Missing daddy

Madison, Jill and I went to the hospital Friday night to put some foam matress pads on a patients bed to make her life a little easier for her. this was after the wal-mart incident. So we didn't get home until 8pm, and I didn't put her to bed until 2130. I thought we had an understanding to sleep in this morning. I was wrong. Little stinker was missing her daddy. She even went through the motions of kissing him goodnight through the banisters as if her were there. She woke up at 06:45 am calling for him. So much for sleeping in!

She got a little more rotten today. mom came over with a Dira the explorer talking backpack complete with map and a compass, videocamera and telescope(which i swear she is going to pop her eye out with)=p She loves it, and then when dad finally got there he showed up with ice cream cones and a tricycle. Oh to be young! She loves it too. I will have to post pictures later, I'm at work now.

It was hard to leave her tonight to go to work. She was super snuggly. Mom and Madison looked out the window and waved and said love you as I left. I sure do love her too!

Ignorant people...

Anyone who has a toddler, especially one who is rounding two knows that they occasionally throw fits. there is a huge communiccation barrier between them and us you know. They are learning to talk, but can't express all of their feelings. Unfortunatley there are ignorant people out there that don't help matters any.

Tonight my buddy Jill and I stopped by Walmart with Madison for a quick shop. We found what we needed and then went to check out. We had already been to the mall as well(where Madison fell in love with an aromatherapy lamb). She was good as gold. Because we we quick Ieft the stroller in the car, let her walk. While we were checking out Madison wanted to run around, so when I told her we had to stand still she layed down on the floor and screamed twicw in frustration. The guy behind me asked if she was tired. I responded, " I don't know, she's sure something." He responded "I have three daughters, And I certainly know there are times when DEFIANCE deserves a frim spanking on the butt."

I felt my anger rise and spew out of my ears. How dare he. It's bad enough she was upset, but people like him don't help. He was lucky I started off in a good mood. However, my emotions must have shown, b/c he did not make eye contact with me anymore. I bet he was never even there for his kids. Thise are the kind that like to enforce diciplinelike that.

To that comment, after shooting him an "eat shit or run" look I bent down, picked her up and she kissed me. She knew I was looking out for her. She then proceeded to smile and blow kisses to everine and tell them hi. Everyone except the guy. I bet her felt like an ass, at least i hope so.

We also stopped by Baby 2 Teen and Jill bought Madison some baby perume, Musti. It smells so good. Thanks Jill! =o)

Madison's loot also arrived today. Adorable clothes all arond. Good job pa-paw. She loved abby!

Long hard days...

the past two weeks Madison has been worn out with shopping. We have even missed a few naps only to get a "snap" in the stroller. I know, I'm awful... I never do that, but thing just have to get done sometimes. I will add a few pictures from the past week.

Adrianna and Rachel came over yesterday and the girls played and we scrapbooked and worked on a project I am doing for work. SO glad it's done. Madison and Adrianna play so well together! Love them so much. They even passed out the day before while we were shopping and on the way home.

Enjoy!

oh so behind...

Has it really been a week? It has been incredibly busy this week. Excue me if I blabber or chase my tail. A lot happens in a week with a toddler. =o)

It all started on Friday night. Madison told us, well, Aaron that she loved him. It was more like "Yum OHHH" but that's what she means. It is getting clearer everyday. Needless to say we both cried! Yes, him first =o)

She gets cuter and cuter everyday, but is also starting to test her boundries. All thise things iI swore "MY CHILD WOULD NEVER DO" she is doing. She still throws her food on the floor, she is now enthralled with spitting her juice outm, or letting it run down her chin. She got a crayon and decorated the place. Must be taking tips from elmo. She now love Dora and is learning a ton. She says some spanish words now too. its really cute.

she is such a doll. I don't understand how a heart that is so full with love for a child can grow with each smile, each word, each tantrum, Won't it eventually explode?

