There is only one boss in this house!

Lately, I've noticed Maddie being a bit, ahem, bossy. I can appreciate it because I can be a little bit bossy. (Believe it or not!) 

In fact, when I was in Kindergarten my teacher sent a note home to my parents one day. I kid you not, this is what it read. "There is only one boss in this classroom, and it is me. I had to tell Brittney this several times today, and I would appreciate it if you would tell her this at home tonight." My mom never lets me forget it. Fortunately, I had a little sister so I always had someone to boss around! 

Now I have Maddie. She is talking up a storm and has gotten pretty vocal about what she wants to eat, wear, etc. Last night I found myself saying to her, "Madeline, there is only one boss in this house and it's mommy. Or daddy." I don't think she got it. We are working with her on her manners (always say please and thank you!) so hopefully this bossy period will pass. 

Today, we went BACK to the doctor for another follow-up. (Yes, we have WORN our insurance out this year.) Maddie sounded MUCH better but still had some lingering crud. The good news is we can phase out the breathing treatments so that will be nice. We've been so much lately (4 times in 10 days) that all of the nurses know Maddie. She gets extra stickers and walks around like she owns the place. The nurse walked in to the room today with the oximetry test, and Maddie held her hand up and said, "Here is my finger." Then she lifted her shirt up and said, "Listen to me." Funny girl.

Waiting on Dr. Trace

 A good report!

Afterwards, we went to BN so Maddie could play at the train table. 

Then we had a snack while we waited for daddy to get off work.

Then we dinner at EarthFare (Kids Night is incredible!) and now we're winding down for the night. 

This weekend we're having some friends over for a commercial-watching party. We don't call it a SuperBowl party since the Patriots aren't playing. We'll still have fun munching and chatting with great friends.

Happy Friday-eve!!

Strep throat .. and Sami the Seal

Last weekend was fantastic. Things started to fall apart on Monday night. We took Maddie to Outback with her nana and grandpa. She'd had a terrific day, but Outback was pretty rotten. I have actually never seen her act so badly out in public. She kept telling me her mouth hurt so I chalked it up to painful 2 year molars.  (Maddie never does well with teething.)

Tuesday, daycare called and said she had a fever. I noticed her breathing was pretty shallow and raspy so we headed to the pediatrician. Even with Advil in her, her temp was at 102.5. She tested negative for flu and RSV, but positive for Strep. UGH. We left the ped's office thinking that after 24 hours on Amoxicillen we'd see her turning a corner. Not so fast.

On Wednesday, Maddie stayed home with nana and grandpa. They called me around lunch time and said her breathing had gotten worse. Turns out Madeline ALSO has either pneumonia or bronchitis. The doctor didn't want to expose her to radiation since treatment would be the same and she was already on an antibiotic.  She looked and sounded pretty crummy, but her pulse ox stats were good enough to keep us from having to be admitted to Kosair. (Praise God!)

After 2 days of around the clock breathing treatments, we went back for a follow-up on Friday. Her breathing was much less labored, but unfortunately, her lungs still sound full of fluid. SO, we're continuing the around the clock breathing treatments and go back next week. 

It's been a long week for Maddie and for mommy and daddy.    Fortunately, Madeline actually likes the breathing treatments and doesn't mind when we wake her up in the middle of the night. I'm REALLY praying this weekend she turns a corner and we start to get back to normal.                                              

 Our nebulizer, Sami. Madeline loves him and hugs him frequently.

 Getting a treatment with daddy. She looks sad, but always sits really nicely for them.

One of the nurses gave Maddie a popsicle after she got her strep diagnosis. 

 Planking with no pants on. When you're sick, mommy lets you do this.

 We've had A LOT of time at our house- more so than normal. I've been pulling out some new toys to keep us busy. Maddie is obsessed with playdoh these days.

 Reading a book with Tia. Even though she's sick, she's still considerate. Here she is brushing the teeth of every character on every page of her favorite book: Pinkalicious. (We read  Pinkalicious at least 5 times a week.)

