Swimming - Week 3

Well, it seems that Madison Claire has turned a corner in her swimming lessons. Annie and I talked and had decided that it might be better if we weren't in the area where she has her lessons because it seemed like when she saw us it made it a lot worse. Annie mentioned that idea to Kennette this week and she also thought it would be a good idea. Annie was planning to take that approach on Thursday, but they were a little early to the lessons so Kennette recommended that Annie just try sitting on the top step of the pool with Madison Claire while we waited so she could get used to the water and play. Apparently, that was all it took! Madison Claire was happy as a clam, smiled throughout the lesson and actually cried only when she had to get out of the water.

I got home on Friday afternoon and we decided to try it again. Here is the video once the lesson actually started. She still has a way to go in terms of her swimming & floating but at least she isn't screaming bloody murder the whole time!!!

Business travel

I've been out of town the past 2 weeks for work. Jim & I went to Portland one week to have some meetings with the Product Services group and to spend some time with Tom & Carol. Tom is an Associate Recruiter on our team and Carol is our Coordinator. They both formally report to me so it was good to get to spend time with them in person.

It was a busy week! My days were packed with meetings and my nights were packed also. Jim and I had dinner at Carol's house on Monday night, I met up with Amy & Mitzi on Tuesday night, and then we had a team dinner at a FABULOUS place called Lovely's 50/50 with the team on Wednesday night. Here we all are (Jim, Tom, Tom's finance Susan, me, Carol's husband Evan, and Carol).

The week went by fast, but I definitely missed Ryan and Madison Claire. For the most part, I've felt good about going back to work and haven't been plagued with a consistent "mommy guilt". I usually try to do a good job of managing my time throughout the day so that when Annie leaves, I don't have to work anymore and can spend the time with Madison. One day a few weeks ago, I hadn't managed my time well and had a few emails that I had to get out after Annie left. I was in the living room with Madison Claire and I would play with her for a few minutes and then pick up my computer and send an email and then go back and play with her. That cycle continued a few times and then when I went to pick up my computer, she came over and pulled on my legs and looked at me with these big blue eyes and started doing the "more" sign - like she was saying "more Mommy, more Mommy". It's also really hard when I have to be away for a few days. This week when I was away, Annie said that Madison Claire would go up to our bedroom door (which was closed) and pat on it and say "Mama, Mama" like she thought I was in there. One night Ryan was playing with her and she dropped something that set off our "glass break" alarm and caused the system to chime like it normally does when a door opens. Ryan said she threw down her toys and practically ran to the garage door because she thought I was coming home. BREAK MY HEART!!!!

This past week, I was in Orlando for our annual methodology conference. As usual, it was great to get to spend time with all of my colleagues! I'm so thankful for the work friendships I've made over the past 8 years. One of my mentors, Steve Norris, is leaving the company in May and we had a "Toast & Roast" for him at the Management Team Reception on Wednesday night. Kate and I spoke together. I talked about how I first met Steve back in the Fall of 2003 when I was an analyst and we were both stranded at the airport in Nashville trying to get to Portland for the fall conference. A friendship was born and he continued to meet with me quarterly over the past 7 years just to touch base. He cared about me & my development even though I wasn't in a position to provide any direct return to him (I never worked on any of his projects). For that, I will always be appreciative. Ryan & I are so thankful that Steve & his wife Missy live in Nashville so we can continue to remain friends.

I'll update about all of the other work drama later. For now, I'm happy to be home and won't have to travel again for work until late June. WOO HOO!

Pei Wei anyone?

Every weekend includes a trip to Pei Wei and Whole Foods to do our grocery shopping. We always get the same thing - Pad Thai for me, Spicy Chicken Salad for Ryan, and a kids Mongolian Chicken for Madison Claire. The food is fantastic and we can get all of that for less than $20 which is great for our budget since we've been doing the envelope system for about 6 months. We are looking forward to the patio dining now that the weather is getting warmer!

A day at the park

Last weekend, we took Madison Claire to the park and then swimming at the indoor pool at our YMCA. Ryan hadn't been with her to the park before, and you can tell from the pictures below that they had a great time playing on the swings and the slides. Madison Claire is lucky to have such a great daddy!!!

Swimming - Part Two

Well....Madison Claire is NOT liking her swimming lessons one bit. The first day, she started crying about 5 minutes into the lesson. The second day, she started crying once the instructor, Kennette, got her into the pool. The third day, she started crying when she was still in my lap, but Kennette reached for her. Today, she started crying as soon as we entered the building and she saw Kennette across the pool. I'm afraid that tomorrow she is going to start when we get out of the car, and soon enough she will be crying once she wakes up in the morning!!! AHHHH!!!

