ND v Michigan 2013

To say that I've been less than enthusiastic about our new location is a bit of an understatement. But there was one event I was excited to see this year.

Notre Dame vs Michigan

While the game didn't turn out like I wished, I begrudgingly will say it was a very fun day. We hit the ND club of Ann Arbor's tailgate and the U of Michigan neurosurgery party as a family. Chris & I were lucky enough to get tickets to the game while Maddy headed home with her nanny. Overall, the atmosphere was pretty darn awesome.

 So, I guess this goes in the "pros" category for A2.

Cutest Irish fan EVER!

Buddies!

Yes, it's a Michigan tailgate. Yes, we wore Irish gear. We will not back down!

Playing football at the ND club tailgate. Proud mama. 

In the Big House. 

11 Months. (That's one less than a year)

11 Months. That's how long we've been a family. Almost 1 year. Amazing.

We still pinch ourselves to make sure it's real. That's she's really ours. And then we say a prayer of thanks, she's truly our daughter.

Maddy is adjusting well to our new home and her new schedule. She is becoming more and more independent- or at least wanting to be more independent. She is learning so much daily- colors, numbers, life skills. She bosses Annie on a regular basis. She loves tea parties, her stuffed deer, and playing outside- especially in the dirt.  And she still loves being Maddycat.

This month brings some new adventures- swim lessons, gymnastics, First Steps and potty training.

She's ready to get out into the world.

Daddy's Big Run

Despite protestations against running in the past, Chris took it up this summer and ran his first 10K in August. Way to go, Dada!

The Lone Star State

Funny thing... board studying and toddlers do not go together.

So, in an effort to get some actual studying done, Maddy & I headed to a board review course in San Antonio where we were joined by our best bud, Nonnie. While I was in a cold conference room trying to fill my brain, my girl was playing at the pool and hanging out with Nonnie and our good family friend, Pam Lampe. Aunt Ana even drove over to join in the Texas fun.

I'm thankful that Maddy is a good traveler. She likes pulling her own little rolling bag, struts right down the jetway and is pretty darn good on airplanes. One of the many reasons I'm a lucky mama.

** my pictures of the fun times are limited because I wasn't there for most of them.  Boo.  

Remember the Alamo!

Done with the Alamo. 

Out on the Riverwalk

Shakin' the maracas with Nonnie & Pam

Upgrade! We could get used to first class.

Summertime Fun

Amid settling in, learning our way around and trying to study for boards, we've been soaking up the summer.  Maddy likes sunshine like I do and we both put our heads back and "soak it up" throughout the day.

Maddy has learned to like the pool. She is happy splashing and walking around, even laying on her tummy moving her arms and legs.  We take lots of walks and watch for animals, with the cutest little voice calling out "deer, deer".

While the deck may not be the prettiest, it's good for painting, playing in a water table and eating outside.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner. If the neighbors could see through the trees, they would see our pajamas.  A lot. Maybe they can and think we're loons. But we know the days are short for this, so until there's a formal complaint, we'll keep it up. Hey we're new!

Mama studies, Maddy plays. It lasts for a short time. 

Visiting the Hansen's at Cherry Beach on the St. Claire River.
Thanks for letting us visit!

Unsure about the whole river thing.  

Watching for fish and boats. 

Watching the freighters with the Hansen's. Honk, Honk!

Funny faces

Masterpiece in action. 

Afternoon chips and (hot!) salsa with Mama.
We needed a break!

Best Buddies

One of the best, best, best things about Maddy... we are buddies.

Especially right now when we don't know anyone, don't know our way around and are trying to figure things out.  And Dad is working a lot.

We have each other.  And while this is a bit of a warning because I see her becoming more like me everyday (yikes!), it's pretty cool to have my own little pal.

I just love her so so much.

Girls day out: farmers market and fun lunch

Our first adventure to explore Michigan. 

A New Adventure

After a long drive, we safely made it to Michigan. So did our stuff which was an added plus.

Most importantly, we are all together.

We're all here!

Trying out the swings at the park nearby. 

We approve!

Kitchen immediately after the packers unpacked. 

Disaster!!

Celebrating with Nonnie before she flew home. 

 

My helper measuring for drapes.