A different song

 This may be my new favorite quote when I think about Annika and just how I approach life.  I know I have been teaching for quite some time now (almost 14 years and I am not sure how that is possible)and I know that each of my students are different and unique.  But it just brings it home when it is your own child.  It is amazing to watch all the wonderful things Annika is doing already, when doctors and websites said she wouldn't, just to her own music.  That doesn't mean that sometimes I don't find myself trying to get her to dance to the same song "typical" kids seem to be dancing to, but I catch myself and remember to tune into her station.  Sometimes I forget that she is even listening to a different song until I see the look someone gives me when I am holding her like an infant and say she is 15 months old.  All of a sudden I am crudely aware that our music is nothing like their child's and it catches me off guard.  I feel defensive for a moment or that I need to tell people right away that Annika was made extra special, but I just need to remember that it doesn't matter what they think or see, she is our perfect gift and such a blessing.

This book was given to us by the wonderful family that we met in ABQ over Christmas.  I absolutely love it and I am thankful Angie got it for the girls.  In case you don't get to read it, it is about a giraffe, Gerald, who can't dance and everyone makes fun of him.  Then he finds his own music and he starts his own amazing dance.  Isn't it funny how in life if we stop trying to copy someone else's dance we find our own moves and find that it is so much more fun that trying to fit into another song.  This is what God wants us to see in our lives.  

He has a different song for each of us because each of us are "...fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" Psalm 139:14

Finding our dance is not always easy.  I distinctively remember what junior high, and even parts of high school, felt like.  I know I kept trying to dance like others and tried to fit into their lives, but it took a HUGE change in my life - well for a high schooler it felt huge - to start to find my own moves.  I had to switch from Cibola High School to Valley High School and that was so devastating to me at the time.  Looking back, I am able to see that this was a turning point in life that allowed me to dance to my own music.  

So special needs or not, we all have a tough time finding our music and this has been a reminder of this fact.  Find your dance, feel your music, and let the Lord lead you where He wants you to go and you will be amazed at how great life can be.  And if you start to feel down or have a tough day dancing, come hang out with Annika for a little while.  You can't help it but have a smile on your face when you are with her. 

My little 3 Year-old

I really can't believe that Madelynn is 3.  I remember every little detail from that special day and can't believe how blessed our lives have been.  She is such an amazing kid.  She is kind, loving, fiesty, energetic, talkative, stubborn, and always makes us laugh.  The last 3 years have been better than I ever could have imagined.  Our life as the 3 of us is about to change and that is hard to imagine.  As we have gone through the changes we have in the last 3 1/2 years I am so thankful Madelynn will have a buddy in life for these situations she will face.  I could never have made it through with out my sisters and now she will have her own sister to give her that comfort and friendship.  A few words about age 3:

"Don't talk to strangers,

You must comprehend;

I give you a warning,

Not all grown-ups are friends

I teach you about manners

and when to be polite,

But I also enlighten you

When saying "no" is all right.

You discover responsibility,

You master a first chore;

You learn to put your toys away

That are left on the floor...

You personality blossoms

More and More each day;

I like who you are

And all that you say."

Madelynn's wonderful Minnie Mouse cake.  I have to say, it was not only cute, it tasted amazing!

Our little family...we are so blessed

Madelynn and her friends.  Wow, we really are lucky people.  They had such an amazing time and so did I.

A little pin the bow on Minnie

Madelynn and Kyros...they are so funny together.

Oh yes, and the inside had polka dots.  I have to say I was quite proud with the success.

The dress-up caddy Bruce made for Madelynn

Our Minnie Mouse toes to get in the theme

My little 3 year-old and all her Minnie dolls.  She is so cute!

Bruce said we were quite the 1950's family for her birthday this year.  I made her cake and dress and he made her dress.  It was really quite cute.
I know time goes so quickly so I am trying to savor every moment and remember that this is the last summer it will just be me and Madelynn.  We have a trip to Alaska planned and many trips to the pool.  Here's to the next amazing year with your sweet girl as we get to experience another wonderful stage in her life.

