05.13.12 - Happy Mothers' Day!

04.29.12 - Green thumbs

04.07.12 - Fake smile

Don't know where the fake smile comes from but she really was happy to get a rainbow shirt for Easter from Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd.

04.04.12 - Crazy hair

Maddie's hair wasn't the only thing acting a little crazy following bath night.

03.27.12 - My two best girls

Maddie wanted to go for a walk tonight so we did. She's good about walking without running off or running out in the street. Still, I like holding her hand. About 10 minutes later, I was carrying her back down this road toward home after she tripped, fell and bloodied her nose. She was more scared than anything and there was only one little scratch on her hand. Next time she'll watch where she's going and we'll make her wear better shoes.

Angie reminded me of this photo (click here and scroll to last photo) taken about 18 months ago. Look how much she's grown!

03.25.12 - "I'm the king of the castle!"

Maddie stands atop the sandbox lid tonight and proclaims, "I'm the king of the castle!"

King? Well, there's this book called "Always" that I like to read her at bedtime. It's about a puppy who protects the castle where his little girl lives. One page in particular reminds me of Harley. It's clearly one of my favorites. Tonight, in fact, at bedtime, Maddie picked out two books she wanted me to read and then said, "After that you can read Always because it's your favorite."

No, Maddie. You're my favorite. Don't tell your brothers. :)

03.14.12 - Look ma, no hands!

Well, she has hands, of course, and she's holding on to the handle bars. But that smile compensates for a lack of composition.


Our neighbors were outside, too. Paul asked if Maddie could ride by herself. "No," I replied, as she had only been riding as far as the momentum I provided would carry her. Of course, as soon as I said that she took off down the street.


She had a little help from Ella, Paul's daughter.


It was easier on her back than it was mine! And her help allowed me the opportunity to take these photos.


Maddie also had her first crash. She screamed like something was really wrong but when I got to her, it was just a little scrape. Still, she was scared so I gave her a hug and told her it was time to go in for a bath. Suddenly, the tears stopped and she hopped right back on her bike.

02.22.12 - Mike Shepherd's kid

Maddie found a map of the zoo in the parking lot there today. She planned what she wanted to see while we waiting for Angie to renew our membership. Upon seeing this photo, Angie remarked, "Yep, she's Mike Shepherd's kid." Lately Maddie's been fascinated with "going a different way" home from daycare and she is curious about street names. If you ask her, she can tell you we live on "Bella Bista." :)

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.