Hair

Madelyn has a lot of hair.  (That's no surprise to anyone.)  But, it's now getting pretty long.  The back curls and the front is starting to hang in her eyes.  Griff asked the other day if she needed a haircut to help keep the front out of her eyes.  I immediately answered "No."  We just need to start pulling her hair back.

The trouble with that theory is that takes a wrestling match to get it done.  And, when I'm able to get her hair up, half of the time she'll reach up and pull it out.  Ugh.

So yesterday when I picked her up at daycare, she had this beautiful french braid.  What?!  How is that I cannot get her to sit still for a pony tail but she's more than happy to sit for a french braid.  I tried to take a picture of it for the blog but, go figure, she wouldn't sit still.

Sunday at the zoo

Here we are checking out the lions.  Of course, they're sleeping.

We saw a giraffe birthing.  Yes, those are feet you're seeing!

We saw a spotted leopard...

...sleeping.  It reminded us of someone at home.

Madelyn insisted on walking.

And lots of walking she did.

Westward bound

Honey and Poppie are coming!

They've sold their house in Illinois and are under contract on a house in Colorado.  We're looking forward to having another set of grandparents (and babysitters) close.

See you soon, Honey and Poppie!


Illinois house -

Colorado house -

18 Months...What?!

18-months old and I can...

• Feed myself with a spoon and a fork.
• Walk, run, climb, and jump. (It's my favorite!)
• Pet Sadie and Felix, sometimes more gently than others.
• Take my shoes off.
• Point to a picture of my family or something in a book when you ask me, "Where's _____?"  The other night she found all her relatives in pictures on the refrigerator when Daddy asked her!
• Talk.  I have so many words that when Dr Brandon asked Mommy how many words I have, Mommy had a hard time pinning down a number.

My favorite new foods are...

• Corn on the cob, peas, and baked beans.
• Turkey tenderloin and couscous.
• Great Grandma Gilbert's strawberry shortcake.

Happy 18-month birthday, Madelyn.  I don't know how or when it happened but you've turned from a baby into a little girl!

Before and After