My Sassy Little Girl

I can not believe how grown up Madelynn is getting.  She will be 3 in just over a month and I swear she is going on 13 more and more every day.  Some of my favorite things that she says right now:
When you ask her if she wants something, like fruit snacks, she says, "Well, of course."  Like, I can't believe you would even have to ask.  That kid will do anything for a fruit snack and things everyone should have them at their house.  When she stayed with Whitney last week she seemed very put out when she found out Whit didn't have fruit snacks at her house. 
She talks all the time.  I mean seriously, doesn't take a break.  From the time she wakes up in the morning until the time her head hits the pillow she is talking.  Sometimes I just need a break, but don't seem to get one.  She has an amazing vocabulary, or so I am told by other people.  We only have one kid so we really don't know any different. 
The other day she told me not to touch her books.  Of course being the brat that I am I pretended to touch them.  She said, "Don't touch, that is illegal!"  I dont' even know where she comes up with this stuff.  If you ask her to do something she doesn't want to do she replies with, "Nope!"  We are working on the respect issue here but it is still really funny.  She loves to go boxing with Bruce and to Zumba with me and does great at both.  She copies everything we do at Zumba and she is so funny to watch.  Bruce took her to boxing and now she wants pink boxing gloves.  I don't think most people have to have this conversation with their 2 year-old, "Now remember, you can only throw punches with Daddy.  No hitting anyone at Miss Ruth's house.  Do you understand?"
At night during prayers if we forget to say, "Thank you for Madelynn" she gets upset and says, "You didn't say my name!"  So we have to be sure to be thankful for Madelynn everynight. 
There are so many other funny things that she says right now and I just can't remember them right now. 
She is so excited to have a brother or a sister.  Sometimes she says the baby is a girls and sometimes she says its a boy.  She doesn't seem to care either way at this time.  She loves kissing and hugging my belly which is super cute.  I know she will be a great big sister, she just doesn't seem old enough. 
She told me the other day that she is going to teach the baby to play.  I thought that was super sweet.  I know she will just be wonderful and our house will be crazy, but I can't wait.

Changes at the Hatches

Life will never be the same around the Hatch house starting in October.  We are adding a new little "hatchling" and couldn't be more excited.  Madelynn talks non-stop about her brother or sister and how we have to buy them clothes and baby boy bottles.  (Her sitter is also having a baby in July so there is a lot of "baby talk" in her life right now).  She is so excited, not that I am really sure she understands, but I know she will be an amazing big sister.  She doesn't seem old enough to be the "big sister", isn't she still my little baby?  Well, don't you dare let her hear you call her a baby because she will correct you in no time.  "I am not a baby!  I am a big girl!"  or if I tell her she is cute she says, "No, I Madelynn!"  My brother-in-law says we are going from having a smart pet (our 1st kid) to an actually family, which always makes me laugh and is probably very true. 

I am so thankful for this blessing that we have been praying for for quite some time. 

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."1 Samuel 1:27–28

A baby is always a blessing, but I know this baby couldn't come at a better time for our family to focus on the wonderful blessings God has given u,s even during these difficult times, and to remind us that life does go on.  As one life ends another begins and that is something we have to thank Him for. 

So, here we go on our next adventure.  I will no longer be coaching, but I will be the mom of two kidos...a whole new chapter....

(Please keep this of facebook for now.  I have student's parents on there and I am not quite ready for them to know...although I know we live in a small town and it will happen.  Thanks)

Pumpkin Patch....My favorite time of year

A fall timeline...I can't believe how she has grown over the years.  It happens right before your eyes and then you look back and realize how much time has past.

 2010

 2011

 2012

 Ignore the date on the picture...not sure what happened there.

She looks so grown up.  What a cool way to track her growth over the year.  This is one of my favorite traditions we have.

 Just a little walk with daddy....I really have to get Bruce better about snapping some pictures so there are some of me with her.

 This has to be one of my favorites.  She looks so precious.  What an amazing memory.

 Fun with Cassidy...having cousins is the best.  I am so glad they live so close.

 Cupcake and mermaid

Trunk or treat at Bruce's church.  We had a great time!

