Change

As the season turns from Summer to Fall and the leaves begin to change, I can't help but think about how much my life has changed in such a short time. Before Madden arrived I thought that I had accomplished some pretty great things thus far: Softball awards and championships, Scholarships, an assistanship and graduations from two of the greatest universites in the North East, building a house and helping students experience success in math. As wonderful as all these things have made me feel, not one of them can compare to life with Madden. You wouldn't believe the exhilaration I felt when I would FINALLY get a burp out of Madden (she is a stubborn burper). I would catch myself telling her "Good girl," or "Great job!" I was absolutely ecstatic the first time I clipped her nails. (Which wasn't until she was at least a month old, she wore mittens a lot!) I kept putting it off because I was so afraid I was going to cut her. When I finally got the nerve I did it in less than 3 minutes and didn't even wake her up! I was also scared of using the nasal aspirator (we call it the bugger sucker in our house, if I call it the bulb suringe Matt says "What?") Now it's second nature to put it up her nose and suck out all her boggies. (I never thought I wouldn't mind touching someone else's buggers).



On the subject of change, I can't help but discuss the current presidential election. It is going to be a monumental election no matter which party wins. We could have the first African American President, or first female Vice President in our nation's history. I look at Sarah Palin and I cheer for her as a woman, but I question her as a mom. I think about how awful I felt about going back to work in September and this woman wants to run the country? She is a mother to 5 children, one of which is a 6 month old special needs baby, and I can't help but wonder, "Who's going to raise him?" Sure, it's a once in a life time opportunity to be the republican vice presidential candidate, but this baby will only be a baby once. I'm not trying to sound judge mental and I'm not saying this makes her a bad mommy, it's just not something I could ever do. I applaud her husband, for if the Republicans win the election, his job the next four years may just be harder than hers.



Ok, back to Madden:
She is getting so big already. I can't believe it. While I miss her being small, she is getting to be so much fun. It is fun watching her personality develop and listening to her "talk." I love seeing her face when she first sees me after school and I know that she recognizes me and missed me, too. She has mastered rolling from her belly to her back, but we haven't gone from our back to our belly. She hates being in her stomach, so when this finally does happen, I figure it will be a mistake.


On a silly note, Hadley got sprayed by a skunk this week. It was awful. I went to school smelling like skunk and both Hadley and the house STILL stink. Poor Matt has had to bath her and poor Hadley has been shunned. She thinks she has been naughty but she was just being curious and trying to defend her house. The stupid skunk was right off the porch steps. Matt caught the end of the assult and thought she was chasing a yellow lab puppy. It wasn't long before he realized the animals true identity.

Here are some pics and video's of Madden.







Believe it or not, this is Madden's only Giants apparel.




















What is this face? I think she looks like her daddy here!

So Far So Good

First of all I'd like to say thank you for all the support the past week. The emails, text messages and posts really helped me through the week. I must say the anticipation of going back to work was much worse than actually going back to work. I spent weeks envying all the moms I know who stay(ed) at home with their kids that I totally ignored all the great moms I know that couldn't/didn't stay home. I am surrounded by them, especially at work. Some of the teachers I respect most are also some of the greatest parents I know. There is one teacher in particular who has three of the most respectful boys I have ever met. I have always watched her boys and thought "They must be great parents." She is also a fantastic teacher whom I respect and look up to.


Madden has had some pretty great days with Aunt Michelle. She goes for walks when the weather is nice and goes outside to watch Kyle play in the sand box. She has even watched Hannah Montana with Lexi. This is embarassing, but I must admit, this wasn't the first episode that Madden has seen of Hannah Montana, I too watch her on Saturday mornings.... Hey, what do you want, we don't have cable! My days have gone by fast. I teach for 3 straight hours in the morning and the rest of the day is spent pumping and teaching so time flies. The truth is, its nice to be back. I missed my eighth grade team of teachers and I missed being with the kids. I forgot how much I love being with Middle Schoolers (I'm crazy, I know...). Aunt Cookie told me when she went back to work she liked being someone other than "Mom." I feel similarly. I take pride in knowing that I can be a good teacher and a pretty great Mommy. I love being a mommy and I like my job. I know that I encounter kids everyday who don't have the best role models at home and I enjoy being there for those students. They need me too!

We went for Madden's 4 month check up yesterday. She is 13 pounds 14 oz and she is 26 inches long. She is in the 50th percentile for her weight and the 95 percentile for her height!





Here are a couple pictures/videos. Haven't taken much lately. My time at home is spent cuddling with Madden, you should see my house: what a mess!!






Haidyn and Abby came to visit for a couple hours. Here we are reading a book on the couch together.





This is the only way I can get her to lay on her belly.


Madden has started playing in her exi-saucer. She can't quite reach all the toys yet but she enjoys sitting up.




Madden sits in her bouncy chair while I pick up the kitchen and make dinner every night. As you can see from this picture, she isn't much help!