Our Own Little Turkey

By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, Madison had settled in pretty well. She was about a month old. Of course she was still waking up at night to eat, but not for too much longer!

Since Madison was the first grandchild on both sides of her family, she was the recipient of many gifts. The outfit that she is wearing in the photo is a gift from one of her great aunt and uncles.

Madison's hair was beginning to thin somewhat, but she still had plenty of it left. She was also getting more alert and staying awake longer. It was nice to actually see her eyes.

Our family likes to set up the camera and take family photos on holidays. We took our first family photo that included Madison on Thanksgiving...and we all thought she was one cute "Little Turkey" on Thanksgiving!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Caden!

It's hard to believe that it's been six months already since Caden was born. It just seems like yesterday.
Caden has learned how to sit by himself now. He looks so tiny sitting on that big floor by himself. His hands are so tiny that he isn't able to grasp some of the toys--but he tries!
He really seems to enjoy the toy in this picture. It's a large mirror with lights that blink on and off while music or is playing. Caden especially likes banging on that drum with the smiley face on it...Look out mom and dad! There is a microphone, too, but his little hands won't fit around it just yet!
Happy 1/2 Birthday, "Little Man"! Before we know it you'll be celebrating the real thing...wish time would slow down just a little...you are growing up too quickly!

One For Each Of Us

For a long time, I never thought a picture like this one would be possible. First of all, I thought that Brandy would never decide to become a mother, and second of all I thought that Brett would never get married, much less have a child...I guess that just goes to show how much I knew!

It's really nice when both "grands" come over because now "E" and "MiMi" don't have to fight over who's going to play with the baby like we used to do.

Madison calls Ed "E". It's a name he inherited when I used to babysit twin girls. They couldn't say Ed so they called him "E". We nicknamed him "E-pa", but Madison usually just calls him "E". When she does say "E-pa" it comes out "P-pa".

"E" is Madison's best bud! She knows he will grant her every wish--and then some.
Meanwhile, Caden seems to prefer my company right now. Unfortunately, that will probably change when he realizes who the "push-over" in the family is! For now he seems quite content to visit in my lap...better enjoy it while I can!

Trick--or--Treat

We didn't get a trick--we got a treat!
'Cause this little baby sure was sweet!

Our little pumpkin, Madison Elizabeth, was scheduled to arrive by c-section on October 31. The doctor laughed and asked Brandy if she was supersticious. We didn't have to worry about it anyway...due to complications, Maddie was born by emergency c-section on October 23. Maybe Madison was supersticious...

Madison spent her first Halloween in town at her Aunt Nina and Uncle Brett's house. She peacefully slept while the trick or treaters came and went. She wasn't even old enough to enjoy a piece of the delicious Halloween candy!

Caden's First Month--Ho Ho Ho!

Caden's first month of life was spent mostly under the watchful eyes of his mother. He was breastfeeding like a champ, and slept most of the time between feedings. A few bouts of crying, but not very many. He had a cradle in his parent's room, but spent little time in it. He preferred snuggling with his mother.

It became obvious very early that nobody could console Caden like his mother could. We'd all hold him in between feedings, but quickly pass him back to his mama when he cried. I've never seen anything quite like it. Christina had a way of holding and jiggling him that soothed him almost immediately. He'd relax then go right to sleep--and continue to sleep through whatever was going on--in his mother's arms.

Christmas came and went and Caden didn't have a clue. I don't think that Santa even visited Caden since he was only 13 days old and his parents were still trying to adjust to lack of sleep and having a new person in the house. Santa or not, Caden got lots of toys and gifts for Christmas, most of them actually bigger than he was at the time!

Madison, Month Number One

Madison's first month of life was pretty much typical of a lot of newborn babies. She started out breastfeeding, but when things didn't work out, formula was added to her diet.

Brandy, Madison's mama, tried several types of formula before she found one that agreed with Madison. Then came the problem of reflux. Madison cried after feedings and spit up at lot! She also had some colic. I experienced those same problems with Brandy when she was born, so I could sympathize with what she was going through.

Madison went through an assortment of different types of baby bottles in an effort to find the one that worked best for her reflux and colic. I was amazed at how many different kinds of baby bottles are available! Despite the reflux and colic, Madison thrived. The picture in this post was taken shortly after Madison came home and she weighs nearly 7 and 3/4 pounds already!


The first month went by in a blur of sleepless nights, evening crying spells, bottle feedings, sponge baths, and lots of dirty clothes. Oh, and piles of dirty diapers, too! I was working at the time so I was limited in how much I could help, but I did manage to spend a couple of nights on the couch to help with the two o'clock feedings. I loved every minute of it!