Long and Lean!!!

Madison had her 4 month appointment this morning. She did very well even when they gave her two shots (we are spliting up her shots). She weighs 10 lbs 4 oz. and is 24 inches long. The doctor said she is in the 80th percentile for her height, but the 10 percentile for her wieght. The doctor said that she wasn't worried becasue Madi is growing very well you just can't change genetics. Turns out she will be tall and lean like her two parents. In other BIG news...she rolled over yesterday!! She rolled from her belly to her back and she did is wonderfully!! I was so proud of her. Since she proved that she could do it I have been trying to get her to do it over and over again! It never gets old!

It could be worse...

So I wanted to update all of you who didn't know this little thing about my life. On Tuesday morning I went to Costco to pick up our Christmas cards. It was raining, I was wearing flip-flops (what else is new) and I fell on the sidewalk. Landed on my butt, but used my left wrist to break my fall. That was a mistake. I looked at my wrist and noticed that it was in the shape of and "S" clearly not the shape it was supposed to be. I went to the ER got some x-rays they said "it's broken" I said "duh". They knocked me out so they could put it back into place and on Wednesday afternoon I had surgery. I know have one large titanium plate in my wrist with eleven screws. The next step is having tests done to see if I have some sort of bone density issue. I think that's another "duh". So that has been our week. It was very difficult at first but as the week went on it has gotten easier. Apparently I am a "fall risk" need to wear secure shoes at all times. My sister recommended something within the Velcro family. I didn't think that suggestion was funny! :)

Finally!!!!!

Well it is finally here! The day that has taken 7 years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here. I graduated today with my Bachelors degree in Special Education. It was a beautiful day for me. All my family and friends were there to see me take those wonderful steps across that stage. I am soooooo thankful that throughout these past 7 years God gave me the strength and perseverance to continue. There were so many times that I wanted to give up, but God would always whisper quietly in my ear "keep going little girl, you can do this". He was right (which he always is). I am very happy to close this chapter of my life that has been open for so long!

The Wilson Family visits!!

In the summer of 2002 I was introduced to a young woman at church. She was from out of town (Illinois) and here for the summer. We exchanged numbers and I told her to call me if she wanted to hang out. She called me the next Sunday, I invited her over for dinner and she ended up staying the weekend at my house. We spent that entire summer together. The next summer she moved out her until February of 2005 when she moved back to Illinois, met a wonderful man, got married and is mother to two beautiful children. God is funny in the way he works. That Sunday in 2002 was a very casual meeting. To be honest I totally forgot that I gave this girl my number until she called the following week. Who knew that God was setting this meeting up to be one of the most important of my life. He introduced me to a wonderful, compassionate, energetic woman that quickly became one of my closest and best friends. God is funny. You never know what he has in store for you from one day to the next. Jana, her husband Scott and their nine month old daughter Delaney came out to visit this last week. It was wonderful to see her and her family. Some of us had met Scott when we went back to Illinois for their wedding reception, but none of us with the exception of Meredith had met Delaney. She is adorable and so much like her mommy! I am horrible at taking pictures so the only picture I got this weekend was one with the three little girls. Emolyn and Delaney are one week apart and Madison is 6 months younger than the two of them. We all had a great time with the Wilson's and miss them terribly.

New pictures and fun stories!!!

Madison has been changing a lot lately! She is laughing and smiling so much and we love to see her personality develop. She is growing and getting much heavier but still only fits into the newborn clothes. Even 0-3 months are too big! I worked last night and met a baby that was born the same day as Madi. I could tell Madi was taller than she was but not as wide. Madi doesn't really have that "baby chunk". Although, she does have a double chin that we are very proud of. She has found her hands and insists that she can fit her whole fist in her mouth! She has more head and neck control and can sit up against the couch for a long period of time without falling over. In other news Christmas is just around the corner and there is still a lot of shopping I have yet to do. In my family we draw names so we only have to buy for one person. I drew Tara (Travis's girlfriend) for the second year in a row. She is sooooo much fun to buy for because she looks cute in anything. Matt drew my dad and all he wants is his kilt outfit (heaven help us!). I promise to post some more this week!

First Thanksgiving!!!

Madison had her first Thanksgiving yesterday! We gathered at my parents house for dinner with Matt's family, Matthew's family and Tara's family. Total there were 23 people! We had tons of food and a lot of fun. The day started out with watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at home. I have a small (okay big) obsession with the Radio City Rockettes. I think they are amazing!! Madison was very impressed with them as well! I am hoping to pass this obsession on to my daughter and future generations :) We had a great time with all our family and friends and we are excited for the rest of the holiday season. My parents, Jessica, Matthew, Tara, Travis and I went shopping this morning at 4am! Matt was the only smart one and stayed at home sleeping with the baby. We completed our shopping extravaganza right as the sun was coming up. Let me just say that you would never think we were in a economic crisis judging by today's crowds! It is the third year we have gone out for early Black Friday shopping and it is so much fun! If you haven't done it try it next year! The above picture was taken yesterday on our first Thanksgiving together!

