tHaNkSgIvInG aNd HoLiDaY pReP

Uncle Jeremy came home from the Navy for Thanksgiving...I don't think Maddie left his side for 2 weeks. He is stationed in Norfolk, VA...we miss him but it is nice to know he is stationed close (closer that Hawaii or Japan). Maddie got to sit on Santa and Mrs. Claus' lap at the Henry Ford Museums tree lighting ceremony. She asked for a "robot and two chapsticks. Cherry and strawberry." I think Santa will fulfill her wish this year. We, along with Grandma, got the chance to see 101 Dalmations at the Fox Theater...she LOVED it. It helped that there were real dogs in the production!

GaP cOnTeSt

So, I am definitely the mother that I never thought I would be...I have entered my child in contests. I broke down and decided that those curly locks must be seen by te world. You never know...

HaPpY 3Rd BiRtHdAy, MaDdIe

"Madeline's Candy Shoppe and Soda Fountain"...the theme for Maddie's 3rd birthday party. Buttered popcorn, candy, decorating cupcakes, presents and family. My amazing parents drove to Chicago Friday morning and got my brother, Jeremy, to surprise Maddie for her party. They drove home Friday night and then drove Jeremy back on Sunday and turned right around to come back to Michigan same day...AMAZING. Maddie'e reaction was priceless-no hesitation when she opened the door and saw him. She ran right into his arms and didn't leave his side.

Watching Maddie and her cousins play was so great to see...they have such a great time when they get together. She LOVED all her presents! Then we got to go home and "make room" for all the new toys.

hAlLoWeEn 2oo9

We had a wonderful Halloween this year...hot cider, sloppy joes, pumpkins, candy, family and Maddie buzzing along. We went to Greenfield Village again this year...Maddie had a blast see the old-fashioned costumes and the headless horseman. Chuck's work had a Halloween party so Maddie got to go trick or treating around the halls of JP Morgan. And to top it off, Maddie's dance studio had a haunted house (which she loved!) and cookie decorating. October was a busy month but worth it! Maddie made a great bee and enjoyed buzzing around the streets of Dearborn.

fAlL iS hErE...

Fall is in full swing...apple orchard, sunflowers, college football.

fIgHt TiGeRs....

Fight Tiger, Fight for Old Mizzou...Go Fight Win, TIGERS!!! College football is off and running and we are instilling the values of the Black and Gold in Maddie. I was so proud...she pulled a Tiger she received at school out of her backpack and said, "Is this Truman?!" Future Tiger in training!!!

sTaYcAtIon 2oo9

We, like pretty much everyone else in America, enjoyed a staycation this summer. We went to the Detroit Zoo, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum, enjoyed some good food and hung out at home. We had a wonderful and relaxing time. This staycation thing isn't so bad.

NaVy GrAd PrOuD

Jeremy had his Navy Bootcamp graduation on August 21st...he looked so regal in his whites!! It was a wonderful visit to Great Lakes. I did get us into trouble before we even entered the base...apparently you are not allowed to take pictures of the outside of the base-oops. It was very emotional. Maddie jumped into Uncle Jeremy's arms when she saw him. There were tears all around. She didn't leave his side all weekend. We visited Chi town and Jeremy was able to catch up with some friends. The rest of the weekend we had some quiet family time...it was wonderful. He now has weekends free and should be wrapping up "A" school in the next few weeks. Then he can make it home for a couple of weeks before he ships out...bittersweet. We are so proud of him. He has really matured but is still the same ole' Jeremy.

tErRiBlE tWoS MoViNg AlOnG

I am working on Maddie's 3 year old pics...only 2 months away. UNBELIEVABLE!! We are anxiously awaiting our visit with Uncle Jeremy. Maddie said that when she sees Uncle Jeremy they are, "going to take a nap on the couch, go the park and play with her water table!" You can see what their days consisted of when he watcher her!

Yesterday she pulled out the "gees Louise" on me. And her new favorite is "that's not nice." We have started a notebook with all of her "sweet" phrases...I would like to embarrass her in the future.

sUmMeR oAsIs

Summer is moving along quickly...unfortunately. Biempa built Maddie a little home of her own...her oasis. Complete with flower boxes, a kitchen and a chalkboard wall. It keeps Maddie busy.

YoU hAd BeTtEr ChEcK yOuRsElF

So, everyone keeps warning me that the "threes" are more "interesting" than the "twos"...we are about 3 months out from Maddie's 3rd birthday and I have a feeling that the next year or so will be a bit exhausting and unpredictable.

We have been conscientious of our "words" but seem to be slipping a bit. The other day Maddie said, Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" when she saw a leaf...um, what?! Yesterday was "damnit! damnit!" when the leg fell off her water table. And today she informed me that the shirt for her doll was "slutty." I mean it kind of was but that was probably not appropriate coming from a 2 year old.

She even yelled at the car in front of me to "go car!" when it did not move fast enough when the light turned green. So far parenting has been a lesson in how rude we can be...lets see if lesson is learned. Also, how does one discipline a child when it is so darn funny when they say these things?! (BTW, I REALLY wanted to say damn and not darn)

uNcLe SaM hAs CaLleD

It has been a busy summer so far...Uncle Jeremy left for Navy bootcamp. We are VERY anxious for the end of August to come. Uncle Jeremy had been watching Maddie 2-3 days a week while he was in school since she was less than 2 months old. He is her "buddy." Maddie knows that Uncle Jeremy is on a boat, is a firefighter and is helping people. She also wants to be a firefighter to help people like him.

We have spent countless hours outdoors..big girl bike, pool, basketball, etc. Fourth of July was fun, although Maddie has decided she does "Not like Fire!" this year...her reference to fireworks. We had a BBQ at my parents and enjoyed some wiffle ball.We are looking forward to more birthday parties and enjoying the weather!!

sUmMeR 2oo9

The summer has started with a bang...Maddie went to her first birthday party for her cousin Tyler, zoo trips, Greenfield Village, the park, walks and just enjoying the weather. Maddie is growing up so fast...I definitely have to remind myself often that she is only two! We are amazed daily of what a little sponge she is.