Maddy is 19 months old

Maddy is holding steady at 23 lbs and 32 inches tall this month. She has been either sleeping or moving. It's so hard to get a good picture of a moving object! Maddy also cut 3 out of 4 eye teeth this month. The 4th tooth may be arriving soon due to the puffy, red gums in the last empty spot. She took her first swim of the season. Now all she wants to do is get into the water. The waves in the lake make foam along the shoreline. She shouts out, "Bubbles!!!" everytime she sees them. We also had enough wind and time to fly a kite. It was her first time seeing a kite fly and she REALLY loved it. Another first this month was making Monster Cookies. Needless to say, they were a hit. Maddy is a major M&M thief. She kept trying to steal the M&Ms out of the raw cookie dough. It was surprising to see how much she enjoyed all the steps from measuring and mixed to baking and of course, eating. Look out Cookie Monster- You've got competition!

Poor Maddy was ill this month. She had Roseola. It is a virus that affects most children under the age of three. Most older kids and adults have already had it so it doesn't affect them. She had a high temperature for a few days and then a rash. No doctor visit required. It just had to run its course.

We will be at the campground for 4th of July. Please stop by and see us if you're "out and about". We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July. God bless America!

Maddy aka the store clerk. Quilt dress in motion.

Pretty little petunia.

Peek a boo! Making Monster Cookies.

So tired she fell asleep on the floor. Denim vest.

Flower Power.

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.

Smelling the flowers. Mmmmmm.

Relaxing on the swing. Maddy & Cousin BlakeLynn.

Eating cake at Grandma Escherich's birthday. Maddy & Daddy.

Working at the campground store. How do I get into the candy case?

Summer weather calls for shades and a good chair.

Can we go outside yet?

Bathtime is still a favorite. Bubbles!

Maddy is 17 months old

Here in Minnesota we've had a beautiful April with above average temperatures. Maddy has loved being outside in the warm sunshine. She is fascinated by the birds flying from tree to tree. She just stares and points at them as they fly. She is also intrigued by rocks and dirt. She gifts rocks & dirt freely to anyone who will open their hand for her. She is also happy to ride in her new jogging stroller. It has large bicycle type wheels that provide a smooth ride. Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are favorite outdoor activities too.

Easter was exceptionally nice too. The day started with an Easter basket hunt. We didn't color eggs this year, but she enjoyed finding her basket. The basket had a kickball in it which she loves. Several pairs of sunglasses made for good modeling too. Maddy was showered with Easter gifts from Grandparents and Godparents. The spoiled only child syndrome has begun! One of the gifts was a Radio Flyer wagon. Once she gets in it, don't try to pry her out. Maddy had so much fun playing with her cousins at the Huseby family party. The party was hosted by Hollie & Jason who operate a home-based daycare. So many toys, so little time! She looked like an adult would appear when getting a first glance at the strip in Las Vegas; totally awe struck.

Maddy is a half inch taller this month at 31 and a quarter inches. She is still a great eater, but hasn't gained too much weight from last month. She is making great strides toward talking. Her babbles sound a lot more like words and she is using the same sounds for certain things. She shakes her head for no, but says Ya, ya, ya... for yes. If you ask her where body parts are, she can point to them. She especially likes her belly button. She is starting to respond to animal sound questions like "What does the dog say?'. She will respond, "Woof". She gives high five and knuckles or "pounds it". For the summer, Maddy will be in daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She needs the socialization and Debbie needs the time for campground related chores. The campground opens May 7th so Maddy will get to know more people and learn about working in the store.

On a sad note, we had to put down Sadie, our 15 year old cockapoo terrier. She was an important member of our family and is greatly missed already. Debbie's parents have a West Highland Terrier named Heidi. She will be our adopted/shared dog until Maddy is old enough to help pick out and name a new furry family member.

To all the moms out there, enjoy Mother's Day and cherish the family time.

Bunny Ears - Ta Daaaa, I'm ready for the Easter party!


I found my Easter basket. Sunglasses to match my outfits.


Cool bunny in shades. Grandma & Grandpa gave me a Radio Flyer wagon for Easter.


Bumping up and down in my little red wagon.


Playing at the Huseby family Easter party.

Whoosh!!! Peek a boo!

Trying on Mommy's shoes.

Playdate with Jacob. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles!

It's finally warm enough to wear a dress. Yippy!

Little purple laughing hood.

Maddy is 16 months old

Maddy's last molar on the upper right section of her mouth came through on 3/27/2010. Her canines are also looking ready to make an appearance. She is doing really well through this teething process, but needs a little Tylenol now and then. She is still 30 3/4 inches tall, but gained a pound bringing her to 24 lbs total. She is a very good "eater" and will try new things which is wonderful. On St Patrick's Day, she ate corned beef, potatoes & green beans (emphasis on the corned beef). In March, she took her 1st 4 wheeler ride and has wanted more ever since. She is outgrowing her "baby toys" so we have been trying to update her inventory. She has become interested in scribbling. She has an Aqua Doodle, Magna Doodle & crayons to get creative with her artwork. Matt won father of the year by putting together a new kitchenette that Debbie purchased. It came in a very small box with 200+ pieces. "Some assembly required" was an understatement. Maddy spends a lot of time playing with it so that is reward enough. We also decorated a washing machine box, cut windows and a door into it and call it Maddy's playhouse. Who needs fancy things when boxes are sooo much fun? The best and newest toy is springtime outside. During a recent walk, Maddy was amazed by 2 geese on the ice. She was even more astounded when they started to make noise and fly. The new outside world is so unknown. We love watching her explore it!


St Patrick's Day

Pjs are the best.

Playhouse & scrunchy face

Kitchen - Aqua Doodle

Bubble beard & stomach surfer

1st 4 wheeler ride

We hope you have an "eggcellent" Easter!