Sitting pretty!

We have been working on Madison's ability to sit up! She is getting stronger and doing very well. She has no idea what to think of the whole thing though. I don't think she understands just how it works, but she is catching on quick!

Its' been awhile

I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile, life got a little busy for a couple of weeks. I have been studying for my teacher test which I took on Saturday. It was an all day process consisting of two tests. My brain felt like it was going to explode afterwards. It was easily the hardest tests I have ever taken. I won't find out the results for another month which is really hard because I am not very patient. In other news Madison is getting very big! She is fitting into actual newborn outfits, not just onesies! I am very excited about this change because know that it is starting to get colder she can actually fit into the cute winter stuff that so many people have bought her. She is sleeping great through the night only getting up once to eat and then going right back to sleep. We are so proud and so thankful! The picture above shows Madison wearing one of her newborn outfits. My Aunt Cheryl bought it for her and Madison loves it! Thanks Aunt Cheryl!

How cute is she!!!!

So Madison has definitely found her smile and it's soooooo cute!!!! I took this picture yesterday to send to my friend Jana who lives in Illinois. She has a little girl name Delaney who 8 months old and soooo cute. Madison is excited to meet Delaney that's why she is smiling so big.

Pumpkin carving

So this past Saturday my brother got us all together at my parents house to carve pumpkins. When Travis was little he loved to carve pumpkins and I am glad to see that he hasn't lost his love for it! Some of us carved ours free-hand while some of us used a template...cheaters! Everyone had a great time, including Madison!

7lbs.13oz...

AND 21 inches long!!! Madison went to the doctor today for her two month check-up. She is gaining weight and growing big and strong. The doctor noticed that Madison turns her head to the left naturally. She said this could be an indicator that she will be a "lefty". Matt's mom Robin is a lefty so that would make sense. She did great today and was very popular in the office, lots of people came into the room to see the "cute baby". I'm so proud!

Lunch date

Today Madison and I met with some very good friends of ours Anja, Ryan and their son Declan. Declan is four months old only two months older than Madi!! His parents are hoping he will become a professional football player with his size!! The two babies were very well behaved and had great table manners (Madi slept most the time :)) We had a great time seeing each other and exchanging baby stories!!

Schnepf Farm!

Matt, Madison and I went out to Schnepf Farm in Queen Creek last night. Before we could begin our journey we had to turn around and go back for the stroller which we had left in the trunk of my car. We are still getting used to everything we need to bring for Miss Madison. We realize that Madison had no clue where or what we were doing but we had a great time. She slept most of the time we were out there except for at the end when it was time to pose for pictures. She even got her very first pumpkin! We had a great time and I can't wait to take her back next year when she'll be 1 year old!!

Feeling better!!

Madison is feeling better these days. Her stuffy nose is long gone and she is almost finished with her antibiotic. In other news I started working this week!! I substitute taught on Monday and I go back on Thursday for a half day. It was nice to get out of the house for a few hours and talk about something that didn't have to do with poop or formula :) Matt was at home with Madison on Monday and did a great job. I am so thankful that I have such a wonderful husband. The picture above is of Madison today...she was a happy camper all day!

surrounded by the sickness part II

Madison had a follow up appointment this morning and it turns out that along with her cold she has an ear infection. The doctor prescribed her an antibiotic so hopefully it will work quickly. In the mean time Matt is feeling better. He went back to work yesterday which was hard for both of us. I loved having him around for 6 weeks and he loved being here. Let's all just pray that Madison gets better quick!!

surrounded by the sickness

So Madison has her first cold, which as new parents makes us terrified. Her nose is all stuffy and she is sleeping a lot. I had what I thought was a cold a couple of days ago but I think it was just allergies. Matt on the other hand also has a cold. He has to go back to work tomorrow which sucks because he is sick. He has slept a lot today which hopefully will help him recover quickly.

the dairy sacrifice

So Madison has been quite jaundice this week. We took her to the doctor and they did a blood test to see what is causing the jaundice. They think that it is just "breast milk jaundice" which takes a little longer to go away than if she was on formula. They said that we could supplement a little formula to help the jaundice go away faster. Also, the doctor noticed that Madison tends to spit up a lot. She asked us if this was a usual occurrence, which it is. The doctor then asked what my diet consists of. I told her that I have Celiac disease so I can't eat anything with wheat, rye, barley or oats so my diet consists of a lot of dairy. The doctors response was "yup! that's what I was looking for. She is getting too much protein from you from the dairy so cut out ALL dairy for the next week and see if it changes anything." So basically I can eat meat, rice and potatoes. FUN huh??? It's really not that bad, but it does make me very thankful that I am not lactose intolerant!

