Our big night out

Madison and I went to Karen and Cam's for a BBQ and some bottles. She had a bottle of milk and I had a bottle of beer or two. We actually stay until almost midnight and Madison slept in her carseat in the middle of the party for the last couple hours. During the time she was awake, she met Sydney, one of Karen's dogs. Syd loved Madison, sniffed her up and down and then eventually laid down at her feet. Auntie Jamie and Madison got to spend time together too.

Uncle Aaron makes faces at Madi while Aunt Jaymie holds her

Grandpa Jack cuddles a sleeping Madison

Grandpa and Grandma Banda spend time with Madison

Grandma Nancy loves her Granddaughter!

Uncle Steve and Aunt Debbie feed Madison

Jaymie spends time with Mr. Wonderful

Jaymie and Jessica celebrate Jaymie's shower

Grandma Nancy's friend Michelle holds Madi

The Banda Boys (Ryan, Steve, Jack and Aaron)

Madi and Auntie Jaymie

Bandas Bandas Everywhere!

This weekend was a blast for Ryan, Madison and me. Jaymie's bridal shower was on Saturday so we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa Banda's house to celebrate. There Madi was able to meet her Uncle Aaron and Aunt Jaymie, her Uncle Steve and Aunt Debbie, and Jaymie's sister Jess too. She also spent some quality time with Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Jack. The shower was really nice and we ended up staying until almost 11 pm because we had so much fun visiting with the family. Madison was a little cranky in the beginning but settled down after an hour or so. Jaymie was amazing with her - held her for a few hours - even through her cranky spells. None of us have any doubt that she's going to be a great mom!

Nancy and Debbie helped us figure out that even though Madison is growing like a weed (almost 12 pounds now), her hunger isn't always totally satisfied which is why she gets so cranky sometimes. Ryan and I also started giving her big bottles and she's taking them down - 7 ounces at a time. So, last night we tried supplementing her with formula before bed for the first time. Since we figured this out on Saturday, she's been such a happy baby and is smiling at us all the time.

We also figured out who Madison looks like. No doubt about it. Nancy pulled out pictures of Ryan as a baby and they look EXACTLY like Madison. It isn't just that they resemble each other - his pictures actually look like pictures of her. I wish I had an electronic photo of Ryan so I could put them side by side on the blog. It's pretty amazing! I guess we'll just have to cross our fingers that she doesn't end up with his five o'clock shadow!

Madison enjoys her outfit from Aunt Pat

I put Madison in this outfit tonight and she got so excited and started smiling at me. I had to share it!

Madi Spends Time with Dad

Poor Ryan got his head cut off because I was taking a picture of her smiling in her sleep. She's done this for weeks but now she is all smiles when awake too! Her whole face lights up these days and it's impossible not to smile back or laugh when she is clearly so entertained by something. I am LOVING being her mom at this point. Don't get me wrong - I've loved her from the first moment but she's becoming more and more enjoyable every day!

Madison Takes a Breather and Grows Up Too!

Well, we've been on the road like crazy so for the last couple days we've laid low. I figured Madison would like some quiet time at home with mom rather than being shoved in her car seat again. So, yesterday and today we've hung out mostly upstairs - playing, sleeping, singing, and watching TV. Of course, yesterday we had a lot of loud time rather than quiet time. She was pretty fussy for two hours in the morning and three or four hours in the afternoon. So, we also spent a lot of time downstairs dancing to my old Counting Crows CD - the ENTIRE CD - yesterday afternoon. She just loves to dance so no matter how unhappy she is, that always seems to work. I'm just waiting for the neighbors to eventually catch a glimpse of how ridiculous we look but oh well! Here are a couple photos of our mellow week so far ;)

Madison also started sleeping in her crib this week - sort of her choice rather than ours. I put her in the bassinet on Sunday night and she wasn't having it. When I laid her down in her crib with the mobile going, she went right to sleep. So, for the last three nights she has been sleeping in there. In fact, in the last week she has grown out of her newborn diapers and some of her clothes, and now has her own room. My little girl is growing up.

Madi enjoys her swing

Madison enjoyed her swing from Grandma and Grandpa Banda the other day. She still won't sit in it for long periods of time but I can tell that as her eyes focus more, she is going to LOVE this thing. The mobile and light on it have already started to capture her attention.

Madi's first trip to Exeter

Madi and Grandma do tummy time

Grandma Fran feeds Madi and bottle - after which Madi passes out...

Madi, Uncle Al, Grandma Fran, Grandma hug-a-bug and I take flowers to Grandpa Crosson

Grandma Wirht meets Madi

Aunt Carol helps calm Madi's belly. Madison likes this position after she eats sometimes. Aunt Carol took Madison for most of the weekend which allowed me time to relax and sleep (Thank you Aunt Carol!!)

Madison Visits Her Aunt Jen

Today we went by the cemetery in Valencia so that I could introduce Madison to her Aunt Jen. Needless to say it was a tough moment for me but I'm definitely glad we did it. We will all make sure Jen's memory is kept alive for Natalie and Madison too. I know Madi would have loved her Aunt Jen and if Jen were here she'd be calling me at least once a day (no exaggeration) to find out how Madi is doing.

Kim Comes to Visit

Kim's great with Madison! Madi put on her game face (finally) for Kim's visit and acted like a little angel. I also got to drink a glass of wine which was so nice!