Comments Please!

Okay, so I know I've been harassing all you Maggie fans for some comments, and many have reported back that they couldn't comment. Well, as my blogging knowledge increases, and my husband nags me to check my blog settings, I have learned that anything is possible in the blogging world. So alas, anonymous readers can comment!!

Comment away Maggie fans!

Whole Parenting

Maggie fans, for those of you that are parents of young children please check out my new blog. I'll be posting lots of tidbits on child development, and other helpful information on teaching young children.

http://wholeparenting.blogspot.com/

Happy 8 Month Birthday Maggie Moo!

Here's the 8 month tornado! She's spreading all her toys around the living room in about 2 minutes. She' a pro at pulling her basket of toys and her books off her shelves now. Notice how she uses her big toe to stabilize herself. They are like her little brakes! I love those toes!!

I laughed at this picture because all her favorite toys, the ones she's pulled out anyways, are the homemade ones--the wipes container, oatmeal canister, baby food jar lids, etc.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Don't waist money on "developmental" toys, they'll learn a lot more playing with the box it comes in!

Well, Miss Magnolia is 8 months old today, such a big girl. Apparently being 8 months old means you HAVE to get into EVERYTHING. We can't believe what she's getting into, and how quickly she's doing it. She's still belly crawling everywhere, but still rockin' away on hands and knees too. We were into the pediatrician today for Maggie's cough and congestion, and she's got another ear infection (this would be number 2). So here goes another round of antibiotics--not our favorite, since last time she got such a horrible diaper rash.

Oh, and Auntie Hailey, since we know you spend time in class reading the blog we thought we would send you a little reminder to make sure and learn lots too. Maggie tried to paint you a pink picture yesterday, but she painted a little too much, and destroyed the paper. She's going to make you another one soon, and we'll mail it to you. It sure was good seeing you this weekend--Maggie loves you!!

The Magnolias

Preface: I call to schedule Maggie's next doctor's visit and the receptionist, says "Now which Magnolia is this? We have two." I respond, "Really? Wow, that's funny I've never heard the name Magnolia before we decided to use it."

So Maggie and I are at the coop (yes I know it's a co-op, but we call it the coop), and the woman standing next to me says "oh that's funny, we match." I turn around and notice she's carrying her baby in the exact brown New Native sling that I'm carrying Maggie in. She then asks "What's your baby's name?" I answer "Magnolia," and she says "No way! Her name is Magnolia too!" Then, "How old is she?" I answer "Almost 8 months old." She responds, "Really! She's eight months old!" Then of course I ask who her pediatrician is, and it's Dr. Zieba, Dr. Ally's partner. I explained to her how they had told me they had two Magnolias and how funny I thought that was. After all this she introduces me to her husband and mother-in-law and we exchanged business cards for a possible future play date. Hopefully it all works out and the Magnolias will get to know each other!

Beautiful Pieces of Art Available

The artist has been busy creating many beautiful pieces of art. If you are interested in owning one of these pieces (grandparents/great-grandparents??) let me know.

When the artist isn't painting, she's at "The Hollow" enjoying some fabulous food.

You guys didn't think she was that child who sat in the booth without bothering anyone did you??? Oh yes, she was "ahh" ing, and climbing up me to look at people, banging on the booth, you know, the usual annoying child next to you. Except extremely adorable, so I'm sure no one minded.

She's such a people watcher!

This was the first time she sat in a highchair at a restaurant--I know, so big, huh?

Maggie the Artist!!

Step 1:
Get both hands into the paint

Step 2:
Start smearing the paint all around, pat the paper, taste the paint (oops, mommy and daddy missed that one), etc.

Step 3:
Get paint all over, and create a masterpiece

Final Step:

(Maggie see's the rag in Zac's hands)
"Wait a minute, are you going to wash my hands and face now!!!???"

To the Park We Go!

So most people know we are a dog walking family. We get out and walk Boston pretty much every night. We always pass Elm Grove Park, and sometimes we let Boston off her leash to run around, play a little fetch, or to chase a squirrel or two. Well, this evening Maggie insisted on a little Maggie play too, so we decided to try out the swing and slide---both were well received!

Mommy did it!

So this picture was uncovered in some of the pictures Bob and Nancy (Sara's in-laws) had of the wedding. Sara's sister-in-law took this picture of Zac and I. It's one of the only ones with both Zac and I when I was pregnant (HUGELY pregnant by the way). I thought I'd share it considering this is Maggie's blog, and there she was--our little mystery, the cutest little girl ever!

Well, I spent my first night(s) away from Maggie. I headed to Coeur d' Alene for a conference Sunday evening and came back this afternoon. Maggie and Daddy did just fine. She seemed pretty happy to see me, with just a hint of irritation for leaving her. Of course it was very hard for me, but it was nice to get away and sleep without someone waking me at 4am to let me know her pacifier was missing.

The conference was great, and Coeur d' Alene was beautiful, snowy too! Sara and I stayed with her in-laws and had a wonderful time. I got to see MaryJanes's new store, which was adorable. I had to hold back on buying a ton of stuff. I did splurge and get Maggie her first apron--it was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Now she's a farmgirl at heart, just like Mommy.

Thanks Bob and Nancy for being so hospitable!!

Maggie at School

Ahh, mealtimes. It's what Maggie and her friends are all "in to" right now. It looks as though Maggie's cleaning up here, or spreading her cereal around some more!

This must have been play time with Teacher Chris (one of Maggie's favorite people). Zac informed me the other day that Maggie keeps reaching for the classroom as he walks her down the hall. She is also reaching back for Chris when it's time to leave. It's so nice knowing that Chris, her friends and her classroom make her so happy.

Gotta love those pie tins!! After watching Maggie play with them at school, Zac bought Maggie some for at home.

Apparently Maggie likes to play with the water baby.

I still go in to feed Maggie lunch most days. It's great spending my lunch with her.

What is this stuff??!! I like it!

So Maggie was letting me know that she needed to do some sensory play. Mainly by demanding exploration with her food, which of course is fine with me! So we decided to play with some Oobleck (equal parts cornstarch and water). She quite enjoyed it--as you can see.

The funny thing is that she got to play with Oobleck the next day at school. She had just explored it enough at home, to really go at it at school. Apparently she played with it for 40 minutes!!

Here's the two people I heart the most! They sure are cute, huh??

Boxes sure are fun; the laundry basket was also quite fun this morning!

Future Vandal

You know what's really cool??...being a Vandal. Maggie received a package in the mail from the University of Idaho Alumni Association. Inside were some awesome Vandal sneaks, and a Future Vandal certificate. Apparently she'll be in the class of 2031. The certificate reads, "Future Vandal, The University of Idaho Alumni Association Welcomes Magnolia Annabelle Crist as a member of the class of 2031." Then it is signed (real signatures by the way) by the University President, and executive director of the Alumni Association.

It's getting framed.

Damn it's good to be a Vandal, or a future Vandal for that matter!