A lollipop after a long week. This was her first one, so we had to work with her on licking only.

We had planned to go Alyssa's birthday party today but won't be able to make it. Here's hoping a lazy, restful weekend (with lots of albuterol!) get Maddie operating back to normal again.  

WHAT A ROTTEN WINTER!

Pee pee in the potty!

This weekend, Maddie peed in the potty three times! Here's how it went down.

Friday night after bath

Maddie: I'm peeing on the floor (she is, in fact, peeing on the floor)

Britt: No!  (I scooped her up and took her to the potty, where she finished her business.)

Saturday night after bath

Maddie: I'm going to pee on the floor

Britt: No! How about the potty?

Maddie: Ok. (I put her on the potty and she went)

Sunday night after bath

Maddie: I want to pee on the potty

Britt: OK! (I put her on the potty and she went)

So, I guess we are the beginning stages of potty training! I think 2 1/2 is about average for a girl so we have a few months before we're there yet. I know Maddie sits on the potty at daycare and I'm sure she is inspired by seeing all of the older kids go....so we'll see. 

We cheered on the Pats this weekend, but unfortunately, no SuperBowl for us this year. Lame.

Hey Bill, can I borrow your hoodie?

 That's ok...I still love Tom Brady!

Maddie was off school today, so she got to spend the day at nana and grandpa Hughes's house. She had a great great day and loved spending time with them. 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Housework!

Before the new year, Chris built our pantry and it looks fabulous! This past weekend he hung a cabinet and wood shelf in our laundry room. He has made his "shop" in a spare room in the basement and spends a lot of time down there working. But, he's not lonely. He has a helper!

 (Don't worry, it's not heavy.)

A couple of pictures from the last few days:

Chillin' with Connor and Preston.

 Maddie got a new coat and refuses to take it off. Even in her carseat. 

I think she re-defines 'hot mess' here.

Next up for the Hughes house: Chris will be transforming our mudroom, we celebrate our birthdays with my parents, and Maddie gets baby-sat by Ms. Tara. SHE CANNOT WAIT!

The terrible twos!

Maddie turned 2 a few weeks ago and moved out of our beloved Ms. Val's room. Madeline LOVED Ms. Val. Heck, I loved Ms. Val. She was very sweet with Maddie and "got" her. When Maddie moved out of her room, she got her a gift and wrote us all a sweet note. She ended with, "The twos are only terrible if you let them be. I think they are pretty terrific." While I'm not sure I agree just yet, I have found myself reminding myself of this statement. When Maddie is tired or frustrated, she can really throw a tantrum. We're having to learn to share right now (Why can't we just be born loving to share our toys?!) and sometimes she just wants to do things her way and no one else's way. Those times are hard. BUT....she is also the funniest, sweetest little person and I am so blessed that she is our daughter.

Even though we left a great teacher, we got a new great teacher. Ms. Kelsy is young, energetic and creative. She has a two year old (in another class) so she understands that age pretty well. Maddie is learning her months right now and has been singing "September, October" all over the house. Hopefully, we can pick up the other ten at some point. She has show and tell every Friday and is LOVING picking out what she will bring. Each week has a theme. So far, she's had "Something that starts with the first letter of your name" and "Something that makes you happy." She brought Minnie Mouse and her purse filled with bracelets. Such a girly girl! :)

Her favorite place is still Panera, she asks us to go all the time. She eats half of a french toast bagel with a little bit of "cream" and a big glass of milk. I love this Sunday morning tradition with her and Chris.

 This week, I turned 29. I was happy to accept all of the fanfare that goes along with my birthday. But, if anyone acknowledges it next year, you've had it. I refuse to believe 30 is approaching. Gross.  We haven't celebrate with my family yet, but Chris's parents made me ribs (one of my favorite dishes that my MIL makes!) which were DELICIOUS!

My friend Kathryn and I went out for my birthday later in the week and Chris and Maddie had a daddy-daughter date. He took her to Earthfare for pizza and Lowes. Of course.

