So Busy...So much Fun!

(She's so happy) (Millie playing in Madison's Pak-n-Play) She is so sweet and fun She also did so well in church and with all the craziness going on! We have been so busy the last month. Family came into to town to for Madison's Christening. It was so nice to have everyone here and Madison did so well. She had a hard time at first since when she went down for a nap the only people in the house were us. When she woke up the house was filled with people she doesn't remember meeting. She quickly got used to the new faces and was so happy to see her cousin Millie, Grandma's, Grandpa's, Aunts, Uncles and Great Aunts and Uncles. (Madison in her Baptismal gown. This was the same gown that her Daddy wore. In fact the gown is over 40 years old. All of Andy's siblings and Niece's and nephews that were Baptized wore it) She did so well at the Baptism too. Didn't cry during church or during the Baptism and it was HOT in there. I am pretty sure the church has no air and the temp outside was a feels like temperature of 100. She's so wonderful. (Great shot of the actual Baptism, thanks Dad for taking these) For the Fourth of July we went to an outdoor music festival in Des Moines called 80/35. We had so much fun. Madison kept her ear protection on almost the whole time. I was surprised how many people wanted pictures of her in the headphones though. Again, we have the best baby in the world. (Madison just arriving..not sure what to think yet and Andy enjoying a nice cold one) (Madison was really bouncing to this band..not sure what's happening behind us) (Madison touching the grass...first time she thought it was so neat) (Madison's two favorite things at the concert her Dad and an empty water bottle) The next things on our list to going to Daytona with my family at the end of the month. That will a blast since it will be the first time Madison has been to the beach and seen the ocean. I can't wait to see her little expression.

7 months old!

Madison is 7 months old...hard to believe it! She is around 16lbs 10oz now. She is still trying to figure out crawling but she loves to pull herself up to stand. She is also saying momma, although I don't think she knows what she is saying since she says it all the time.

She is so much fun! Here are some pictures of her and a great video of her in her jumper, she loves it!

Madison's 5 month pics

I can't believe I keep forgetting this. We had some pictures of Madison taken. Here is the link. PW gray http://dianamandernach.zenfolio.com/p313247293

So Many Changes

I feel like it's been a long time since I've updated there has been a lot that has gone on. Madison went for her 6 month check-up and shots. The doctor said she is progressing beautifully and to really start pushing solid foods. She seems to be growing like a weed now. I am sure she is much bigger already than that check-up when she was 15lb 5oz and 25.9 inches long. I think she grows overnight. She is starting to try to get her knees under her so she can crawl.

She is also really enjoying her bouncy and loves to just sit and play with all her toys.

No teeth yet though.

The month of May has been extremely busy. Andy went to Chicago to visit his friend Matt and he got to go to Wrigley field for the first time. He said he had a very good time.

Then I got to go to Virginia to be in my friend Ann's wedding. Madison and Andy could not join me. The wedding was so beautiful as was Ann. I was honored to be a part of it. I just wish I could have stayed to see their new house.

I also got to celebrate my first Mother's Day the day I flew back from Virgina. I was greeted at the airport by my adorable baby. With flowers and a new charm for my bracelet.

Finally, I got to go to Chicago for work. It was fun to go, but I am glad to be home.

Mobile Madison

Andy is in Chicago for the weekend so Madison and I are holding down the fort at home. We have been busy. She spent her evening Friday at a friends Brayton and Tracie's house so I could go out to celebrate Tracie's birthday. Then Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market. Funny thing happened though when we got back from the market. I laid Madison on her belly for some tummy time and suddenly she was on the move. She scooted backwards across the floor completely away from her toys. I called Andy to let him know we will soon have our hands full she is rearing to go!

Holy Hot Air!

So we were sitting around the house a few days ago and we heard a strange noise outside. It was very loud. At first we thought nothing of it, but then we heard it again. It sounded like this huge rush of air. Andy could no longer contain his curiosity and stood up to look out the window and this is what he saw.

A hot air balloon just cruising down the street barely above the tree tops.

The noise we heard was the operator throwing the torch to keep the balloon high enough. It was very cool.

I also wanted to share some more pictures of Madison. She ate her first real food for the first time this weekend. Carrots that I steamed up for her. She ate them right up with no problems. Even though in this picture she looks less than thrilled . We have a busy month coming up. Andy leaves Friday to visit his friend Matt who just moved to Chicago and he very excited to go to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play. Then next weekend I am in Virgina for my friend Ann's wedding. I am excited, but a little nervous to be gone from Madison for the first time since she was born. Then the following week I am heading to Chicago for conference for work the day I return Andy's parents are coming to visit.

5 months old

Wow, it's been a while since I have had any time to update the blog, my apologies. I have been really busy with my new job, but I am loving it! Madison is really growing like a weed at her 4 month check up she was 13 lb s 5 oz and 24inches long. She is doing so well. She rolled over onto her tummy in her sleep the other night and she can sit up on her own, for about 1 min before she falls. She discovered her feet and loves trying to put them in her mouth. She is starting to teeth, but no pearly whites shining through yet. She also has started eating rice cereal. So many changes in such a short amount of time. Andy and I are just having so much fun with her every day and love to watch her make new discoveries and develop into her cute little personality.

Our weekend in Tampa

Madison took her first plane ride to Florida this weekend to see Grandma and Grandpa. While we were there she also got to meet some of her cousins, Uncle Mark, Aunt Michelle, Aunt Debbie and some of our friends. We had a very nice time. Unfortunately Andy and Madison came home sick. Andy's parents are on their way to visit though so they can be with the sickies. I just hope I don't get it.

Dave and Denise's Visit

Dave and Denise came to visit us at the end of February. They brought their daughter Arianna and dog Baxter along as well. It was great to see them. Here are some pictures from the visit. The girls seemed to get along very well. Ari is already crawling around and pulling up to things so it was a great preview for what we need to adjust in the home when Madison is her age, luckily she didn't get hurt.

3 months

Madison is almost 3 months old and she is so adorable. She LOVES getting her clothes changed. I think it's because she is a little ticklish. We captured this video on our digital camera of her being tickled. It makes me laugh every time. We are looking forward to our friends Dave and Denise coming to visit with their daughter Arianna and a friend of ours in Des Moines has offered to watch Madison so we can go out for Valentine's Day! We are very excited about that. We are also looking forward to going to Florida for a weekend in late February to visit my mom and dad.

Two weeks back to work

Well, I have now completed my first two weeks back to work. I start my new job on Monday. I am very excited. I decided to post some more pictures of Madison. She plays so hard with her toys on her tummy time mat that she just falls asleep. Then she gets a little pouty and a great picture of her smiling.

Madison is 2 months!

Madison turned 2 months old on Monday. It was a big "birthday" for her. She had her shots and went to daycare for the first time. At her doctor's appointment she weighed 10lb 9oz and was 22.2 inches long. She was 50% in height, weight and head circumference. So I guess she really is perfect. She seems to really like her daycare provider and we do too. I went back to work on Monday too and by Friday I have been promoted! It is a very exciting time for us. I am now working with the training department to incorporate video, graphics and animation into their program. So I am back into what I went to school for and I am excited for the new challenge. Andy is still at KCCI and he is liking it there. He is a huge help with Madison and she seems to love her daddy very much. It's very cute when I hold her she will just sit and stare at him and when he talks, moves, or makes any noise she smiles really big or starts laughing. She is definitely daddy's little girl. I will post more pictures of her soon.