Bath time!!!!

Madison had her first bath in her bathtub this weekend. She has had baths before but they were more like sponge baths because I had been to nervous to put her in her tub. She loved the tub!!! She is her mothers daughter and LOVES the water!!!

Happy One month birthday!!!

Today Madison is 1 month old!! She is getting so big and strong. Matt and I love just staring at her. She makes the funniest faces, most of which she makes when she is pooping or burping. Her favorite things to do these days are sleep, eat, suck on her pacifier, and poop. Shes not talking yet but I expect that to come within a few days, after all, I am her mother :)

6 lbs. 6 oz.

What a chunk!! Madison went to the doctor yesterday and she weighs 6 lbs. 6 oz. She has gained over 2 pounds in 4 weeks! We as parents are so proud! It is crazy to think that she has been here almost a month!

Recovery

So my c-section pains are still lingering but are much better than they were. I had never had any sort of surgery before Madison came along. Their not kidding about the recovery time of it all...it's long. They said "give it 6 weeks until you feel back to normal". I thought "OK, they say 6 weeks for lazy, average people unlike myself", what I found out is that they really mean 6 weeks for people just like me and longer than that for the lazy average folks. On the flip side, I am walking and doing really well at it. I go to physical therapy during the week and I am getting stronger. I love walking and standing and driving!!! They are wonderful things to do! Here are some fun pictures of Madison awake which is rare!

My new hair for my new baby!!

So I haven't had my hair colored since last October! It has been awhile and I have missed it. Yesterday I got my hair cut and colored and let me tell you I felt so beautiful. It was really nice to be able to drive myself to the salon, have someone make me look pretty and then drive myself back home. As you can tell the driving part is really important to the story. It feels like when I was 16 years old and just got my drivers license and I wanted to drive everywhere! It is a great feeling of independence. Here are some new pictures of Madison and I. Some of which she is making crazy faces, but they are fun!

SOOOOOO Big!!!

Somebody has been putting on the pounds and it hasn't been me! Madison went to her two week doctor's visit and she is 5 lbs. 4 oz. and 18 inches long!!!! The doctor said that she looks amazing and that her weight gain is wonderful. I have to admit that I am very proud of myself as well. Seeing as how I am producing the "food" that adds that weight I felt like I deserved a "pat on the back". In other news...Matt is still home and he will be home for another 4 weeks!!!! I love having him here, he is such an amazing help. Madi loves having her dad around too:)

Touchdown Madison!

In honor of college football begining Madison would like everyone to know that she's a fan!

Livin' on the edge!!!

I just wanted to share this picture of how hard core our daughter is. She's already throwin' up gang signs! She knows we live in a rough neighborhood and you gotta represent. I'm so proud of her!! If your reading this and think that I'm serious...I'm not. But i do love this picture because this is how she ends of sleeping sometimes and it's so fun to watch :)

One week in :)

So Madison has been in our lives for one week! Matt and I can't believe how fast it went! I am sure the rest of our lives we will feel that way. Let's talk for a moment about C-section recovery... not so much fun. I am feeling MUCH stronger than I was when I was in the hospital and couldn't walk (yup I can walk now!) but it is still difficult to stand for a long period of time. I am hoping it will be better in couple days. Madison is doing great and eating like a champ! It seems like everyday she gets bigger and stronger. So far I love being her mom and I know Matt loves being her dad. I don't think those feelings will change anytime soon. :)

Madison Marie Schneider is here!!!

On Tuesday August 26th at 12:35am Madison Marie Schneider entered our world. She was a 4 weeks early and quite tiny but she is doing perfect. She was 4 lbs. 2.6 oz and 16 and 3/4 inches long. Madison needed to be born via c-section so that has created a little extra long recovery for me but I am doing very well. As far as my ankle is doing, the day Madison and I got to go home was the first day I was able to bear weight on my foot and I have been walking ever since. Still walking with the boot on but walking nonetheless. Matt and I are so in love with this little girl it's amazing!!!

