Grandpa Downen's Birthday Party

Grandpa Downen turned the big 64 on January 16th. Grandma made him a cake and we ate Rattlers for dinner. Earlier that day I asked Madisen what she wanted to get Grandpa for his birthday and she immediately said, "a banana", so we went to the kitchen and wrapped one up for him. Grandpa loved it and said he would use it the next morning in his cereal.

Madisen picks out all her own gifts. For Daddy's birthday she wanted to get him a "pink ball", we were able to find one at Sports Chalet. Of course Daddy loved it.

Getting back in the groove... I hope!!!

Well I haven't blogged in a very long time. February to be exact. A lot has happened since then. Mason was born on May 10Th and before that I was on bed rest for almost 4 months. Dusty is keeping busy with the flooring business and will be buying and taking it over after the 1st of the year. Madisen is growing like crazy and it's just going by way too fast. She can talk your ear off and boss you around as if she was a teenager. She's so smart and amazes us everyday. She's really into scary monsters and spiders right now. They don't scare her she just loves to talk about them. She also loves to help out in the kitchen with washing dishes and unloading the dishwasher. Going for walks, riding her bike, dancing to music, watching the noggin channel and coloring are just a few of her favorite things right now. Madisen is saying new words and coping everything we say. She can say some pretty difficult words already. Mason has started saying mama and it's so cute. He loves to nurse, eat oatmeal and be held. He's a lovey little boy and doesn't like to be alone in a room. He can hear his mommy's voice a mile away and smiles from ear to ear when he knows she's getting closer. He's almost sitting up and gaining more interest in his toys and objects around him.
I'm hoping to keep up with our blog and post about the kids and their accomplishments. Family news and events.

Simple Pleasures

Madisen is pretty much the happiest and most easy going baby ever. She is very content making do without any toys. Not that she is deprived in that department, I'm sure we could open a small toy store at this point. Madisen's favorite room in the house would have be the kitchen. She helps load/unload the dishwasher and loves to climb into it. Her favorite day of the week would have to be grocery day. She helps unload the bags and even tries to put the produce in the refrigerator drawer. Once she's emptied the bags all over the room :) it's off to the highchair for some confined playtime with whatever I have close at hand (thus giving me time to really put away the groceries) A spool of ribbon or even just a fork and spoon will keep her happy for a 20 minutes. I love this little kid. She laughs all the time and the cutest is when she cracks herself up over the smallest thing.

Where have I been !!!!

Well, I'm back from my 3 month hiatus of blogging. I'm hoping to get caught up this week. This past January my doctor discovered that I was dilated to 1 1/2 centimeters and my cervix was soft. Because of this lovely discovery at 22 weeks into my pregnancy I needed to have a procedure done called a serclage. I was also put on complete bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. I'm 6 weeks in and doing surprisingly well. We were able to hire a full time nanny who takes care of Madisen, me and the house. My mom comes every Saturday to take over while Dustin is at work. She's able to finish off the laundry and have play time with Madisen. Sunday's are dedicated to Daddy. He makes use banana waffles and we have a breakfast picnic in bed. As a family we're adjusting well to all the new changes in our routine but looking forward to the arrival of the new baby and getting back to "normal" life.

Madisen's New Milestone

Madisen has been taking a few steps here and there over the past few days. This is the most steps she has ever taken. She thinks long and hard about how she's going to transition from standing to walking. I especially love the part when she is walking towards me, stops and crosses her arms. Madisen is one cute kid. We're so proud of her.

Surprise !!!!

Yes it's true.....
We will soon be a family of 4.
I went to the doctor on Monday thinking I was 4-5 weeks along and I was very wrong. I'm 8 weeks along. We were able to see and listen to the heartbeat. I'm due May 19th so that makes 2 under 2, yahoo can't wait. This time around it will be a scheduled C-Section so no guessing when the new little one will enter the world. I've been very very sick (it must be a boy) and can't wait for this part to be over with. According to the Chinese birth chart it's going to be a boy and I'm up for the challenge. Dusty is very excited and keeping his fingers crossed. I'm sure Madisen is excited, she just doesn't know it yet :)

My Little, Big Birthday Girl

On Saturday, August 30th we celebrated Madisens 1st birthday. We invited mostly family and a few close friends, which ended up being around 50 people. Madisen was so cute with all of her guests. She was letting everyone hold her and loved being around all the other little kids. My mom made her a special monkey cake that she wasn't too sure about at first. Once she new that it was going to be fun to get messy with cake and it tasted good she had a blast. Madisen was so excited to finally be able to eat sugar since the closest thing to it that she has ever had would be her all natural organic apple juice. :) Her party colors were pink and orange (as you can see by her other birthday cake) We had a super cute turtle pinata that was filled with way to much candy. All the little kids were given their own pink and orange buckets filled with party goodies. Daddy made hamburgers for everyone and mommy made a yummy lemon piccata pasta. We had lots of yummy side dishes and TONS of food left over. We decided to open gifts after most of the people went home and Madisen had a blast going through everything. She was given lots of great learning toys and big girl size clothes that she will fit into soon. We sent a note with the invitation asking people to bring an item for her time capsule that she will open on her 16th birthday. I love that people made it so personal. Some wrote her letters, or gave information about this year and it's events. It will be fun to show her everything only 15 years to go. I just hope it goes by slowly.

On Madisen's actual birthday, August 31st we spent the day with Grandpa D and Grandma C. We ate leftovers and put a few of her toys together. This lion was given to her by Grandma C (pictured) and she absolutely loves it. It's a walker and a ride on toy. Madisen has learned to pull herself up on it and take a few steps. It was a great birthday weekend and I can't believe my little girl is a big 1 year old. This first year has flown by and Madisen has been the best blessing. I love you miss buns.