Pre-Memorial Day BBQ

Contrary to her expression, Madelyn really likes Uncle Bryan!

Grandma Winkel got this nifty contraption to entertain the many babies that frequent her home. I'm not a big fan of "baby containers," but can appreciate them in small doses. I also abandoned my aversion to child crotch-suspension because Madelyn loves this toy! She works very hard to grab both of those antennae-thingies, then intently considers how she might simultaneously get them both into her mouth (which is clearly where all matter belongs). I love witnessing Madelyn's developing motor skills and creative problem solving, so hooray for this gadget!

I guess one at a time will have to do...

"I wonder if Aunt Laurel would like to taste my fingers too!"

Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures with my Uncle John and Aunt Elinor Alder's family visiting from Salt Lake. Gary and I played a rousing game of Tolf (tennis ball golf--my dad created an 18-hole course on the property) with their four terrific kids. But some of us chipped more grass than ball...don't tell my dad!

Cute New Hat

My friend (from high school!) Jessica Lass is home visiting from Washington, DC. She knitted this adorable hat for Miss Winter--complete with monogram. What a sweetheart!

I Love Sushi

After a long day hiking at Silver Falls, we treated ourselves to our favorite hole-in-the-wall authentic sushi restaurant (It's called 'I Love Sushi'). The koi look ravenous!

Lately Madelyn is very attracted to water glasses. Every time I try to have a drink, she grabs at it with fervor until she can press her mouth against the smooth, cold glass. So we did get her her very own sippy cup, and she can actually drink water out of it when she's not intently gumming the soft spout.

Silver Falls

We all enjoyed some fresh air and exercise at beautiful Silver Falls, east of Salem. Loki and Kezia came too, but they weren't allowed on the prettiest areas of the trail because it gets kind of narrow in places. We hiked for nearly 3 hours, including some serious uphill stretches. As usual, Madelyn was a perfect companion. Apprently she got more worn out than us, as she fell asleep near the end.

So happy and adorable!

Picnic with Friends

A beautiful day for a pic-a-nic!

Kristen & Madelyn, Sarah & Demitrius, Rachel & Katya

Katya ended up going home in one of Madelyn's onesies after a major diaper disaster. Ah, how nice to share the joys of motherhood with girlfriends!

Keep your eyes on the road!

....That's better!

And in case anyone is appalled by these pictures, please note the shopping cart kiosk in the background, indicating that the car is indeed parked. :-)

Old friend, New mom

Madelyn got to meet one of my long-time friends, Rachel (Browning) Fields. We haven't seen each other in years, and it was great to catch up (Rachel, her husband Ben, and 6-week-old Katya joined us at my parents home for dinner)

We're looking forward to spending more time together, since Rachel lives in Oregon City! It is so fun to have friends with new babies because we can relate so much.

Dog Park

Madelyn's first visit to our favorite dog park (we have to drive to Tigard, about 45 minutes, to get here!)

Lookin' pretty cool in Dad's gear.

With the pups near the "toilet"

Swing Time

Madelyn enjoying the swings in Grandma and Grandpa Winkel's FUN backyard

Hold on tight!

Babysit me Anytime!

I brought Madelyn with me to a Curves meeting in Portland, but I had some work to do with my manager Melinda at the Aloha Curves. I knew I would be half as effective with Little Muffin hanging around. So in the morning I called Bonnie who lives not far from there to see if she would mind watching Madelyn for a couple of hours. To my delight (but not really my surprise), she was happy to do it!

Bonnie called her neighbor friend Debbie over to join the fun. Apparently they all had her laughing out loud and singing! She probably loved being able to spend time with different people instead of just boring ol' Mom.

Thank you to Grandpa Dale for taking these cute pictures!

My FEET!

Madelyn discovering her feet:

Delicious and FUN!

(She is hanging out in the AMAZING stroller from Grandma Bonnie and Great Aunt Tammie)

MORE Swimming!

We returned to Mt. Scott Community Center with my mom, my sister Diana, her 3 boys (Bryson 6, Kaden 3, and Jack 6 mos.), and my friend Sarah Evans' family. Kaden LOVED the big water slide, and we got to take turns going down with him.

Madelyn Winter, Jack Fairhurst, Demitrius Evans


Grandma Winkel with her two youngest grandchildren

Playing with Bryson

When we got home from Eagle Crest, cousin Bryson came over from next door to play with Madelyn. I guess he missed her!

See how he makes her smile!

Swimming at Eagle Crest

What a beautiful day for a dip in the pool!

With Grandma

Bonnie sweetly offered to watch Madelyn while Gary and I enjoyed Breakfast overlooking the Eagle Crest golf course on this sunny morning.

We returned to the condo to find baby asleep in Grandma's arms...both of them in bliss!

Exploring the Deschutes

We stayed with Bonnie and Dale for a couple of nights in their condo at Eagle Crest Resort near Bend, OR.

Madelyn and Daddy checking out the Deschutes River a short hike from the condo


Enjoying a picnic lunch at Drake Park in downtown Bend

Madelyn is starting to discover faces with her hands

Can you hear her humming?

A walk along the riverbank with the whole clan

Plumb tuckered out after all that fun!

Backyard Fun

A couple of cute pictures in Bryan and Laurel's backyard for cousin Ethan's NINTH birthday party!

Make a wish Madelyn!

20 week stats

Madelyn is now 24.5 inches tall, and weighs 11 lbs, 12 oz. This means that since her last appointment on 2/26, she has grown half an inch and lost half a pound. I was very surprised, although I guess I don't know why , since she is still wearing newborn onesies! (Anything with closed feeties is 6-months though, since she's so long!) The pediatrician didn't seem concerned about the weight loss, and Madelyn does have chubby thighs and is developing muscles to stand and push up on her arms from her tummy. She is healthy and happy!Here is one of my favorite pictures of Madelyn one day old--

and one I took today. Amazing! And she still loves being swaddled...