Here is the video...if you choose to watch, be prepared for a lot of crying!!!

Swimming Lessons

Madison Claire started her swimming lessons this week. The first day was hilarious...she was pretty good for the first 5 minutes and then was OVER it. She started using her right hand to push the lady away. She really did not like floating, so hopefully that will get better with time!

Here is the video...it's the whole 10 minutes, so be warned.

She did a little bit better today on her second day. They actually let go of her in the water so she sunk under today several times. She did great holding her breath. I'll try to get a video tomorrow so you can see.

More Birthday Pics

Madison Claire had her one year pictures this morning with my friend Cyndi. Madison wasn't in a very happy mood so it will be interesting to see how they turn out...she didn't smile until the last 10 minutes of the shoot!! Lucky for us, Cyndi is super talented and she always manages to get a good picture even when I think there is NO way she could possibly get one. Stay tuned for the actual pics...I'll probably get them in early April.

Anyway, Cyndi, DJ & the kids (Bella & Hayden) were at Madison Claire's birthday party and Cyndi took some pictures there. She got some great ones that I wanted to share. Hayden and Madison Claire were so cute with one another...take a look:

Easter Sunday

I have a new appreciation for Easter after being a parent. It has always been overwhelming to me that God would send his only son to die not only for the sins of the world, but for the sins of each of us. To think that he would have done it all even if it was just for me. Wow. Now that I'm a parent, I have an even deeper appreciation as I cannot even begin to fathom seeing Madison Claire go through such suffering and pain. What an amazing God we serve...and what an incredible gift of salvation. We had a great series at church the past 2 weeks about the cross and resurrection. If you have time, you should check them out (titled The Final Hours & Easter Celebration on the website):

http://www.cumberlandonline.org/listen.asp

Mom, Meredith, Ben & the McSwains joined us for church this morning and then we had a nice lunch at Bonefish Grill. Afterwards we had our first Easter Egg hunt in the front yard...she wanted to eat the eggs more than anything else. Precious.

Look at the difference between Easter last year and Easter this year...what a big girl!

Here is a video of our Easter Egg Hunt:

First Birthday Party!

Today was Madison Claire's first birthday party! We got everything ready this morning and the party started at noon. We had planned on a low key day with pizza & cupcakes. We invited a few of our friends with kids & from our small group (past and present) and had a lot of fun celebrating Miss Madison Claire. My family came into town - Mom, Dad, Sarah, Ryan, Meredith, Patrick, Ben & Mama Howard. Ryan's parents came too and of course we couldn't have a party for Madison Claire without Nanny Annie!!

I really wanted the party to be special, but I've been busy with work and life and just didn't feel any creative waves in my brain for this party! I had bought the cutest little paper invitations from a paper store that was going out of business here about a year ago and wanted to use them for the party. I procrastinated on getting them printed at home and when I finally decided I had to make the invitations and get them out, of course I couldn't figure out how to get the invitations to print from my house. My printer wouldn't accept the paper, I couldn't get it to line up right...basically everything that could have gone wrong, did. So - after one night with me in a very bad mood, Ryan told me just to order some online and it would be okay if they were expensive. So I did and got this cute little invitation from Shutterfly.

Once the invitations were done, I still couldn't find any creative energy, so called my friend Ashley Ethridge who is SUPER creative and asked her if she would help me with some decorations. She made the cutest little things - water bottle covers, cupcake toppers, little bags for the kids as thank yous, and a banner that says Madison Claire. She definitely exceeded my expectations!!! THANK YOU ASHLEY!!!!

This morning when we woke up it was raining but by the time noon rolled around, it was a beautiful day! We got some balloons for the mailbox and Madison Claire was mesmerized with them! We had a great time celebrating with our friends...thank you to everyone who came and made us all feel special. As Ryan said when he was asking the blessing - it was more than just a party for Madison Claire - it was a party for all of us - and we so appreciate the love and support from our friends and family! Here are some pictures from the day...enjoy!!

This is one of my favorites....love her looking up at the balloons!

She is in there somewhere!!

Her big "CUPCAKE" cake

YUM....she loved the icing!

We have such great friends & family!!

The Howards

The Howards & McSwains

So HYPED up on sugar!!

With the G-mama Howard

Sweet Annie stayed afterwards to help us clean up and Madison Claire was OVER the pictures...

And....naptime!