Madison Hope is 4!!!

While we were back in the States Maddy turned FOUR! It's a bit unbelievable even as I type it. It really hit me the other day when she said, "Mom, on my next birthday I'll be 5!" Can it be?!

Yikes- time is just flying by. How can my baby by four already? Seems like just yesterday she was born on that cold wintery day in Chicago!

I've tried to keep a little record of my girls, their growth, updates and birthdays so that I don't forget any of these fun little years and because I hope to print that portion of my blog someday ;)

First Birthday ~ We had a little birthday with some of our friends in Chicago.  

She was so itty bitty, but spunky!

Second Birthday ~ We had a "My Little Pony" party with a bunch of her little buddies. Such fun! Rose was only 4 months old ;)

All her lil' buddies at her party ;) Rose is the tiny baby next her!

Third Birthday ~ We had a little princess party with some of her new friends in Aberdeen, Scotland!

Fourth Birthday~ We had the privilege of having a little birthday party with family 

while we were back in PA. 

With mom and dad on her special day!

She loves her Tinkerbel doll from grandma and grandpa!

Cousins!

Maddy wanted an Ariel Doll cake, so I followed this recipe along with many other you tube videos.
Don't look too close or i'm afraid you'll be disappointed, ha ;)

I had no idea where to put the candles ;)

And then extra weird is that she wanted to lick the frosting off Ariel!

Maddy says:

*Maddy turns everything into a race and has somehow convinced Rose that losing is good (only for Rose). So they Race down the hall and Maddy yells, "I winned!" and Rose (touching the wall after Maddy) squeals with delight, "I losed! Maddy, I wan losed!"

*Maddy a the breakfast table this morning, "Mom, I'm just thinking about if I'm gonna steal Rose's toast or not. That's what I'm doing right now."

*I heard some rustling up in the girl's bedroom (30 min after I had put them down), I went up to find both Maddy and Rose covered in sunscreen! They were up changing their pj's when I asked Maddy what was going on, she said, "I just wanted to be ready if we are ever going swimming soon someday!"

*She's into the "What if's" before bedtime. "What if Rosie climbs into my bed? What if Rose talks and talks and talks while I'm trying to sleep? What if someone takes out all of your bones out of your body when you're sleeping and when you wake up you just fall down and can't walk downstairs? Haha -that last one is my favorite ;) I think it comes from the fact that she has been learning about bones in preschool/nursery!

* In an excited shout, "Mom I just opened the car door all by myself! I'm getting bigger like you!"

She loves:

* dancing

* singing (especially her own made up songs ;)
* dressing up - mainly in princess dresses, but really any dress will do!
* sweets, buttered pasta, cinnamon toast, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, cheese puffs, milk and apples
* playing ponies, princesses, babies, or kitty cat with Rose
* helping Rose with whatever she needs

Reading Rose a book while Rose tried to use the potty -she's a sweet sister!

* playing Cruella Deville with Tim or I
* nursery/preschool -her teachers - her friends - and learning - yay :)
* holding my hand
* crafting

Coloring the shapes I drew for her. She was being so careful and very proud of her work ;)

Being silly, putting the snowflake she had made on her head 

* hugging, kissing, and snuggling - she's still quite an affectionate girl
* Here daddy! She and Tim had a little tea party date the other day. Such special memories!

We're so thankful for you sweet Madison Hope! You make our world a happier place! Daddy, Rose and I are blessed to have you in our family! We can't wait to see all that you become. You are full of life and have a tender heart. We love to hear you sing, giggle, and play! 

You're the sweetest four year old we know!

Maddy Loves School!

The teacher in me could not be happier to write that title :)

Tuesday was just a 1 hour session where we all got to be together in her classroom to meet her teachers, ask questions and play with just 5 other students who are new to the school as well! She of course did well for that. Her response to Tim and I when we asked her if she liked her new school was, "It is SOOOOOO good!" I LOVE that girl's spunk!

