Wiggle Worms

I signed Madeleine up for a toddler gymnastics class and lucky for us the younger class that she was supposed to be in didn't fill up so we were able to be bumped up to the older age bracket. Since Madeleine was an early walker and would almost be borderline for that next age bracket, I felt like that class would be a better fit anyhow.

Well, the very first day a little boy came in screaming and crying and it scarred Madeleine. To know Madeleine, you would understand that she is an extremely outgoing little girl and is hardly ever shy. That little boy terrified Madeleine so every time we came after that the first half of class she was too scared to be let down (during their "warm-up" exercises) however, when the toys came out she was back to herself again.

A typical class would include several warm-up songs, then the ball exercises, then bubbles, then rhythmic exercises (with the ribbon on a stick), followed by floor exercises and if we were lucky the teacher would bring her inflatable jumpers.

Madeleine's absolute favorite thing about her class was those darn inflatable jumpers. She brought one that had a mini climbing wall that you climbed to slide down into the jumping pit and you would slide out through the other side. Even though Madeleine was the smallest (and youngest) in her class she climbed that wall (all by herself) leaps and bounds better than the other kids in her class (can you tell I was proud!!!).

The last day of class you could bring other family members to class and take pictures. So it turns out I am the only one to want to share my daughter's cuteness and got my mom and Andrew to come and watch her perform (no one else brought visitors - their loss!). It was a great experience and so cute! It really introduced her to gymnastics and she can now do a forward roll.

Some pictures from that last day in class and just a note, I have no idea what was up with her mouth that day - that tongue was a wagging!

Build-a-Bear

Andrew came home from work one day with a surprise. He wouldn't tell us what it was, but he hurried us out the door to the car. He drove us to the mall and directed us into Build-a-Bear - so cute he surprised Madeleine with a Build-a-Bear just because he loves her. I had never been - wow! What an experience!

First you pick out your animal.

Then you fill it with fluff (Andrew's holding her foot down on the fluff-filler pedal)

Then you pick a heart, make a wish, kiss it and it's placed inside.

Then you wait to have your animal stitched up and you create the birth certificate

Then you pick out your accessories (man, they have a ton!). Madeleine picked out pajamas for her elephant and a backpack carrier.

Then you package up your animal in a take home crate

Now for my favorite part... You watch your teeny tiny daughter carry out the package that is almost as big as she is. Don't try to help her! She can do it all by herself. You should have seen the looks we were getting as she was half carrying/dragging this out of the mall - she carried it the whole way by herself.

Sour Cream

The pictures really say it all, doesn't it? This is what happens if you step out of the room for a minute with a toddler and a ramekin of sour cream. For the record, sour cream is not very easy to remove from hair. Oh and also check out my ugly oak cabinets - I'm so happy not to behold it's ugliness anymore. That's been one of my major undertakings lately, finally my kitchen is getting the remodeling progress it's needed - the cabinets have been repainted, we're working on painting the coffered ceiling that Andrew designed and built, hopefully my countertops will be built in the next day or two, then my bead board wainscoting, my travertine subway tile back splash, and FINALLY the beautiful serene light blue paint that will replace the hideous (and I mean hideous) exposed drywall - walls I've lived with for almost 6 years! Woohoo! Dare I even complain of the lack of using my kitchen now for almost a month (ughhh!) I am so tired of eating out!

Cammie's Blessing

So for the most perfect day of Cammie's blessing we had some not so perfect weather. I take that back, I LOVE SNOW! I love everything about snow, however, when you have family traveling from all over the state to attend a blessing, you don't want your loved ones traveling in one of the largest snowfalls we've received in years! The problem with Georgia and snow is you have so many people that don't know how to drive in it. I feel fully confident from my time out West to navigate just fine through it, however, ignorant-never-driven-in-any-type-of-white-stuff drivers terrify the living daylights out of me - these are those you should truly be afraid of!

So on little Cammie's blessing day we had snow, and lots of it (for Georgia's standards). We weren't even certain if they would still hold church that day, thankfully they did. Scott gave such a beautiful blessing and it was so wonderful to see so many family and friends that braved the elements to come celebrate Cammie's special day.

Afterwards, we had a baked ziti feast at Mom and Dad's house and those of the family that didn't have to immediately head home after the crazy weather stayed and we enjoyed one another's company.

Circus

So a million years ago (well, really back in February) I bought us tickets to go to the circus since I was able to find a sweet half price deal. Last time I had been to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus was when I was in the 1st grade so I had very little memory of what it would actually be like and whether or not Madeleine would enjoy the experience.

It was a lot of fun! Madeleine seemed to really enjoy it. We don't do a lot of ticketed events as a family, but it was so nice to get out together and enjoy the circus.

Cheerios and a sippy for intermission... anyone?

I need to make a few calls on the break...

Remember my goal for this week?

Well it took back seat to Andrew's goals which included this:

and this...

 

Oh well, at least I finally finished Madeleine's Easter dress only a few weeks late. The night before Easter I was finishing up the dress when I realized I cut the applique out of the skirt - and unfortunately fabric stores are not open at midnight the night before Easter (they should! I'm sure I'm not the only one who's up late sewing the night before). Oh well, it's finished so she'll get to wear it to church tomorrow.

Guilt Complex...

I have one, a major one. If I owe anybody anything, or if things are lacking with my home/family I can't function on blogging if other things are eating at my mind. Sounds serious doesn't it? It's really silly and so not serious. The past couple of months have been such a whirlwind, it feels like yesterday was Christmas. I really wish I didn't have the need for sleep and that I had boundless energy so that I could keep all the facets of my life in balance. It's really been such a great year for us (aside from the yucky economy - anyone need a fantastic contractor? I have one I highly recommend ;).

Life has been so incredibly busy, but oh so fulfilling. I wish I could freeze time to not allow my baby to grow so fast. I love seeing her progress, but it makes me sad that I can't hold on to her baby stage forever.

The title above really refers to my need to catch up on my portrait processing for clients. I've been very fortunate to have so many wonderful opportunities come my way, and I'm slowly catching up.

I do need and will post on all the wonderful events and pictures that we've enjoyed and that is my goal for the upcoming week.

So until I can throw some stuff together I wanted to leave you with one of my current "this makes me smile" photos - so imperfect in so many ways, but I love it! It was taken at our church Easter egg hunt, and as you can see, Madeleine's daddy was making sure she got a fighting chance even with her small stature. Pure glee, she and I love that man.