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.

Slappy Visits ELF

Maddie got to visit her friend, Elf (Eleanor Loa Findley), who is now a week and a half old, and as cute as the cupcakes on Maddie's dress.

Slappy Goes to Spencer and Yana's Wedding

Maddie was excited for her first wedding on the outside, and was impressed with how fly her Dad looked.

Her grandparents, on the other hand, were impressed by her, as demonstrated by the fact that they could not be convinced to look at the camera.

Not even close to all of the Smyth clan was there, but there was a good sampling. From left to right - Taisie, Great Uncle Whit, Mom, Dad, kid, Great Uncle Bill, Grandpa Toby, cousin Laura, Great Aunt Francie, soon-to-be-cousin-in-law Rio, Great Uncle Chris, Great Aunt Susan, and cousin Wendy.And, flanking the left - cousin and best man Faber, and on the right, Great Aunt Lu and mother of the groom.
The ceremony was held outdoors on a perfect, warm evening. Maddie spent the first five minutes of the wedding with her head tilted back, long enough that Jess had begun to worry that maybe she had strained or hurt her neck. Finally, Jess pushed her head forward only to realize that Maddie had just mastered total head control, and had been enjoying the beautiful tree canopy.
After the ceremony, the guests toasted the happy couple with champagne and strawberries .
Great Uncle Jeff and father of the groom shared congratulations with Wendy.

The elated groom, Spencer, toasted his bride by explaining that even though they had been married in a civil ceremony a year earlier, he had wanted to have a wedding, so that he could finally see his bride in her white dress.

The happy bride, Yana, managed to both enjoy the festivities and provide comfort for a very tired flower girl and daughter, Nika.

After dinner, many a Smyth was seen on the dance floor.

As well as a Page or two.

Dad was impressed.Especially when Maddie stayed up until 10pm on the dance floor.
Weddings rock!

Slappy Is Insatiable

After visiting with all of the Kender side of her family, she had to have more. Luckily, Taisie and Grandpa Toby returned to LA for a Smyth family (Taisie's maiden name) wedding.

Her reasons for wanting to see more family quickly became clear. Her Taisie has the great talent for putting a baby to sleep in a matter of minutes.

At a pre-wedding cocktail party, her Great Uncle Bill tasted delicious.

Her Great Aunt Francie promised her a cute knit hat, and everyone knows Maddie loves rockin' the top pieces.

Great Uncle Jeff pointed out additional important family and friends, as well as playing the important role of father of the groom.

Great Aunt Lu and mother of the groom, enjoyed the beach with Taisie, where Taisie demonstrated her talents once again. As for the bride and groom, we'll be seeing them in all of their glory tomorrow.

Slappy Meets Baby Ellie

A 4-day-old Ellie greeted us with her proud Papa, Drew.

New mom, Aarin, was looking fabulous, and there is a definite likeness between the two. Ellie has surprisingly big, beautiful, wide open eyes, not the standard, rarely open eyes of a newborn, which she clearly got from her Mom.

Jess got some time with expertly swaddled Ellie, and was amazed at the difference 4 months can make. Although we all know that once these two grow up a little, age will no longer matter, and this here Valley will have to watch out for this duo, lead around by the little Miss Leonhardt.

Who had also stopped by for a visit, and was excited to see that one of her two babies was back after our 3 week tour.

Slappy Leaves Fire Island

Maddie spent her last full day at Fire Island, learning all about thunderstorms. Uncle Ant and she spent many an hour looking out the screen door at the lightening and rain.

Uncle Wills gave Jess a break by feeding Maddie her first Uncle bottle.

After the storms blew through, Aunt Tara and Uncle Ant took her down to look at the frothy ocean.

And that evening we saw them off on the ferry, bayside.

All of us are barefoot in this picture, as all of Ocean Beach was flooded, some water reaching up to our ankles. Both Maddie and Jess enjoyed the puddle jumping.

Our trip back to LA began at 1pm with a trip back to Long Island on the ferry, Tio Greg letting Maddie be "King of the World".

12 hours and one cancelled flight later, we landed in Burbank.

And one tired baby, finally got to see her Dad. Sam was amazed at how much bigger she had gotten and even commented that her voice sounded older. Jess and Maddie were both so happy to be back in his arms.