Last day

It's my last day of being home with Madelyn before heading back to work tomorrow. So this is my last morning of a semi slow pace before absolute chaos ensues - when we try to get ourselves fed, showered and exercised, Maddie fed and dressed, Jake walked and fed, bags packed for mommy and for Maddie, and out of the house by 8:15 am....everyday. Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Last night we tried to get Madelyn through the night without a feeding; her 4 am wake up times are killer on the ole sleep schedule! Per usual, she woke up almost on the dot at 3:58 am. But this time, instead of hopping out of bed to feed her, I rocked her and patted her tummy (per Chelsea's suggestion) to get her to fall back asleep. It worked! She was back to sleep within 30 minutes. Now, if only mommy and daddy could fall back asleep right away. Both Martin and I lied wide awake in bed for another hour. UGH!!! We'll work on it :) Anyway, Maddie didn't wake up again until 6:30 am - perfect!!

Wish us luck tomorrow...

Here are some photos from the past couple weeks I've taken on my phone:

Her little Ralph Lauren outfit

This shirt is actually a lime green and royal blue, NOT maize and blue. (do not worry Spartan fans)

Mama's first beer in, oh, about a year!

Our first baby-free night...and Daddy was asleep by 8:15 pm! (in his clothes, too!)

"Oh, you want to take my picture?!"

This one is my favorite :)

Post-Thanksgiving and pre-back to work

Last week we enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving celebration with some of my family and some of Martin's family. What a great way for both families to come together, eat good food, and enjoy each other's company. It was also great to enjoy some last minute quality time at home, as this week marks my journey back to the office full-time. I will truly miss being home with Madelyn all day and I hope that this new transition will be easy on both of us.

Madelyn is smiling a lot now, which is so much fun for Mommy and Daddy. Although every time she smiles, I am not able to get the camera and capture a great photo quick enough, so I have very few smiling photos. We will keep trying!

The newest photos of Maddie:

A cute outfit (this is also her "I'm hungry" face)

A little grin, and rolled up pants

Thinking about smiling...

..."Nope, I'm not going to smile for you, Mom."

Still not going to do it...

This is what happens when Daddy gives her a bath!

I think she knows that she looks ridiculous!

Thanksgiving Eve - I asked Martin to help me prepare the stuffing. He insisted on cutting the bread into perfect cubes instead of tearing it.

Cubes so perfect they could be in a Stouffer's box!

Some of the family at Thanksgiving and a slight glimpse at our table 

Sound asleep on Grandpa's shoulder

Asleep in her chair. Her Thanksgiving outfit :)

Daddy taking a break

Using the Baby Bjorn!

A little smile and feet in the air

Kicking away

Daddy decided to lay on the floor too

Jake is protecting Madelyn

Finally, I got a picture of a smile!

And another one!

Two month check-up

Madelyn went to the doctor this morning for her two month check-up. She did great! She has grown 2 inches in length since her last appointment - she's now 23 inches long, which is in the 75th percentile. She's also grown about 3 lbs. since birth and now weighs 10 lbs. 2 oz.! I said to Martin as we were leaving the doctor's office, "Can you believe that some people GIVE BIRTH to children who are 10 lbs. 2 oz.?!?!" Oh my goodness, no. She's sleeping (and snoring) like a champ right now. All the activity of the doctor's office and three shots have totally worn her out!

In addition to this morning's trip being successful for Maddie, it was also great practice for Mommy and Daddy. This was the first time we were all ready and out of the house by 8:10 am! We'll have to get used to this routine as I go back to work in just 3 short weeks.

Last weekend we enjoyed a lovely Saturday morning/afternoon picnic at the park with Martin's MBA classmates and their families. We brought our whole family to play - Martin, Megan, Madelyn, AND Jake. That's right, it was like the circus had come to town when we got out of the car. Even though we were only gone for 4 hours, the entire car and trunk was packed. Ridiculous and hilarious. I never could have imagined how much stuff you have to travel with when you have a baby.

We're looking forward to this weekend as well - Martin and I will have a 'baby free' day and night on Friday, as Auntie Jo has volunteered to babysit! We are excited to be able to get one full night of uninterrupted sleep, but I know we'll miss Maddie tons and be so excited to pick her up the next morning. And Saturday morning is a big game day too...MSU plays Iowa...house divided! Madelyn will certainly be rooting for Michigan State and wearing one of her many Michigan State outfits of course.

Some more recent photos:

Her warm outfit for a chilly day in the park

Passed out on Mommy and Daddy's bed

Breakfast date with Ruby!

Sleeping on Cousin Aemelia 

And now sleeping on Daddy

Family picture

Her first Halloween!

And again...

Close-up of her 'costume'

Feeding time

Holding her head up by herself!

With both grandmothers on Halloween

Cuddles with Auntie Jo

Smiles after a night out trick-or-treating

A little grin :)