Warming Up to Santa

Addison met the nicest and most authentic Santa. Eventually she calmed down and we ended up with a pretty nice picture.

Finally

We received this outfit from Matt's Aunt Cathy and Uncle Charlie when Addison was very little, and I've been waiting anxiously for it to get cold and for it to fit... Well, the skirt is still big, but now that winter is here, I couldn't resist.

Thanksgiving

We traveled to Raleigh, NC to visit Matt's family. Our hosts (Ray & Beth a/k/a Mom and Dad or Grandpa and Grandma), were fabulous and spoiled us, as always. "Uncle" Taylor was there, and Addison got to meet his fiance', future "Auntie" Katherine for the first time. She also got to meet Matt's Grandmother and his Aunt Lee for the first time as well.

Our travels went relatively smoothly. Addison was a trouper - we got her ups at 3:45AM Thanksgiving morning, so we could drive to O'Hare to catch the first flight out for Raleigh. Surprisingly, she barely slept in the car and did not sleep at all on the plane. And when we arrived at her Grandparent's house, she had lunch and was ready to play... She finally took a nap, but still lost about 4 hours of sleep for the day and still seemed no worse for the wear! The trip home was similar, she hung in there and we made it home without incident. We just marvel at how "good" she is. We are very lucky!

Addison with her Grandpa Ray and Great Grandma Anne. The necklace became a favorite new-found toy.

Great-Aunt Lee, Great Grandma and Grandpa watching the "center of attention"
Addison discovers Jackson's bed

Finally- Thanksgiving dinner, with Jackson waiting for a treat

Grandma Beth watching the show

Addison uses Uncle Justin's hand-made tool box for a toy box

Grandpa teaches Addison about instruments

More laps, this time with a purse

Addison with Uncle Taylor and Auntie-to-be Katherine

And another new friend arrives

Aaron Jackson Trudell was born to Mandy and Shaun on Sunday, November 23rd. His emergency arrival was a little scary for his new mommy and daddy, but I'm happy to report everyone is doing well. (Phew!) Can't wait to meet you baby Aaron.

Welcome New Friend!

Just want to wish congrats to the Nelson family! Jennifer, Mike and big sister Emma welcomed beautiful Madelyn Noelle on October 29, 2008. Mommy and baby are doing well. I even got to visit them in the hopsital... Much relieved to hear from Jennifer that it's easier the second time around.

A First...

Well, we made it 15 months without serious incident... Addison has her first ear infection. True to form, she has fared well without much fuss - all things considered.

Favorite Things

Like most kids, Addison loves to entertain herself with things that aren't exactly children's toys. Such as, remote controls, cell and cordless phones, window blinds, emptying out the contents of her diaper bag, pulling all the wipes or tissues out of the box, pushing the power button on the TV and computer, pulling the vent cover out of the floor, unfolding folded clothes... you get the idea. Fun for everyone!!

Sitting in a storage box...

Playing with her pink cell phone

Unfolding her jammies

Jammies on the head...

Sitting in the serving tray on top of the ottoman

Do you need a coaster for that drink?

The beloved remote

Emptying they diaper bag

The vent cover - not yet yanked out of the floor

The swiffer broom

Daddy's laptop - an all-time favorite. The mere sight of this device is sure to send her into an excited fit.

The Pumpkin

Addison's Great-Grandpa Kneepkens (affectionately known to most as "Grandpa Al") made her this little pumpkin - complete with gummy worm eyebrows and ears, decorated marshmallow eyes, a gumdrop smile, and a potato nose... He even gave us a "repair kit" with spare "parts" which I snacked on. Yummy!

Halloween 2008

Last year, Addison was just going on 3 months old at Halloween. This year, at almost 15 months, she still wasn't sure what was going on. We tried her ladybug costume on her, just to get her used to it. She was not a fan at first. But eventually, she got used to it. Despite her cold and not feeling well, we went to a Haloween party at the Sparacino's, with lots of little kids (and some parents) in costume. Then on Haloween evening, we trick-or-treated around our little cul-du-sac. She got to ride in her little push car, and after about 4 houses, she was done and ready to head home.

Go Badgers!

Although not the best season for Mommy's alma matta, Addison is showing off her UW spirit on game day.

Martha's Vineyard - July 2008

I never got around to posting pictures of our trip to Martha's Vineyard in July. Better late than never I guess.

It was an absolutely wonderful vacation. Lots of first for Addison... plane rides, boat rides, the beach and ocean, sleeping away from home, meeting her Ashmun Great-Grandparents and Great-Uncle Charlie & Great-Aunt Cathy. It was, as always, such a treat to have uninterrupted time to spend with family in such an amazing place. Seeing Matt enjoy this place he loves and has known since he was a baby with his Daughter for the first time was a memory I will cherish forever.

Addison modeling her new bathing suit and cover-up.

Hanging out with Grandpa.

Enjoying the baby pool and experiencing salt water for the first time.

Quality time with Grandma.

Practicing crawling on the dining table.

Uncle Taylor changing his first diaper. (This one's for you Katherine!)

The reinforcements arrive - Dad and Grandpa and a flashlight?

The best view ever! My hubby, my baby, and the Cowbay house overlooking the pond and the ocean. Addison gets up close and personal with live lobsters.

Getting ready to go on Uncle Charlie's boat for a harbor cruise at sunset.

We were just so happy to be at the Vineyard.

Grandma, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa Chil.

Addison really enjoyed her Great-Grandparents - wonderful hosts as always!
Thanks for the memories Martha's Vineyard... Hope to see you next year!