Surprising Mommy

Everyday, my girls surprise me with something new. It is amazing how much they're retaining & applying!! They listen & respond to me. The communication between us is just as exciting for me as it is for them! They are SO smart. 

- I went to get them up yesterday morning and Kels was standing up in her crib, saying & signing "Eat". She just kept repeating it til I put her in her highchair. 

- Karis was going for the TV power button. I said "Karis, No". She shook her head side to side, understanding the "No" and then came right to me for a hug.

- I say, "Let's go get our snuglis & go nigh-night." and they both toddle to their room with their thumb in their mouths & stand in front of their cribs waiting for me to lift them in. 

- I asked Kels if she was hungry and she walked over to her highchair. 

- Karis is getting tired of crawling, especially when she sees her sister nearly running. She's starting to grab walls to get herself around while standing. A few days ago, Kare saw Kels coming and she grabbed on as if to hitch a ride. They were walking together! I so wish I had gotten that on camera!

- They've learned how to safely climb off of chairs, couches, beds & such. I taught them to turn around & go feet first and they surprised me when they both did it! It was as if they understood that going head first was going to hurt. 

They are absolutely amazing little girls and I adore every moment! 

Catching up...

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Phew!! A lot has been happenin' around here. Ok, where to begin...
Just some highlights:
5/5/11 - Kelsie took her first steps
5/8/11 - My 2nd Mothers Day
5/23/11 - Keslie walks & Front facing carseats
5/24-30/11 - Hunting trip with best friends & inlaws
6/2/11 - Karis took her first steps
6/7/11 - Visit from Reno cousins
6/9-26/11 - Visit from Serio girls
In the midst of all the goings on, the girls continue to grow & change daily. They are mobile! Kels is very stable on her feet. She bends down, picks things up, stands back up and continues quickly on her way. Karis enjoys walking around but still needs a hand to hold. I have taught them a few basic sign language hand gestures so that it's easier for them to communicate with me. They can sign "please", "all done", "milk", and "eat". We are now working on "thank you". Karis loves to sing and Kels loves to dance! Their favorite toys right now are their fake cell phones and their favorite person in the world is Daddy. Right now, everyone they see, even in a picture on the wall, is "Dada". They can say a few words and make a few sound effects. Their favorite animal is a monkey. They like books and music. Along with the great, there has also been some not so great moments. As they grow, they are learning about the consequences that follow disobedience. Even at their young age they are defiant at times, and Ian and I believe that disciplining our children when they need correction is biblical and appropriate. So, we have decided to administer the "rod of correction" when needed. And on it, we have written these scripture verses...Proverbs 29:15 "The rod and reproof bring wisdom..." Prov.22:15 "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it from him" Prov.23:13-14 "Do not withhold correction from a child..." Thankfully, we have not had to use it much. So far they have responded very well to a harsh warning and a glance at the rod.
Ian and I have been going to the 11o'clock service at GBC Southwood. We have only been attending one service due to the girls' schedules, but this Sunday, Ian and I have decided to attend the 9:15 adult bible fellowship. We've been aching to get back involved and develop friendships within the Southwood church community. I will also be volunteering in the children's ministry once a month! So excited to get plugged in again! We have started going through the Essentials and it is so refreshing to dig into the basics of our faith. The girls still cry when we drop them off at the nursery, but I'm told the crying doesn't last long after we leave.

Anyways, that's what's been going on in the Mader household lately. I will try to post a bit more frequently.

Mother's Day

 Hunting trip with our best friends, the Ratliff's

 Hunting trip with Mom & Dad Mader

 Walking

 Reno cousins. I love 'em!

 Nothin' like Dad

 Pool fun with Taryn & Kelli

 Kisses

 Cute cousins

Opposite hand thumb suckers

Front facing car seats!

Our disciplinarian