Weekend Fun!!

At the Splash Pad with Dada
She loves carrying this ball around. One of her favorite words is "BALL"
Running with ballReady to go catch some waves. At the pool that is:O)Walking up the side. She must have gone down the slide at least 25 times.Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

She was VERY determined to open the gate to swim in the BIG pool.

FINALLY:o)

This morning all of us headed to the splash pad. One of Maddie's favorite places to play. We were there splashing in the water for about an hour when we decided it was time to head home. I was putting a few things in our bag, I looked up, and there walked a guy in his mid 20's without his left arm above the elbow. I had never seen anyone before in person and I was so surprised. He was the manager of the splash pad. So, I made Bob lead the way so we could go over and talk with him. He was so nice and shared a little bit of his life with us. He said, "give her every opportunity because she can do anything. NEVER baby her." He had so much confidence, and I was so glad to have FINALLY run into someone without an arm.

Just wanted to share that quick story with all of you. So many people tell me all the people they see without an arm, but I was waiting for the day when I would see someone. And today I did:o)

Have a good wknd!

Maddie is officially on the GO!

Maddie is taking off everywhere! We were away in Florida for a wedding and Maddie stayed with my parents. When we got back she was walking everywhere! I can't take my eye off of her for a second. I feel much more exhausted than I did before she was walking, but I love seeing her waddle along. Here are a couple videos of her walking:o) Apparently I am having a hard time figuring out how to rotate these videos, so might have to turn your head or computer sideways. sorry!


Maddie at the Splash Pad


She might not like me for this one day, but so cute walking around in just a diaper:o)



If anyone knows how to rotate videos let me know. Couldn't figure it out on iphoto. I can rotate them fine on facebook though....

Have a good day, and ENJOY this beautiful weather!!! We spend the morning at the splash pad and I think we will walk to the pool this afternoon. I LOVE THIS WEATHER:o)

No Arms No Legs No Worries

Grab and box of kleenex before you watch this video. He is so inspiring and his outlook on life is so positive.

A few Snap Shots:o)

Maddie LOVES going to the fountains near our house.

Cheese!
And again! She is quite the Happy girl:o)
Peek A Boo!


Another Cheesy face:o) She's hysterical.

When She falls down she says, "uh oh Baby."

I have a feeling any day now she will be walking all over the place! Today she took 15 steps a bunch of different times. I am excited and ready for her to be walking even though I know I will be chasing her all over! I am ready!!

A HUGE MILESTONE!

I wanted to share some exciting new with all of you. This morning, while we had physical therapy at our house, Maddie took 12 steps all by herself! She took 12 steps 6 different times. It was so cute to see her walking all by herself. I feel like the mornings are a good time to work on things with her since she is awake and has more energy. I was so proud of her!!!

Right after therapy, me, my mom, and Maddie hopped in the car to head downtown for Madeline's NICU follow up appointment. It is always such a pleasure to go back and see all the wonderful doctors and nurses who care so much about Maddie. When we got to her appointment we were greeted by Nurse Elnora. She is so wonderful and such a kind lady. She has a picture of Maddie on her mantel and prays for Maddie all the time as well as her church congregation. I got a bit teary eyed when she told me that, because I think about all the people who pray for Maddie and just know the Lord is watching over her. We also got a visit from Joanna, who is so sweet and loves seeing Maddie too. Maddie has quite the fan club:o)

My mom, Maddie, and Elnora. Maddie was not too happy in this picture because she had just gotten weighed. She is afraid of the scale.

At the appointment, they gave Maddie the Denver Developmental Assessment Test. This is a key test to determine where the child is at developmentally. They do a bunch of different things with her to make the assessment. Maddie fully impressed and came out a head. They said her language and fine motor skills were beyond a 14 month old. I was really encouraged at this appointment, and so thankful for how well she is doing with being born at 28 weeks. INCREDIBLE. They keep reminding me it is so unusual for a child born at 28 weeks to be ahead developmentally. She is amazing. I am continually reminded the Lord is watching over her, and also reminded of all the wonderful people who pray for her. She is such an incredible little child, and I love her very much.

After the appointment we got a quick bite to eat and then headed back to Elmhurst. The traffic was terrible and It took us an hour and a half to to get home when it should take 25 minutes. We tried to keep Maddie awake so I could lay her down when we got home, but when we looked in the back this is what we saw:o)
A VERY WIPED OUT AND EXHAUSTED MADDIE.

Memorial Day weekend in Lake Geneva

I find silly things to do to make her laugh:o)
This went on for a good half hour in the car:o)
Looking at all the "birdie's" as Maddie says.

Learning how to play Baggo
She scooted right in front of that bush and posed for a picture
This way is much easier.
Where did it go??

I forgot to take pictures until the last day. Oops! Hope you all had a good weekend!:o)