2:15am=Insomnia

So it's 2 o'clock in the morning and I haven't been to bed yet. I tried, it failed. I think it's a combination of the last stages of pregnancy and sleeping with the boot on. Both make it very difficult to get a quality nights sleep. Plus I have 2 wonderful dogs that want to protect me from the bad people of the world so they bark at EVERYTHING that moves in the backyard, even if it is just the wind. I appreciate their protection but man it gets old. So I'm awake and I don't know when I will be able to fall asleep. Hopefully soon!!!

It's Official!!!

I am DONE with my student teaching!!!!! The student teaching journey ended on Friday and I am happy to say that I did a great job!!! My ASU supervisor came out to Central on Friday morning, she saw me teach and then gave me a glowing report. I am very excited that this chapter of my life is OVER! Graduation won't be until December which I will for sure be participating in. In other big news...I got my plaster cast off!! On Thursday they took the old cast off and put on the boot. I still can't walk on it for 2 weeks but it is really nice to be able to take it off for a few hours a day. Also, I will be starting physical therapy on Monday. Hopefully that will speed up the healing process!

Floors are done!!!

Yes that is right folks...My floors are done!!!! Matt finished the floors this weekend and I am soooooo excited that they are done! He has been working so hard and it is great to see that hard work pay off. Here are a few pictures, excuse the mess. Oh and for those of you who don't know the picture of the Rotti is our dog Aurora, Bandit is a little camera shy.

Trying to stay postive

Last night I woke up at 3:28am. My ankle has been really hurting lately and it becomes really uncomfortable to sleep. As I laid awake for about 45 minutes I couldn't help but throw myself a little pity party of how much this sucks! I have been really trying to stay positive but at 3:28 in the morning I don't think anything is positive. I am really trying to look on the "bright side" like...I can get a lot of rest before the baby comes, I can catch up on some reading, I get to save on gas cause I'm not driving. All of that sounds wonderful for about a week, then you just want everything to go back to normal. I am sorry this is such a "downer" of a post. I am kinda using the blog as my journal so I am sorry that it isn't fun and happy!! Maybe tomorrow, today is just a hard day.

Chubby Foot!

I went to the doctor this morning to see how my ankle is doing. The doctor said that it hasn't moved anymore which is a really good sign. He wanted to see how the ankle looked and he wanted to put on a tighter cast so they took the old one off. In the picture you can't see the rest of my leg but it looks like a stick, with my foot being the club. It was kinda funny and really wonderful to have the cast off for a little bit of time!

Look mommy...

So I was walking into my doctors appointment today and there was a little girl probably about 8 or 9 years old standing out front with her mom. As I hobbled closer (I was on my crutches) she stops talking to her mom, stretches out her arm, points at me and says "look mommy". While I can appreciate the fact that she may have been pointing at the beauty of my hot pink cast, or the genuine "glow" of a pregnant woman, doesn't she know that it's not polite to point!!!! Come on little girl!! I know I look funny moving all slowly on the crutches! I wouldn't move that slow if I wasn't pregnant! I was pretty speechless. What I wanted to say to her was..."you know how I got this cast?? I crushed a little girl about your age with the power of my foot!" But I thought that might traumatize her for life! So I kept my mouth shut and hobbled on.

Just a little venting...

Let's talk briefly about the accommodations made for persons of physical disabilities. It is 2008 and I used to believe that this meant we understood what modifications needed to be made to accommodate people with a physical handicap. But apparently not! I realize that I am not confined to a wheelchair 24/7, I also realize that I have only been in this situation for 2 and a half weeks, but this experience has shown me a lot. Such as...doors. If their not an automatic door they suck! They are hard to open, close, their heavy and the door handle is too high. Next... bathrooms. I visited my favorite restaurant for my birthday The Yardhouse and was sad to find that their bathrooms were not at all handicap friendly. The entrance to the bathroom had this horrible rubber bumber on the ground that you had to get a rolling start to go over! The actual bathroom was spacious, however when you got to the sink the faucet was too far back and the soap dispenser was too high. I am a tall girl, with long limbs so if I say something was too high or too far back you know it's true. Lastly, curbs. They are the worst invention ever! I think everything should be level with the street. Curbs are horrible! Thank you for listening to my venting. I realize that this experience will pass, but for right now I am learning a lot!

What a week!!

Well this week has been quite busy especially for someone who can't drive themselves anywhere! First, my sweet friend Candice Stephens came over this week to paint the babies room. She is the art teacher at Sunnyslope High School and she is AMAZING!!! Matt and I are so grateful to her. She made the babies room real!! Secondly...My mom and my sister threw me a beautiful baby shower. We had a lot of fun and this little baby will not be in any need of clothes until she's 30! It was a wonderful and tiring week. Who knew that having a baby and being broken could take so much out of a person!