02.16.12 - "No, no, no, no"

We had a picnic lunch at the zoo today. Maddie picked a spot near the American Farm. We figured we were far enough away from the geese that we'd be left alone. Two bites into my sandwich, this peacock waltzes up like he owns the joint. (I guess he does more than we do!) So I spent a half hour pacing between it and the family so they could eat. After Maddie was done, she came over to relieve me.


Maddie is as big as an emperor penguin. One day you're bringing home a baby girl, the next thing you know she's three years old!

02.12.12 - "Dad, I'm done with pictures."

Harley cuddled up next to Maddie at story time tonight. That's never happened before. She left the room as soon as we were done reading stories but for a few moments she just laid there as if it were her normal routine. Maddie didn't mind although at one point she did tell me, "Dad, I'm done with pictures." I like this moment, though. I wonder what she's thinking about.

01.07.12 - Kitchen assistants

Maddie got to bake cookies with Mommy again today. And she made my favorite - raisin bran! (That's what she calls oatmeal raisin.)


When Maddie mixes flour, a good amount ends up on the floor and on Harley.

01.05.12 - Out cold

Went in to shut off Maddie's lamp after bedtime tonight and found her lying like this. I thought at first she was looking for something over the edge of her bed. Nope, she was O-U-T out. Snoring and everything. I took a couple of photos and left her alone.

01.01.12 - So long, Santa!

It's New Year's Day and we're starting to take down Christmas decorations. It's fun to play with some of them one last time.

12.30.11 - Maddie's 3rd birthday party

We celebrated Maddie's third birthday party tonight. We celebrated with a taco dinner, including black beans that Maddie has been saying for months she would eat on her birthday. Do you think she ate any? Of course not! After dinner we opened presents and ate a Strawberry Shortcake chocolate cake - that Angie made - with ice cream. The house was packed, we now own every conceivable Strawberry Shortcake toy that can possibly be made and Maddie went to bed a happy three-year-old.

12.27.11 - Baby Jesus

Maddie's favorite outdoor Christmas decorations are nativity scenes. She excitedly points them out when we're driving. Lisa, our day care provider, has one in her front yard. This morning, as we dropped her off, Maddie asked me if I'd take a photo of her with Baby Jesus. I didn't have a camera with me at the time but I was sure to bring one when I picked her up.

12.24.11 - Maddie's 3rd birthday

Maddie turned 3 today!


We celebrated during breakfast - chocolate chip bagels from Panera.


So proud of herself for blowing out the candles.


The birthday bunny she got from Santa a few days ago joined us at the table.


Her birthday prizes included a couple of Strawberry Shortcake paper books.


Again, so proud!


Christmas Eve is Angie's mom's family's big Christmas celebration so we spent most of the afternoon and evening at Nan and Pop's house. We sang Happy Birthday to Maddie at the minute of her birth. She sang along, too, while cuddled close to Nan.

Happy Birthday, Maddie Girl!

12.16.11 - Santa

Tonight, while standing in line to meet Santa, I asked Maddie what she was going to ask for. She thought about it a bit and said, "a bunny!" But, when she got the chance, she stumbled on her words. I asked her to think about what we talked about it line. She said, "I know! A bunny!" So, Santa talked to one of his elves and came up with this Bugs Bunny birthday-themed stuffed rabbit, which is perfect since her birthday is on Christmas Eve.

12.13.11 - Feed us now!

At dinner tonight, Maddie, Nate and Ellie started banging on the kids table. They were just playing but some nights at dinner it sure seems like we can't feed them fast enough!