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Category Archives: Family Dinner
Maddie Gets California Driver’s Permit
The need for speed…
It’s not a party until they call out the fire department!
Roger Santa, you are cleared for takeoff on runway two-two!
Permission to buzz the tower?
Maddie Turns the Corner on Her Thanksgiving Sickness
“I feel as pert as a rutting buck”
The Mad Madster finally came out swinging this morning after battling back from a skin infection and projectile vomiting. Trips were cancelled and plans were altered as Maddie pretty much slept through the Thanksgiving holiday so she could right the ship.
It was tough seeing the “Little Bean” so far off of her game, but she’s feeling more like her old self this morning.
We suspect that waiting in the pediatrician’s office for two hours on Wednesday afternoon might be where Maddie caught this nasty 24-hour bug. We had been home for about two hours and Maddie wasn’t interested in any dinner.
When we finally gave up and tried to put Maddie to bed, the sickness beating up her little body let loose. She threw up down the hall, took a few steps and then covered her mom with the holiday brew of sickness.
The next morning Maddie slept deep into the morning before we finally went in and woke her up around 9am. Maddie was wiped out and we decided that we couldn’t make the trip to her grandparent’s home.
Maddie was already back in bed by 11 while her dad went out to gather up some food for an impromptu Thanksgiving dinner. Maddie slept hard and slept often through out the day and we were happy to see that she was on the mend this morning.
Maddie Battling the Night Crazies and Time Change Blues
But I’m just a little angel!
Since being driven out by the hurricane, this is about the longest stint Maddie has had away from home. She is in good spirits, but is definitely falling victim to the night crazies.
Maddie has also come up with a new move for her grandfather – it’s called the HULK! Her eyes bug out, she makes two fists and strains like she’s turning into the Hulk.
This is great entertainment for all who witness the transformation.
Maddie is also taking time to rub food in her hair and fire her sippy cup across the room like a missile during dinner. We have tried reasoning with her and disciplining her, but when the mood hits – there’s no swaying her from course of craziness.
Of course Maddie manages to be sweet even during her most ridiculous outbursts, but it’s important to record this behavior so we can share it with Maddie when she is a little older.
My father tends to exaggerate.
A Little Milk Makes Maddie Batty
I can’t believe I drank the whole thing
They say milk does a body good – but how it impacts Maddie is still up for debate. Maddie was ripping through a big dinner tonight when we decided to give the old milk bottle another try. To say she liked would be a terrible understatement.
As soon as Maddie started drinking, she was all amped up and feeling good. So good in fact, that she kept swinging the sippy cup around her head between sips. This of course led to a forecast of heavy milk rain for the wooden floor with a smattering honeydew melon pieces.
As I bent down with a paper towel, I got a little conk on the head with the sippy cup. Next thing I know I feel milk misting over my scalp. I looked up to see Maddie laughing maniacally as she sprinkled my head with milk. I’m sure I wasn’t supposed to laugh, but the baby was so pleased with herself that I joined in on her raucous laughter.
Rather than take the milk away from her, I took shelter under the high chair and gave her toes a few well-placed bites. Now Maddie was practically beside herself with laughter. We kept up with our hunger games for a few more minutes before resuming our normal mealtime.
For a girl that turns one-year-old this weekend, Maddie already is exhibiting a seriously well-developed and advanced sense of humor.
Maddie Makes Good on Her First Mother’s Day
I’ll make it rain up in here!
Maddie had a full slate in front of her when she woke up this morning. She had dates with both sets of grandparents, church and house full of cousins in Western New Jersey. That’s a great deal of excitement for a 9-month-old superstar like Maddie, but she was ready to make the best of it.
It was also a really BIG day for Maddie’s mom – After all, this is her first Mother’s Day as a mom! So we started the day off opening presents and Maddie was more than willing to pitch in. She helped me pick out the present, so she should play a part in cracking it open.
After presents were open we headed out to mass and quickly learned from our priest that Madrid was in Portugal. (Did the Spanish move it?) It took all of Maddie’s supreme self-control not to correct the padre! However, 20 minutes into the service, Maddie started screeching with delight. Of course we’re always happy when Maddie is excited, but the congregation may not have seen things that way.
The amazing thing is that Maddie basically kept up her great mood all day long. Even when we got to my parents home and she was the loving center of attention to a houseful of cousins, she made it a point to show everyone her smile. The baby was more than happy to pose for multiple pictures and played with everyone who came her way. Maddie showed once again why we are so terribly blessed to have such an energetic, tender and good spirited little girl – Happy Mother’s Day!
Maddie Shines at Impromptu Dinner
I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!
What started as a quick jaunt into Jersey City became a night out on the town for the entire family. This was a big day for Maddie because she had already enjoyed a great unplanned lunch out with her mom and a few friends.
The whole family was basking in the perfect weather outside when we were suddenly overcome by the intoxicating smells drifting out of Marco & Pepe’s restaurant. Suddenly Maddie’s parents were plotting and conspiring on how we could eat dinner here and still get the baby fed and to bed on
time.
time.
After a quick discussion, we green-lighted dinner but had to score a bib for the baby first. We popped into a nearby drugstore and Maddie unexpectedly hit the panic button. Gina rolled Maddie outside and I ducked into a nearby Dunkin Donuts for a Priority One emergency bagel. I handed Maddie a piece and the crisis was averted – just in time for dinner!
Maddie feasted on a small basket of unsalted sweet potato fries while enjoying the music pulsing just a few blocks away from a local street festival. Maddie made a real meal out if going back and forth between the fries and generous portions of peasant bread.
When the main courses came, the baby even tackled her mom’s trout entrée with reckless abandon. With each bite, she took time to smile at and woo her fellow restaurant patrons along with our server.
The little charmer had her fellow customers literally eating out of her hand. Finally Maddie had her fill of food and attention and was ready to head home. A great time was had by all and Maddie indicated that she’s ready for round two tomorrow.