2 years a counting...

It amazes me to see how much Madelynn has grown this summer.  I remember seeing my friend's kid (Yes, little Piper) this spring and thinking, "Wow, she can do so much more than Madelynn."  I know...don't compare your kids, but I am normal I still do from time to time.  Well, I had to remind myself that the girls are 8 months apart and all kids are different, then I started to see so many changes in Madelynn.  Well, here are some of her highlights at this point....

*  She sings "Jesus Loves me" before she goes to bed at night and loves for me to sing "her song"  which is the Gilmore Girls theme song.

She sings Itsy Bitsy Spider, with the motions, the caterpillar song will melt your heart, and at preschool she is learning the pledge.

She insists on saying her prayers very night and asks Jesus for a baby brother (sometimes a sister)

*  Nothing is "out of reach" she climbs on everything...and if you hear her counting 1,2,3...you better get ready to catch her because she is jumping off something.

*  She loves fruit snacks, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese, and Daddy's crackers

*  She repeats everything...I mean everything. 

*  She can count to 10...when she wants to

*  She is a daddy's girl!!!  They cuddle in the morning and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and sometimes I am not even invited.

*  I love it when she corrects me by saying, "Actually...." - I am sure I will hate it later

*  When she wants to do something she says, "Maybe, I have some chocolate milk...or what ever she wants".

*  She knows most of her colors but won't always perform.

*  I love it when she says, "I sorrwe mama." 

I could go on and on.  Really I just wanted to get some of this down while I still rememberd.  Even though she makes me crazy and is very good at being 2, I love her more than anything.   



Knock it over

 Why is it sooo much fun to build a tower and then knock it down?  Madelynn has spent the last hour playing with PlayDoh, putting it back in the containers and then knocking it over.  It is amazing the joy she gets out of this.  Should I be concerned that she is destructive or is this just normal discovery?  It is really cute to watch.  It is amazing to see her just hanging out at her house, not having to go anywhere, she has changed her clothes 3 times and it is only noon.  It is like watching an animal in her natural habitat.  We need more days like this....

Reflections of mommyhood

 I found a book my wonderful friend Lollie gave me before I even had kids, I think.  It has reflections of mommyhood over the years and I was amazed at how true each stage was.  Here are a few excerpt from it. (by P. Taylor Copeland)
The Pledge: It's up to me; I owe you direction, to nurture you and love you and give you protection.  This is my promise.
Newborn: Entrusted to me, I'll give you my best;  A bright future for you is my quest. 
I hold you often, both asleep and awake, if this is spoiling I'll indulge for our sake.

One:  While I cook dinner you play at my feet in your special cupboard filled with plastic treats...
Cuddle time come, a story is read; with love in my heart I put you to bed.

Two:  Your world is enlarging, there's so much to see; the zoo and the park and the pool (beach) are just three.
I'm here to protect you, to keep you in sight; your being safe in my ongoing plight.
Fascination erupts, you crave to learn; I use lots of sunblock so you won't burn.
Not always aware of why you're told "no", you are continually testing and ON THE GO!
When we go shopping I must advise, "We look not with our hands, but look with our eyes"
The terrible twos are thought of with dread,
But I say you're inquisitive and just want to be led.

I can't believe how she has changed and grows from day to day.   I saw a great reminder at my friends' house today. 

"Remember the little things in life...As you get older, you will realize they are the big things."

Sometimes I feel like I can't get things done, my house is a mess and my laundry is forever not done, there are finger prints on the back window, there are snacks in my purse, and each tasks takes twice as long as it should, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Seeing life through her eyes amazes me each day and reminds me of how life should be. 

Turning 2!!!

 Moving into the next year of her life in style.  She never goes anywhere without a baby.  She will be an amazing mommy someday. 

 Madelynn shares her birthday with a very special man, my best friend's dad and my dad's best friend...Terry Moore.  We had a special birthday celebration.  This is the closest she will ever have to having a birthday party with my dad.  It was so special to be there with them for her birthday.

 Making Father's Day gifts with the girls.  She seemed very surprised that I was painting her hands.

