The Smith Family

Pictures

2010-04-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mike and I have been super blessed with some great pictures in the past, and this weekend was no exception.

Stacey has a friend who is a photographer, Charlene. Charlene has been looking for newborn models, so when Stacey told me about her, I jumped at the chance to get some pictures taken of Rylee. Charlene was so good with Rylee, she seems to have a natural ability to calm babies down and pose them just how she wants!!!

Rylee slept the whole time and I've already got the chance to see 2 precious pictures of Rylee. I can't wait to see the rest!

If you're looking for a photographer, I highly recommend giving Charlene a try. To find out more about her and to see the great pictures of Rylee, visit her website.

If 30 people comment on the post, I get a special something, so let her know what you think!!!

Rylee's here!!!

2010-04-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

After what seems like a really long wait (9 whole months), she decided to come! Rylee is definitely punctual; she joins a group of only 5% who actually come on their due date.

On Wednesday the 7th at 8:30 pm, Mike and I got in the car and headed up to Tri Cities hoping that what I was feeling was really "it." Luckily, we got admitted!! Less than 5 hours after being admitted, and one calm and almost relaxing (sounds weird to say about childbirth, I know) delivery, Rylee joined us. She was officially born on April 8th at 2:19am, 7lbs 14 oz and 19 1/4 inches.

Mike and I both got really good sleep the night Rylee was born (once we were all situation in our room.

The next night wasn't as relaxing, Rylee learned how to eat and didn't want to stop. She was up and feeding from 11ish until 4ish. That was both a blessing and a curse. I was really worried that I would have the same problems feeding this time around, but I don't (YAY)!!

We're home now, and getting adjusted. Madison is still learning her boundaries with Rylee. I know once we have a routine figured out, Madison will be a great big sister. She's already shared her binkies and blanket with Rylee and has shown concern when she heard Rylee cry (which she has only done a bit in her short life).

All in all, we're all a bit tired, but truly blessed!!!

Madison's First Big Ouch!

2010-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

No, you do not need to call CPS ;-). Sunday morning, Madison was being goofy. During all her silliness she slipped and hit her head on the corner of an end table in the living room...the end result; her first big ouchie! It turned purple and became a goose-egg instantly. Surprisingly, she only cried for a second, and it wasn't even the loud, screaming kind. Daddy is so proud of her first bruise (I guess it's a guy thing).

Santa Claus

2009-12-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here's Madison's first time seeing Santa. The first picture is us waiting in line to see Santa (Sinta as Madison calls him).

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

My Crazy Girl

2009-10-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

I know it's been forever since I blogged. I would like to say it's because I never, ever have time. That wouldn't be completely true. Mostly I'm busy with Madison, Jordan (the 2 1/2 year old girl I watch Monday through Thursday), and work; but there is some time, I'm just a slacker.

So, instead of trying to catch up on what has happened in the last 4 months, I'll just start fresh, pretend this is a completely new blog I'm doing.

Madison is now over 13 months old and such a big girl already. She's been walking since she was 10 months old, which means she is now running (very quickly) everywhere. Her newest thing though, is talking. She talks so much! Here are some of the words she says regularly:

Of course, Momma, Dadda, and Poppa (sorry Grandma, I know she loves you...she just doesn't call you by name yet)

Cracker (everything that tastes good is a cracker to her)

Cow (that's her new one. She very emphatically says cooow and then moos)

Hat (everything is a hat to her. pants, socks, coats, anything she can get her hands on)

Bottle (baba)

Book (or as she says it bookabookabookabooka as she's bringing me a book to read to her)

Eat

Please (which really comes out at as pe or ple while she's signing it)

Bye Bye

Apple

Baby (she thinks every child is a baby even kids 2 and 3 times her age)

Bath

Socks (she's just started this one)

Shoes

I'm sure there are other words she says, but this is all I can remember for now.

Here are some other cute things she's doing:

She dances all the time. Any song that comes on, regardless of how short, slow, or fast you'll see Madison bouncing up and down and swaying back and forth. I'm sad to say, she also has started to drop it like it's hot (for lack of a better term). I don't know where she got it from. She's never seen a music video and she's definitely never seen me doing it...she puts her little hands on her knees and gets as low as possible. For now it's funny, but I think eventually Daddy might have to put a stop to her little girl's "dirty dancing."

