One Year Ago...

The day started like any other day. I was at Parkland...tired...working hard....oh...and in LABOR! So not really like a normal day. But the day shaped up to be one of the most life-altering days in Kheang and my lives! Madelynn joined our happy family and made our lives so much more amazing! Here's a look at then and now.....

So now, a recap of things Madelynn has done over the last year....

Madelynn -- it's all about you!

• You are a super sweet baby with lots of laughs and smiles every day!


• You give your Dad the best laughs and smiles, though!


• You love to sing the "ABC's" and "Jesus Loves Me"


• You play Pat-A-Cake all day long!


• You walk around with your push toys and have taken a few steps to and from Mom and Dad! -- we've even caught you standing without realizing it!


• You climb the stairs and go down them backwards


• You sing with Mommy all the time


• Your favorite words are BaBa (daddy), MaMa, Bah (ball), Boh (book), All Done, Up, Bye, and More


• You can "sign" more and all done -- when you want to!


• You love being chased while you crawl --especially up the stairs!


• You have given up the bottle and now drink from a straw cup!


• You love squash and zucchini, sweet potato and peas, bananas and hamburgers, yogurt & applesauce...but above all else--black beans!


• You haven't turned down much food...eggs are the only thing you throw at us


• You bark like a dog and raise you arm in the air like an elephant


• You suck your thumb when you're sleepy


• Your napping routine is anything but routine -- you usually take 2-3 naps a day that are about 45 minutes to 1 hour long


• Your bedtime is 8pm and you usually start insisting on removal from your crib about 7-7:30 am


• You love to eat with your fork (with assistance- of course)


• You use your 6 teeth to eat...but there are more coming --i can see them!


• Your favorite time of day is after dinner....Daddy gives you a bath and then we play! You also try to squeeze in some naked time crawling around your room....


• You wear 12-18 month clothes and size 3 shoe (still our little foot!)


• You've been to the doctor one time this year for sickness....and we weren't convinced you were sick!


• You seem to have your mommy and daddy's seasonal allergies....sorry!


• Everyone tells us to enter you into contests because you're so cute! -- but we want to save you just for us!


• You enjoy time with your Granna and Grandad and your Ma and Gong and Lao Ma


• You welcome most people and will let lots of people hold you


• You give kisses when we ask...and sometimes when we don't ask!


• You love your babysitter -Ms. Sharma...and she loves you too!


• You wave bye-bye and say "bye"


• You love to Dance --even if there's no music!

Madelynn, Mommy and Daddy love you so very much and are so proud of everything you do!