Precious Moments

The past two months have really flown and it is hard to believe that December is already here. It is equally hard to believe that Madelynne will be 4 months in a little less than 2 weeks. She has definitely changed and her personality is prominent. She has a temper if she doesn't get her way, but then will smile, coo, and talk to you like you're the greatest thing in the world. She bicycles her legs to move herself around her play mat, and holds a steady neck and head up when she is on her Boppy pillow during tummy time. She is developing fast, grasping and playing with objects, discovering body parts, and rocking from side to side. I know, eventually, she will roll over, but when other mom's post that their little ones, who were born after Madelynne, are already at that benchmark, I cringe in mini-worry that she is "falling behind" and then remind myself, of the little emblazoned statement at bottom of each Baby Center Weekly Email update I get that "every baby is an individual...". She recently had a bout of giggles and as soon as I went to grab for my phone to record her, she stopped, and she hasn't done it since. I have tried to recreate that moment, but it hasn't happened yet. As of late, her favorite thing to do is sit up against the love seat or couch, suck her thumb, cuddle with anything soft (blankies, stuff animals), and stare at herself, and mommy and daddy duplicates, in the mirror.

As for mommy time, I've discovered the joy of exercising by myself with swimming in the wee hours of the morning and have started the Couch-To-5K routine for running in the afternoons with Madelynne in tow in her jogging stroller. Goal, as with my writing, is to compete in a triathlon before I turn 40 and am on route to getting there with the start of my regime. I've also become accustom to routine and now that Madelynne is mostly on one, life has been smooth. Granted, it may change, but I feel like such a Super Mom/Wife. I get so much more done now that I have a strategic plan to do what I need to do, and this makes life so much easier. What I have realized is the best thing in the world for me is a list or sticky note, (Smartphone's have an APP for this---how incredibly awesome), so I can check off things as I get them done. You should see my list for December!

The past months since Madelynne's birth has been full of visitations. Two very dear friends visited in the latter part of September, which gave me the much needed reminder of true friends and girlfriend time to boot. Then, early November my mom came out for Madelynne's baptism. It was such a blessing to have her here. Mom, Maddie and I ventured to some of my favorite spots tucked away along the peninsula and just enjoyed the nice fall weather and each other. Then, Thanksgiving was graced with my mother-in-law, which was a nice treat and very fun. Madelynne loves her Grammy Sue and Grandma King. :)

Now, we're in the final countdown. Final countdown for the end of fall quarter, and prepping for winter quarter classes. Countdown to "official" teacher hiring season, come January. But most importantly, the countdown to our trip to Colorado, where Madelynne will get to meet her Grandpa King and her Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Damion. We are so thrilled and FINALLY, after 3 years of spending Christmas just Brad and I, it will be spent with family.

So, until the next post, these are precious moments I intend to not forget.