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.  

  

Little Turkey

 

This week Maddy has not slept well.  She has been up at night crying from pain of teeth coming in and keeping us awake.  When my kids at school are ornery, I call them turkeys.  I continually have my little "turkeys" all around me no matter what holiday it is.  

Thanksgiving was a blast yesterday.  Mom and I were up early cooking and getting ready for everyone, while the boys burned brush piles and Maddy played on the floor.  At one point she baked pies with me in her sling before crashing for a nap.  We ate tons of food, cleaned lots of dishes and ended the night with turkey sandwiches and TV.  It was a wonderful day full of family, food and great memories.  Our next Walker/Taylor gathering is going to be celebrating Mama Joyce's 100th birthday!   I can't wait to see her face on the Today show.  

Friends

This week we have gotten to see so many friends while visiting our family.  When we found out we were pregnant and our due date was close to our friends' Mike and Sarah's delivery as well, we started dreaming of little Noah and Maddy being childhood friends and high school sweethearts.  Well, with the move our little love birds have yet to meet until last night.  Noah was very curious with our squirmy Maddy Bug, mostly with removing her pacifier and chewing on her toys.  Unfortunately, our crystal ball can not tell us whether Noah and Maddy will ever be anything more than friends, but there is always hope.  

Thanks

The past few weeks have brought so many changes to our small world. Maddy is now rolling over, eating real baby food and sleeping through the night! It's amazing how so many small things can happen so suddenly that stop you in your tracks and force you to marvel in God's handywork all over again. Next week we are going to Mineral Wells and Fort Worth to see family and friends for Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for as always, but this year especially.

Thank you God for my amazing husband and his love for you, our daughter and for me. Thank you for our beautiful daughter and the way she is growing before our eyes. Thank you for loving us and showing us love through her sweet smile. Thank you for giving us the opportunitity to be completely dependent upon you when we can't quite see the future. Thank you for challenging us through frustration, confusion and just life in general. Thank you for providing for us jobs we are passionate about (even though we complain occassionally about them), friends who love us, family who misses us, and a place to call home. Thank you for your son Jesus and his amazing sacrifice on the cross. Thank you.

Mr. Potato Head

When the Speech Department at Sunshine Cottage does Halloween, they don't mess around.  We started planning our Halloween costumes for the battle of the departments (Speech vs. Audiology) as soon as school started and decided on Toy Story.  Our fearless leader would be Buzz, her son's favorite until just a year ago or so.  I took on the role of Woody and my co-workers were Jessie (from TS 2) and Bo Peep.  Maddy, of course, was going to play a role in all of Al's Toy Barn creatures so we decided on Mr. Potato Head.  My mom volunteered to make the costume and did an amazing job.  Logan said it looked like a giant....well, you can figure it out.  But to me she was the most precious Mr. Potato Head ever.  The head never quite would stay on, but it was perfect.  My cousin, Cari, also gave me some of her children's past costumes so I just had to dress her up in all of them since they won't fit her in about a week.  She is growing so much! 

Old and New

We visited Logan's family in Tennessee a few weeks during my fall break. Only Logan's brother and mother had met Maddy so it was so much fun to see their faces light up as her Tennessee family loved on her.

The best part was getting to see Logan's grandparents with Maddy.  Their beautiful aged hands explain it all in these pictures I took.  Hands that have held many children, grandchildren and great grandchild, but still just as excited to love the Baker clan's newest addition.  Luckily, she behaved well for the most part.  She was passed around quite a bit and had her moments.  I can't wait to go back during Christmas to see her interact more with the family.  

Hear and Now

Our lives are so different now. Madeleine Louise came into the world on July 9th and has completely changed how I view life. Fortunately, I have known God's love for almost 15 years now. Never in a million years though would I have thought how much deeper my understanding of His never ending love for us as a father would multiply exponentially when this little girl was first laid in my arms. "If I love her this much, just think about how much God...my Lord and Savior, loves little ol' me?" I never really knew about how God "delights" in us either until now. Each day I can not wait to find out how Maddy is changing and growing and what new trick she has developed magically. Yet, again, God does the same thing everyday, twenty thee years later waiting and watching, delighting in me. I am dumbfounded by this simple, yet awesome revelation.

Now I am praying each day to try to take in as much as I can, while remembering to not stress over the small stuff. Will my amazing husband be the merry maid I so desire? Probably not. Will I get to be on the cover of Good Housekeeping? Sources say...not likely. But each day I can think about how God has truly blessed me and my family to be here now.