Kissing Action Photod + Grandparental Visit Part Deux

More photos from the visit of Grandma Mary and Grandpa Steve a few weeks back - including historic action footage of Madeleine's first official kiss!

Madeleine and Grandpa Steve

With Mommy's help, showing Grandma Mary what Madeleine thinks of the newspaper.

Three generations of the family together

Action footage of Madeleine's first kiss!

Getting Ready for Baby Withdrawal

Just soaking up my last few hours at home before I have another road trip - this one for 8 days and (once again) literally around the world. By the time I get back, my girls will be gone to Maine - so it will actually be almost two weeks before I see them again. At her current rate of growth, Madeleine will probably be walking, talking, and driving by then.

Madeleine loves giving kisses - to everyone but Daddy. I may have gotten one out of her but it might have been a technicality. Hannah's theory is that she only wants to kiss those who feed her regularly, but that seems a little too simple to me. On the one hand, I am disappointed that she won't give me any kisses. On the other hand, if she's not giving any kisses to any boys at all, that's pretty good place to be for the next 50 or so years.

Hannah and Madeleine were singing some baby songs this morning after our walk (before it got too hot and humid).

This was Madeleine's reaction when I told her that Daddy was going bye-bye again.

More Richmond Pix

More pictures from our visit to Richmond are here.

Visiting Richmond - Our Own War of Northern Aggression

Hannah and I took the little one south this weekend to Richmond by God Virginia to visit our burgeoning group of friends who live there. Historically speaking, the locals haven't always been excited to have people from Hannah's home state or mine visiting Richmond because one time things got a little out of control. Thankfully, times have changed and the only flames we saw this time were from the barbeque!

We stayed with Aunt Crazy (who we prefer to call Anne) in her lovely home in the Fan District close to Carytown - a great area for walking, eating at wonderful restaurants, or even just hanging out on the front porch (Daddy is a porchophile).

Aunt Crazy posted some photos of our visit on her blog.

We were a little worried about how the girl would act because Madeleine was in full teething mode on Friday and Saturday, but she was still a very sweet girl even when she was at her most uncomfortable.

We had a lovely time catching up with Aunt Janeen, who recently moved down to Richmond, at one of our favorite eateries down by the VCU campus.

We also had fun catching up with our friend (and fellow Fan resident) Mike, who assured us that the real estate market will rebound in 2009 - and he should know!

We had a lovely bookend to the weekend - after returning from a visit with Aunt Crazy, we got to see my Crazy Uncle (who just became a grandpa himself!) for dinner last night since he's in town for a conference.

Daddy got some great news from the orthopaedist yesterday. Physical therapy can officially end on August 1, and I will be cleared to play sports by the end of September - about 5 months ahead of the original diagnosis. Time to start planning my next major injury!!!

Also, we finally completed the search for a new Daddymobile. Yes, I was originally leaning toward getting a Family Truckster - but none of the cars on the market really revved my proverbial engine. We decided that Hannah's car would be fine for road trips and toting the little one around - and rather than owning 2 SUVs at a time of spiraling gas prices, maybe Daddy could get away with something a little sportier for another couple of years. So, Daddy went out and got something a little sportier - 306 horsepower sporty, to be exact.

Doctor's Office Update

Madeleine had her 6-month checkup today. The doctor is pleased with everything, including her growth (thank goodness!). She's now 19 pounds 12 ounces and 29 inches long (both numbers are in the 97th percentile). The red patch on her face is from saliva and can be dealt with through over-the-counter meds. She was a brave girl through her 3 shots too.

Keeping our fingers crossed for a good report from the cardiologist on Wednesday.

Solid Foods

As you can see from the following video, Madeleine really gets into eating solid foods. No transition problems for our girl!

Happy (belated) 4th of July!

I'm back in town (briefly) in between overseas trips - with all this travel, I feel like a rock band on a world tour (minus the musical ability, girls, money - and leather pants).

Just back long enough to host Grandma Mary and Grandpa Steve for a few days. Madeleine has grown a great deal since they last saw her! We'll get the official statistics on Monday morning since she has her regular checkup with the pediatrician. She's developed a nasty little red patch on her right cheek that we think is from her slobbering onto her fist while she teethes, but we'll see what the doctor says. She also has a cardiologist followup on Wednesday so we'll keep our fingers crossed for good news there.

More pictures to follow in the coming days but here's a quick update.

Madeleine loves to sit up and play with her toys.

Of course, she also likes to fall asleep on a really comfy pillow, like Daddy's tummy.

Grandma Mary loves holding her. She was also the recipient of Madeleine's first official set of on demand kisses.

Grandpa Steve's plaid shirt was very soothing to Madeleine.

And there's nothing like a good bedtime story to help her relax at night.