets more cute and loveable every time I have a few weeks off and I love getting to spend time seeing her all day! Jessie, we got some new bows and I know you're going to love them! Ha!



We had such a great week in Mineral Wells and Fort Worth last week. We were very busy and thankfully got to see so many family and friends. I got to see two high schoool friends, Jenna and Bridget. We took some cute pics of Maddy with Jenna's kiddos, but they were deleted accidentally. Maddy got to play with lots of puppies and the feed the horses at the ranch (pics also deleted).

The pictures here are from brunch at my grandparents' house (Granny & Grandad). They were so sweet to host a brunch for us before we left for S.A.




My mom, Marme, insisted on getting this bunny costume for Maddy for Easter. She wasn't very excited about it, but smiled willingly for the camera.



Big cousin, Lauren, was excited to bring Maddy some new clothes to wear. We have been so blessed to have such a full closet for Maddy with Lauren's cute wardrobe.



I have more to post later from the week. Get ready for pictures of tutus, Juno, Railhead, Chaos girls, and more.

It was so great seeing everyone. Now we're having fun with Logan's parents, Nana and Papaw Terry, in San Antonio. Tomorrow will be Maddy's first trip to the zoo!

Deleted

I was so excited to post tonight, but I realized I deleted a bunch of pictures from our week so far. We have seen so many family and friends and gotten so many cute pictures of Maddy with so many people (and animals)...

Jenna and her kiddos (high school friend)

family from Mom's birthday party

Sassy (Mom and Dad's dog)

Dancer, Bailey, Skylar (Mom and Dad's horses)

Hopefully after we get some more pictures from the week we'll have a more exciting post from Fort Worth and Mineral Wells.

Logan's wisdom teeth surgery

Logan had his wisdom teeth taken out yesterday. He has been a great patient and slept for most of the day. We'll see how he feels in the morning when his meds have worn off. Luckily, our sweet Kristen is taking care of Maddy so I can go back to work and Logan can rest a bit more.

Maddy hanging out with the patient...

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for...

my Savior and Maker

my family and friends

coffee with cream

student ministry

churches that are imperfect

cochlear implants and hearing aids

clean carpet sans hardened cheerios

the way Maddy's diaper makes little squishy noises when she moves

going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

neighborhoods to run in with shady trees

every baby gift that was given or lent to us

the 2008-2009 school year

Logan's recovery from wisdom teeth surgery

the opportunity to change and grow

and YOU!!

I long to see you!

Today was my amazing mother's 51st birthday. It was one of my resolution's to send birthday cards to my family and friends, but that really hasn't happened yet. Honestly, I hate being away from everyone and not being able to celebrate the little things like birthdays and anniversaries and special occasions. Looking ahead, we really don't even know where we will be for Maddy's first birthday in July.

I've come to realize over the past few months I have a tendency to disengage when I am away from family and friends. Some say, "absence makes the heart grown fonder," but my heart just gets lonely so I tend to stray further away when I feel alone and without my support system. Not that I love anyone less (especially my family and friends), but it's just that I know now I need to make a better effort of calling, writing, and updating ALL of you as I promised I would when we moved here. So here is my new resolution...I will call, write, and update more often not out of duty or obligation, but simply because, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith," (Romans 1:11-12).

So if you are one of the many out there that I have pulled away from, please forgive me. Let's chat, talk, text, write, or get together soon. However it may be....I long to see you.

Maddy is crawling!

Well, Maddy has finally taken off and now is crawling. We took this video on Friday after I got home from work. Logan told me on the way home, "Oh yah, and Maddy started crawling," like it was no big deal and like she had been doing it forever. I was really expecting a phone call or text or something declaring the big news, but alas, no luck. We're still trying to get her to follow us around the apartment like a puppy, but she has to build up our stamina. With her new found mobility she has also discovered how much she likes everything around her that is not one of her own toys (e.g., DVD's, cords, rugs, fuzz, outlet covers, etc.) Needless to say, we've been vacuuming a lot more these days. Maybe this will be a good excuse for Logan to pick up his shoes after he gets home. Oh please, oh please!

Breakthrough

The tiniest little sliver of a tooth broke through Maddy's gums yesterday!  Her toothless grin is sure to change in the next few weeks with her pearly whites making an appearance.  Only one as of now, but I'm sure there are more in the near future.  She is getting closer and closer to crawling.  She took one little crawl "step" toward the DVD collection (yikes!) and then crumpled to the floor from her efforts.  Logan and I were thrilled, of course, and she was so very happy with our response.  We had such a great time playing together on the long weekend and I certainly did not want it to end.  

