April

When it comes to being 2 years old, Madeline is definitely getting her game on. Last month I hedged a bit when describing Madeline's defiant attitudes, but this time around there's no denying that she's brimming with all-out 2-year-old glory. Combine that with a nasty virus that hung around for a good portion of the beginning of the month, and you have the formula for frustration.

Madeline's frequent displays of "oppositional behavior" range from yelling, screaming and crying to running away to completely ignoring us. While it's not unexpected from a toddler, it can still become trying at times, but we seem to make it through each day. And through the clouds there usually shines some sun. At her best, Madeline is a very sweet, loving and fun kid (we even have our own inside jokes - just mention the phrase "in the water" to her and she's bound to smile). She loves going to the gym day-care, story time at the local library and the grocery store. And she really loves playing outside in the yard.

Singing: Madeline knows all the words to several songs, and many a car trip is spent singing all of them in succession. Favorites include "Itsy-bitsy spider," "Monkeys on the bed," "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" and the alphabet song.

Potty: We're deeply into potty training now, and Madeline is getting very good at it. She even wears regular underwear around the house and has yet to make a mistake.

Here are some photos from this month:

Madeline had a great time hunting eggs on Easter. In fact, her basket became so heavy that she could hardly carry it as she scampered from tree to tree.

Many fun hours are spent in our backyard, playing with the soccer ball, checking out flowers, plants and bugs, and even helping mommy and daddy with yardwork. . .

and many a wish has been made with soft breath on a dandelion.

We made a trip to York River State Park, and Madeline had a great time. Here she checks out the wildlife display inside the park's nature center.

And here she sits with mommy on a small dock, watching people launch canoes into the river.

But the best part was Fossil Beach, where Madeline searched for shells, dug in the sand, and watched the waves roll in.

When we got home from the park, she was wiped out and needed a rest on the living room floor before dinner.

April went out on a beautiful note, as our little family spent a gorgeous morning together outside.