Couldn't Resist

Payton sucking her thumb:)

Payton picking her nose

Madelyn & Bear

As Madelyn lie on the floor snuggling with her bear, Payton couldn't resist coming to shove the Nuk in her mouth. Madelyn, unlike Payton, does not use the Nuk. But since Payton found it, she thought it needed to go in her mouth. All the while, she is picking her nose.

Swimming

Madelyn went for her first swim on Saturday at Papa and Nana's house! She loves the pool. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, because she also enjoys taking baths. Her swimsuit is the one that Payton wore when she was a 1 year old. It fit her to a "T".

Our fearless Payton, was showing off her pool skills on this day too. She likes to jump in off the side of the pool all by herself. The swimming lessons did wonders for her comfort level in the water! I'm sure that she will be swimming all by herself next year.

Madelyn ~ 16 Weeks

My little Gerber Baby

is 16 weeks old!

And is hanging on for dear life.

Madelyn Amelia is growing up so fast! She turned 16 weeks on July 31st, and officially rolled over all by herself on July 30th. Needless to say, she was not very impressed, and cried frantically until I came to get her!

Madelyn is wearing 3-6 month clothing and a size 2 in diapers. In comparison, at this age, Payton was barely in size 3 month clothes and was a size 1 in diapers. Madelyn is definitely a healthy eater. A typical feeding is 8 ounces! She generally sleeps 11-13 hours a night. Usually, going to bed at 8PM and waking up at 8AM. Madelyn spends her days admiring Payton's every move, eating, and sleeping!

She is the best little baby girl!

Girly Pics

The sisters take baths together

Madelyn easily falls asleep in Great-Grandpa Walt's arms

Nana, Madelyn, Payton, & Papa

I just thought I would post some recent pics of the girls. They are getting to be so big!

The Girls

Payton received a jump house from Papa Rodney. He found it at a garage sale for 30 dollars! She and her friend played in it for an hour and a half on Monday. She loves bouncy around like a monkey, and I enjoy how it tires her out.

Madelyn is getting to be so big. At her 2 month doctor appointment she weighed 10lbs. 14 oz. and was 23 1/2 inches long! She is still sleeping like a gem---usually, 12-13 hours at night. She loves taking baths in her big girl tub, with sister, Payton.

Fun Shop

Dry rice and beans is a nice alternative to SAND!

Payton started attending Fun Shop this summer. It is offered in 3 sessions throughout the year, and children ages 16 months-5 years can attend. The instructors inform parents about conscious discipline, a positive teaching method by Becky Bailey (she has written many books). Payton enjoys interacting with other children, as well as, learning different songs/skills that are offered at Fun Shop. We are currently learning colors!

Madelyn's Baptism

She slept through the entire ceremony!

The happy family

The Godparents

Madelyn was christened on June 6, 2010, at St. Agnes church when my dad was home for a visit. Needless to say, the day started off crazy. Payton refused to get dressed and spent half of the mass at the back of the church ~ naked! When she finally agreed, it was a battle of her wanting someone to hold her. I guess you need some excitement at church. We held a reception back at the house for friends and family afterward. My brother, Kevin, and friend, Jillene, are Madelyn's godparents!

Papa's Visit

Feeding the ducks and fish

When Papa came to visit recently, we took Payton and Madelyn to the Springfield Zoo. This was one of the free field trips offered by Fun Shop. We had a wonderful time, but cut it short due to the extreme heat!

Mother-Daughter Banquet

Mommy's flowers BEFORE they were destroyed!

Chasing children

Using the flowers as a weapon?

Tonight was the Mother-Daughter Banquet at Cathedral. For the past several years, I have attended with my mom and grandma. The last 2 years Payton has gone, and this was Madelyn's first appearance. There is singing by the choir, prayer, dinner, and dessert. Towards the end of the night, the children could go grab a handful of flowers to give to their moms. Payton used mine as a sword and chased the other kids around jabbing them. The only photo op I could get with her and MiMi is the one above. This will be a great one for the photo album:) I guess I will try again on Mother's Day.