Walking to school with Daddy!

Wednesday Rose and I went and dropped her off for her 2 hour session and Maddy said, "bye mom!" and walked right over a learning center. I won't lie - I was a little sad to see her not miss me, but I am infinitely more happy that she feels comfortable and confident to "take on the world". That's our girl!

When Rose and I arrived to pick her up, they were finishing story time. She was sitting at the teacher's feet with her legs crossed and hands folded listening intently! It was a little while before she even noticed me! She smiled, put her finger over her lips as if to say, "it's quiet time mom", and then gave me a thumbs up. Sweetness! I could not have been more proud of my little lady! 

Sitting under her hook where she will hang her coat and back pack ;)

When they were finished, she ran out to us and yelled, "Rosie! Rosie! and gave her sister a BIG HUG (which I of course jumped in on)! It was just precious! She chatted the whole way home about her teachers, her classmates, and her learning experiences! I'm feeling blessed and excited that we have this opportunity. I can't wait to continue to see her grow and talk through each and every experience as she arrives home each day!

Wearing a princess dress while rolling play dough -right at home!

I know that nursery (preschool) is not a necessity and not the best choice for every child. I am all for each family making the decision that is best for their child and their family concerning education - whether it be homeschooling, public education, or private education.

Scottish looking, isn't it? Especially with the grey sky :)

At this stage of the game and this place in the world (ha!), I really think Maddy is going to thrive in this environment.

I think the centers, the structure, the friends, and the teachers will all aid in her growth. I love that the learning is play based, especially at this age. I also think allowing kids to discover as they play is a wonderful opportunity and the fact that teachers guide the students and lead other learning activities like number and letter walks through the community) are all a plus.

I love the lay out of the room. 

I look forward to Maddy interacting with other children of many different personalities, nationalities, home lives etc and learning to get along in a harmonious way with them even if she doesn't feel like it. Probably my greatest excitement though comes from the prospect of her learning to be respectful and obedient to another authority other than Tim and myself. I think that is just a valuable lesson in life as we will all have a boss one day and have to respond in a respectful manner. I think she's at the stage where this kind of respectful interaction with leadership will be really good for her. She does have that in Church Sunday School, but I think she could use the extra practice if you know what I mean :)

Reading Corner

All in all it was a good first day on her own and she is THRILLED about tomorrow! I'm counting my blessings and praising the Lord for His kindness.

~ For even more pictures - check out this album :)

Menu Plan Monday + Maddy's First Day Tomorrow!

It's a busy week here in the Baylor household. Madison Hope starts her first day of nursery (preschool) tomorrow! She and I both are excited and yet a bit nervous. Ok - I'm a bit sad. It's hard to believe she's growing up so quickly! But I'm just so proud of her. She is becoming such a beautiful little lady inside and out. 
She said to Tim and I, "But I don't know anyone! How will I have friends?!" It broke our hearts! I went into full comfort mode, but Tim was really great to encourage her by saying that all she has to say is, "Hi, my name is Maddy. Do you want to be my friend?" - I tell you what, she just perked up with a look that said, "I can totally do THAT! I do it every day on the playground".  Love that girl. 

Her session is just from 9am-11am each day. It's a center based and play based method including centers such as: dress up, play dough, sand and water, writing, outdoor play, kitchen/cooking, reading, etc. She's going to love it! The whole program is provided free of charge by the city council. I think she is going to learn so much and enjoy her time!

Tomorrow, she only goes for an hour and Tim, Rose and I will be with her the whole time along with 5 other students. It's a time for us to get to know the classroom and her teachers while she becomes comfortable with her classmates, teachers and surroundings. What a relief!

I am sure she will do great though. Tim and I have spent time talking and praying about this option and feel like it's the best choice for her. The hardest part is letting my firstborn go out of my sight and immediate care and trusting that God will care for her and give us wisdom about how to best guide her through this new phase in her life. Having to trust the Lord again is a good thing. I'm thankful that the He has blessed us with such a confident, energetic girl - so full of LIFE! We think she's ready!