She has a little car that she rides around. It has a seat that lifts up to put things in. Most of the time, she'll put her babies into the car, head first and legs hanging out, and push them around. It's so cute!

She also kisses every stuffed animal, baby, and picture book she can find! She makes the kissing noise with her tongue and puts the victim up to her face to slobber on. I love it. Now if only I could get her to regularly kiss me!!!

So, since I wrote a small novel...I will try to remember to keep this updated!!!

9 Months Old!

2009-06-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

OOPS! I wrote this blog on the 16th, but forgot to post it!

Sorry, I know I just blogged twice already. Madison is taking her second nap of the day right now and I've just had a minute to reflect on the fact that she's over 9 months old. That's right, she is now 9 months and 5 days old! Can you believe it? I definitely can't. So...to commemorate my late blog on Maddie turning 9 months old, here are some facts that everyone should know about my beautiful daughter!

She looks like her daddy, only pretty! Seriously, red hair and all!

She has her mommy's eyes.

She loves to smile at grandpa!

She started crawling before she was 6 months old.

When she was exactly 7 months old, she stood on her own, no holding on!

Whenever she hears a repetitive loud-ish noise (like this little toy she has where you push a button on top and balls go popping), she goes bonkers. She drops whatever she's doing and gets to me as fast as she can, and then holds on for dear life. She has always been that way. She used to be afraid of it. Now she likes it!

She is a smiler, but not much of a laugher; unless you catch her when she's tired.

She's doesn't cry often. There are times when she falls or conks her head and I think it must've hurt and she's going to cry...nope, she just gets right back to playing! Mike says it's because she's a Smith.

She loves to be upside down. Grab her by her legs and hold on! She could hang like that forever!

She kisses herself in the mirror, her little baby, and her glow worm, but forget about trying to get her to kiss you. She won't kiss anything with a pulse!

She weighs 17 pounds, 11 ounces and is 70 cm, aka 27.6 inches long.
She generally isn't afraid of people. (I say generally because when she's extremely tired she is scared of men, just ask Brad Dennis :-D)
She just took 5 steps on her own! It's only a matter of time before I've got a rugrat running around.

Those are just a few of the things that make Madison who she is. And because I can't get my pictures off my camera and onto my computer right now, here are some pictures of her when she was 10 days old (taken by the wonderful Karlyn, andaphotography.blogspot.com)!

I Need Your Help!!

2009-06-16T10:51:00.001-07:00

On the 4th of July, Mike and I are planning on camping at Lake Roosevelt with Kendra and Ryan. Here's where you come in. We've got two problems.

To take Maddie or not to take Maddie!
- It would be so much fun to take her for her first camping trip, but at the same time it would be so much fun to have a vacation (especially since I've never had a night away from her).
- It's also not a place to find shade...so hot and baby don't always mix!
- If we don't take her, who gets the privelege of watching her :-)
We have a boat...we have a pick-up...the last time we used the little S-10 pick-up to haul the boat to Roosevelt was a little sketchy. Add a year or two to the pick-up and a possible baby to the mix and you see my dilemma. Does anyone have a hauling type vehicle they'd be willing to let us borrow?

I need your opinions! Help!! :-D

I'm Back

2009-06-10T11:12:00.001-07:00

I guess I kind of fell off the face of the blogging earth, so since I've been gone so long here's a quick rundown of what has gone on...

On May 15th, we drove to Seatac (we being Mom, Dad, Mike, Madison and I) to pick up Stacey, Tyson, Micah, and Hallie. Of course, their flight couldn't come in on time...so we got there early and waited, and waited, and waited for what seemed like forever. Their plane finally landed and we greated a tired family!

The next day, minus the Thomson family and plus the Wood family (Kendra's soon to be in-laws) we went to watch the Mariner's play the Red Socks. Much to our dismay and Ryan's delight, we ended up going to the only game that series that the Mariners lost.

Stacey and family hung out in Prosser for about 10 days. It was a whirlwind to say the least! It definitely was cute to see Madison trying to play with the kiddos. She wanted to play with her cousins all day, and by play I mean climb all over them and steal their toys.

