Check her out! :) Madison's first gymnastics class was a success! She absolutely loved it and I was really impressed with all that they got to do! It is a "mom/dad and me" class and since they are so little, I wasn't sure how much they would really get to do. She got to try out the bars, rings, do somersaults, cartwheels, hand stands, jump on the trampolines, and walk on the balance beams. She did great too - was so eager to try everything over and over again!
The little one standing next to her waiting for their turns on the trampoline is Jenna, Madi's new friend. Madison and I met Jenna (almost 2), her sister Kailey (4) and Brooke (momma) at Chick-fil-a one Saturday morning and have really enjoyed hanging out and doing different fun things with them since. Madison loves playing with Jenna, and follows Kailey around trying to do everything she does. :) I must say too that Jenna was adorable and so brave in class. She has been watching her big sister in gymnastics for awhile, so when it was her turn to get out there, there was no stopping her! :)
Madison's two, which means she's trying our patience, while at the same time we are trying to teach her patience. (Side note: Is the latter even possible at this age?!) I find myself quietly, softly, slowly, and patiently, saying the word, "patience" to her, daily, if not two or three times a day, at times when I see the fit coming on because she can't get her barbie's legs to go the direction she wants them, or she can't get her shoe on, or her baby won't sit up (the nerve!).
As I was sitting and reflecting on some things in my life the other day, I realized how often this word makes its presence in our home these days, and just how ironic it is when it comes out of my mouth. Madison isn't the only one being taught patience. I alluded to the fact that Dylan and I are reminded of the importance of patience as we interact with our sweet little girl (and she really is sweet - just a little impatient at times. ;) ). BUT, the irony lies in the fact that her momma (and though I won't speak for her daddy, I would guess he'd say the same) is being taught a big fact lesson in patience by her Father, at the same time. I won't go into all the details, but as an example, within the past year, Dylan and I have found a church in which we feel completely at home. We absolutely love the pastor - his style suits us perfectly, his messages more often than not seem to be directed right at us, and what we love most is that everything is bible based! We feel like we are in bible study every Sunday - just really getting into and analyzing the Word. Apart from that, we have met some really great young families (both in church and out) with children Madison's age and over time have really begun to form friendships that are sure to last a lifetime. For us, it is perfect. Just what we were looking for. And just what I have been praying for since Dylan and I got married, 3+ years ago. It is definitely a prayer answered, but a big lesson in patience too. There are other things going on in our lives that I tend to get impatient about - job/career changes that both Dylan and I are considering and waiting for answers on (I'll take a double dose of patience, please!), finances, and more.
Just recently I was reminded once again in our young married couples group that if we humble ourselves, turn to and rely on God, he will provide (I am sure I am leaving out a part of that lesson because surely ALL of our desires won't be fulfilled!!??). Prayers aren't always answered on our timeline though. And as our study leader recited the words, "in due time", I was reminded once again that I must have PATIENCE! Hopefully, if we all do our homework, you won't even be able to recognize us. :)
It is still dark outside. We should still be sleeping. Madison is brushing her ponies' hair in between serving breakfast to her babies. So, here I am!
It seems like it has been awhile since I have had some stats to post about our growing girl. She had her two year well exam Tuesday and her doctor said she is doing great developmentally (ok, I'll just say it, she's a smart one!) :). We talked about more potty training ideas and discipline and she got a flu shot. Yuck! So, for the numbers...really no surprise, I guess - she still falls in the same bracket for height and weight as she always has (or close to). She's 24 lbs (which is 14th percentile) and 34.75 inches (70th percentile). She's really a great patient, by the way! She cooperates, doesn't cry, and sits still for the exam. She is a little shy though - she has recently started this thing where she chews on her tongue or shoves her hand in her mouth when she is nervous or uncomfortable. Her doctor loves to ask questions, tries to get Madison to identify stuff in books, recite her colors, count, etc., but at times it is like pulling teeth to get her to talk!
Speaking of pulling teeth, today she has her first-ever dentist appointment. We are going to a pediatric dentist that has the cutest, most fun, brightly decorated office. I think they are just going to try and get her comfortable in the dentist chair today and take a look at her teeth. Nothing major! Should be fun though.
AND, last but not least, Madison starts gymnastics tonight! I am super excited, and if Madison really realized what was going on, she would be too. When we went in to register her, she wanted to watch the big girls practicing (which we did - though apparently not long enough) and then fussed the whole way out the door, whining "I wanna go gymnastics...". I will definitely have pictures to share later! Her leotard might be the cutest thing I have ever seen. Something that tiny can't help but be cute!!
Madison and I had a great day together Friday. Her school was closed for a staff day, so I switched out my Thursday at home for Friday. We painted her toe nails, had a big art session (I'll have to post pictures of her masterpieces!), went to the splash pad, and then went and got her a new pet! I was feeling that a fun day was in order, so we took full advantage of the day off.
Showing her baby her new pet fish, "Dori".
Hanging out mostly on the playground. It wasn't until I started running through all the water with her that she would get wet!
Madison and I were upstairs the other day - I was in our bedroom folding clothes, and she was across the hall playing in her bedroom. It got quiet, so I decided I had better check on her....and this is how I found her. Sitting in the glider, with a blanket over her lap, reading a book. What a sweet little thing.
We celebrated Madison's 2nd birthday with a big Minnie Mouse themed blowout! As most of you know, Madison is a big Minnie Mouse fan, so we couldn't resist. I think she and her friends had a lot of fun, which was all I was really hoping for. As a bonus though, she got SOOOOO much stuff! It was like Christmas! We have such sweet friends and wonderful family who made the day extra special for her and for us.
So, for some of the details, as you will see in the pictures, we had a 4.5 foot tall Minnie "airwalker" balloon standing in the entry way to greet the guests as they arrived. Mickey was supposed to join her, but lost his head right before the party, literally (there's a story there....and by the way, mom, Madison saw the balloon on the floor the other day and said, "gamma did that!") :) Anyway, the dining room was set up as "Minnie's craft corner" where we had face painting, color pages, and another little project where the kiddos could assemble mickey or minnie heads on popsicle sticks.
After the arts and crafts, we ate lunch - hot dogs, chips with buffalo chicken dip (yummy!), fruit, mickey mouse shaped cheese and crackers, and the best part - cupcakes and mickey mouse shaped rice crispie treats on a stick.
Then to work off the lunch, we had a dance party! We did the hokey pokey, chicken dance, mambo #5 (which mentioned all the clubhouse members instead of random names of women!), and, of course, the hot dog dance. It was too cute to watch them boogie! I'm guessing the rest of the adult guests got a kick out of watching me lead too... ha...
We were all exhausted afterwards (well, except for Madison who was wired until super late!), but it was so worth it.
Happy Birthday, Madi-girl! We love you soooo much.
P.S. - check out our poor baby's eye in the pictures. What luck to get a big swollen eye from a mosquito bite the day before her birthday! She never once complained about it, but it sure looked funny. :)
