Renaissance Fair 2015

A few weekends ago we headed out to the Renaissance Festival with our good friends the Padgetts. I had never been, and James hadn't been since he was a child. It was a lot of fun! There were so many neat things to see. My favorite (which of course I didn't get ANY picture or video of, as I was nursing Maddie during the show) was the ... dang, I forgot what they were called. The acrobats who balance on each other and juggle. They were VERY talented! I would have been terrified to do any of the tricks they did. We even caught a glimpse of the last show of the day, where they juggle with fire. Yikes!! It was awesome to watch though. :) We saw a jousting tournament, glass blower, torture dungeon, and a falconer as well. It was really neat!

Not amused by my picture taking. And I have no idea why there is a red spot on her head. We never figured that one out.

Maddie had the best seat in the house!

Is it naptime yet?

This bookshop was SO. COOL. They had tons of old books and the decor was really fascinating as well.

Toy shop! They sold all wooden toys. We bought Mads a pink airplane, because airplanes.

The knight we were supporting in the joust. And the wenches cleaning the dust off him? I'm not sure what their job is actually...

Dungeon! We thought it was going to look like a dungeon, maybe a torture chair or something. Nope. Big mistake. They had all the torture devices and dummies showing you how they were used. Gave me the heebie jeebies!

There was AC though. That was nice.

Glass blower. This was a really neat demonstration! Glass blowing is a true art form, that's for sure.

Falconry.

She LOVED the birds and the falconer.

Stop taking my picture, Mom! I'm talking to the birds right now!

Sleepy

I love my baby, sweet and fair. 

Got the sky in your eyes; the sun in your hair. 

I rock you to sleep 'most every night

And sing you this song while I hold you tight.

Sleep, my baby.

May angels keep you from harm.

And your Father above cradle you in his love,

Safe and warm.

Sleep, my baby,

Nestled in your mama's arms.

Sleep, my baby,

May angels keep you from harm.

My baby, you'll be sleeping soon

Kissed by the golden stars and moon.

I have just one wish for you,

May your every dream come true.

Appalachian Lullaby, by Tanya Goodman

Maddie: 5 Months

Dear Madelynn,

I think I say this every month, but I can't believe how big you are! You have been in our family for nearly half a year now, but it feels like you have been with us forever. You are so much fun! This month has been a big developmental month for you.

-You are very chatty! You love when we talk to you - you and I have long conversations throughout the day. You also have very long one-sided conversations with yourself when you are playing. You especially love to talk to yourself in the mirror.

-You love toys now! Your hand eye coordination has significantly improved, and everything you can get your hands on makes its way directly to your mouth. You have also figured out how to replace your paci about 50% of the time, if it is in your hands. Your exersaucer is your new favorite toy. I bought it for a steal towards the beginning of the month, and you love to stand up in it! You also love talking to the lion on it.

-You consistently roll from your tummy to your back. You can also scoot and pivot while on your tummy. You don't stay still anymore, but you aren't quite mobile yet!

-Two little bottom teeth came through this month! They are the cutest things ever. :)

-You are about 13 lbs 9 oz. Not sure how tall you are, but you have grown out of most of your 6 month jammies.

-You wear 6 month clothes, 9 month jammies (although they are big), and size 2 diapers.

-Your schedule has gone out the window this month. 4 month sleep regression was a terrible, terrible nightmare for all of us. Only in the last couple days have you slept decently again. You nurse every 2-3 hours during the day, eat solids 2x/day (we are trying to get your weight up), and nurse every 2-4 hours at night... usually. Although this month has been anything but predictable.

-Naps are getting better, though. We have a set nap time routine that you know. You take a nap after about 1 1/2 hours of being awake, sometimes 2, but usually only an hour and half. Lately you have been taking 2 2-3 hour naps and one 45 minute nap daily, although some days it's 4 or 5 45 minute naps.

-You love to sing "5 Little Monkey Jumping on the Bed" as well as "5 Little Monkeys Swingin' From a Tree." Also, "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Maddie is My Favorite Baby Girl" (I made this one up but it is totally your favorite).

-You are perfectly happy sleeping in your crib during naptime, and from bedtime until about 11-12. After that you throw a fit if I put you in your crib. You want to be in your pack n play or in my bed with me. Honestly, you have ended up in my bed a lot lately, as we have just been trying to make it through the sleep regression.  I am now trying to be more strict with where you sleep.. but I have to admit that waking up to your sweet smile and chatter warms my heart.

-We started big girl food! You love oatmeal, pears, and sweet potatoes. You do not like rice cereal or bananas. You do love eating! As soon as I set you in your highchair, you get super excited. I also give you a little water from a cup when you are done eating - I think that's your favorite part.

-Your nicknames are: munchkin, munchie-munch, princess, peanut, Mad, Mad Maddie, and sometimes punkin.

-You also got to meet Great Grandpa Nichols this month! Once you warmed up a little, you loved him. :)

We love you to pieces, sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

Comparisons

She definitely has James' cheeks and ears, my color eyes, and McCutcheon skin tone. I think she has a Breeze jawline too. Always fun to compare baby pictures! :)