On Friday, I picked up Maddie and we went to the park for awhile. I got her a special treat (a fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonalds) which we enjoyed while sitting on the bench. I cannot believe how warm it is for January!

Today was a busy day. After breakfast on daddy's lap, Maddie and I went shopping with my mom. She was worn out and took a long afternoon nap. Soley and Rolfe came to play for several hours tonight and all of the kids had a blast. I am so mad because I meant to take pictures of them...but everyone was having so much fun I just forgot. We had spaghetti and the adults hung out talking while the kiddos ran around playing. 

Tomorrow is another big day for Maddie. Connor and Preston are coming over and we're having a lunch to say goodbye to my sister. Now she's heading to Georgetown...and we will miss her! We got to spend a lot of fun time with her this week though. 

Happy weekend everyone!

Tia is home!!

On Saturday a.m., Maddie and Soley went to All About Kids together and had a great time running around together.

 Soley's turn at the big slide...is Maddie brave enough to go down herself?

Of course! She loved it!

My parents flew down to Orlando on Thursday to drive back home with my sister. I know she was really sad to leave Disney life (who wouldn't love going to Disney World every day for 4 months?!?!) but we are so so happy to have her back home, even if it is just for a short time before she heads back to Georgetown.

Madeline was so excited to see her tia...she wouldn't let her put her down! Mercedes held her for hours literally! At the restaurant for lunch, all over the house, etc, etc.

Playing with her new Belle baby doll

Eating her snack on tia.

  Sharing her snack with Tia!

Cedes came over tonight to see the house for the first time. We played in the playroom for awhile before it was time to put Maddie to bed.

Playing a song...the next famous singer/songwriter?!

Madeline wasn't the only one excited to see Tia....Stella went NUTS.

Now, if you know Stella, this probably looks like a normal reaction for her. You know, since she's totally crazy. But, she did seem a little bit more excited than normal.

One more hug from Aunt Mercedes before bed.

So happy to have you home, kiddo. Glad you got to have such a great experience! We love you!

Birthdays!

On Thursday, our sweet Madeline turned 2! I can hardly believe it! Maddie is truly such a joy in mine and Chris's lives. She is a spunky little girl with lots of personality. I love watching her grow and learn every day. She is truly a nurturing little soul, she loves all of her babies and animals. She enjoys singing, dancing and being silly with mommy and daddy. I love this picture, she's reading a story to bunny.

December 27, 2010

December 2011

December 2012

Ha! The above picture was taken on Friday at her 2 year check-up. She checked out great. A little small  on the national scale, but growing steadily. Tubes look good and her bloodwork came out great. The nurses are fantastic at her ped's office. She brought one of her baby dolls, Carol, and Carol got her height, weight and temperature checked.  Carol also got bandaids on her finger and thigh, just like Maddie. Maddie got a kick out of that! When you look at her little chubby legs, its hard to believe she's only 15% for weight, right?!

For Madeline's birthday, we went to Chuy's for dinner and Maddie got her two favorite foods: macaroni and 'olee. 

While she was waiting for her food, she liked putting stickers all over daddy!

Hmm....do I want the macaroni or the 'olee next?

THE OLEE!

On Friday, Chris turned 29! We had a yummy lobster dinner with his parents, Laura, Cory and Dane. Chris is such a great husband to me and daddy to Madeline. I have now spent 13 birthdays with him and am looking forward to so many more! 

Chris blowing out his candles with his hands since he has a sinus infection. 

On Saturday, we had our first snowfall of the season. Maddie and Dane played out in the snow for awhile. At first she wasn't too sure about the snow, but she loved the sled!

Saturday night, we had a small little party for Madeline. 

Eating pizza with Hudson and Dane!

 Cousin Dane playing with the puppet theater

 Opening her Belle dress that Tia shipped from Disney World

Pretty princess!

 Blowing out her candle on her cupcake!

 Bye everyone! I'm out of here, and I'm taking all of my presents!