The Now

Evelynn had a ton of firsts over this holiday season. She has her first tooth (bottom left), she can go from sitting to crawling and back to sitting again, she can pull herself up to stand and shove those nasty puff things in her mouth like a pro. She reaches her arms out to be held and gives the most wonderful hugs. She's a happy girl, always so sweet and bubbly. She stares at Mads pretty much all day long, watching how she moves and plays, listening to her constant chatter and silly songs. She's studying her, learning from her and trying to imitate her. It's really amazing to watch them, a toddler teacher eager to show her pupil the way of their small world, and baby student so attentive, taking it all in like a sponge. I thought Madelynn grew fast, but it seems that Ev is growing at warp speed, from blob with hair to capable and HUGE overnight. She's the most beautiful baby I have ever seen.

Madelynn jumps high and leaps long. She's a talker, her mouth never stops running. She can poop on the potty when she wants to (which has only been twice so far), and put the correct amount of toothpaste on her brush. She counts to twenty, identifies all uppercase letters and is about halfway on lowercase. She cleans up her toys and can find a missing cell phone or remote control in seconds. She's so helpful with Ev, retrieving diapers and wipes to clean her butt, handing her toys that are out of her reach and giving a kiss when she looks a little cranky. She can put her clothes on (although she prefers to take them off), put on her shoes and coat, and clip her own hair. She loves candles that smell good, taking pictures and eating pretend birthday cake. She says "thank you" and "please", "you're so very welcome" and "excuse me." She's the most beautiful child I have ever seen.