Slappy Has Hand Control

At least minimally. Maddie has started to enjoy Emma's exersaucer, just figuring out how to get her hands on the little wheels and make them spin, albeit very slowly.

It takes a lot of intense concentration, and some misses, but the hand gets there.

She has not yet, however, figured out that her feet control her position within the saucer, and will spin herself out of reach of her favorite wheels.

The exersaucer is second only to her new favorite achievement of grabbing onto shirts and/or necklaces, as seen here with Kathleen.

Slappy Takes After Her Uncles

Maddie, Aarin (Aarin is 35 weeks pregnant), and Young Findley spent some time quietly playing the "Now You're Sitting - Now You're Standing!" game, when there was an unexpected surprise.

As they entered into the standing phase, an almost impossibly loud and fragrant noise emerged from our little lady. We were all considerably entertained and impressed.

Slappy Sings

Maddie and Taisie practice their diaper changing duet.

Slappy Has a Happy Father's Day

Now some of you may be thinking, wow, Maddie really grew up fast, and there's something different about Sam. That would be because you're looking at Sam's cousin, Spencer - who bears an incredible likeness to Sam - his wife Yana, and daughter, Nika, who does have a few years on Maddie.They came by for a Father's Day brunch, where we were able to celebrate these gentlemen.

Dads Rock! (Maddie shared the sentiment from her co-sleeper as she napped).

After brunch, Nika pondered how they could make the rest of the day even better. It was decided the three would spend it at the pool.

Maddie babbled her well-wishes to Dedo on the phone, and then spent the rest of her first Father's Day with her Dad and her Grandpa Toby, who definitely do rock.

Slappy Meets Grandpa Toby

Early this afternoon, a special visitor arrived during Maddie's nap.

After waiting her entire life, her Grandpa Toby was finally here.

What did she think?

Both Taisie and Maddie agreed, they were both very happy he was here.

Slappy Wears a New Dress

When Maddie was 6 days old, she insisted on wearing a dress from her Aunt Tara and Uncle Ant - it fit her much like a bag of potato chips. Now at almost double her size - it fits just right.

Slappy Is Emotional

Pensive.

Upset.

Delighted.
And all of this in under a minute.

Slappy Has Insult Added to Injury

This arrived in the mail today.

Maddie's Dedo did wonder how her Great Aunt and Uncle had personally contributed to the Wings victory.

Slappy Gets a New Friend

At 1:58pm EST, Andre Hays Michael came into the world to proud parents, Kerri Ullucci and Derek Michael. He weighed in at a solid 6lb 9 oz. Maddie could not be happier to have her new friend finally on the outside.

Slappy Enjoys Her Independence

Sam and Jess headed out for the first time, just the two of them, since March 22nd.

They went for margaritas with the Chadwicks and one Hershberger.

As a side note, the Chadwicks rode their bikes in a play to be deemed the most adorable and environmentally conscious LA-ians we know.

Maddie used the afternoon to spend special alone time with her Taisie, chatting, napping, and generally enjoying all the undivided attention.

Slappy Pushes Her Boundaries

Jess decided to try something new. For one of Maddie's afternoon naps, she was swaddled - typical, white noise maker turned on - typical, and then placed in her swing - atypical.

She slept for 2 1/2 hours, far exceeding her previous naps by 1hour and 45 minutes.

When she woke up, she was happy as a clam.

Almost as happy as her mom.

Slappy Supports the Pens

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs had the Red Wings up 2 to 1. The Williams-Hearne household was prepared - a lineup of black and gold Dewalt tools sat on the fireplace hearth, cold beer chilled in the fridge, and mac and cheese baked in the oven. Maddie warmed up for the game by doing some bicycle exercises with John, and holding onto a sugar snap pea for the first time.

The Red Wings won 2 to 1. The mood was somber.

It showed in the frosting of the cupcakes for Liza Mae's birthday.

She managed to eat one anyway.

For Game 5 , the tension remained high even up until the last minute when the Pens were down 2 to 3. The game went into overtime when a last minute goal was scored, and the good guys won 4 to 3 in triple overtime! Onto Game 6!

Slappy Sees the World

From her Dad's perspective.

And it's not bad at all.

Slappy Has an Enigma

Maddie received this handmade quilt from Liza Mae Chadwick. It is more than just a cool design out of black velvet and canvas - the pattern has meaning. Can you figure it out?

Oscar did in minutes and claimed it as his own - after all, it's all about coordination.

Slappy Discusses Her Dreams

Maddie has gotten considerably more talkative. She particularly enjoys chatting with Taisie about the events of her days, as well as tales of her naps.

Slappy Cheers on Jess' Ol' Home Team

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. Tonight was game 3 - the Red Wings were up by 2 games.In place of a terrible towel, a gold and white Lilly was waved for luck.
Tensions were high, as the first period played out - the score at 0 to 0.
Maddie needed some extra comfort and bouncing from Erin to make it through the first period.

But then a goal was scored and the fans were able to relax.
Lilly was even able to focus on another show - almost as fascinating as a dirty diaper.

The Pens continued their momentum, winning the game 3 to 2.

Change Stiller to Pen, and the sentiment is the same.

Slappy Enjoys the Simple Things

Like playing with Taisie and a bell on a ribbon.

Practicing standing with Dad.

Going for a walk with Mom,In a new hat.