Photos of Madeline.

Madeline and Mommy have been neglected by our daddy this week....baseball is quite time consuming during the summer months. It's always been this way, it's no surprise, but with a 9 month old, it's certainly puts a perspective on "freedom to come and go" and of course an appreciation for the extra help in the evenings. This time last year I was at the games, all big and round, feet up. This year, I'm home with my baby playing on the floor.....I'm not sure I miss the baseball field. How could I when I get to capture these photos?

"Momma bought me my very own baseball cap! Now I don't need to wear daddy's smelly hat, although, I still love to play with daddy's hats."

"I promise you that as soon as this ridiculous cast comes off I will get my feet where I want them and pull myself up! Watch out!"
""MOM! Tell Jersey to get off my toys!"
(this being said while she's kicking the dog out of her way)

Wagon ride anyone?

We enjoyed the long Memorial Day weekend with several backyard barbeque's; Friday evening was BBQ Chicken and for dessert we had s'mores on the bonfire. Saturday evening was hamburger's. Sunday afternoon was hotdogs and hamburger's. And finally Monday, ribs. Delicious summer fare and there was no shortage of being with our friends throughout the entire weekend. We had a great weekend.
Below are photos of our BBQ at the Bean's residence. They are expecting their first baby this fall and have recently aquired many hand-me-downs from relatives, including this wagon that Madeline seemed quite fond of. And her daddy took advantage of the cup holder too.

9 months

Madeline turns 9 months old today. Where has the time gone. I'll have a 9 month happenings update for you next week when we return from the pediatrician!

For now, enjoy these photos of her taken today.

Twerd.

Madeline's mom is a "Twerd". A nerd who is a fan of Twilight.

Yes, that's right. I am a very big fan of the Twilight saga. It started with the movie. I fell in love with Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. If you're not familiar, think Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet....with the star-crossed passion and supernatural element there is a hypnotic quality to these books that doesn't allow me to put them down (there are 4, and I'm in the middle of the 4th book). I honestly feel like a teenager with a crush. I don't know what I'll do when I've finished the final book?*&@*#&)(*#&$

I purchased the soundtrack to the movie several weeks ago. I have it in my car. The actor who plays Edward Cullen in the movie, Robert Pattinson (my heart skipped a beat) is also a musician and recorded a few songs for the movie. No matter where we are, if I play a certain song, Madeline drifts away and often will fall asleep. Let it be known that we tried this tonight. She fussed before bed. We went to the car, pulled out the cd, put it into the cd player in her room, played the song and within minutes she floated into her own dream land....no doubt hypnotized by his voice. I know I am ;-) But for different reasons of course. Whatever it is about the song, it's soft, it's soothing. It puts our Madeline to sleep. It's her lullaby! I have provided a link to the song to the right. Please enjoy.

And enjoy this photo of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan from Twilight.

Firsts.

Madeline went to her daddy's first baseball game today. It was beautiful 70 degrees and not one cloud in the sky. Mommy forgot to reapply the sunscreen...and so she also has her first sunburn on her cheeks. A little extra lotion and she'll be fine. Doesn't seem to bother her at all. And....check out that crazy hair?!?!? Mommy did a strange comb job on that do.

"Do I look good in daddy's baseball hat?"

"Or is this a better look for me?"

"I agree, the hat looks much better."

MN Zoo

We traveled to the Minnesota Zoo for the first time of the season on Thursday morning with our neighbor friends, Holly and baby Channing. It was a chilly morning, but we enjoyed watching the fish and the dolphins. If only we could bring an aquarium this size home with us.

Stop and smell the flowers. Lilacs please.

We took a walk today (like everyday) and the Lilac bushes finally bloomed!!!! We had to stop and pick a little bit. They were not fully bloomed but boy did they smell delicious. Madeline is shown here smelling the flowers. Rosy cheeks and all.