Please continue to keep me in your prayers for job searching.  We are signing Maddy up tomorrow for Mothers' Day Out at our church for two mornings a week (at least) for next semester.  Since we're going about this a little backwards--finding childcare for two days when I don't know when I'll be working yet--I hope this will work out.  Our nanny is absolutely amazing, but we knew we would not be able to afford her amazing care for as long as we liked.  Luckily, the MDO program at AHUMC is wonderful and I hope they will take our sweet Maddy in the fall despite our lack of knowledge for where I'll be for sure.  I think I better fill out the application now that I'm thinking of it and go to sleep. 

The three amigos

Logan and I got to go out on Friday night for a date night.  We decided to use some coupons and a gift card to the movies for a cheap night out.  Jessie, (girl) Logan, and Marci came to surround Maddy with lots of hugs and laughs for the evening while we were gone.  Marci and Jessie came a few months ago and Maddy cried the whole time we were gone.  Luckily, when we came home last night, we were greeted by the soft sighs of Maddy sleeping and the girls talking in the living room raving about her sweet smile and their perfect evening.  She apparently liked looking at (girl) Logan since our curls resemble one another when she was whimpering a bit.  I'm so grateful for these amazing ladies.  Each of them is such a blessing to me at work and I can not thank them enough for taking their time away from their weekend to watch our Bug!

The best part of wakin' up...

Normally I'm able to get ready before Maddy wakes up.  On Sundays, we get to sleep in just a bit before we hear Maddy's wake up call ringing down the hall.  I discovered the sink is the perfect size to keep her entertained by gazing at herself in the mirror and the bright shiny faucet fixtures.  She likes to help me get ready by overseeing any and all beauty regimens I undertake in the mornings.

She sat their like an angel until I turned around...

The picture got it first and then...

the makeup headed to the floor.  

Obviously, I sacrificed my stash of products to take these pictures, but I couldn't resist.  Right now she is "singing" to herself in her exersaucer freshly bathed and diapered.  We're taking her to the doctor tomorrow since we can't seem to get rid of the sniffles, cough, and ear ache.  Luckily, no fever, yet.  I knew she really wasn't feeling well when she fell asleep in my arms after work today - a rarity that hasn't happened in months!

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.  

Christmas girl

I found this Santa hat in our box of Christmas decorations so I decided to see if Maddy would play with it.  She was even so kind to let me put it on her for some pictures.  Now it stays on the changing table to distract her from the inevitable.  

I also let her roll around this ornament for a bit to see if any cute pictures came about.  It rolled away from her mostly and I kept a good eye on her during the process.  I promise she smiles all the time until I take the camera out.  

Here is a shot of our finished Christmas tree.  I'm still searching for a topper...we'll see.  Maybe I can get Logan to smile for a family picture this week.  I"ll probably have to work on some kind of bribe.  Hmmm? 

Mommy for a day

Last night on "Jon and Kate Plus Eight", Mady and Cara asked Kate if they could be mommy for the day. I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I would volunteer to take care of six four year-olds on any given day. Either way, I sometimes feel like I am just volunteering to be a mother for the day and that our Maddy's real parents are going to take her home at the end of the day. Logan and I both sometimes get this feeling that we're just babysitting and can't really believe that she is ours still. Today Maddy is five months old and I'm assuming no other parents are going to wisk her away. This morning she woke up at 5:30 after I got out of the shower. We cuddled for a bit and then she slept for another hour with Logan until it was time to go. I think I'll keep volunteering to be Maddy's mommy for the day.

Busy Weekend

This weekend we have been busy.  Well, somewhat.  On Friday we saw our camp friends Trevor and Lauren from Austin.  They were in town babysitting Lauren's niece while Lauren's sister and husband went to a Christmas party.  Ainsley just celebrated her first birthday this weekend!  She was very interested in Maddy and wanted to steal her pacifier just like Noah.  Seems to be a recurring theme for our girl! 

Saturday I bought our first real (well, real as in an artificial tree taller than three feet) Christmas tree.  I searched for cute green and blue ornaments, but didn't seem to find any I liked.  I settled on red and white for now until something better comes along.  We have all of our family ornaments on a wreath hanging up on the wall. 

Today, after a junior high parent meeting, I made one of Logan's favorite treats that his mom makes during Christmas time, Peanut Butter Blossoms.  (He has another name for them.  If you want to know what it is, I'll tell you after a drink sometime.)  Now, Logan is making his famous chili.  He only makes it about once a year so to me it's a treat.  I even convinced him to use turkey instead of ground beef!  

Maddy will be 5 months on Tuesday!  She is currently working on sitting up without support.  She can last about a second, but after that she's on the floor again.  I will have her four month wrap up and Facebook album up on Tuesday!  

Fingers and Toes

Maddy has had control of her fingers for a while, but today she finally found her toes.  I tried to capture a picture of her grabbing those little piggies, but she wasn't really cooperating with tonight's photo session.

Lord, I pray these little feet carry sweet Madeleine far in life.  Not by the world's standards, of course, but that you will guide her along a path that is full and rich in your abundant blessings.  I pray her hands help others around her so that she can share your love with anyone she meets.