 Now it is Kennedy's turn.  She was a bit skeptical.  Of the two, she is the calm one...not that you can tell from the next picture.

 Madelynn showed Kennedy how exciting it is to jump on the matress.  Instead of the girls teaching eachother they good habits I think their bad habits rubbed off on each other.  Madelynn taught Kennedy to jump and climb on everything and Kennedy taught Madelynn to not go to sleep at night.  They really did a great job together though.  They were so funny to watch and listen to.

 "What?  I told her to stop jumping but she won't"

 Me and baby Brayden.  He is such a cute little man!  Madelynn thinks he is her baby.

 An ever growing friendship.  What a great week.  I can't wait to see them again.  I know our girls have many wonderful visits to come and maybe someday they will be getting together with their kids....Pass it on.

 Our little 2 year old with her very own kitchen.  This was her birthday present from Mommy and Daddy.  She loves it. 

 Birthday party fun.  Jamie and Madelynn going down the slip n' slide.

 Singing Happy Birthday

 Run, run, run

 Another Dora baby (that sings, thanks Martha :), She loves her babies.

 Madelynn and Baby Brayden who she thinks is her baby.  She tried carrying him on her own, climbing in his crib and helping to change his diapers.  Hopefully she will make a good big sister someday.





This says it all.  Too friends sitting down for a chat and having the time of their life.  Here's to another amazing year Miss Madelynn Ruth.  We love you.

Well, it is official......

No, I am not having a baby but even more exciting at this point.....Madelynn is officially potty trained.  We have not had an accident in about 3 days (yes, I am knocking on wood right now).  She has done amazing, and so have I.  This is just another time that I realize why God had it planned for my sisters to have kids before me.  I found myself getting nervous and frustrated when she would have accidents and worried about inconvincing people that help us with her.  I could see me getting alittle out of control about this if I didn't have the examples of my calm, cool and collected little sisters.  God is so smart and knows me so well.  I have always said they were meant to have kids for me so I would learn not to freak out about every little thing.  They are so good at giving advice and encouragement.  The best advice I got from Meghan was to keep a potty seat in the back of my car...already used it twice.  So smart, especially when  in takes almost 30 minutes just to get to the store.  Although, I could see this being useful even if we lived in ABQ. 
Well, I didn't even want to potty train her, but she is so strong-willed that after the 15th or so time she took off her diaper and wanted to sit on the potty that maybe I should so something about it.  Maybe that is why it went so well, because she was so ready for it. 
Well, except for naps and night time we are diaper free.  I am sure there will still be accidents from time to time, but it is very exciting.  Now we can start all of our summer travels with a potty trained kido. 

Well, this picture has nothing to do with potty training except that I think she looks very grown up.  Thanks Aunt Lydia for the super cute dress!

Melts my heart

Some of the things that this sweet little angel says just melts my heart.

When I give her something, a snack or toy, she very sweetly says, "Tantu, mama." (Thank you, mama). It just melts my heart and makes me smile. It is so sweet and loving. I have to remember this during those time that she is yelling and screaming at me because I am not giving her what she wants.

She will also stretch our her arms and say, "hug, hug". It is just so sweet and innocent. She even asks Nut (the Dog) for a hug. Times like this make me so happy. What a sweet baby!

"Hep you!"

"Hep you!" This is what we hear all day when we try to get anything done. I was trying to clean up the mess she had made in her room and she followed me around saying, "I hep (help) you momma!" This is her actually yelling that at me. She says, "Hep you" when she wants to help us and when she wants us to help her, so sometimes we get in trouble if we try to help her when she doesn't want it.

Everytime I try to put her in her car seat, "Hep you!" because she wants to buckle her own seat. Then we have to keep an eye on her because she tries to unbuckle it while we are driving. She wants to help us put our shoes on, change her diaper, wipe our own nose or even feed ourselves. We are sure getting a lot of "hep" around here these days. I have no idea how we used to function with out her...but we were probably on time more often.
" Hmmmm, what should I clean next? These parents of mine are slobs!"


Her cheese face that she seems to make everytime we want to take a picture of her lately.