Apollo... We Love You!!!

Below-the day Maddox got home from the hospital...

After watching Marley and Me we are paying a lot more attention to our dog, Apollo (English Mastiff). When Maddox came, it was pretty obvious that Apollo moved down a notch on the priority scale. I NEVER thought that would happen-baby or no baby. Well, it did for us and it does for most dog owners that have kids. Apollo is my little (well, big) buddy. He has been through SOOOOOOOooOOOOOOooo much with me and stuck by me through it all. He is such a good friend and we love him so much-even with all the hair and slobs (drool). Maddox loves him too. He smiles at him every time he is near and thinks his tail is funny. Apollo always lets me know Maddox is not happy. If he is crying and I am not in the room, Apollo will come and find me. So cute... Apollo, even though we have another baby in the house, please know that you are our #1 dog and we will love you forever and ever...and ever!!! IZCHY, IZCHY, IZCHY!!! (our little secret)

Happy Easter!!!

Mom of the Year....

Please don't think I am horrible... Every book says not to have ANYTHING in the crib... Believe me. I have read all of them... Well, we broke the rule... The other half of our video monitor was in the far corner of Maddox's crib. We were planning on moving it when he started becoming more mobile. Thank goodness I caught this before something scary happened... The other day, he was napping "quietly" when all of the sudden I heard the monitor making loud, strange sounds. I ran (yes, ran) to look at the screen. I couldn't really make out what I was seeing... It made me nervous so I ran (yes, again ran) into his room to check on him. This is what I found...

Ah..... Laughter....

The first time Maddox laughed, we did not get it on camera. It took Matt bouncing him in his arms and me jumping up and down making monkey sounds... Quite a sight... This is his second laugh... Video taken end of Feb...5 months old...

Where Is Mommy???

Yep! I am here! I am the one with the camera most of the time.... Thanks for taking some pics of us, Dannielle!

Fun Weekend...

This weekend was so much fun! I swear any time I am with my family, time goes by way too fast... Ross and Dannielle drove to Boise from Portland. They have only seen Maddox twice and needed their "fix". :) My parents drove up from Idaho Falls also (they need a Maddox fix every couple of weeks). Friday, Ross and Matt went golfing while Dannielle and I stayed home with Maddox. Friday night we all went out for a casual dinner at Whitewater Pizza (I fell off my diet about this time)... Saturday, my Dad, Ross, Matt and Matt's dad (Jim) hit the golf course. My Mom, Danielle, Maddox and I went shopping! Saturday night Gramma and Grampa Hollister watched Maddox while we went out to dinner to celebrate Ross! He passed his CCE (Clinical Competency Exam)! Yeah! Now, he has about 1 year of school left and his internship... Almost done, Rossy! Keep up the great work and determination. You will be buying us dinner in no time-and NOT at McDonald's!!! Thank you all for a great weekend...

Happy 1/2 Year Maddox!

Above-Maddox is SUPER excited about the party hat I made him. Can't you tell his appreciation for my craftiness? I think he is mad because his pants are too tight. No really, they were. We had a wardrobe change right after this picture.

Above- Much happier-with his hat and his new pants... The hat grew on him. He cried when I took it off...

3/26/09 Oh my gosh... Everyone told me that time would FLY with a baby... Well, everyone was right! Our little pride and joy, our crazy-haired MadMan is 6 months old!!! How did this happen? He was 6 lbs only 6 months ago, and well... now he is NOT 6 lbs.... The last 6 months have been more than amazing. More than memorable. More like a dream come true. A little miracle coming to life... Every single day is a new and exciting day-for him and us! He has stolen our hearts. We can't even IMAGINE life without him. My Mom said the other day, "What did we even DO before him?" Well, I have no idea... I am so happy and incredibly grateful to be this little guy's mommy. I just love him. Simple as that... "I want to squeeze his guts out!" I mean this in a very loving way... :) I can't get enough of him. He is the center of our little universe and we are so proud to be his Mommy and Daddy. We make good people, huh Matt?!?!?

Sophie the Giraffe....

If your child is teething, his/her new favorite toy MUST be Sophie... Maddox loves Sophie. She is his BFF. She is a little squeaky toy giraffe that fits perfectly in his hands. Apollo (our English Mastiff) thinks that Maddox stole her from him. I swear, if Apollo ever gets his paws on it,

he will be in big trouble!!! Sophie the Giraffe-worth the $!!! :)

Sweet Angel... March 2009

First Day of Spring!

Above- Maddox was all smiles...

Above- Ace is always smiling!

My friend Loni and I took the little ones out for a long walk to celebrate the first day of spring... What a beautiful day it was and it was so fun to share it with her. Everytime we get together we can't stop talking. I swear, if Ace (Loni's son) wasn't tired and Maddox wasn't hungry, we could have walked all day... She is such a great friend and genuine person. I have been so lucky to have her in my life the past year. Happy Anniversary, Loni! :) We were pregnant together and have experienced first-time motherhood together. I look forward to watching the boys grow up together. Love you, Loni!

Bad Hair Day?

I THINK NOT!!!

First Nice Day...

Thank goodness for the sun.... Just when you think you are going to go crazy being inside too long because of the weather, the sun appears.... We had to take advantage of this day because, well, we live in Idaho...and it may snow the very next day...

4 generations...

“Before you go and criticize the younger generation, just remember who raised them...”

Above-My Dad, myself, Maddox and my Grandpa (a.k.a. Papa!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Whenever there is happiness...Hope you'll be there too.

Wherever there are friendly smiles...Hope they'll smile on you.

Whenever there is sunshine...

Hope it shines especially for you to make each day as bright as it can be.

Baby Buddies...

March 18th Play Date...

I am so excited to be re-united and introduced to two amazing women... Lynne, Morgan and I-along with our babies of course, are getting together on Wednesdays. Play dates are not only wonderful for the kids, but great for Moms too... I haven't seen Lynne (The Williams Family)since I graduated from high school (1995!!!). We cheered together back in the day... Go Tigers! It is so fun to reconnect with her. She is a such wonderful Mom to her beautiful little girly girl, Reagan. I feel like I have known Morgan (2 Peas in A Pod) forever although we officially met only a few weeks ago. I grew up with and went to college with her husband. I knew she had to be a great person because Josh wouldn't marry someone who wasn't! Anyway, they have twins! Eli, a happy, laid back baby boy that reminds me of Josh... and...Quincy, a sassy and very curious, always on the go (wiggle worm!) little girl... It is fun to watch the babies together. During this particular day, Quincy taught Maddox how to squeal like a little girl... Thanks Quinc! :) So funny.... Now... We just need to introduce our husbands! Thank you both for sharing your home, your advice, and your friendship!