Unnatural Disaster

Madeleine's increasing independence includes a desire to feed herself more and more often. And when she is done with a particular portion of her meal, she lets us know by dropping or throwing it on the floor next to her high chair.

This is what happens when those two factors are mixed with yogurt.


The "hired help" aka Mommy trying to put the kitchen back together after Madeleine uses her yogurt as a discus in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.


The old apple never falls too far from the tree, and the yogurt goatee never gets too far either. Much like her mother before her, Madeleine really enjoys fully experiencing not only the taste and smell but also the touch of her food.


No remorse while Mommy cleans. Perfectly content to observe and no sense of cause and effect whatsoever. What a life!


-- Post From My iPhone

Busy Busy Busy

Here's how you spend your day when you are 19 months old. First, you do some shopping with your shopping cart.





Then, after a #2 that, scientifically speaking, was so big that only a 7 foot man should have been able to produce it, it was time for a wardrobe change. After the hazmat team finished up, it was time to read stories and rock in the rocking chair.


Then, after a too-short nap, it was time for lunch.


Like most American families, we of course followed lunch with the hallowed tradition of walking around with the newspaper on our head.





And parading around using a snorkel tube as a trumpet. Daddy thinks keeping up with this is even more of a workout than he gets from the personal trainer at the gym.





-- Post From My iPhone

Back to Reality

For the first time in almost a month, Madeleine will be going a full day without having a grandparent or another relative fussing over her. The B family came out for a visit this weekend on the heels of Madeleine's three weeks in Maine.

Baba took her all around at our farmers market on Thursday.


She also did lots of walking with everyone.


She loved being with her Grummy and even gave her a kiss.


And hanging out with cousin Katie


And walking with Uncle Jack.



Madeleine was happy to show off her new home and took the family to farmers market, the Rose Bowl, old town Pasadena, Garfield Park and even to a concert in the park on Sunday night. It was a very busy weekend and she slept in late today - now, it's back to reality!


-- Post From My iPhone

Babapalooza

Madeleine enjoyed great weather on her last few days in Maine.


Then, we came back to California - just in time for the B family to visit. Madeleine showed of her new walking skills for Grummy.


And even let Baba hold her.


Lots of walks with Grandpa Tom.


-- Post From My iPhone

Memory Lane, Turkeys and Dogs - Oh My!

We took a trip down memory lane today - going up to visit Boothbay Harbor, where we were married six years ago this month. We had a delightful visit with our friends Carl and Greta who live there - Carl was the minister on our happy day - and it's always so much fun to catch up! Our only mistake was leaving Madeleine with grandma and grandpa - we will bring her with us next time.

Then we went down to Southport Island to the scene of the crime where the big event happened.


One of us still looks as good as she did 6 years ago.


The tent's still there - all we need is Carl and the band and we could do it again!


When we got back, we heard about Madeleine's busy day. She went blueberry picking with grandma and grandpa at an organic farm. On the way, they stopped at a little roadside petting zoo where she saw geese and chickens and petted a pony. She even got to see a big tom turkey up close and personal - he came right up to the fence and started preening in front of her.

After lunch, we went for a little stroll and bumped into two of the neighbors with d-o-g's - one of her favorite new words. The rest of the afternoon was spent chasing the dogs around (mostly on two legs!) and giving/getting kisses.

What a good day!








-- Post From My iPhone

Redefining "Going for a Stroll"

The term "going for a stroll" has a whole new meaning for us now that Madeleine is finally walking.








-- Post From My iPhone

Beautiful Girls

We made our appearance on the South Harpswell social scene today with a visit to the fire station for a fundraiser featuring local artists. Hannah and Madeleine were decked out in their summer finery and looked especially beautiful today.





Later, when we were leaving Madeleine with Baba for some grownup shopping in Freeport, Madeleine caught onto our attempted escape and let us know she was onto us!


-- Post From My iPhone