Blast from the Past

I remember summer days in San Marino, California...the buzz of bugs, the breeze, climbing my lemon tree in the backyard...and hours spent doing arts and crafts. Dad brought home some rubber molds when I was about 4 or 5...I've had them ever since. It was nice to put them to use this weekend during a sleepover with Kael and Rylan here...Maddie completely jazzed about that. Swimming at night is also a hoot...Rylan does a mean handstand. Maddie has me shove her to the bottom of the pool head first - does a handstand and then holds that position as she floats up - all the while smiling and madly waving at Rylan under water.

Summer Days

Future Golfer...

More dress up

New Outfit from Daddy

Good-bye more shoes...up to a big size 5 and small 6

Really into dress-up right now


Maddie with her pal Angus

We know what we'll be getting Maddie for her birthday this year!

A day of fun with buddy Derek & fun for Mommy with Sherry

Friday's weather and Saturday and Sunday with blessed rain



Babies in a row for the recital...
Maddie giving Horton lessons
I remember licking the bowl as a kid...nice to pay it forward
Singin' and Dancin' in the Rain

It's funny what a weekend can introduce with a child in the household - so much fun and whimsy. This weekend was a playdate, piano pretend, playing in the rain and bringing back memories for me of baking with my sister (oh did we have fun making cookies...and there was always a good amount left in the bowl for licking)...

She talks like crazy - has Twinkle Twinkle down pat as well as the Barney theme song...and now is getting into the Little Bunny Foo Foo Song (not quite sure the spelling is right). She says "thank you" all the time as well as please. We hear "I'll be right back", "coming", "come on Daddy...sit here", and all sorts of coaching with Horton. She can draw a very good "o" and is working on "m" (saying up-down-up-down as she draws it). She was nominated as student of the month because of ongoing terrific behaviors and being a helper. She's 100% potty trained when naked...reminding us much more often while in her Dora britches or diapers. We're not rushing it...who cares? Her appetite never ceases to amaze - not a picky eater (not yet anyway). Very independent. She takes off her diaper, uses the potty (and often empties it if we're not in the room), flushes the toilet and washes her hands. We're close to being out of a job. She knows when to ask for help though...and it's always the same plea "Please help mommy/daddy - just a little".

She's moved from calling me Mama to Mommy...and now we're verging on Mom because she's around older children so much. I'm encouraging Mommy for a bit longer :) She also has this amazing little sense of humor...big on teasing. She also LOVES to rough-house - she's no sissy and hardly cries at all.

She's just easy. No struggles with eating, drinks milk like it's going out of style, bed is always met with smiles (as I ask her big or little bit and tickle her ribs), off to school is easy as we drive she's excited to see Ms. Inez and her buddies, she plays for about 2 hours on her own on weekend mornings since she's up at 5:15am...I get her breakfast and milk and she plays with "morning toys" and watches Barney and The Wiggles with the dogs as we snooze a bit longer. She is soooo good for my Dad...all of the ladies in Sun City LOVE her. We crack up...we're met with eye-rolling as soon as we walk into some restaurants with a baby...but always by the end we're told what a sweetheart she is and how lucky we are. Don't we know it.

So far the biggest lesson for me as a Mom has been to get out of the way. She came into our arms with so many amazing qualities...we just need to love and support as she does her amazing thing. We're in awe of her...what can I say?

4th of July - 2008

I made reference to being a "tree-hugger" and there went

Maddie & Horton - huggin' them all...

Leading up to the old capital

the history of Arizona is inscribed...

A Chinese Cabbage Patch Doll in one of the Antique Stores

One of many Victorian's in the area


Blurry - but you can make out the double rainbow...

We headed up to Prescott for a semi-annual 4th celebration and were rained out :( We spent a bit of time by the original capital of Arizona's mall though and saw a couple of the antique stores we enjoy so much. Maddie took some stunning pictures of Horton. This is her guy...with her now whereever she goes. He was drenched too!! Have to say the rain felt good since we rarely see rain in Phoenix this time of year. So...there for a bit and home to watch the works on TV. Maybe next year!!

On an up-note...we received notice that our court date to adopt Maddie within Arizona/the US is scheduled for 8/13/08. This is the last hurdle - she has her certificate of citizenship, US birth certificate, social security number, her US passport is pending...and finally the readoption will be done!!!