Our little princess is napping right now. I am waiting for ma-maw and pa-paw to come and drop off some stuff. Apparently while they were in atlantic city "gambling" (wink wink) they did a little shopping for our little love bug. I think it was just a covert operation to spoil her =o) Thanks though... the tall giant definatley needs clothes. We are rounding 20 months here. I think I might have a heart attack. I'll soon be the mother of a two year old. How does that happen.

Another thing... Off the subject, but touching. Grace Oughton is a little girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was about Madison's age. She is again battling with cancer and there isn't enough moey for the research that needs to be done for her type of cancer or treatment. Her father and father's of a few other children battling this terrible disease are concluding a trip they called "the loneliest road" The went across country on bikes to raise awareness and money for the research that needs to be done. THey needed to raise 3 million dollars and haven't really come close to that goal. It is a great cause. If you would like to help please visit The Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation site and click on "the loneliest road campaign.

I thank God every day for Madison's health and pray that she remains healthy. Every mother's biggest fear is the loss of their child, followed closely by the fear of leaving their child. My heart goes out to all the mother who have lost children and children who have lost parents. Please know that you are in my prayers and may they forever live on in your heart and the smiles of family.

I will post pictures tonight. Madison is thiiving and learning new things everyday. I continue to learn new things from her everyday. It is amazing to see things through the eyes of a child! Try it sometime. they truely know how to live each day to the fullest!

"Olive" your rings and "tummy-matoes"

The dinner table again proved to be a source of entertainment. We have really started to learn what it's like to function as a true family, and it really makes a difference. Madison seems to like it as much as we do. We are trying new foods, and not having as much tv time. She really puts on a show! Check out her new jewelery. Right now she is playing with all of her new shoes...

Yesterday we started off early to run around town with ma-maw and do some shopping. First stop was JoAnn Fabrics. We were on a mission. We are slowly aquiring the fabric needed for Madison's new carseat cover. The main fabric was very hard to find... leave it up to me to pick a rare fabric. So anyway's we stopped at JoAnn's to get the brown miny dot fabric... too bad htere wasn't any. Madison was really good though. SHe strooled around and ate all of ma-maw's candy! Silly girl. I gave her a pen and paper to "colah-colah" but to my suprse my daughter is an enviromentalist. She said save the paper, I'll use my hands, and face! Good thin wipes are efficient for that type of mess!

Next stop stride rite. Madison probly made the sales man's day. She waslked out of there with multiple pairs of adorable shoes! And once we put a new pair on, she had to wear them out of the store. She is very picky you know and helps to pick out her clothes and shoes now. It's just wrong isn't it?!

After a quick stop at Hancock fabric with no more luck we hit lunch at Ruby's. Madison even passed up french fries for "trees" (broccoli). What a big girl. She also befriended 3 police officers at a table behind us. Maybe she could work over a few more and get daddy straight!! LOL!

Old Navy next... 2 new jackets, a few outfits and some peek a boo later we are offically out of "crisis mode" for fall. You see, Madison hit an unexpected growth spurt. Either that or Grover, Erine, and Elmo are stretching her little arms and legs while she sleeps. Yes, the "real" elmo has been found and is nowback in his rightful sleeping spot. She is stiil little everywhere (except her feet--size 6!) but has gotten taller. She fits into 12-18 month shorts and skirts, some 6-12 still and 12-18 month shirts, but not long sleeve or pants... They are Just too short! THis weather caught us off guard. Who ever thought Madison would be short on clothes?!

Last stop ACMoore...needed to grab Madison's Sesame Street Scrapbook so I can do our vacation. ANd also a shoe bench tocontain our shoes. Madison likes to throw them all over the place, so I'll be letting you know how that goes. Anyway's, we parked the car and before we could walk the parking lot and get into the store Madison was out! She was so adorable. Never woke up even though we waited in line like 10 min and Ma-maw and I took turns passing her around. It must be hard work to spend all day getting spoiled =o)

Did I mention I love this weather!

