Slappy Goes Bush-Whacking

The day began with Maddie giving Taisie a hand, getting breakfast ready for the troops.

It was early morning, but Smooth Andre was still on his game.

"....To get to the other side!"
He's hilarious.

Then Dad's first sink bath with Grandpa Toby supervising.

Followed by a hike to Heron Pond.Pond-y.

And then the bush-whacking began. Led by Taisie, the group made their own short-cut through the woods back to the trail. After about 10 minutes, everyone made it out alive."It was easy... I did find that I got a little hungry along the way, but then again I am a baby.""No, no, I was never afraid. I had the utmost confidence in Taisie's bush-whacking skills."Spirits remained high as everyone headed out to the Parade of Lights, a Labor Day celebration held on Chocorua Lake. The people of Chocorua head out onto the lake after sunset, canoes adorned with lanterns, and form a procession of light across the still water. And what better way to celebrate on a cool late-August night, than in a hot dog made of fleece.

Slappy Gets a Taste of NH

And what life is like in the "Live Free or Die" State.
There is discussing the DNC with Grandpa Toby and Dad in the pasture.

Getting visits from friends.
Smooth Andre brought his folks up some states to hang out (Mom, Kerri, is deep within the mosquito netting. Dad, Derek, is Andre's ride).

Spending time by Lake Chocorua on the dock.

And discussing the RNC, over an excellent dinner by Taisie, complete with candle centerpiece welded by Sam, when he was in 6th grade.

Slappy Flies - Take 2

This time Maddie and Mom had company! And both of them were much more relaxed.

Even the 2 layovers on their cross country trip seemed manageable with Dad around (and it didn't hurt that he manned both high altitude diaper changes, one complete with blow-out).

Maddie also discovered a new favorite toy and spent all 3 flights exploring it. Good old arm rest, so multi-functional.

12 1/2 hours of travel later, Maddie reached her final destination. One of her Dad's favorite places in the world, Chocorua, NH.

Slappy Finishes Her 4-7 Line

With her final two onesies, before she moves up another size.

The Juicy Party by Anonymous.

The Pimp by Liza Mae Chadwick.

Slappy Goes to the Movies

Mommy Movie Monday provided Maddie the chance to get out and catch some wide screen action. (For those of you not familiar with MMM - the theatre provides stroller parking, doesn't dim the lights entirely, and screaming babies aren't banned but rather welcomed - except by little 4-year-old boys, who are occasionally heard saying, "Baby, beeee quieeeeet!"

She met up with her friend, Ellie, Ellie's mom, Aarin, and Nana, Suzanne, and settled in to watch "The Rocker."

MMM also provides a diaper changing, folding table in the theatre which Dad (having been to a MMM before) took full use of, while Mom looked on thinking, "Hmmm, I guess if that's not what it's for, they can always wipe it down."

"Dude, that movie was funnier than I expected."
When the movie first began, Maddie was riveted, standing on Dad, staring at the screen. She managed to stay awake watching for about half of the movie, interspersing her viewing with hungry or tired breaks. The two big rock scenes were her favorite, each demanding a big lean towards the screen, as she watched the movie and her parents, in turn, watched her.

Slappy Does Brunch

"Oh, chorizo and pancakes - you make my morning," intone Tim and Shanna.

"Hmm - it is peculiar, how a greasy spoon can bring so much pleasure," muses Eric, while getting beard scratching support from Maddie.

"It is impressive how full one's stomach can be after a Paty's meal," demonstrates Kathleen, who is also showing support for Shanna's particularly full belly, which contains not only pancakes but 14 weeks of baby as well.

Slappy Enjoys a Warm Summer Day

And a fabulous summer print.

Diane shared in the fabulousity with a top straight from Hawaii.

And what better way to end a summer day, than a BBQ on the back patio.

With special visitor, Great Uncle Chris, who stopped by after dropping cousin, Sebastian, off at USC for his sophmore year at college. (Maddie also got a special additional goodnight kiss from her Great Uncle after Dad brought her out in her night time sleep sack - Maddie having outgrown her baby straight jacket).

Slappy Has Baby Legs

2 sets. One set emerging from her pelvis, and the other covering her first set. (They're the polka-dotted leg warmers you see in the photo).

Slappy Is Really Pleased

Her Dad is so funny.

Slappy Introduces Her 4-7 Month Onsies

Originally 3-6 months onesies, Maddie has only just recently debuted this new line.

The Dance by Françoise Viélot González.
Note: Maddie has been practicing her moves in this outfit as seen on the right.

The Hip Hop Couture by Anonymous.

The Happy Party by Shanna Starzyk.

The All-Seeing Eye by Anonymous.

The Luau by Liza Mae Chadwick.

Slappy Senses Change

It all began when Uncle Wills said his goodbyes, and headed off to his senior year of high school. The house would be much more quiet and the fridge would be a lot less packed with delectable treats (Mimi had headed to the airport the night before).

Then Maddie headed over to her friend, Ellie's, welcome party. She was thrilled to see her, but here was where the change became more noticeable.

Some things were familiar - great food, drink and company.

And some were very, very different. All of sudden, it seemed, there were small people everywhere - and lots of their accessories. Their entire approach to partying was much more frenetic and demanding.

While all the adults began to ponder what this new era meant, Ellie appeared entirely unfazed.

Slappy Meets Grass

In the backyard, with Dad after work. Both her and the grass were indifferent.

Slappy Still Likes the Ball

And bouncing with Dad. Only now she enjoys it vertically, rather than horizontally.

Slappy Goes On A Walk

With Uncle Wills to lovely North Hollywood under the guise of picking up more milk from the local corner market.

Caught in the act! Later, at home, the truth comes out.

Slappy Perfects an Irksome but Valuable Skill

The back arch. Used in times of duress.

Slappy Licks Things

What the... ?

Lately, Jess has been letting Maddie lick new things, besides her own two feet. To date, she has licked ice - makes her gasp but is a good time, ice cream - more impressed with the ice cream's surroundings, a plum - demanded more lick time, and celery - unimpressed.

Most recently, organic farmer's market white peach was introduced by Uncle Wills. Maddie figured out that if she nursed on it she would get some of that good peach juice, and she did. And she got it in her mouth, on her face, down her shirt, onto her legs, and finally onto Uncle Wills.

Slappy Works Two Hands

A new achievement on her borrowed Emma Exersaucer.
Additional achievements from at her last doctor's appointment, 8 days ago are as follows:
- Weight: 13lb. 7oz. (30th percentile)
- Height: 24 7/8" long (50th percentile)
- Head Circumference: 16 1/4" (45th percentile)

Slappy Sits Up

Mom helps with the set up.

I'm doing it!

Blast that gravity.
(Fear not, all tipping happens slowly, much like the Tower of Pisa, except faster than that.)

So far all attempts at remaining upright solo, have ended in a face plant. Neither Mom nor Maddie are deterred.