Taiwan

I was born in Taiwan and our family lived there until I was just over one year old. I have some traditional outfits that were mine (and some from Mila) and thought I should have Madeline model them before they are outgrown!

Tumbling Class

Maddy started a Tumbling Class at our local community center a couple of weeks ago. Two of her classmates, Karina and Finley, are also in the class. The first week Maddy wasn't so sure of herself and needed some reassurance from Steve, but this week she found her confidence and ran, jumped, stretched, somersaulted and rolled like the best of 'em. Madeline loves hanging and jumping, so we figured this class would  be right up her alley! So far so good! As an added bonus, there's a playground at the community center too, so the kids can play together a little longer after class. Another bonus: it's only a mile from our home. With Maddy still working on potty training, that's a big plus!!

Two and a Half!

Here are some of the things we love about you, Madeline Rose, our two and a half year old wonder:

- Bath time: wrapped up in a towel shouting that you are a "hotdog, lollipop, Halloween burrito!"

- "No nap today. Maybe tomorrow."

- Ka-blu-URP!

- Breaking out into a new song. (Bats are hanging)

- Laughing and laughing at the funny parts of "your songs" in the car ("I thought I heard a CHICKEN sneeze?!?!")

- Running, trying to beat Daddy to get the toothpaste (and when daddy says "you beat me!" saying "you beat me, too!")

- Making faces for Mommy at bedtime

- Obsessive about routines

- Best hugger ever

- It was an "askident"

- Making mommy and daddy laugh...a lot!

- Potty training

- Loving Dora (and candy)

- Always having a "friend" (stuffed animal or doll) waiting in the car

- Three friend limit tucked in under your blankets at bedtime 

- Singing itsy-bitsy spider, twinkle, twinkle little star and bats are hanging every night at bedtime

- "Let's think about it."

- Making Strawberry Soup for us in your play kitchen

- Using the "flip trick" to put on your jacket

- Your quest for independence (and strong will: "No, I do it!")

- Your kind spirit, wanting to "check in" if a friend is sad

- Still doing a "Beavis" on request- even expanding to a "Beavis hug"

We love you SO MUCH, Madeline Rose Faust!!

Halloween!

Our little Giraffe

At least two months ago, I asked Maddy what she wanted to be for Halloween.  She immediately answered "GIRAFFE" and never once strayed from this idea.  This made preparation for the big holiday very easy and I do believe the costume was a success! 

On Saturday, October 26, 2013, we hosted a kid-centered Halloween party, complete with "Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin", "Splat-Spider Bullseye" and "Halloween Candy Egg/Spider Scavenger Hunt".  The scavenger hunt was a big hit and allowed for some running around for the kids (kid and parent approved!) in the back yard.  The Halloween candy eggs and plastic spiders weren't too hard to find, so kids Maddy's age on up enjoyed the quick but active hunt.  Costumes were encouraged for all, and we had lots of great characters arrive - scary werewolves, princesses, a pirate, monkey and much more.  It was LOTS of fun!

On Halloween night we took Maddy trick or treating to a few neighborhood homes. She was quite shy at first, barely whispering "Trick or Treat", but by the last house she had found her voice.  Once we were home, she really enjoyed all the kids coming to OUR house to trick or treat.  Madeline shook with excitement, then ran to the door to see who (or what) was out there!  Only once did she get quite scared seeing a masked child at the door, so the boy's mom had him remove his mask so Maddy could see it was just a boy.  (Very kind in my opinion!)

We all had a great Halloween - lots of fun all around!!

Leopard-dog Daddy with Giraffe Maddy

Giraffe Maddy with Safari Guide Mommy

Happy for good weather for the party!

Post Scavenger Hunt

Andy and Monkey Luella

Madeline - sugar crash

The Rock Family

Megan, Eric and little Pea - Althea

Trick-or-Treating!