Kendra and Ryan had a tool themed couples shower in Spokane. It was good to go meet some of Ryan's family and friends. And, because of a registry problem, Kendra and Ryan were able to return a bunch of multiple gifts and get camping stuff for our upcoming 4th of July trip!

The next weekend, Mom, Madison and I went to Seattle to hang out with family. We lazed around the hotel for a couple of days, swimming, eating, and playing games (normal DeVries family stuff). Unfortunately Maddie got a really high fever, so our trip was cut a few hours short.

What's Madison up to these days? She has four teeth; two bottoms and just because she likes to be different, two top incisors (no front teeth yet). She's almost walking. In the last week she has gone from squating to standing without holding onto anything twice, she has taken one step without holding onto anything on two separate occasions! I can't believe my barely 9 month old is on the verge of walking. Watch out world, here comes Madison!

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

So, I know my post is a bit late...

I had a great Mother's Day. Unfortunately we had kind of a "false start" to our day. Maddie woke up at 6 in the morning, which is way too early for her. Usually when her day starts at 6, it turns out to be the longest day! Well, lucky for me, Daddy took over from there. I grabbed Maddie out of her crib and we hung out in bed as a family. Maddie rolled around climbed on Mike and I for an hour.

After that, Mikey took her upstairs and fed her and played with her while I went back to sleep. I wish I could say that I slept in till noon, but sadly that was not the case. I woke up at 8:40, walked into the kitchen and poured myself some coffee. I headed into the living room where I found the tv on cartoons, Mike mostly asleep, and Maddie in her Daddy's lap also on her way to lightsoutville!

I took Maddie to bed and came back upstairs to enjoy my coffee and some cartoons :-) I actually really enjoy vegging out to cartoons, but Sunday morning TLC and A&E is the best! I watched some Sell this House and Flip this House till 11 and then jumped in the shower to get ready for our day out.

Finally, we got on the road with my mom and dad to Tri Cities where we enjoyed lunch at Famous Dave's. I wish I could say I even got dessert, but when you load up on brisket, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, corn bread, spicy sausage, and a Hefe there's not much room for anything else!

Maddie loved this pig!!!

After lunch, we decided to walk off some of the calories. We headed down to somewhere on the river (I'm still no good with knowing where I am in Tri Cities). I think it was the park close to the Richland Yacht Club; not Howard Aman...that's where we ended up! So, we walked along the river and enjoyed the sunny day.

Maddie got sick of her stroller, so I walked a bit with her on my shoulders. When she got sick of that (she was practically jumping out of my arms to get onto the grass) we took a time out for a mini photo shoot!!

My mom and I finished out our great afternoon the only way you can...with a trip to:

???

2009-05-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mike has always had a problem with using phones. I give him a hard time for never answering (that's right, it's not just you...he doesn't answer my calls either) and not calling all day. Now I'm not one of those wives who will call him 20 times a day, but because he doesn't have a set schedule I call him every once in awhile to find out when he'll be home. When he doesn't answer or call back, I get a little irritated.

Two minutes ago, Mike called me; out of the blue. Nothing to say, except how's your day. It was kind of an awkward call. He didn't actually say much of anything. Strange....but I guess I can't complain!

Maybe we're on the way to Mike actually learning what a cell phone is for. Don't cross your fingers though, I'm thinking it was just a fluke. :-) And just because she's so darn cute, here's a pic of Maddie for you!!

Kisses

2009-05-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this day! My beautiful baby girl has started to give kisses. Mostly she kisses herself (in the mirror). But lately, she's been giving daddy kisses when he gets home from work. I'll set my jealousy aside for a minute and say that it is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

When Mike gets home from work, her face lights up and she starts bouncing with excitement. I reluctantly hand her over to a dirty daddy and she plants one on him, mouth open and all (Hallie style ;-))

And since she's just to quick with her kisses, I'll leave you all with a visual of her at the mirror, the only place I can catch her! (Included are subtitles of what I think is going through her mind).

Mommy, look at me! I'm right here and right there too!!

Hey you pretty girl!

How you doin'?

I Love You!!!

