Some new pictures in no particular order:o)

Coffee break. Not really its just watered down chai tea and of course she liked it.
I purchased Maddie her own potty a few weeks ago, and we both got a little carried away with the toilet paper:o)
Hanging out in the donut room at church
She loves squirting me with this squirt gun
Loving her princess cozy coupe!
Some Sunday Swimming
Eating some Chipotle
Testing out the tube on the Lake.
Remember this doll???
In Awe of this little Miracle.

Well, I cannot believe summer is coming to an end. One of the best summers ever! I hope you all enjoyed your summer, too! Fall is just around the corner and I am ready for the change of season. A new chapter, new memories and I am excited!

It's been a while. but I have a story worth reading

It's been a while! I'll just give you some quick updates and then get to my story. Maddie is doing so well with her walking and is completely stable on her feet-not quite running, but power walking!! She is talking A LOT! Yesterday I asked her if she wanted a drink and she said, "I don't know?" I have never taught her that, but I think that is what I answer to a lot of Bob's questions. so maybe she picked up on it! haha:o) Her other popular phrases are "Hi there" and of course "uh oh baby" In the morning I hear her throwing everything out of her crib and saying"uh oh baby" about 7-8 times for all the toys and animals in her crib. Then when everything is out of her crib she starts to get upset, so I go in there and she greets me with a big smile and says, "hi there." The best greeting I could ever ask for:o) She is a joy.

I just recently looked back at the pictures of Maddie when she was in the NICU and it's makes me tear up everytime. I couldn't help but see how the Lord has taken care of her from the day she was born until now. There isn't one day I don't thank God for her life and know he has a special plan for her.

And now for the story. Maddie and I went out to lunch together after swim lessons one day, which is something we usually never do, but thought it would be fun:o) We order our food at the window and then sit down at some picnic tables. Across from us was this adorable little girl with down syndrome. She kept looking at Maddie and smiling and was just the sweetest thing ever. Then after the little girl was done eating she came over and told Maddie how beautiful she was. She kissed her little arm and said, "You are so beautiful and I love babies." Her mom was there with her so we just had a really nice conversation since the little girl wondered why Maddie didn't have an arm. So her mom said just like you were born with down syndrome Maddie was born without an arm. .She was just the sweetest most compassionate little girl and It just made my day. If the world could be more like her what a much better place it would be. I was smiling and teary eyed all the way home. If she only knew. What a blessing.

Our week in a not so small nut shell:o)

A little bit about our week:

Monday my grandparents watched Maddie for me while I headed to see the allergist and get some tests done. I have always had terrible allergies, so monday I got a lot of answers. After a 2 1/2 hour appt they found out I am allergic to trees, all grasses, weeds, molds, cats, and dogs. I am so glad I at least know why I have felt so terrible. I am hopefully on the up and up with the knew allergy meds I am on.

Tuesday We went on a couple wagon rides around the neighborhood and spend some time by the fountains with Elise and Gavin. We also spend some time hanging out at the library.

Wednesday Maddie and I headed to the Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce before my Mom came for a visit. Once my mom arrived we headed to Maddie's swim lessons. She loved it and they did so many different things with them. Such a great class. We got back home, and my brother Matt came for a surprise visit! After Her nap we did a few errands since it was 95 degrees and little hot to be outside.

Thursday My friend Christine and her two kids came for a visit so it was fun to see them. In the afternoon we met Elise and Gavin at the fountains.

Today we met Jen and Connor in Hinsdale to go to the pool near them. It's fun to be able to see them and hang out once a week!

Tomorrow we are headed back to Lincoln Park for a work event at Lincoln Park Zoo. It will be so weird to be back where we lived for so long! I am excited to take Maddie around the zoo in her Radio Flyer and finally meet all the people Bob works with. That was our week in a nut shell. Here are some pictures!

Saving these for a rainy day:o)

Playing with the train set at "My Favorite Toy Store"
Doing our nightly walk in the alley behind our house.
Maddie loves walking up and down, up and down.
Maddie takes swim lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays

Practicing blowing bubbles.
Working on getting her comfortable on her back

Some fun with the water table!
Ready, Aim, Fire!
A little evening swing
Maddie and Connor hanging out in the baby pool:o)

4th of July Wknd

We started of the weekend with a wedding reception in Rockford.

Maddie's first boat ride!
Maddie, her uncles, and Dada
Getting a feel for the hole before she putts

Now shes ready to putt it in the hole!
Poor Maddie was so flushed from the heat

Nana and Maddie hanging with the goats. To clarify Gammy is changed to "Nana" Because that is what Maddie calls her:o)She loved petting the goats at the petting ZOO!

Hope you enjoyed your weekend as much as we did. As usual, they go by WAY TO QUICKLY!!

Our God - Chris Tomlin - Passion 2010

I love the words of this song. Thought I would share it with you.

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!