Cuddle time with Greta

We call Greta the "Sun Dog" because she loves sleeping in any sunny spot. Today Madeline joined her.
Just look at that *relaxed* look on Greta's face. Madeline has learned to pet nicely, but hugs can be a little rough sometimes.

Spring is Here?

We enjoyed the wonderful warmer weather this week in a number of places. Friday we joined some friends at Cosley Zoo again.
Here we are looking at the goats. Madeline is such an observer! She really has to size up a new situation before she'll do anything, so although a lot of times she'll just stand there and watch, the wheels in her head are really turning. She's highly analytical like Dan, and reserved in new situations like me.
Earlier in the week we took a trip to the Arboretum with Grandma and Grandpa Schmitt. Here she's enjoying the tree tower.

Baptism 2-22

Dan was asked to be Godfather to a good friend's daughter. Here we are at the Baptism Ceremony.
All dressed up! I got this dress for Madeline back in the fall, and she's finally (almost) big enough to fit in it. It's quite possibly my favorite of her outfits.
Any place with lots of open space to run is a great place for Madeline. She's developing a ton of independence, and has her own ideas about what she wants to do. And she doesn't yet seem to concerned about walking off and losing Mom or Dad!

February 2009

This was a cute moment... Dan went outside to shovel before he left for work one morning. Madeline always waves goodbye to him at the front door, and this morning she found my boots.
"Bye, Dad!"

February 9- 60 degrees! We took advantage of the day, got out of the house, and enjoyed Cosley Zoo in Wheaton.

A visit with Abby

Little Abby and Miss Tracy came over to play yesterday. Madeline had fun showing off her toys and identifying parts of her body as Abby took it all in.
Oops... and Abby loses part of her breakfast! ;)

Story Times

A teacher's dream... Madeline loves books! Here she is on a Saturday morning cuddled up with Dad in bed, reading one of her favorites. In fact, lately when I go in to get her in the morning, the first thing she asks for is a book!
One morning she crawled into Greta's bed in our living room and made herself comfortable while reading some books from our bookcase.
Galelio is a title that she picks up often. Maybe she'll be a history buff like her dad!

Grandma's 60th Birthday

We surprised Grandma Schmitt at school on her 60th birthday. Laura made this picture collage and brought it to school early in the morning. Then we came with flowers and balloons. She was very surprised!
That weekend we took a trip downtown Chicago. We went out to dinner at Harry Carey's, then Dan and Madeline went back to our hotel while Mom, Dad, Laura, Mark, and I went to see "Jersey Boys". What a great show!