3 months and baptism

Madeline is 3 months already, crazy! This was a really fun month for us, as Madeline started giggling and chatting even more for us. She is one of the happiest babies I've seen, and we are so grateful for her disposition. Even in the mornings when I have to wake her up to get ready before I head to work, as she rarely ever fusses. As her eyes slowly open to embrace the morning light she always flashes me a big smile - love it!

My cousin and sister came to visit this month, as did my parents and college friend Emily. Also, Madeline was baptized! Lots to celebrate and enjoy with her this month.

Just a disclaimer here - some of our family likes to get pics of Madeline on facebook, while some don't have facebook and like to get pictures of her on our blog. So there is definitely some doubling up here between facebook and the blog.

Here are Madeline's 3 month photos...I don't know her height and weight this month because she doesn't have a 3 month check-up. But it sure feels like she's grown a ton again this month.

Madeline's baptism was a very special occasion for us. She was baptized at the Easter Vigil at our church, which is a 5 hour long celebration with dance, song, drama, creative displays, and various music forms that bring to life several readings from the Bible. My parents flew out to be with us for the occasion, and my college friend Emily came out as Madeline's godmother. Here is the story of the day:

This is the dress that both my mother and I wore for our baptisms, and it fit Madeline perfectly.

These beautiful Christening shoes were from James' family - they were his sisters and Lois sent them out for us to use.

Getting ready.

Layer 1 and lots of giggles.

All ready to go and pensive.

Family photos.

So sweet, my girl.

James & I so grateful for our daughter, and prayerful that she grows in the knowledge and grace of the Lord.

Father Kevin blessing the baptismal water.

The Baptism: Welcome to the family of God, Madeline!

Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.

Father Stuart giving Madeline a sign & seal of her Baptism.

Chicagoland with the Sis and Cuz

I just wrapped up another great week with family here in Chciagoland. My little sister Krista and my cousin Hailey came out to stay with us for a week during their spring break, and it was such a blast hanging out with these two lovely young ladies. And Madeline enjoyed lots of love & attention from Krista and Hailey while they were here –they watched her while I worked throughout the week and she had so much fun getting to know them.

As I sit here typing this out, I realize I am exhausted because we did a lot this past week! In between my work schedule and James’ crazy week of comprehensive exams, we spent a day at the beach on Lake Michigan, had a picnic at Cantigny, strolled the river walk in Naperville, hung out on campus quite a bit, and spent a day in downtown Chicago. We had record streaks of warm, sunny weather while the girls were here: high 70’s and mid 80’s with sunshine almost every day! I’m still in shock with how warm it has been, and it has caused everything to bloom 2 months earlier than it did last year. Some pics from our week:

Sunday afternoon at the beach on Lake Michigan:

Picnic at Cantigny:

Downtown Chicago, starting off at The Signature Room which is on the 95th floor of the Hancock Tower. Normally you can see sweeping views of the city of Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline from this restaurant, but the one day it was cloudy, rainy and foggy was the day we were able to spend in Chicago. I was a bit dissapointed that the city was covered in fog and that we had to brave occasional downpours, since this was both Krista and Hailey's first time to Chicago. But we made the best of it! The city actually looks quite beautiful covered in dense layers of fog.

Walking through Grant Park, which is the main park downtown Chicago.

Here is Millenium Park, and the Frank Gehry building framed by the blooming cherry trees and tulips. It smelled incredible!

And we took lots of fun pics at "The Bean," which is this funny massive bean-shaped sculpture that has become a famous Chicago landmark. Madeline is currently enthralled with mirrors and windows, so she loved checking out The Bean.

Unfortunately James was swamped this week with his comprehensive exams for his program, but we did manage to snag him for some great games of Settlers of Catan, Chicago deep dish pizza, and a little sweet sixteen viewing.

We had such a great time with you, Krista & Hailey! You are both becoming such beautiful young women. So glad you both could come out, and we can't wait to see you again this summer!

Madeline's Second Month!

Madeline turned two months a few weeks ago, and I’m finally getting her two month pics posted. I just finished up a really busy (but great!) work week, and am quite tired so my editing chops are lacking - thus here comes a deluge of photos. But I'm sure the grandparents won't mind!

Madeline’s personality really took off in her second month – she started smiling A LOT, which made her parents smile A LOT. But it is very hard to capture her sweet smiles on camera – she’s less inclined to smile with a big black box in her face. Nonetheless, I did catch a few sweet smiles from my girl:

And she was full of smiles when I took this picture:

Little Miss M also got out a lot more in her 2^nd month of life. We went for lots of family walks with her bundled up in her little snowsuit:

She went to church regularly, dressed in her Sunday attire, and slept through most of the services like a champ:

We visited Daddy and his philosophy 101 classes – Madeline brought Shamrock cookies for good luck as Daddy handed out his midterms. (Daddy was hoping the Baby/cookie combo would help with course evaluations – ha!).

She also spent a little time with Daddy in his office, catching up on the latest metaphysical news of the day.

And by far the most exciting event of Madeline’s second month was a visit from her Ama Lois!

We loved every minute of her stay. She came during my first week back to work, which made the transition back so much easier. Lois finally got Madeline to take a bottle, just in the nick of time! She made us yummy breakfasts and dinners, and she really got Madeline to chat it up. The two of them had several long convos - it was so fun to hear Madeline "talk" to her Ama Lois. She also got Madeline her first big toy - a play yard! Madeline LOVES it - she loves grabbing and gazing at all the fun little toys, and we can see her working on her hand coordination and fine motor skills as she plays.

James and I continue to marvel at what a blessing Madeline is to us. It has brought out all new and wonderful aspects of being married, and we are so grateful to be her parents.