The Huseby Post: Madeline is 18 months old! A year and a half already!

The campground is open for business and Maddy has done well with all the changes. She is so active that she actually lost weight this month. At her 15-18 month wellness appointment her official weight was 23 lbs and her height has steadily increased to 32 inches. She took one more shot and is done with shots until just before kindergarten. Whoo Hoo!

Debbie's mom, Debbie, and Maddy went to Bottineau, ND to see Maddy's cousin, BlakeLynn, confirmed early in the month. We couldn't stay very long, but it was so nice to see everyone. Grandpa suggested a personal DVD player for the trip so we bought one. It was a lifesaver! Maddy loved watching her movies.

The day before the campground opened, we celebrated Grandma Escherich's birthday. Maddy enjoyed the cake and even attempted to blow out the candles. Once the campground opened, she started daycare. She seems very happy with daycare and her friends there, but still fusses when Debbie tries to leave. Her canine teeth are trying to make an appearance, but haven't popped through just yet. She now has a cute little double swing that was a donation to us. She sings while she swings or just enjoys the breeze. She enjoys helping with everyday chores, but especially likes to garden. She smells each and every flower. Thankfully, the bees have been kind so far. One of her greatest accomplishments this month has been learning to climb up the steps and go down the slide of the Rainbow playset by herself. We are still right by her side in case she falls, but watching her establish her independence is both exciting and a little frightening. Getting Maddy to go inside is a challenge. She LOVES playing outside whether in the sand on the beach or simply walking to the mailbox.

Maddy is saying a few words like mama, dada, ball, uh-oh, ta da, woof, moo, knee, elbow, and many others that she uses the same sound for, but not the complete word. She uses Mo for Elmo and the L sound for light. Her speech is coming slowly, but we know she'll make up for it later. ;-)

Hopefully, life will slow down a bit and we can make a video of her for the next blog entry. Until then we'll be enjoying life on Leaf Lake. Take care!

Climbing the steps on the Rainbow playset and going down the slide.