Friday, April 16, 2010

Funny Faces & Fun Neighbors

And He's Off...
Those eyes look mischievous!

Truly a happy boy! His genuine smile and happiness makes my heart so happy!

Scrunchy nose smile is one of my faves!
Daddy teaching me to climb a tree....at nine months! NICE!

Playing with Aunt Lexie's shoes!
Always happy with Alexis. He loves her!

Apparently someone gave James (our neighbor) a stamp and while he was playing in the backyard he decided to decorate himself. He came over to show of his new look. We thought it was hilarious...Jessica was not so amused considering they were about to walk out the door.

Maddox showing off his cookie to sweet little Annalea!

He then decides that she is so cute that she can have it!

In the end they broke it in two and each took half. So Sweet!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Saint Louis Trip April 2010

We went to Saint Louis to visit the Meme & Papa Nurse this weekend. It was a great long weekend. Greg's parents had not seen Maddox since Christmas and so they were floored by all of his development and growth. Maddox was equally as excited to see them as they were to see him. We got to see Travis and Anna's new house which is AMAZING, we strolled through the central west end, enjoyed amazing weather and most importantly visited with our wonderful family and friends. It was a fabulous and memorable weekend.
Meme & Maddox

Maddox discovered a love for strawberries while we were in St. Louis.

Maddox enjoyed playing with Otis. I'm not so sure how much Otis loved being tugged and pulled on by Maddox.

Travis and Anna have a great swing set in the backyard of their new house. Maddox got to try it out for the first time....think he liked it?
I'm thinking yes!
Papa and Maddox!

Maddox with his cousins and friends!
Take 2!
Mason showing us his Michael Jackson dance moves while Maddox tried to get in on the action!

2 men and a baby in the central west end.
Maddox with his Daddy & Uncle Trav!

Playing peak a boo with Uncle Trav!


3 Nurse Generations....Maddox, Daddy & Papa!

Happy Birthday Greg!

My wonderful husband celebrated a birthday this past week and we had a week full of fun celebration. Maddox and I made Dad dinner the night before his b-day and gave him his groovy new ipad toy. On Greg's actual b-day we went out to dinner with all of the Jewell/Gass family and then the next day flew to St. Louis to celebrate with the Nurses!
I look forward to many more birthday celebrations to come. I love you Greg!
Family Picture on Gregs B-day! Sweet Smiley Baby boy!
Mommy & Maddox being silly and Dad being normal and probably a little annoyed with us!

My cousin Derek came over and watched Maddox for us while we took Greg out for his b-day dinner! He was a great Monster-sitter!

Yummy Dinner at Ellerbe with great wine & lots of fun!

The Gass/Jewell/Nurse Family. Happy Birthday Greg!

Monday, April 5, 2010

9 months

Maddox had his Nine month check up today. When Dr. Murphy came in and looked at his measurements he said "Well your nine month old weighs in about the same as a healthy one year old". My favorite part was when he left after checking Maddox over he said that he bet we felt like we had a one year old on our hands. He obviously noticed Maddox's busyness, strength and determination. Maddox did do a really great job of letting Dr. Murphy check him over. He was so curious the whole time just watching Dr. Murphy. He didn't love the shot and getting blood drawn so much but he only cried for a minute and we are so blessed that he has really never had a bad reaction or side affect from hist shots.
So much has changed since last time we saw him at Maddox's six month appointment. He has learned so much, he is doing so many more things, he is pulling up, grabbing things with his hands, crawling, responding to his name, he has figured out how to get your attention when he wants something, he is talking and saying things like Dah Dah, Dah and then he makes the same noises that his little Caterpillar dump truck makes, THHHHTTT, THHHHT ,and he blows raspberries. He Screams oh boy does he scream, he rarely cries but he will definitely scream to get your attention when he wants it. He is eating great. He loves food and has really not turned his nose up to anything I have made him. That has been such a fun thing for me to do for him is make all of the food that he eats. I feel like he will be much more receptive to different foods, tastes and flavors because we have done this for him and given him the experience of a variety of great organic foods. He has learned to associate things and that has been fun to watch. Like when we get near the car, he clings on to me for dear life b/c he hates getting into his car seat. We certainly don't have the kind of child who loves to ride around in the car. He really hates it. When we walk in his room at night and turn the light off he reaches out for his bed because he knows its night time. He loves to suck his thumb and when he is really tired or upset he sucks his thumb with the left hand and rubs the side of his throat and chest with his right hand. Its so cute but definitely a sign that its time. Maddox weighed in at 21 lbs 6 ounces and was 29 inches long. He is growing. He is amazing. He is so much fun. He is forever My little (relentless, tough and sometimes brutally rough) precious Monster. He is above all so very loved!
Crawling around and moving fast!

He wanted to turn the truck over and look at the whole thing.
He had to check it out top to bottom!

Gregs best friend Travis was in town from Toronto and I love this pic of these two guys!
Eating some yummy while Mom cooks dinner.

This is Maddoxs first (and only) babysitter Kady. She is WONDERFUL! Maddox loves her and she is such a joy to have around. We were so uneasy about leaving Maddox with a babysitter for a while but feel so blessed to have found Kady who made us feel comfortable right away. It was one of the first times that I could feel my motherly instincts kick in and know it. On one hand it was tough to leave him with someone new but on the other hand I knew after being around Kady that we had found someone that we trusted and that we were comfortable leaving our little guy with. Kady goes to TCU and we're glad that she will be around for at least another year or so. Thanks Kady for being so wonderful and taking such great care of our little man.

Maddox learning to love the grass!

Playing with Daddy's practice golf balls.

Pulling up on EVERYTHING!

Happy Easter

We had a wonderful Easter celebrated with wonderful family and friends. Maddox woke up bright and early and we all laid in our bed together and played. Then a fabulous church service where we celebrated the real reason for the day. After church we headed to my parents house for a cook out and Easter egg hunt. Maddox loved the excitement of the day. Although I know he does not understand what this day really means it sure was fun to celebrate it with him.
Gregs best friend Travis and his girlfriend Manju were in town from Toronto so it was great to celebrate with them.
I love my Pa!


Look at all this loot!

Lizzies Hunting and searching for those eggs!

Diva Emma!

Maddie is such a big girl.

All the cousins!

Our first Family Easter!