Play time!

Today Maddox and I went to open play time at a great place here in Mobile called "The Watermelon Patch". They have tons of toys, balls, things to ride on, climb on, jump in, etc. We met a group of moms and kids from our Sunday school class there. If I counted correctly, there were 13 moms and 18 kids with us, plus others from the general public. It didn't seem too crowded, though. We all had a great time. I didn't get to socialize as much as I wanted to. Maddox wanted my full attention. I bet he said "mama" at least 4, 000 times in the hour we were there! I remember when he was a little baby and I couldn't wait for him to say "mama"!! I know that this is just a phase that I should really enjoy. Before long, he won't want me around as much and I'll be sad!

After "The Patch", we had lunch at McDonald's. It was a little crazy. I didn't realize that the McDonald's at Hillcrest and Grelot is the world's smallest McDonald's! They were really busy, and we completely overwhelmed them. But, we all got a seat and some food, eventually! Maddox ate like a horse and is now sound asleep. Hopefully he'll take a good nap, because we have a late night at church tonight.

Swimming!

Yesterday when Maddox woke up from his nap, we headed to my parents to swim for a little while. This was the first time this year that Maddox had gotten all the way in the pool, so I wasn't sure how he would do. Well, he loved it! I think he may be able to really swim by the end of the summer! He would kick his feet, move his arms, jump off the side, and blow bubbles. It doesn't hurt that his daddy is a former lifeguard and swim teacher!
Here are a couple of videos:

Summertime!

Friday was our last day of school. Maddox really enjoyed his class this year. He only cried the first 2 or 3 days when I dropped him off. Every day since then he would wave bye to me and head for the toys!

He loves to wear his backpack like a big boy!

His teachers gave us some pictures they had taken throughout the year. It's amazing how much he has changed! He actually has hair now!

Here's Mr. Baldy in December

Check out this head of hair!

His favorite thing to do these days is lie on his train table and "play trucks".
Of course, he has to have "Woo, woo" in his mouth!

We are hoping to have a fun, laid back summer. I will be teaching at the preschool again this fall and Maddox will move up to the 2-year-old class.


Yesterday, Britt and I flew up to Chattanooga to see Ginger and Bruce's new baby twins. They were born last Sunday and are in the NICU. It was scary to see them hooked up to so many tubes and wires, but they seem to be doing better every day. Hopefully they will be able to take them home in a week or so.

We are praying for you Averie and Andrew!

Tonight, the Rowlands came over for dinner. Baby Tyler slept almost the whole time and Jackson and Maddox played pretty well together. Maddox was fussy because he was tired, but overall we had a great visit. When they were leaving Jackson and Maddox hugged each other bye, then Jackson said "give Maddox kiss", so they kissed-on the lips!! It was so cute, I wish I had a picture! In a few years, they will be glad that I don't have that picture to pull out and embarrass them!

First Blog!

I finally decided to start a blog. I wish I had started one when Maddox was born, but better late than never! Maddox is at such a fun age right now, and I don't want to forget any of the funny and smart things he says and does.

It's hard to believe that he will be 2 years old in less than 3 months. He is getting more and more independent. He likes to climb in his high chair and car seat by himself. It takes longer, but it also saves my back! (He now weighs 30.2 lbs and is 34" tall.) After months of very poor sleeping habits, he now refuses to let us rock him... so sad! He says "bed, bed, bed" if we try to rock him-even for just a minute! I'm very thankful that he now sleeps very well, though. He sleeps about 11 hours at night and takes a 3 hour nap during the day. It has changed my life! Now I actually have time to blog!

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks:

My new bubble blower!

A day at the beach! Maddox was scared to put his feet in the sand at first. He wanted to stay on a towel.

But, he got over that pretty quickly!

A Sunday afternoon picnic by the pool

Cleaning Mimi and Pop's pool