Noodle Nose

Family dinner at this table continued tonight. It was a blast. Uncle Jay and Aunt Kristina came too. We had spagetti with gnocchi noodles and green beans and fruit. MAdison also had a hotdog towards the end. She wasn't really impressed with the dinner, but loved the company. She and daddy got into a "Mine, no mine War." This escalated into a quiet pout with her eyes covered with her fists. she then decided she needed to eat, but stubborn as she is she refused to uncover her pout. So she put her face down close to the plate and slid one hand down, scooped up some fruit and then into her mouth. Her hand never left her face! I tried to oput the video up, but couldn't figure it out. Madison also burped today and smiled, covered her mouth and said "me" She was saying excuse me! What a smart girl!! We go tomorrow to pick out the rest of the material for her carseat cover, and get her big feet measured. Won't they love her pretty pink toenails!

E is for...

Elmo... or is it eviction. It seems the little furry guy has been thrown out of his bed. Madison has decided three's a crowd and only wants two buddies at nigh-nigh time. So congrats to Ernie and Grovo.

Madison has a keen since of fashion, I'll include her newest preference for headcoverings...

Today Aaron and Madison started to wash the car... and then found out about the water restriction... Oh, well, It made for some cute pictures =o) What a beautiful day.

Madison has learned how to whisper too. It's is really adorable. Aaron and I were watching a dvd movie of pictures of her when she was a baby. It is crazy to she how much she has changed. We have both decided that she is growing too fast. Unfortunatly my nursing degree and his business experience won't help us with that one.

Last but not least for now... WE HAD A FAMILY DINNER AT THE TABLE!!! Yes, it finally happened and it was wonderful. We had conversation, and Madison ate pretty well, or at least chewed well. Most of her ham was chewed and then spit out, but is is a start. We had fried ham steaks with sugar, green beans, okra and rice. Madison even helped clean up.

We send love to the Ma-maw's, poppy, pa-paw, and grandma judy!

As promised...

Here are the pictures from yesterday that I talked about...

Real Smooth

Have you ever had "one of those days?" Madison and I went out to find fabric for her new carseat cover. Jill and I went all over and looked and looked. I have no brain for creativity even though I try... Grandma is going to have to come help me, or I may have a disaster in progress! I want it to look good when it is done, so I ned a second.. and third opinion. Next I went to Stride Rite to have Madison's foot measured, but it was super busy. When I walked in there were a lot of moms and kids sitting around and all the moms had that "If you even try to get the one sales associate heres attention I will drag you to the floor by your hair and bite your ear" look. So we turned around and walked back out. Apparently in all the madness I forgot how to walk. I fell very ungracefully off of a curb. Thank God Jill had Madison. I also wanted to get her a scrapbook with Sesame Street characters for our vacation pictures. It had been on sale, but not today. Last I went to Costco with the family to buy a mattress topper and guess what??? You got it, not there. We settled for a cheaper one from Belk.

I did get to spend a lot of time with Madison though, and that is the best. Jill and I took her to feed the geese and she had a blast. She also met Jill's neice Lily, she's 10 mo. So the day wasn't a total bust. A smile and a hug from your little girl can right the wrong in the world... well, most of it. I'll post pictures soon! Madison sends her love. =o)

Guh Gurl Mommay!!

I must not be failing to badly as a mother... Yesterday Madison told me... "Guh Gurl Mommay..." SHe thinks I'm pretty ok, which I guess is a good thing for her. Otherwise she would have a very long next 16.5 years! Can you believe it is almost halloween? It seems like we were just putting her in her mouse costume. I'm sure grandma feels like she just finished it. =oP

Madison continues to add new words to her vocabulary. I have a hard time keeping up. She is very aware of her surrounding and what is going on too. We have had two sucessful poops in the poty, but are taking it slow. I still thinks she is too you, her doctor seems to think she is ready. A friend who is also struggling with her little girl (twin) states she found something that said most kids potty train between 18-30 months. Since Madison just turned 19 mo, I figure we have got time.

