Away for a while

With Thanksgiving coming, I'll be stepping away from the computer for a while.  Also....my computer crashed! Yup!  (I'm borrowing my husband's) SO....I hope to be back very soon!  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone :)

First Kiss

My little baby had her "first kiss" yesterday.  haha!  Let's not get all in a tissy....It was nothing crazy and there was no motive behind it, but it was super cute :)

We were at a birthday playdate and I had walked over to get Madelyn in order to leave.  Her little friend, Brady (the one who did this), was playing with her so I told her to tell him bye.  He asked for a hug so she hugged him and was about to walk away when he asked for a KISS!  She turned around and they kissed each other on the lips like it was no big deal.  I, on the other hand, was just gushing inside!  It wasn't until later that afternoon that I realized this was technically her first kiss but at the time I was just thinking how incredibly adorable they were.  I mean, quite obviously, they just looked at it as normal (like kissing your mommy or daddy).  But really, I think it's precious! 

I was telling Jeremy and my parents about it and so they asked her if she kissed a boy.  She answered yes and was very promt in telling them who it was.  So.....at two and a half years old, my baby has had her first kiss.  Recorded in the baby book and everything.  I can't wait to share these precious stories with her when she's older and has her real first kiss :)

When are they too old?

While on yet another trip to Mississippi this past weekend, we stopped in at a country gas station for knick nacks and to stretch our legs.  After we had all picked out our treats, we approached the very nice cashier.  He was talking to Madelyn and just carrying on a very casual conversation.  During this time, Madelyn asked me to pick her up and without thought, I did.   He then said something that struck a  nerve.  Not too bad, just made me wonder....  He said, "How old is she?" So I told him and he then continued to say, "And you're still holding her?" 

I mean, the guy didn't say it in a rude way, and I'm sure he didn't mean it the way I took it because he eventually clarified that his nephew or son (I can't remember which) was one and a half and would NOT let anyone hold him anymore.  My motherly instinct to the comment (completely answered in my mind thank goodness) was "Well of course I still hold her! Why wouldn't I?!" (with very offended tone of voice.) 

So, my thoughts on this are:  Until the day has come that my baby is too heavy for me to hold, I will hold her if the opportunity presents itself.  Obviously, I won't carry her around when she's seven or eight and I'm sure that when the day comes for us to have baby #2 I'll be a little more cautious as well, but I see nothing wrong with stealing a little love while I can.  And althought I have my days where I get incredibly frustrated with Madelyn and really just want to lock myself in my room for a little "me time",  I truly believe that we should cherish our children every day.  I am aware that way too many children are taken from us much sooner than we'd like.  Some before even given a chance to see this crazy world, others from unforseen illnesses or tragic incidents. Honestly, it's just heartbreaking either way you look at it.  I am so blessed that God has given me such a great opportunity and the title of "Mother." 

And honestly, although I don't really give a Poo if someone looks down on me for choosing to hold Madelyn any time I see fit, what are you feelings on it?  When is a child too old to be held? 

Since I think every post is better with a few pics, here are a couple from our visit!

Posing :)

Loves to fish!

Finally just gave up and fell asleep while riding Papaw's horse. 

An unsuspected surprise

While lying in bed last night around, oh I don't know, one or so, I suddenly had an aha moment.  As I'm sure most of you are aware, times have been a little difficult for our families lately.  I'm not going to go into detail because, to be honest, I just don't really feel like getting it fresh on my mind. But I can assure you I have spent many sleepless nights tossing and turning. 

Anywhoo, in the midst of all of those worries, I was thinking about how Jeremy's and my relationship has grown so much stronger.  It's really amazing how things work.  You would think that in times of turmoil all the stress and pain would bear down on a couple, or a family at that matter.  However, it is right the opposite.  We talk more, argue less.  Honestly, we wouldn't even have to talk to know what the other is thinking or feeling.  It is a bond like no other.  

I have used up several hours of those  sleepless nights wondering "why us?" I mean, not that I feel we should be pardoned from pain, but I guess it's more or less like the saying "when it rains, it pours."  I just would have never imagined finding a silver lining to all of this mess!  And, although I definately would not, and do not, enjoy all that is going on, I am certainly very pleased to find that maybe there IS some good to come out of all of this. 

So, if you and your family have been signed up for the "Let's see just how much one can take" course, maybe the thought of something good, just one tiny idea, can help you through the day.  I know it's not enough to completely erase all the worries and fears, but it does soften the blow a bit!    

Happy Halloween!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!  We had a great time celebrating all week!  Madelyn definately got use out of her costume this year which was a huge plus :)

Madelyn had a ton of fun on Wednesday at her dance class.  They got to dress up and Mrs. Tammie even brought cupcakes! Here's a pic of her with a couple of her dance friends...

Then, Thursday was another celebration with our playgroup!  So much fun!  There was a bounce house, playground, and food.  Doesn't get much better!  They were all so stinkin cute with their costumes :)

Just a few of her friends :)

Mommy's little ragdoll!!

We made cookies on Sunday afternoon!

Finally, we went to some friends of ours house for trick or treating :) There were a ton of us and I'm sure those people handing candy out were definately scared when they saw us coming!  Madelyn had such a great time with some of her very best friends! 

Ready to go!

Best friends!

Precious :)

Just a few of the kiddos!

The end!