Silly Maddie

Maddie is 21 months old now. (Yes, I had to stop and count, because by child number three, you sorta lose track of those kinda things). I've enjoyed seeing her little personality come out here and there. So far she reminds me a lot of William -- comical, independent and very go-with-the-flow. She's also got a sweet servant's heart, as she's always the first to help out. It's so cute to watch her after the kids' gymnastics practice. Maddie eagerly retrieves Abby and William's shoes, without even being asked. Here are some recent silly shots of my silly little girl.



"Why, yes. I DO look like Elton John as a Viking."



"Reading" in her under-the-island cabinet.



Let me tell you, this girl knows how to do laundry.



Forget baby sign language. This is how she tells me she's done.



Holding your cup with your hands is for babies.



Mismatched gold-toned high heels are so in right now.



"Maybe one day mama will remember to keep the cookie box out of arm's reach. Until then, I'll have one more."

Masterpiece

Abby LOVES to draw. And she's pretty good at it. I'll catch her drawing in her room late at night; she's always got a story to go along with each creation.

Here's one of my favorites, which just so happens to have adorned our driveway a few weeks ago.

 

I think it's funny that she always labels Madeline as "baby."

 

It's Official!

Dr. Hartin has an office. What's more, he has his name ON THE SIGN.

We are so proud of you, Chip!



Of course the kids loved the kitchen...

Books, Castles, and Bears ... Oh, My!

Abby took a field trip at the end of August to the Upcountry History Museum. To see Smokey the Bear. Yeah.

She loved the Smokey exhibit SO much that she talked me into taking the kids back the next day. So I did. It was Saturday, and NO ONE was at the museum. The kids and I spent almost a good hour just playing and goofing off at the cool campsite exhibit. And to top it off, we met Smokey.

 

 

After the museum we strolled next door to the library. (We lived it up that Saturday, let me tell you!)

 



School Boy

I caught this shot one day after preschool. Where is my little boy?

 



Children's Museum Fun

Slow Down, Baby Girl

Slow down, baby girl.

The world will be yours soon enough.

Until then, play with your dolls. Roll in the grass. Laugh until it hurts. Cry without apology. Sing loudly and dance wildly. Play pretend. Soak up the sun. Run in the rain. Slide down slides and swing on swings. Smile at others. Be kind. Color the sidewalk. Paint your nails. Take naps. Memorize Scripture. Make messes. Read. Dream.

Slow down, baby girl.

The world will be yours soon enough.

This picture captures the dichotomy of Abby. Her high-heeled feet don't reach the ground, but she so badly wants to be a grown-up.