On the Menu this week: 

Monday~  Roasted Tomato BLT Sandwiches (around 350 cals) with fruit salad

Tuesday~ Shredded Beef Tacos, Guacamole
* Big shout out to Casey for this one. SO looking forward to trying it!

Wednesday~  Linguine with Turkey Meatballs and Roasted Peppers (639 for 1/2 of recipe - I will lessen my portion!)

(I got this one from a cooking magazine that my neighbor gave me. So you might have to pull out your cooking scale or google the equivalents :)

150g dried linguine

50g streaky bacon (just regular bacon for those in the US), finely chopped 

250g lean thigh turkey mince (ground turkey)

2 pinches of crushed dried chili

1 tsp fennel seeds

2tbsp olive oil

2 roasted peppers from a jar, sliced

100 g spinach

zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1. For the pasta, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. in a bowl mix together the bacon, turkey, chili, fennel seeds, and a pinch of salt. Form into 16 small balls. 

2. In a large nonstick frying pan, fry the meatballs in half the oil in batches for 7-8 minutes until golden and cooked through, shaking the pan frequentl. Meanwhile , cook the linguine to pack instructions

3. Drain the pasta, return to the pan and toss over a low heat with the rest of the oil , the peppers, spinach, lemon zest, and some seasoning. Mix with the meatballs and divide between 2 bowls. 

Thursday~ Baked Chicken, Grilled Asparagus

Friday~  Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (275 Calories a serving), salad

I'm linked up with Orgjunkie

She said. She said.

Well, I use to just do "Maddy says"  - but Rose has been talking so much lately and saying the funniest things, that I had to share some of what each of our quirky girls are saying! These have been documented over the last month or two. I'm so glad to have some time to sit down and share them! I sure don't want to forget a single one of them as they grow out of these silly stages so quickly ;)

Rose Says: 
* If she spills something or wipes her nose on MY shirt, she says, "oh Boy! Mess!"
* I handed her a pear to eat and she poked her finger into a brown spot(which squirted juice everywhere) and she said, "oh poop!"

* She likes to give a commentary on things that go around her, "that hot", "that cold", "that manny(Maddy) shoe"
* One day we were walking up the steps to our front door after being out for the morning, and Rose walked right up to our neighbors door (very near to ours because it's like a duplex) and she started knocking on the door saying, "Broadie! Broadie!" Broadie is our neighbor's dog. haha!

*When Maddy does something that looks fun she said, "et tu?" which  means, "me too?"
* If she wakes up and Tim has already gone, she'll say, " I wan dada"

* When She see's Tim for the first time after a long day, she will hug him and say, "I miss you!" She says it in this sweet little voice that always makes Tim and I giggle :)

* One day, she woke up from her nap before Maddy(that usually doesn't happen!) But she was so wanting to play with Maddy that she snuck into our room where Maddy was sleeping on our bed and yelled 3x "Ake up Manny!(Wake up Maddy!) -somehow Maddy didn't wake up!

Maddy Says: 
* When I told her that I was heading out to go spend some time with my friends, she said, "I have an idea(with her pointer finger up) -you can go see your friends for 1 min, then you can come right back here to me!"

* "Mom, I'm drinkey - can I have some water?"
* One night for evening prayers she said to God, "Thank you for mom and dad and ME - and I wold love it if you would make a rainbow again!"
* After I had royally burnt some popcorn, she said, "When I get big and look like a grown up, I will never make popcorn black -I will make it white and yummy!"

* While she was sitting on the potty looking at the bath tub she said (with a horrified look on her face), "The other last day I peed in the bath and I didn't jump out, I stayed in there and then swimmed
 around in it!"

* She still calls McDonalds, "Old Mcdonalds" and I almost never correct her because I love it so much :)
* We put on some temporary tattoos and she kept calling them "tutu's" - it was so sweet.

