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The last week has been fun for us.  This is Stewart's last week!!! So excited to see my husband more now! People keep asking me how I am able to stay sane while he works 60 hours a week and I am home with Madison all day without a car.  Yes, it has been hard at times.  I may even have had a break down or two (but honestly, for people who know me that is probably not surprising because I am cryer, have a new baby and still learning how to care for her, and I am in a brand new place without having the help of Stewart whenever I want). We decided for me to do the kinda last minute (we talked about it before but never decided when I would go) trip to Washington so I could have time with adults and of course-see family and friends there.  I asked for some extra prayers and fasting (thank you everyone for those, PS) and I definitely feel that had something to do with how well I have done-and Stewart because he is working 60+ hours a week with not a lot of sleep. 

 I am really grateful for the time I had to spend with this adorable little girl.  I know not many people get this much time with their babies and I know I am blessed to be her mom and be with her so much- even though she probably gets bored of me.  

I also am really happy we did the internship during the winter when it was busy season (as opposed to the summer when there isn't a whole lot going on) because we could both see how we would handle his work schedule.  He had the opportunity to meet many people in different positions and see what their schedules were like and what they thought of working at the firm.  It has given him a lot of good experience in different industries, also. 

Even though he has been gone for 12+ hours a day, it doesn't seem too bad because we try to make the best of the little time we have together as a family.  I think this experience has blessed our family in many ways.  

I think the way we prepared emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, etc. has really helped us.  We try to support each other as much as possible and I think that has been  a huge part in it, too.  Anyway, enough of me sharing- here are pictures and videos of our cute little girl, what you all want to see anyway :)

Mad has been doing pretty well sleeping. She will wake up 1-2 times a night, though.  She usually wakes up when Stewart comes home.  I don't know if it is just because she is hungry or if she hears him and wants to see him.  But it gives him time to hang out with her a little bit.

This is one of her favorite morning activities.  I will sit her in the corner of the couch and she will play with this toy.  It is supposed to be tied onto a crib, but since we don't have the crib here, I let her play with it free.  I think she likes it like that, though, because she can fling it around as she pleases.

She is continually putting anything and everything in her mouth.

She is adorable.  her square little face with her cheeks just makes me so happy. 

I love reading with her.  She hates when I don't let her hold the book but she is usually okay with "helping" me turn the pages.  

Gosh. I love her. 

See? It's her favorite. 

Any time she sees her reflection she just smiles super big.  It's adorable.  

Every time the sun gets in her eyes she will act like something just pissed her off.  It's pretty funny. 

Oh I love this face. 

We have been going to the park mostly every evening and she loves watching all the people.  

She is growing sooo much.

She can't get enough of it. 

She has certainly found her voice and loves holding conversations with people. Or having squawking competitions.  

I love my long days with her. 

Family Pics

Ste's sister, Jenner (who took our wedding photos), took some pictures for us while we were in San Diego. I love them! This first one is probably my favorite. Her little neck rolls and creases just make me want to snuggle right into them. 

Her bubbles... I love them.

Manson Fun

Every morning Madison gets to spend some time with Stew before he heads off to work.  She usually enjoys this time of day, even though he covers her eyes with his socks. 

She has been working on sitting up and is doing SO WELL!

We had to get her shots a couple weeks ago.  She wasn't a fan. I loved the cuddles but didn't like to hear her whimpers.

I even let her sleep on our bed for her nap because I she loves and sleeps better than in her crib.

The next day she was in such a weird mood.  At this point of the day she didn't want to eat, play, or sleep.  She just held onto the bunny's ears.

She was back to her normal self pretty quick though- destroying the jungle gym.

I went on a run and it wore her right out!

We have been letting her sit like this in her stroller sometimes.  It lets her see more things but she doesn't sleep as well as if she were in her car seat.

Bath time is still pretty fun.

 Ste tried out some of his hair stuff on her.  Cute little mohawk girl haha

Madison and I flew to Washington last Sunday! She was a talkative and hyper one in the airport, but as soon as we got on the quiet plane, she put her head up against me and fell asleep.  

Aaron and DeA's family picked me up from the airport and we headed to Denny's with Nick! Madison sure had a great welcoming.

She didn't let me know with the early morning smiles in Manson.

She was sure taken care of every second of the day while we were in Manson.  Between Ryker's kisses and head taps to Jensley's baby talk and Rock wanting to hold her- she got lots of interaction with her cousins.  

And of course- cuddles with everyone.

Jensley got her hand stuck in the goldfish box and asked the stuffed animal dog to help her.  It was adorable. 

You can see the annoyance in Rock's face of just wanting some alone time with Madison haha Ryker couldn't resist.

Cute little morning face.

We got to visit my mom at her lunch every day which was a lot of fun. Madison loves to scratch and grab whatever she can.  Even her cousin Jensley's hair- oops. Sorry Jens!!

Grandpa made sure to entertain.

Ryker introduced Madison to the greatness of games.

He would run around her in circles then randomly go talk to her and touch her head or belly.

She loves to look in the mirror

So much love...

Couldn't pass up  a trip to La Brisa for some delicious chips and beans and arroz con pollo.  Madison's head looks pretty big in the picture.  Reminds me of her conehead when she was born.

Little angel. 

We made sure to see Chayo.  Madison was just a little too young to try the chili con carne but she did try a tortilla.

I had a lot of fun running around with the kids while DeA cuddled with Madison. 

She got to hang with her younger cousin, Spencer.  Both just waiting for the day until they can join everyone in the soft serve eating. 

More love from Ryker. Love that kid.

On our way to the airport.... not a happy girl to be leaving all the attention.

I forgot the carseat adapter at my parents's house but of course, Grandpa Dale came through with his resourcefulness.  TSA agents loved it. But really, they were actually impressed. Also- thanks Aaron and DeA for sending the adapter so I don't have to do this all the time! :)

I got to see a lot of people but there just never seems to be enough time to see or do everything.  Still- the trip was so much fun!