Heat, Happiness and Dada

Yesterday was a fun filled Father's Day. We went to our community pool in the morning. The water was a bit cold, but the temperature outside was HOT. Madison screamed and had a few tears for about 3-5 minutes. But Darin kept holding her and moving around in the water, splashing and making waves. Madison loved to splash. We were at the pool for about 30 minutes, then it was time to go. Then we decided to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch..mmm it was great. Darin's a wonderful grill master, he's been watching Bobby Flay.

The rest of the afternoon we let Madison take over the basement, actually we barricaded her in so we could watch her, she is so fast. She enjoyed pushing her stroller and transporting her little purple lamb. I finally got a picture. Darin was laughing at me, as I thought I'd never get a picture.

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing you a very special day!

Happy 1st Father's Day to a wonderful, husband, master and dad.. We love you!

Daddy "Dunkher"

Last night was Madison's second session of swim lessons. You'd have thought she has been in the pool for weeks. Darin decided that he would get in the pool with Madison. She loved being with Daddy. I was in the pool as well, but swam near everyone. Darin slowly moved through the water with Madison stuck to his side. There were NO tears, a few screams, more smiles and one wet girl. As we said good-bye to the other "swimmers" in her class, Darin asked the instructor if he could "dunk" Madison. So it was a one, two, three...under the water. She had her mouth open the whole time, but it did not seem to bother her...no tears or screaming. Can't wait till next week..watch out Michael Phelps..

Poor Sonic..getting old is tough

Sonic, who is 12 year old in dog years or 62 year old in human years had his annual vet appointment on Thursday. He lost one pound, his heart murmur is about the same as it has been for the last five year, but he is starting to go blind in his left eye. Darin and I have noticed he has been a little slower, but we figured his legs and joints are hurting him, which are common for his type and breed. We haven't noticed anything usually with his eyes or him bumping into things. We've been most concerned with his heart murmur and have been watching for continuous signs of progression, but its been okay. For his eyes, there is medication available to "slow" the progression, which is good. We just hope he doesn't suffer or the blindness progresses faster than expected. This is a picture of Sonic this morning, spending time out on the deck, which he loves.

Swim Lessons

Madison had her first swim lesson last night at CernerKids. At times she cried, at times she tried to drink the pool, most of the time she kicked, but she never wanted to be held by the swim instructor. I must say the water was a bit frigid, but for day 1 we had a great time. Darin was there as support and to take pictures, thank goodness. I believe Darin had a good time as well, when he saw Madison cry, he continued to encourage her.

On another note, the minute I got into the water with Madison, I got a foot cramp that continued through most of her swim lessons. The swim instructor helped me out with a little massage.

The final picture is after swim lessson..meal time.. much different look and face.

Sippy Cup

The last couple days we've been working with Madison on drinking out of a sippy cup. We started about month ago, but it was a complete failure and we stopped. But really the failure was mine. I bought the no spill sippy cups that kids have to suck out of..... well, a baby doesn't suck, it drinks. So Dad messed up. Oh well, it will give us something to work on this weekend. I guess you never stop learning.

A new report slip from school..

Today, Darin picked Madison up from school. When Darin arrived home, he mentioned that Madison had another accident/incident report. He said she kicked another classmate. He had me going for about 20 seconds, then I realized he was giving me a hard time. As I stated earlier, Like ------, Like Daughter, I'll let you fill in the blanks. Well Madison did have a report, this one was bright red in color. The report slip said, "Something to Really Wag About." This was awarded to Madison for standing by herself for three seconds. From the Little Lambs Teachers. We congratulated with Madison by clapping. It's very enjoyable seeing her prepare to take her first steps. Can't wait.. but we still need to further child proof the house.

Just Pictures

First accident/incident report..

Madison is on day two as a Little Lamb and I must let you know that she had an accident/incident report today. In our conference last week, her teachers warned us this might happen. However, I did not realize it would happen so soon, she has no teeth, she doesn't punch, she does kick a little, okay a lot, but that's all. Well her report noted, Madison throws herself onto the floor and hits forehead." There is a little bruise, but she appears to be okay. All I can say is Like ------, Like daughter. I'll let you choose how to fill in the blanks! =) Hopefully, no accident/incident reports for awhile.

June 1, 1991.....

Eighteen years ago today, Darin and I went on our first date. We ate at Kings Drive In (on Cornhusker Hwy, I believe it is now a used car lot). Then we went to the Stuart Theatre to see the movie Backdraft.
From Nebraska to Chicago to Kansas City to Michigan and back to Kansas City with Germany and Dubai in between, we've have some great memories and we will continue to have many more.
We survived two weekend MBA programs in Chicago and Kansas City, went on a few cruises, float/camping trips and Nebraska Football games.

As I reflected back on the past eighteen years it has gone soooooo fast. But we are so blessed to have each other, a dog and little M.