Saturday, December 8, 2007

Our First Christmas With Maddie!

December 15th at Grandma and Papa's.
I love my big brother!

Too tired to be away from Mom!

The first half of 2007 was pretty stressful, not knowing when we were going to be able to go to China. But Alex kept us busy and preoccupied! Once we got home with Madison, time has flown! We can't believe that it's been almost 4 months! She's walking everywhere, getting into everything, and babbling up a storm! Sometimes she even says things we can understand! Three big words she says are "Alex" (quite clearly, actually), "hi", and "no".

Alex is an awesome big brother! He loves Maddie soooo much! He had a great year in Kindergarten but 1st grade is hard on him. He misses being home, now that Madison's here, and they don't get to play as much in 1st grade. He's reading at at least a 3rd grade level. He read a chapter book to himself last week in the car on the way to Grandma and Papa's house! His math skills are really good, too!

Jeff and I are trying to keep up with things around the house. I have forgotten how little time one has when one has a baby! Plus, I went back to work at the YMCA in October. It's only 9 hours a week, but I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the things I need to get done at home. I seriously don't know how people who work full time and have kids in extra-curriculars do it!

Jeff still works a lot selling commercial real estate. He and a friend re-modeled the master bathroom this summer before we left on our trip.

We are, as ever, grateful for our friends, family, and our health! We hope everyone who see this has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!