Tooth!

After months of gnawing, drooling and making chewing motions with her jaw...we see a little bitty tooth just underneath her gum (front bottom right).

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, indeed.

Happy Thanksgiving

‎"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues."                                                                                                                                                    
-Cicero

This Thanksgiving, I reflect on the many blessings in my life, and I'm humbled. 

I am beyond thankful for my happy, healthy daughter.  Her smile lights up my every day and her happiness is contagious.  I watch her change and grow and it gives me so much hope for the future.  God is so good. I'm forever grateful that he shared His angel with us.

I'm thankful for my husband, who is patient and kind. The greatest dad. Who laughs with me daily and loves unconditionally. 

I'm thankful for my dad's improving health.  A true example of faith and positivity, and the most graceful fighter I know.  

I'm thankful for our niece, Avery, and her safe (and quick!) arrival last week.

I'm thankful for our amazing families.  I'm thankful for our incredible friends.  I'm just...well...thankful. Period.

Happy Thanksgiving!

6 month doctor's visit

We took Madeline to the pediatrician today for her 6 month check-up.  For the most part, we had a great visit.  Madeline is right on track for development and engaged with every nurse that walked in the door (which totaled 4, because our nurse kept bringing people back to "see this baby's hair").  She weighed in at 15 lbs., 8 oz., which is the 39th percentile.  The doctor said that this is normal because Madeline is getting much more movement these days (jumper, rolling around, etc), so she isn't concerned.  In length, however, Madeline is in the 83rd percentile - 26 3/4".  She didn't get that from her mama, that's for sure.  Dr. Gallagher also confirmed that M's gums are pretty swollen, so she's thinking we'll have a tooth in the next few weeks.


The shots were traumatic as always (for all parties involved), but again, she settled well.  AND...Madeline has her very first ear infection :(  She never screamed in pain, never had a fever, didn't really mess with her ears.  The only thing that was "off" was that she was waking up at weird times during the night, which is strange for her.  She also hasn't been able to shake the congestion from a cold a couple of weeks ago.  Now we know the signs to look out for.  We have her on Amoxicillin and clearly, her infection isn't hindering her appetite.  She came home and ate an entire container of carrots and a full bottle before conking out for the night. 


The bright part of today's visit was meeting cousin Avery for the first time.  She had an appointment at the same time, so we had a chance to visit in the waiting room before the girls went back.  Avery slept and Madeline was more interested in Aunt Rachelle and Uncle Keith, but hey, what can you do?  They have a lifetime to play and interact and push parental buttons.  God bless 'em. 

6 months old

It has been six amazing months since our sweet Madeline came to live with us.  One half of an entire year.  I can't even begin to explain how fast these past months have gone by.  So bittersweet.  I'm beyond proud of our beautiful girl.  She's sitting up unassisted (for at least 10-20 seconds before she wobbles, anyway) and loves to do it.  If we put her in her Boppy "lounger" or carseat, she desperately tries to sit up instead.  She also likes to bounce and stand up. Anytime she's in our laps, or in her bouncer or exersaucer, she's standing on those little baby chunk legs (that I often squeeze and want to bite).  She has strong little gams, which is apparent when we...well, when we do anything.  She's roundhouse kicked me hundreds of times.   Brings me back to the days of the womb.  Except instead of in the ribs, I'm getting kicked in the chest and throat.  Eat your heart out, Chuck Norris.

She's still sleeping well and eating like a champ.  Her favorite vegetable so far seems to be squash.  Opens that little mouth like a bird!  So far, we've tried green beans, carrots, green peas, sweet potato and squash.  I've discovered that she liked the green peas and sweet potatoes that I make...but the green beans and carrots - Gerber organic trumps mom.  Maybe the consistency is too much for her right now.  Hey, I'll take what I can get.  At least she's loving her veggies.  On to fruits next week!

Miss Madeline has also started to detest her nasal aspirator, which sucks for us because she had another cold last week.  Every time she sees that blue bulb coming towards her, she flails her head and starts the "uggghhhh" of protest.  She also protests if she's in her carseat too long.  These are generally "fake" cries that consist of a bunch of noise and then silence to wait for my reaction.  Repeat.  You can't help but laugh.    Especially when you get to your destination and open the back door and she's all smiles.  Bless.  She has her mama's number.

These occasions of protest are few and far between and Madeline is overall, one of the happiest babies I've ever known.  Loves to cuddle, loves to smile, loves to laugh.  She knows how much she's loved, and in return, she loves back.  We feel beyond blessed and honored that God sent her to live with us. She's our blessing and the love of our lives.  Happy 6 months, sweet pea.  Having you as our daughter has been the greatest joy.

 

Welcome, Avery!

Our niece, Avery Elizabeth Beavers, is here!  She is absolutely precious and we're just nuts about her already.  We can't wait to watch Avery and Madeline grow up together.  Sweet cousins!  Congratulations, Keith and Rachelle!!  

Haircut!

See any resemblance?  I was starting to. And cleaning oatmeal out of long locks of baby hair is a job in itself.

So today, Erin, who cuts mommy's hair, gave Madeline her very first "official" salon trim.  She was such a trooper.  I think she actually enjoyed it (well, either that or that cool Toy Story salon cape was something new and fun to chew on).  So proud of our growing girl!

Sweet reminders

If you don't follow The Joyful Mother on Facebook, you should. I loved these little reminders to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Veggie Tales

We started Miss Madeline on vegetables this week! Yesterday was our first try - green beans.  I'm giving it the ol' college try and making her food, so I think they were too thick for her. She kept giving me weird faces...and mean looks.  So, I sent Derek to Target after work to get the Gerber organic green beans to see if the smoother veggie made a difference.  He came home with green beans and carrots, so we tried carrots tonight and LOVED them.  So, carrots it is for the next couple of days and then we'll try green beans again.  We're having a good time watching Miss M experience new things.  She's growing up so fast!