Play Day at the Park

The weather has finally turned nice again this week. We've taken the girls to the park 2 out of the last three days! Payton has definitely been enjoying her time outside interacting with other kids. Though I must say, I enjoy the walk to the park the best. I cannot wait for summer to come, so we can play outdoors more often:)

Sleep Tight Little One

She even fell asleep during "tummy time"

I couldn't resist posting these pictures of Madelyn sleeping, because it seems that is all she does! She is the best little sleeper I've ever seen. At 3 1/2 weeks she is only waking up once during the middle of the night to eat. During the day, I find myself waking her up in order to eat. No one is worried, because she seems to still be putting on the weight:)

Madelyn's Homecoming

Welcome home baby Madelyn!

Big Sister, Payton, is very proud

Sleep tight:)

Madelyn is adjusting very nicely. After a couple of sleepless nights, we have managed to get her on a sleeping schedule. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she continues to only wake up once during the night to eat:)

We went to the doctor today for her first visit and she is already back to her birth weight. She is in the 38th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for height (this won't last), so all is good. As we move into the second week we are hoping to get her out and about a little bit more. Today, we went to see Mimi at work and did a little furniture shopping. She is tuckered out!

Payton's 2nd Birthday Party

The birthday girl:)

Payton can't keep her hands off the sweets

Sporting her new Tinkerbell pajamas (thanks Jayden)

Payton Anne celebrated her 2nd birthday only 1 day after her baby sister was born. This officially puts the girls 1 year and 364 days apart. Mommy decided that no matter what, the party must go on. After much persistance with the nursing staff, I was allowed to go home only a day after having Madelyn! Our many guests were excited to celebrate both Payton's birthday and the homecoming of Madelyn all at once. Payton had a wonderful celebration and was excited to show off her new sister!

Baby Madelyn

We welcomed new baby, Madelyn Amelia, on April 10th, at 6:27AM. She weighs 7 lbs. 2 oz. and is 21 inches long. She has a head FULL of hair, just like big sister, Payton! We were able to put a bow in her hair before we even left the hospital. Payton is so proud of her new baby sister:)

Easter at IBYC

Coloring an egg

Playing toss the egg in the bucket

Picture with Gramma Sue

On Saturday, Island Bay Yacht Club hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast. Sue and I took Payton to enjoy the festivities. She ate donut holes and fruit for breakfast and then got her picture taken with the Easter bunny. She also enjoyed decorating an egg and a spring collage. She even won a prize for playing the egg toss. She was so tired by the end of all that, that she didn't even partake in the egg hunt. Oh well, maybe next year!

"Friend"ly Visits

This past week Payton got to spend some time with her friends Jayden and Layne. Jayden made the trip to Springfield on Tuesday with his mommy, and Payton and I made the trip to Taylorville on Thursday. It was great to see how big the kids are getting! I'm hoping all this time spent with other children will be good practice for Payton when her little sister arrives.

"NEW" Pics

New Jammies

New Bathtub

New Bed

Not surpisingly, it has been awhile since my last post. We have been busy getting settled in our new home. Payton has been the center of attention as she has had to make the biggest adjustment. The new house only took her a couple of days to get used to, but she also has transitioned to a BIG girl bed as well. Now that she has figured that she can get out of it all on her own, it makes nap time especially challenging!

Our focus this week, now that I am on spring break, is to get the house in order. I spent 4 hours on Saturday sweeping and mopping. I've spent many more countless hours doing laundry and organizing. We have taken some time out to plan and order party supplies for Payton's up and coming 2nd birthday festivities. She is really excited to have Tinkerbell be the theme of this year's party.

In addition, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest member of our family. I went to the doctor on Monday and all is well. The baby has not dropped any, but she is head down. I will be seeing the OB every week until the little one arrives. We are tentatively scheduled for an induction on April 21st. Since my original due date is the 22nd, I hope I make it that long! I am not looking forward to going into labor early, because my doctor has decided to go on vacation from April 13-20th.

Peanut, Peanut Butter

Who needs jelly or bread when you can just eat peanut butter by the spoonful? Payton no longer wishes to eat a PBJ, but rather, would just like her PB on a spoon and in a bowl. She enjoys this afternoon snack with a large glass of milk!