Poor Second Child

Being a second daughter myself, I swore I would not do to Paxton what was done to me-hardly any pictures, especially not by herself, forgetting to write anything down about her, wearing shoes too small for her feet, etc...Well, I have failed miserably. This baby is lucky if I take a picture of her once a month, and until this week was wearing shoes a whole size too small. I have given myself some grace and let go of the guilt because I realize that all those things are not my gift package (except the shoes-should have seen that one). I find myself alone with her this morning and thought I should write some things down. She plays so well by herself. She loves to play with her babydolls, feed them bottles, rock them. She likes to color, and I think she will be our lefty. Her speech is amazing. Now, she's 17 months, so I am not saying that others can understand her, but her Mama does, which is amazing for me. She will sing the cleanup song "Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere," and then yesterday sang "happy birthday dear Sissy" for Madeline. This child's hair is so straight. She will only keep a bow or clippy in it for a short time. We lose one a day. Paxie is spunky too. She thinks she is as big as her sister and tries to do what the big kids do. She is also very easy going. Because she is a good independent player, she does not require much attention or help, but when she does not get her way, she can throw down with the best of them. I am so thankful because she is a snuggler! M was/is not, but Pax is good for a hug and kiss any time. Our bedtime routine consists of laying her night-night (blanket) over my shoulder and she lays her head on it while I sing and pray. This girl still can knock back the food. She is constantly on the lookout for her next "nack" (snack). We are so thankful for our second daughter who brings such joy to our home. Sorry baby for the lack of pictures!

Another new post below!

Birthday and Years Gone By

 How did she turn into this little girl so fast?

The hair really came in between year 2-3. Shortly after this picture, M got her first haircut.

Our sweet Madeline turned 5 yesterday. Five?! Some days have been endless but the years have flown by. We have had a fun filled two days that included her school celebration, a field trip to the library, play time at Chucky Cheese, pizza place for dinner, Yogurt Lab for dessert, and then a party today at McWane Science Center. Side note, the incorporation of new toys is the bane of my existence. I need to purge since we had Christmas and birthday one after the other.

Most people who know Madeline refer to her as my mini-me. Not just physically, but in personality as well. She is funny. She loves to joke and say crazy things. She loves playing with dolls, all things princess, dress ups, crafts, and any inanimate object can suddenly come to life in the middle of a conversation or situation. She is very dramatic. She used to be so tough, but has come to take the smallest of pains as major catastrophes which can resurface days later. Her little heart has really begun to understand the Lord more this year. She finally picked a hand! She writes right handed, but still does a lot with her left. She can write her name and most of her letters. She loves her sister, but does not like it when others show her attention. She feels the need to do something to Paxton like hug her or kiss her hard to make her presence known. Her vocabulary continues to increase. The things she picks up on surprise me. For instance, she asked what ominous and philosophy meant the other night. She loves technology like her daddy. The kid can work an iPhone. She is very independent-particularly with being self-directed in her playtime. Her downfalls are that she thinks she is always right, she dawdles, she has keen skills to tune out my voice, and she tends to blame others when things do not go her way. Ah sin....what a bummer. As I get older I see the cross Jesus had to bear for me continue to get bigger. Praying our girl comes to understand the same and that the Lord might (preferably gently) teach her humility. So thankful for our first daughter! She is a gift.

Down, But Not Out

 I could not love this picture more

 Angel in the Christmas pageant

 two good friends from church. Walker and Elle

 My mini-me at her thanksgiving banquet

Her class before their Christmas program

So I have not given up on blogging. We got a Macbook and I have been slowly moving files, learning the ropes on here, as well as doing the Christmas season. I have not downloaded pictures yet from the last month, but rest assured (mom and dad) I am working on it. Here is a tiny snip it of the past two months.