After four years of anticipation and excitement, we finally got to celebrate the first Leap Day since Madeline was born four years ago. It was a tremendous day, but the rest of the month was pretty good, too.
Probably the most exciting thing that's happening around here these days is Madeline learning to read. By sounding out the letters and using context clues she has been able to read words in books and elsewhere. With no prompting from me she read the text of an "I voted" sticker on election day this week. She also saw a sign in a field that said "tomato" and was able to read it, even though there was no picture or other clue what it might say. It's happening slowly, but I can see her making big strides in the next 6 months to a year.
Here are some pictures from the month:
Madeline was sick - again - early in the month. That usually means a lot of time cuddling on the couch and reading.
When she was feeling better, I took her to Inflation Nation to check out the bouncy houses. She loved it! When we walked in and she saw all the inflatable playthings, her smile grew and she turned and said, "I love you, Daddy!"
I got my little Valentine her own rose, plus some other treats.
Madeline spends a quiet moment listening and feeling for her little sister.
At long last we got the first snow of the year. It didn't last long, but we were out early enough to make a snowwoman (whom Madeline named Tina).
Madeline helps vacuum the house on a chilly winter day.
Madeline has been eager to help prepare for the new baby. Here she does some painting in her sister's room.
We've also been preparing a garden in our yard. The biggest task so far has been clearing the area, which was rife with roots and other vegetation.
Madeline's birthday celebration started on the 28th, when I took her to the Children's Museum and to lunch. She loved playing at the museum, including riding the spring-loaded whale back and forth.
She also played pirate ship, before digging for fossils and treasure in the sand pit.
Madeline came downstairs on her birthday to find a special balloon, a chocolate-chip muffin with candles and a few presents waiting for her. After celebrating with Lacey and me in the morning, she had another party at her preschool.
The party continued at home later that day, when friends and family came over to help celebrate the big day. She had a circus theme for her party, following her own visit to the real circus just a few days earlier.
Madeline, of course, loved being the center of attention. Here, dressed in her party dress, she conducts the singing of Happy Birthday before blowing out the candles on her cake. 