* When I showed her a picture of Tim and I on our wedding day she said, "Oh mom (with a gasp) you look like a Princess! When I get to be a grown up like you, can I wear a white dress and marry Daddy and he can wear a black coat?"

~~~We've had about a week of 65 degree, sunny weather here in Aberdeen and took full advantage of being outdoors soaking up the sun! But now we're back to the high 40's low 50's again. Trying to just be thankful that we got some sun and putting jackets back on to get out to the park. 

Preschool Quiet Time Ideas

In the past month or two I realized that Maddy wasn't getting in enough quiet time activities in a day. This girl loves to run, dance, jump, sing (just about anything but sit still ;) I really do love that about her because it's just like me-ha!

But I realized that I wanted to spend more some purposeful time(maybe jut 30-45 min) in our day where she and I did a quiet activity together, teaching her to sit still and focus for a period of time on a project as well as getting in some quality one on one time :). I am also hoping to work on her letters, number, shapes etc during this time.  It fits in best in our day when she wakes up from her nap and Rose is till snoozing. That way, she and I can do something a little more involved. I've come up with a pretty limited list of ideas(sometimes I mix a few ideas into one day).  But I would LOVE to hear some of your ideas :)

* painting (letters, numbers, shapes, pictures)

* glue/glitter

* Tea Party

* coloring books
* white board
* chalk board (can you tell I was a teacher?)
* baking/cooking

* play dough
* reading
* spreading shaving cream on the table and writing letters, numbers or shapes with our fingers
* puppet shows(we each did our own). It was much more fun than I thought it would be :)
* playing make believe with her ponies
* sorting colored beads

* puzzles
* threading beads on thick string

So does anyone else have any FUN ideas for me?

#101 Maddy Says

* In a rental car with our friends the Barkers on our way to Inverness, Maddy shouted out, "It smells like poop in here! Mama - you need to to change Rosie's diaper!". The hilarious part is that Rose's diaper was clean. The car actually did smell like poop!

* After watching a "Diego" episode she said, "I wish I could be a chinchilla and have big ears to hear scary animals in the woods so they won't get me!"

* Rose had a stuffed animal that Maddy really wanted and we told Maddy that she needed to wait until Rose put it down and then she could play with it. Well as soon as we were out of sight we heard Maddy say to Rose, "Wosie! You can't come in hewre(into the bathroom) unless you give me that aminal!" We could not believe it! What a little briber!

* When I found Maddy's coloring book in the fridge, I asked her why she put it there and she told me, "So Rosie won't get it and rip it up" - well then girl - mission accomplished :)

* She will often say,  "Here's my deal: You drink the Coke all, then I drink the last sip".

* After evening prayer Maddy says to me: "Daddy, why did you pray for me to have a new heart?"
Tim: "That's what Jesus does for us, sweetie. He gives us a new heart to serve God and love others."
Maddy: [eyes widening] "I made a heart for YOU today, daddy. It was red and I put stickers all on it. And I'm gonna stick it right on your belly and you'll look just like a Care Bear!"
Tim: "Uh . . . "

Precious moments: 
*Maddy and I were watching "Tangled" together tonight when the song "Now I see the Light" came on (we both LOVE this song) and she grabbed my hands just as the two main characters held hands. Then she says, "Mom, lets hold hands and sing to each other". We sang the rest of the song holding hands looking at one another and smiling. I totally burst into TEARS! It was such a precious moment! Love that girl!

*Rose, Maddy and I were sitting up in the window sill watching for Daddy to come home from the office one day. We were playing the, "That's not my Daddy" game. It goes something like this: A woman walks down our street and we say, "That's not my Daddy, he's not a girl; he's a boy". Then Madison followed this statement up with, "Mom, your a gurwl, I'm a gurwl, and Wosie is a gurwl. Then with a very sad and concerned face, "But Daddy is NOT a gurwl! He's a boy! He needs us gurwls so he won't be alone!" It was just so precious!