Our best buddies Shannon and Kendall came over the other day. We were very excited to see them. Madison loves kids. I am no longer as big a germ freak as I was, but am trying hard to remain considerate of other mom's. But I guess I'm out of the norm, b/c most parents apparently are more relaxed all the time than I am even now.

I swear I don't know how Madison is growing. It doesn't seem like she eats very much, so she gets pediasure some now. She has also gone "Craisins" crazy! I guess she'll have some healthy kidneys!

We are going out today to pick out fabric for Madison's new carseat cover. It's also Carrie's birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE!!

Wheee!!

Have you ever tiptoed down the steps to catch a glimps of your child entertaining themselves? I woke up this afternoon to get ready for work and grab a little quality time with Maditude and Aaron and ass I walked down the steps I could here that Aaron was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher. I then heard the pitter-patter of Madison's little feet followed by a "whee" and a thump. I crouched down on the steps to where I could see her, but she was unaware that I was watching. She was in her playhouse. Aparently she had pulled most of her sesame street friends in to her playhouse floor and was running out of the front door, off the porch and diving through the front window with a "whee" First her upper body went in, then her lowwer half kinda of thumped through and then finally her little piggies would disapear. She would lay there a minute and then go again. She was having a blast.

After watching her a few times I came down the steps. She quickly spotted me, squealed a very quick "MOMMAY" and then the show was over. She was telling me to lie down and has even learned to say please, thank you and sorry. She is picking up new words all the time. I couldn't name all of the words she says now,. She is like a little parrot, and uses most of them correctly. She even has a sign for all done and plese that she uses when she says the words.

Potty training is going ok. She prefers to be naked to the big girl panties, but will wear them. She has had another successful poop in the potty and loves to flush her poop =o)and tell it bye-bye. She also has had a few "almost successes" with pee-pee. I have to admit, I am not 100% focused on this yet. I don't want to stress her out.

Madison still hasn't accepted that Oscar doesn't live in the trashcans in our house. She refuses to accept that fact, and checks for him regularly. So far, he has not moved in without my knowing. If he decides to I'm going to live with one of you. =o)

I'm sorry it has been a week since my last post. Work and home life has been busy. Last week we did some potty training and even went and had labs drawn... both of us. I went first. Madison cried for me when I got stuck and then cried again when they stuck her. I'm hoping her labs come back normal and we don't have to freat over this thalasemia trait thing. Prayers are appreciated =o) This isn't something that would effect her, but may effect her children if the dad also has the trait and it is passed on. So you are praying for no complications with Madison's babies. A LONG WAY OFF, ofcourse. I'll post pics soon and promise to make a better effort at blogging. Love for now...

oops

I tried to get fancy on the last blog... guess I should figure out how to proof read.

Potty training 101

Tomorrow starts the first official day of The Brumbaugh Family Potty Training Spectacular. The TV people are coming to fix the TV, get this... sometime between 9-5. So that means I am officially homebound with Madison until they show. WHat are the chances they will come early? Ha Ha... Aaron, Madison and I went out and bought a new potty for down stairs. I think it is going well so far...







I think half of Sesame Place followed us home, It appears Sesame Street has thrown-up in my living room.




I talked about the Drawinf we had done at Sesame Place, so I thought I would include it too...





FOr Labor Day weekend we spent time with my parents... Madison still loves to ride the John Deere...







And to finish things off... TOday we went out to eat with Grandma and PaPaw (grandpa). Madison was very excited. She wanted to sit in te booth with her grandparents. SHe was a big girl. She even got in some good R&R. =o) After dinner we fed the geese. I don't think Madison is afraid of anything! Well, except for maybe a vaccuum or weed eater. Must have gotten that one from her parents!! LOL