Update

I just wanted to share some pictures of Miss Madeline so everyone can see how big she's getting. Yesterday we went in for our 2 month appointment. She is officially 9.1 pounds and 21.65 inches long. I continue to get very excited every ounce she gains. Madeline does start child care on Monday. Her child care lady is Michelle Read. Michelle watches four children, including Madeline. Madeline will be the only infant and the only female. The other three boys are toddlers one of which is Michelle's own son. Some of the highlights that we have had are:
*Will saying, "Safety is overrated." I was wanting to make sure her crib sheet and mattress cover was on appropriately, Will didn't think that deserved the time to make it all right. I won! ;)
*Will and I experienced Madeline pooping when we gave her a bath (gross), but not as gross as when she pooped and it got on my stomach. That was our first shower together.
*Madeline is in full swing as far as smiling. It really makes waking up early worth it!
*Madeline mimics when you stick your tongue out. It's really cute!
*To date, her eyes are still blue. We are all anxious to see what color they will be. Will nor I can see one speck of brown in there. We shall see!!

Will and I are appreciative that we have a sense of humor while being new parents. One night, I didn't put Madeline's diaper on tight enough so she peed our bed, spit up on my pajama top, and then my pajama bottom. Moose would not stop jumping on me. I started to laugh around 3 am and kept repeating, "This is our life." For some reason, Will was not reciprocating the humor.

Will has a big court martial coming up the second week of February so he is inundated with work. He has a person that will permanently be helping him next week. I know he is a little relieved to get some help.

Enjoy the pictures!

Moose likes using Madeline's mat as his personal tunnel.

We were hoping she would have liked her wrist rattles, not so much.

Cute as a bunny!

Daddy & Madeline

Ready for an outing!

She loves her baths!

Madeline's Singing Debut

If you are ever not in a great mood, check these out! They are sure to make you smile!

Bob and Betsy (12/30/10-1/4/11)

Bob and Betsy had quite a trip to Fairbanks. By the time they arrived, they were extremely sleep deprived and desperately needed some sleep. Bob, Betsy, and Will visited Chena Hot Springs and not only enjoyed the springs, but the snow that fell. The weather quickly warmed up to the positives. Bob, Betsy, Will and I really just enjoyed hanging out at the house, conversing, and playing some Wii games: Glee and Monopoly. During their trip they not only saw two moose, but an aurora as well.

Mattie and Madeline loved being near Bob.

Such a cutie!

Bob and Betsy bought Madeline a mack daddy tent. She absolutely loved it!

We all took turns keeping her engaged.

Betsy's turn.

Grandpa Bob and Madeline

Yes, that is a smile!

Bob and Betsy left three days ago and Will, Madeline, and I are trying to adjust. Will and I continue to be sleep deprived. One of my favorite things is when Will tries to convince me that Madeline doesn't need to be changed during the night. Here's a perfect example:
Casey - Will, Madeline needs to be changed
Will - Are you sure?
Casey - Yes, I'm sure.
Will - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I, unfortunately, will be heading back to work January 31st. It is a very bitter sweet moment. I love my job and the people I work with, but it will be hard not being around Madeline 24-7. Will has said that we can make it work and I can stay home. It's nice to know that I do have that option in case I can't handle the separation.

During her last doctor's visit she weighed 7.4 pounds. It's a very exciting thing! Her next appointment is January 28th.

Next up...Will's birthday on the 19th! Cha cha cha!

Steve, Steven, Josh, Mom, and Dad arrive (12/22/10-12/28/10)

The rest of the crew quickly arrived. With our small three bedroom house you would think we would hate each other instantly. But we didn't! My parents insisted on staying at a hotel (smart move). Will and I were wanting to stay at the hotel, but my parents won. Steve, intelligently, brought and used ear plugs. Steven and Josh, thankfully are hard sleepers. Wendi and I constantly texted each other during Madeline's early wake-ups.

We had grand plans of going tubing, cross country skiing, and other outdoor activities. However, the weather was bitterly cold and everything was closed. EXCEPT....dog sledding. Even though the trip was 15 minutes, it was amazing and I was in awe how quickly my eyelashes kept freezing shut.


Madeline was a huge hit and at this time Will and I were thankful that she was over 6 pounds. Yay!

Steve's first night in Alaska. He obviously wanted the bed all to himself. :)

One of the dog mushers.

Steve and Steven are the first victims to go.

Holy cow that is cold!

Before

After

I know you are cold, but say cheese.

We thought this was very appropriate because Steven loves music.

Awww!

Poppy and Madeline

Grammy and Madeline

Josh and Madeline

When in North Pole you have to visit Santa Claus!

Madeline visited him twice this Christmas.

Steve, Will, and Steven about to endure in a snow shoe adventure.

Wendi making sure I am a-ok! :)

Outside our house. I wanted someone to sit in the poof.

Not only did Steve sit on the poof, we added the prop!

Everyone brought their stockings.

Dad receiving his Sarah Palin toilet paper

Oh Christmas Tree!!!!

Will and his super fancy cookware. Maybe now he'll cook.

Pretty picture.

Josh writing Santa on Christmas Eve.

This is during a quick excursion that Steve, Wendi, and I had at the nearby golf course.

Will would have broken up with me if we received the same shirt.

**I'm sorry about the small grainy pictures. I only could locate and transfer them from Snapfish.

When everyone left it was a very sad day. I become extremely homesick and went into a three day funk. I know that I will see everyone very soon. It was a wonderful Christmas and I'm thankful everyone was able to come to visit.

Our family time hasn't ended yet....Bob and Betsy arrive the very next day! :)

Wendi's visit (12/6/10-12/28/10)

Wendi came soon after Madeline arrived. Aunt Wendi fell in love at first sight. She helped us tremendously with cleaning, laundry, more laundry, and helping me figure out this Mom thang! A few of my favorite things of Wendi's visit:

*Liquid Ice Cream visits (a scrumptious treat)

*Smart Wool fixation

*Putting makeup for the first time on Madeline "pretty as a butterfly"

*Wendi getting to know Moose. My favorite Moose moment was that she made him do a  

  double jump that would make Olympian skiers jealous!

Madeline was so tiny her tights are hanging off of her.

One of my favorites!

Oscar isn't protective whatsoever!

Moose is jealous of Madeline's blanket.

Pretty as a butterfly!

We are were very thankful that Aunt Wendi came to help us out! Soon December 22nd came when the rest of the crew came.