February

February has come and gone, with little news to share other than the fact that Madeline is now 2 years old. This year we celebrated her Leap Year birth on the 28th, both because it fell on a Sunday (the easiest day to get family together) and because she's our February baby - even if the 29th doesn't come every year, she arrived in February and that seems to be what feels right.

We celebrated another family member's birthday earlier in the month, and that gave us an entry to explain the concept to Madeline. She now happily tells people her birthday is February 29 and that she'll be 2 years old. She was also excited for weeks about the party and the cake - and blowing out the candles. And the day did not disappoint - her first birthday was somewhat dampened by teething issues, but this year Madeline had just gotten over a(nother) cold and was in great spirits.

Generally in these monthly posts I wrap up major themes or developments, but there doesn't seem to be much new to report this month. Of course, every day I am amazed at the thoughts she expresses - both the complexity of her ideas and the way she expresses them. She seems to have an uncanny command of her vocabulary. Her sense of humor seems to be expanding and deepening as well. It's fun to talk about imaginary, unrealistic situations and watch her process the visual in her mind and then laugh at the silliness (and sometimes throw in a "silly daddy!").

Here are some pictures from this month:

Remember last month? And the month before? Richmond's record-setting snow continued in February, and Madeline became more accustomed to the ice and snow blanketing the yard.


She also grew more accustomed to the refreshing mug of hot cocoa after a romp in the snow.


Last year we met Cousin Ozzy. This year Madeline got to hang out with Ozzy and his new little sister, Scarlet.

Madeline enjoys a book with Nana.

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After more than a winter's worth of snow, we welcomed a springlike weekend by spending most of it outside.

One of Madeline's favorite pastimes these days is pushing the stroller around the driveway. And when she gets tired? Well, there just happens to be a stroller for daddy to push her around in!

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Madeline loved all of the gifts she received for her birthday and, not wanting to seem ungrateful, spent lots of time with each gift. Lots of time. Like reading-the-entire-book-twice time. . .

and walking-in-circles-around-the house-for-20-minutes time with her new baby-doll stroller.

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Finally it was time for the main event - blowing out the candles on her cake (homemade carrot cake by mommy, with icing/decoration assistance from Aunt Hannah). It took a couple tries but she got the job done. And she's not telling what she wished for!