Maddie and Daddy

2009-04-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

I love to see Dad's interacting with their children. I guess there's just something special about the look Mike gets in his eyes when he's playing with Maddie and the fun she has! Here are some pictures of Maddie Daddy time from the past few weeks.

This one cracks me up. I'm not sure who is having more fun.

A Day in the Life of...

2009-04-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

You may be wondering what a stay-at-home mom does all day. Here it is:

It starts with a cute outfit...

And continues on with a "photo shoot" complete with a great accessory; Mommy's extremely large sun hat.

And ends with the cutest little picture. I dare anyone to tell me my "job" isn't great!

Easter Day

2009-04-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

Our Easter was nothing but a day of relaxation. We woke up, went to Church and hung out around the house all day. And in case there aren't enough pictures of Maddie floating around out there, here are some more.

Vacation Pictures

2009-03-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Palm Springs, March 2009

This little ladybug was lovin' life in the water

In the pool with Daddy

What a cutie in her hat and surfer girl swimsuit!

What vacation would be complete without a nap?

Jeff, Leah, Erin, Mike, and I took a tram ride up a mountain. It's the world's longest (i think)rotating tram. The floor spun as we went up. The earth was still moving when we got to the top.

Everytime I look at this picture a caveman voice enters my head... "Me, big man climb big rock, be king of world!!!"

Leah and I hanging out on at the top of the mountain. Who knew there would be snow in Palm Springs!?!

Like the taking naps, no vacation would be complete without beer; lots of beer! This whole menu you're looking at is beer. They had over 160 beers on tap! I think I was in heaven.

This was just one of the sides of their beer taps. They went all the way around; and if you can believe it, there is another one just like it to the left. Like I said, beer heaven!

Erin, Jeff and I went for a hike and found this; a waterfall in the desert!

After our fun in Palm Springs, we took some time to see the sights in LA. We drove around Rodeo Dr and Hollywood then stopped at the Santa Monica pier.

I completely forgot to put some warm clothes on Madison, so Daddy zipped her up in his jacket.

Some other things that happened on our trip (no pictures were taken):

Mike golfed and golfed and golfed and golfed and golfed... (you get the picture)

I hung out around the pool with Maddie.

Our normally very happy baby was super cranky. Come to find out, it's like a DeVries family tradition to teethe while you're on vacation.

Mike went for a hike with Jeff and Erin.

Mike, Jeff, Erin, and I went out for a night on the town. Had too much fun. Went to a place called the Barn; strange. Mike thought he was the lead singer of the band there. That's all I'm going to say about that!

TomTom took us to the ghetto instead of to our hotel in LA. All I have to say is, ladies next time you're going somewhere with a man or men and you're using GPS, make sure they find the street in the correct city. ;-) I guess it made for a lot of fun and a good story.

And, we shopped!!!

I haven't blogged in how long?

2009-03-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

For the two of you who actually read my blog...are you still there? I just looked and realized I haven't blogged in almost four months.

So, in an effor to catch up:

At less than three months Maddie was rolling over. To my dismay I couldn't put her down to sleep on her back without a minute or two passing by before she rolled onto her stomach. I learned quickly to place her on her stomach to avoid the hassle of crying and fussing.

At around four months Maddie was getting on all fours and "rocking." I was surpised it took her as long as it did to crawl.

Right around six months she was finally crawling. I say finally with excitement and sorrow. Gone are the days where I left her on the floor to play while I ran around the house picking up and/or doing anything else.

On March 17th, Maddie got her first tooth. Of course she'd have to do it on vacation. How else could she make life interesting. After walking around the vacation home for a day with my relatives saying how happy she is; Maddie reared her cranky little head and all hell broke loose. Her toothe broke and I was thanking God that there was finally a reason for the happiest baby in the world (or so she seems to me) to be so cranky. I don't know how all the moms with colichy or cranky babies survived!!!!

Now I'm back home without cousins or aunts and uncles to entertain the baby, and I'm afraid another tooth is breaking through. Please...make the madness stop!!!

The Most Relaxing Day

2009-01-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

The day started off as usual - wake up at 7:30, make a bottle, pee quickly, and rush into the room of a now wide-eyed baby girl.

