Derby Delights

"We're not from these parts..."

That's what Steven and I have said to each other numerous times, especially on the first Saturday in May. As Derby approaches it is quite obvious we're not from Kentucky because we're just not that into it.

Now, when our kids are older we'll be more into it I'm sure. It will be a lot of fun because there are so many activities going on during Derby time! But for now, we just watch events on TV and read about it in the paper.

So, today we sat down and watched coverage of the Kentucky Derby 135 all day long (and I mean ALL day long!) It was fun to see the horses, hear their stories, and above all see those hats! That's my favorite part...the hats!

If you know me, you know I love "treats." So I found a couple of Derby Delights that will be repeats at our house for Derbys to come!

"faux" Mint Julep

"faux" Kentucky Derby Pie

(this pic was prettier than mine!)

*faux= no alcohol

You should try them sometime. YUMMY!!!!!

Easter

A little catching up to do...

(I mentioned that I don't get to play on the computer as much now...it's true!)

Easter weekend was beautiful and sunny here! We enjoyed spending this very special weekend together as a family. Even though Madelyn is a baby, we talked about Jesus' death and resurrection and the celebration of Easter. I just got so excited knowing that as she gets older she will actually be able to understand what we're talking about! :)

I decided we'd start a few new Easter traditions (of course they have to do with food!) I found the recipes on allrecipes.com

Hot Cross Buns - These are so easy to make and yummy too! Making these would be a fun activity for parents and kiddos to do while talking about Easter. Bake up a bunch and give them to friends and family- also an easy way to talk to others about Christ or invite them to church!

Lamb- (I can't find the link!) I have never prepared lamb so wasn't sure about it, but it was quite easy and tasty! That will only be a once a year treat at Easter ($$!)

And of course there are cute pics of little Madelyn on her first Easter!

Like all mommies, I wanted to dress my baby up, especially for Easter. I had my eye out for a crisp, clean, smocked dress. But I have to tell you, it's just not practial to put Madelyn in pretty, pricey clothes because her record indicates that it will be pooped on by the end of the day! So, I found a dress I liked for less than $15 at Target. :)

sweet girl and her handsome daddy!

sitting still for only a moment!

eating Mr. Bunny

"See my belly?!"

reading with Mommy

"Who wants to read a book when you can chew on it?!"

SWEET GIRL!

And by the way...

by the time we got home from church there was a little mess on the dress! told you! :)

Spring Brings Change

April has been a time of change around here!

Outside the sunny days are getting longer (much welcomed after a gloomy Louisville winter!) and the temperature is creeping up. The April showers come and go and trees and flowers are in bloom. Time to get those sweaters packed away and sport short sleeves! I had to explain to Steven the other day the importance of a pedicure (for me, not him!) because "it's open-toe shoe season." I love spring!

Within our family things have changed as well...particularly in the job department. At the beginning of the month Steven started a new job! He is now employed with AMGEN, a drug company. No longer with the insurance companies; he's gone to "pharma." The biggest challenge-I mean, change- is that his office is based from home. I love that he's home, but it does make those fun girl trip to the mall, Target, etc. a little difficult to pull off. (ha!) And because he is now an office hog, I have little time to play around on the computer...hence the lack of posts. (However, you'd be surprised how much more I've been able to do around the house lately!) On a serious note- it has been wonderful to see the Lord work! In this He taught us to be patient, let Him lead, and trust Him with the details. We have truly been blessed!

And of course Madelyn is changing too! Her big thing lately is "the roll." We're so proud of her when she rolls from her back onto her tummy. She'll hold her head up and look around at everything (reminds me of a turtle!) and she'll play with toys in front of her. The problem is that when she's trying to get all hunkered down in her bed for the night she rolls over and can't get back! She'll wake up and cry, and we'll roll her back over. So everyone's sleep has been disrupted lately, but once she figures out all the rolling maneuvers she'll be good to go.

Now for some pics! When Steven was away for his new job training Madelyn and I went to Bham. It was so great to see our friends and family! I think Madelyn's favorite part was getting to play with her cousin Autumn!

Madelyn's "shine" is compliments of her genius mom who applied moisturizer moments before we took pics!

"Wow! Autumn has hands too!

"Ok Autumn, you stay on your side and I'll stay on mine."

"Was it something I said?!"

They are so cute!!!

And here are a couple more pics...

Madelyn in her swing. We used to talk about how she'd never be able to reach those animals. Not only can she reach them, she likes to eat them!




I have a name for Madelyn's hairdo...it's called the "frohawk." Her hair stands straight up (fro) and only does so on the top (hawk.) So she sports a frohawk!

SWEET PEA!!

And here is a corny joke for you:

"If April showers bring May flowers...what do May flowers bring?"

pilgrims

M is for...

"M" is for MARCH!

I am actually posting about the current month. No more monthly "recap" posts!


"M" is for MADELYN!

The subject of most posts. She is growing in so many ways! The first week of March we went for her 4 month well-baby visit. She weighed 15 pounds (75th percentile) and measured 25.5 inches long (90th percentile.) What a big girl!


"M" is for MOUTH!

If she can get it in her hands, it's going into her mouth! Pacifier, pacifier clip, burp cloth, toys, my shoulder, her fingers, and the list goes on! Babies explore by putting things in their mouth, so as long as her item of choice isn't dirty we don't mind!

And speaking of mouth, Madelyn has learned that she can make sounds with her own voice. The girgles, coos, and babbles have turned into squeals, shrieks, humms, and laughs. She likes to talk to herself, especially when waking up in her bed...sooo sweet! And she likes to talk to us too. Here is a clip of her chatting with Mommy one morning at breakfast. :)

"M" is for MOVEMENT!

It's crazy how one day you wake up and the immobile baby is moving around! We'll lay Madelyn in her crib one way and she'll wake up at the other end, turned in the other direction! Funny girl! She likes roll onto her side to sleep and every once in a while she'll keep going onto her tummy and get stuck...she's not sure what to do there. And lately if she's on her tummy for "tummy time" she'll lean right over and roll onto her back. I just can't believe it!

Speaking of laying down- We used to be able to lay Madelyn here and there, but laying down will no longer suffice! She wants to be upright so she can see what is going on around her! She'll sit in our laps, propped up in the corner of the sofa, or in her Bumbo seat so she can see everything like a big girl!

With her wanting to move around and her interest in toys, we decided it was time to break out the exersaucer! Madelyn loves to stand up and play with the toys (and talk to them too!)

Madelyn has found something she really enjoys most. The Jumperoo! Our sweet friends let us borrow their jumper and now jumping is a daily activity at our house! Here is a recent clip of Madelyn having tons of fun jumping! Steven and I get a kick out of it!!

Madelyn is so much fun and a joy to love on!