Checking Off the List

With each baby comes a list of desperation of things to get done before their arrival.  The big ones included the banister and hand rail, the gate at the top of the stairs, and a few gas and water valves replaced in the basement.  Check. -T

Why would you put a water valve here?

You know, right above an electrical box?

Uncle Dale came to the rescue and moved it

Gas leak?  No problem!

One more new water valve

Now Lindsey can let Mae run wild upstairs!

Sucker Mae

Mae's Favorite Activity - Mom Time

Mae loves her mom!  She loves to dance, to talk, to watch musicals, to laugh, to say hi, read books, etc.  Time with Mom though...that trumps them all. -T

Only a great mom would do watercolors with an 18-month old

Mae's happy place

"You didn't say sizes, you just said dresses!"

Easter dress by Gayle.  Sounds like a professional designer, eh?  Pretty close.  Grandma made Mae's Easter dress which we also got her 18 month pictures taken in. Mae had lots of thoughts about lots of things while she posed for her pictures to show off her dress. -T

"Welp...here I am."

"You da man, Grandma!"

"Yea for Mae...and my dress!"

"Any way we can pause for a bathroom break?"

"I pledge allegiance..."

"That wasn't random, see the flag?"

"Seriously, I wasn't joking about the bathroom break."

Her Own Hat

Instead of sometimes liking her mom's hats, Lindsey wanted to see if Mae would like her own hat.  Well, she loved it right away and although she's still back and forth on wanting to wear a hat...she's still our cute little Cincinnati girl when she does wear it. -T

For some reason, this picture gives me a small glimpse of what Mae will look like when she's older.

Oh and in case you were wondering...Lindsey got teary taking these pictures.   -T
Yes, that's true.  Between our first date at a Red's game, loving this little Cincinnati girl, and the emotions of a pregnant woman, I didn't have a chance.   -L

The way we want her to wear it

"Hey!  Where's my hat?!"

The way our little homey wants to wear it

Mazel tov style?

More Changing Times

More things that have changed for Mae are that she turned 18 months and started going to nursery at church.  The biggest and best though?  Mae LOVES it now that she's forward facing in the car.  -T

Although very social, can we ask for anything more as a parent as our kid always wanting to do her own thing and not following the crowd?  Throw on top of that our kid holding a ball?  Next step: Work on the TYPE of ball.

Seconds after we strapped her in forward facing for the first time...we think she likes it.

The firefighters (a policeman helped install her seat) loved her so much they randomly came out and gave her a panda bear

We still put a bib on her, but since going to forward facing...Mae has not gotten car sick...yet.

Changing Times

We decided even though we wouldn't try Mae in her Toddler bed yet, that we would at least change Mae into what would be her new room once the new baby comes.  Lindsey would often take her in there to play to make her like the room.  It worked.  It never phased her that she was in a new room.  "Pupple" is what she called it. -T

Where Mae will sleep...whether its in a crib or her toddler bed

The brown closet and purple might not look great



She's as far away from us upstairs as she can be



She'll have a good view of down the street

It was unclear how it would end up looking

It doesn't look too bad!

But what will Mae think?

We were right about the brown and the purple

The white doors do look better

Mae's beds

Out of the Mouth of Babes

While reading ESPN the Magazine (that's my girl!) Mae came across a Geico ad.  Her reaction?  "Dada!"  We thought it was just a one time thing.  We would then randomly pull out the ad and ask, "Mae...who's that?"  "Dada!"  Everytime she sees this picture, somehow she thinks it's me.  When Lindsey is working on something in the office, she doesn't even have to look anyore.  When Mae says ,"Dada," she know she has come across another Gieco ad.  Lindsey is more offended by it than I am.  I guess it could be worse...actually, no I can't think of anyone else that would be worse that would remind Mae of me - maybe a female caveman...or this lady? -T

Honoring the General

We had a really fun evening when Laurie organized a surprise retirement party for Papa D.  After 40 years of coaching, it was a nice tribute bringing back players from both Norwood and Madeira.  It was good to see some old faces, reconnect, and seeing what it meant to Dad.  Lots of lives touched and lots of memories.  It's hard to believe it's over. -T

"Coach" to many, "Dad" to a few, "PAPA D" to a growing group

Lots of memories

Lots of accomplishments

Lots of years

He was very much surprised

Mae was a little jealous with all the attention someone else was getting so she was determined to figure out a way to draw some attention to herself

Not even scary cousins could deter her

She's very smart - the best way to gain attention when it's on someone else...find that someone else

At least she's not running around everywhere

  

Old Norwood folk

Former players

The host

Mike Moyers was telling a very touching story...some people apparently thought it was funny

Grandma Weez was just as much a part of it all

If only we had 6'3 every year...400 wins could have been 500

Honoring the Coach

Even when Papa D spoke...someone yet again was jealous of not being the center of attention

He humored her

40 Great Years (So I hear...I was only around for 30 and those were great)