July

It's been a busy month for young Madeline. Her verbal skills have exploded in the past few weeks - she learns new words every few minutes, it seems, and even repeats things that she hears other people say in passing (which is making us watch our words a little more carefully). She's enjoying the outdoors this summer - we travel to the park often and spend lazy afternoons at the neighborhood playground.

Madeline has also enjoyed spending time with the babysitter, Chelsea, who comes over a few afternoons each week to allow Lacey to return to more of a normal work schedule.

Here are some pictures of Madeline from the past few weeks:

Madeline shows off those bright blue eyes, and the hairband that keeps her flowing locks out of her eyes.

Here she enjoys a game of hide-and-seek with daddy in the living room...

and then a good laugh with mommy.

We spent a pleasant weekend afternoon playing at the beach near Lacey's parents' house.

At the beach Madeline discovered the indigenous faunae, including this (dead) blue crab...

which she then offered to her father. (I politely declined.)

Madeline also enjoys practicing her phone etiquette.

She learned to blow bubbles in the bathtub...

and exulted in pure delight when mommy issued a shower of bubbles.