Halloween

Madalyn's first Halloween was a good one. Maddy dressed up as Eeyore, thanks to Darren's generosity (and connections, since he works for Disney!) She looked adorable, and also enjoyed all of the candy she got (OK - she didn't actually get to eat any of it, but it was fun playing with the M&M's and candy corns in the wrappers...)

Last weekend we went to a haunted house and on a haunted forest walk with Jenn and Shawn while Grammy and Grampy Mullen watched Madalyn. It was fun, and scary, but I'm glad I had a couple of beers ahead of time to add some humor into it... :)

We're preparing for Maddy's birthday party tomorrow. I cannot believe she will be a year old. This year has been a whirlwind, but so amazing to watch her grow. The most recent changes are she can stand on her own without holding onto anything for 10 seconds or so, but usually ends up plopping on her bum. No steps taken yet, except with her walker toy, which she uses all of the time to bomb around the house. She also is finally starting to point at things when we ask her questions like "Where's Da da?" or "Where's the ball?" We believe her first word is "Ball" or "Ba-oh"as she pronounces it (those l's are hard to say!) She'll see a ball and then say the word. She also calls other things "ball" - I think she just likes to hear herself say it. She's getting a bit of stranger anxiety and sometimes gets scared when there are too many people coming up to her at once or people she doesn't recognize - her lower lip will start quivering and turn into a frown and sometimes she'll cry a little. But it usually is short lived and then she's back to her lively, jolly, talkative self.

Here are some recent pictures: