With her grandparents before they headed back to RI.
She helped Grandpa Toby with the dishes by opening all of the cupboard doors directly below him.
And walked proudly between Dad and Taisie, showing off her teapot.
After dropping them off at the airport, she drowned her sorrows in some of Taisie's homemade mac and cheese. It helped.
And so did her parents. Their activity was having their first night away, alone, together, since Maddie's birth at a gorgeous hotel in Dana Point.
It included a dinner, breakfast and lunch sans kiddo, who was happily spending time with her grandparents.
Upon their return to Burbank, a fun activity was in order and Grandpa Toby and Taisie had the perfect idea.
Empty condo, open house hunting. 
It was awesome, and involved running from room to room, accompanied by shrieking and listening to the echo of said shrieking, with glee.
All that excitement was then followed by a dinner out, where good food was had and stars were spotted. Ok - it was the former host of Talk Soup, but c'mon, who doesn't like Talk Soup.
At her one year check-up, Maddie checked in as follows:
Maddie's typical morning routine goes as follows. Wake up, hop into exersaucer with some Cheerios, watch Sesame Street, eat some banana and oatmeal for breakfast, and then play before morning nap. Not bad. This week, however, has been something special. Grandpa Toby and Taisie have been visiting, so mornings have a little more excitement than usual. For example - watching Sesame Street ON Taisie's lap while playing with toys. Grandpa Toby has also been close, to satisfy any additional "mas" (more, in the Slappy dialect or Spanish) for Cheerios. The above toys ended up on Maddie's ankles much to her delight.
"Man, they know how to do everything."
This was one year ago, today.
And now look at her. On a wrapping paper shredding rampage.
Enjoying another BBQ at Brian's house-warming party.
Getting tossed in the air by Dad, because, yes, she can support her head all by herself.
Walking and pointing, ie multitasking.
Practicing sharing with ELF, ie I put this green bean to your mouth, or maybe I smack it onto your head.
Continuing the gift opening process with the intensity it deserves.
We are so proud of you, big girl. You're so cool. Thank you for letting us be a part of your world.
At the first BBQ of spring, there was a lot to celebrate. First, there was an entire group of people who seemed very happy to walk Maddie around. Take Erin for example.
And Kathleen. And wait, did you catch that? Grandpa Toby is visiting - more of an audience to show off Maddie's new walking skills to.
To make things even better, Taisie is also visiting, and Sierra, the dog, let Maddie pet her in exchange for hanging out around her food droppings.
And what else was there to celebrate? Holly Rose would tell you that it is not the fact that Jess manages to always take a picture while someone is shoving food into their mouth. But look past the table - Marissa is now 8 months pregnant, so we have the impending arrival of her #2 to celebrate.
Steve is also leaving for a job in Thailand - yes, up in the air, on a jet plane - and while we weren't celebrating his departure, we were celebrating his friendship.
And wait - there's more - I know, unbelieveable! Jess is now 5 1/2 months pregnant, so the arrival of the Scrapper is also coming closer.
And there was Maddie's discovery of corn on the cob.
And the all girl pile-up on Alex.
So much to enjoy - and how better to finish off a great evening BBQ, then with a walk through the backyard with Grandpa Toby.
And really, who doesn't? Ellie agrees that whenever one is sitting on top of a bar waiting for a table, one should definitely be chewing on a straw.
Edith had her birthday on the 2nd, and is now at home with Mom and Dad and finishing her first week in the outside world. This picture tells that story without words.
Sam got a chance to practice his future, and Maddie showed her first signs of perhaps a rough beginning in hers. After watching Dad pick up Edith, she butt-scooched over to Dad and yanked on his jeans. Luckily, a cat toy soon caught her interest and crisis was averted.
Tim, Shanna, and Edith - our newest beautiful family.
After a dinner of lamb, coucscous, zucchini and crackers, all the girls were in need of a bath.
Bathing alone will never have the same thrill.
The Scrapper headed for the standard 20-week (Jess was 19-weeks pregnant) ultrasound, and all looks great. We saw brain, spine, heart, ears, and some special bits that will help us begin to pick an appropriate name for the wee one. In accordance with Dedo and Uncle Wills wishes who want to be surprised, however, you will have to ask us or Mimi or Taisie and Grandpa Toby, since posting here would negate those wishes. By the way, you can thank us later for not posting some really creepy 3D imaging pictures we came home with, which look like Jess is carrying something out of the movie, Terminator.