For some reason, the morning's tasks went by effortlessly. No real crying or spitting up to speak of. Maddie played by herself for the most part, happy as a clam. I made my strong pot of coffee (thank God for Starbucks, I don't think I'd survive without it) then it was off to give Maddie a bath. Daddy helped out, taking off her clothes and diaper while I got the bath ready.

Maddie, all clean now, and I read a book and a half. She's learned how to shut the book now, so instead of crying and squirming to let me know she's had enough, she just closes the book repeatedly till I get the hint.

While all of the morning's activities were going on, a beautiful day was making it's appearance. After I put Maddie down for her first nap, I decided to take a page from Julie Hylland's book.

So, now I sit with coffee cup, Bible, and paper and pen in hand, on my deck, looking at God's beautiful creation. As the fog rolls off the lake and the sun shines through, I'm thanking my lucky stars I've been so blessed. I've just had the most relaxing morning in almost 4 and a half months.

So, I say in good old Mexicali fashion - Dios les bendiga!

The Grass is Always Greener...January 9

2009-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

So, I have to apologize in advance for the long blog that's about to come out. I wrote this over a week ago...and completely forgot to post it!

It's already been four months...Most days I can't believe it. Time has flown and my baby is no longer a newborn! Maddie isn't that small baby she used to be. She smiles more often, rolls over constantly, and has even started on the basics of what may very soon become crawling!

This morning I was just feeling sorry for myself. I keep thinking, "Poor me, always at someone else's beck and call. What was it like when I only had myself to worry about?" My thoughts continued to grow from there, "Mike's so lucky he gets to come home and relax, only taking on some of the responsibilities of Madison's needs."

But this afternoon, at exactly 11:45, I remembered why I'm so lucky! I walked into Maddie's room (after her 2 hour nap, woo-hoo) with a smile on my face! Laying in her crib, face down (I can't hardly set her down before she's flipped over) was the cutest baby I'd ever seen! I couldn't help grinning from ear to ear. I picked her up and she nuzzled up against me, I walked to the living room to feed her. God has blessed Mike and I with this precious child! She depends on me to feed her and keep her warm. This child who I love so much will no longer feel like a job (at least I hope not).

I have been given the most important job in the world, and if my job description includes losing my brain and doing the not so fun tasks like changing a stinky diaper or trying (and I mean trying) to keep the house clean, or always wearing spit-up-laden clothes, I will do it with Joy. I will do it proudly, and I will be thankful God has blessed me with a family I love very much I will no longer look at everyone else's grass thinking theirs is greener.

MY GRASS IS AS GREEN AS IT CAN BE!!!

Out of Touch

2009-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

For the time being, due to financial reasons (mainly the fact that we now have a child, I'm not working at a job that pays me money (motherhood is full time and then some), and it's Mike's slow season) we got rid of our cable and internet!

Coming from someone who is staying home full time, losing those two connections to reality has been tough! I miss my favorite shows for now; although I have to say it's nice to leave the house behind for a bit to watch my guilty pleasure, The Bachelor, at Kendra's house! I guess in the near future I will have to rent the shows I'm missing! The only positive: I have no idea the woes of the world. I don't have to hear about unemployment rising, people losing homes left and right, and the economy and country in just poor form. Sorry, off on a tangent...

Please keep in touch with me and be patient for me to answer. When I need my internet fix, I just head over to Kendra's house; THANK YOU KENDRA! But, like I said...please keep in touch with me! I'm on the verge of insanity most days due to lack of adult contact so I would love to hear what's going on in your lives.

The Best Christmas Present Ever!!!

2008-12-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

Leave it to Auntie Kendra to buy the most awesomest present in 2009. Not only did she buy something Maddie is bound to love for years to come, but something that Mommy (me) is already reaping the benefits of.

Call it what you will: snuggly, silky, teddy...I'm going to call it peace and quiet!!! Put the cute little thing on top of Madison's face and she's out like a light. And when I say on top of her face, I mean it! Not on the side, or half on her face...you've got to cover her whole face up! She loves it, she eats it up (literally, if she's not tired, it's in her mouth). And of course, I love it. At 2:00 a.m. if Madison is crying, just put her pacifier back in her mouth and put the silky on her face, and she's out!

Maybe I should rename it "Mommy's Sanity." Thanks Auntie Kendra, for the best gift ever!!!