Thanksgiving

Here are some photos from Thanksgiving at my sister's.


Matthew, Madeline, and Natalie

Matthew giving baby Madeline a kiss.

Baby Madeline being very alert.

Matthew's Take on Thanksgiving

Me: Thanksgiving is almost here.
Matthew: It is?! (with enthusiasm)
Me: We eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
Matthew: We can't eat turkeys. That would be sad.

And the Hustle and Bustle Begins

We've all noticed that Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. For me, personally, I don't mind. I love Christmas and can't wait to start getting ready for it. I love the lights and decorations and I love to start my holiday shopping.

Natalie noticed that even before Halloween was over and done with, Christmas items started to poke their heads out. She kept telling me it was too soon. Then Halloween came and went. Suddenly Christmas was everywhere. Natalie still told me it was too soon for Christmas. I, on the other hand am eager to start my shopping because I just love buy their Christmas presents. I get to live vicariously through the delights of my little ones. So when I pressed Natalie for her list or encouraged her to write to Santa, I was still told it was too soon because we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet.

However, thanks to good old commercialism and product placement, Natalie slowly succumbed. On Tuesday we went to Wal-Mart looking for the Wall e dvd only to discover we were a week too early. We decided to look at the toy aisle for "ideas" for Christmas and Natalie spotted a glowworm which was exactly what she wanted to buy Baby Madeline. "Let's start our shopping now," she proclaimed. Then we found the new Barbie movie A Barbie Christmas Carol. How could we resist that? She even wanted to buy wrapping paper but I convinced her to wait on that.

After that, Christmas was forgotten again because she had her big dance approaching. However, on Saturday we went to our local tree lighting ceremony. Well, that did it. The music, the lights, and Santa put her in the mood. She has been singing Christmas carols ever since.

Since Natalie was now in the mood, she was eager to write her letter to Santa. Natalie, Matthew and I sat down at the table and began the ever important letter to Santa. It was so cute to watch her. She'd write, reread, and write some more. Then she'd go back and reread again and continue writing. She finished with a nice picture of Rudolph.

Matthew began by drawing a picture and then dictating his letter. Here's his letter:

Dear Santa,

Give me some toys when you come to my home. (I made him add please). I want a big dinosaur, animal toys, and Lincoln Logs. I want some cars, a monster truck and . . .everything.

Love,

Matthew.

Baby Madeline

Today we went to visit baby Madeline. She was so sweet and of course she slept mostly the whole time. For such a tiny little baby she was very alert when she was awake. I had her lying on my legs and was talking to her. Then I would move my head and she would follow me and actually turn to follow the voice.

I should have flipped this photo. It's actually of Madeline laying down on her changing table getting ready for her bath.

In this photo you can actually see how tiny she really is, especially compared to my hand!

Natalie holding her new baby cousin. She was so excited to meet Madeline. Matthew was interested but mostly from afar. Natalie brought her Bitty Babies and they were actually bigger than Madeline!

Welcome Baby Madeline!

Born Tuesday, November 4th

Weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce

17 inches long

In other words . . . she's a peanut!

Your Auntie loves you baby Madeline! Natalie and Matthew (mostly Natalie) can't wait to meet you!