Sharkey Family =)

Madeleine is 2.5 years (30 months) old!!!

2010-09-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

What a big girl! :)

And truly the BEST big sister!!!
Madeleine is very thoughtful: she gives Serafina toys she think she will like (and is right more often than I am!)! Madeleine will even line up the next toy, 'for when she starts to fuss'. Too cute! And Madeleine will always turn on the sound/vibration on the jumeroo or bouncy seat and entertain Serafina when I put her down to get something done.

Still LOVES playing with Big Sister Bobby... (and Bobby continues to be a great Big Sister role model ~ very gentle and easygoing. Bobby runs & hides when things get too much, but that's rare as Madeleine is really gentle with her. ;>

************GRANDPARENTS ONLY*****************
I'm going to make a Year 2 book (hopefully!) for Madeleine, so I figured this would be a good place to write down a lot of 'What You Were Doing' type stuff. So, here goes:

We're not supposed to take pictures while there, so no photo coverage, but one of Madeleine's favorite things is going to story/singing time at the library. We sing all sorts of songs: some in English & some in Spanish. (Serafina is really good during that hour; hanging out with us, watching all the kids). What I love is during nap time, Madeleine will randomly sing the songs which shocked me at first because she never sings at the library, so I didn't think she knew the words. (I now voyeuristically watch on the video monitor ~ good times! Right now she's mixing it up between Buenos Dias, I'm Being Eaten By a Boa Constrictor, and the Serafina song.)

Madeleine is also a big fan of going to the zoo. Her favorite animals are the gorillas (there's a baby who was tumbling all over the place once which really tickled Madeleine), flamingos (they're pink), giraffes (she has several at home, so perhaps the connection is interesting?), penguins. Of course, Madeleine also loves the gift shop which is conveniently located by the entrance/exit. Fabulous.

Madeleine's memory is as sharp as ever, much better than mine or Sharkey's. Scary. Case in point: she was playing with a random toy dug up from the bottom of her toy chest & I couldn't for the life of me remember where we got it (not sure why that was bugging me, but it was). I asked Sharkey, no clue. I asked Madeleine, she paused for a moment, got that Thinking Face on, and said 'Walgreens'. Sure enough, I remembered she was right (from one of those big sale bins ~ she talked me into buying it). We're going to be in BIG trouble when she hits the teen years, I'm afraid.

Madeleine loves books. She reads in the car, at home, and always we read before nap & bed times. Her current favorites are Counting Kisses, Let's Go To The Zoo, Baby Beluga, her Nursery Rhymes book (esp 'Old MacDocald' how she says it), and of course anything by Sandra Boyton (far too many to list). She's just starting to get into the Madeline books, but they're still a bit long for her. Of course, books that 'do' things (flaps, dials, etc) are always big hits.

and i suppose i should get on the ball with potty training: while outside playing in her pool & with water, madeleine will take her clothes & diaper off and frequently goes pee in her little potty (with no prompting). such a big girl! (i'm just dreading the potty training ~ always having to be on the lookout for a [clean!] toilet that i've been lazy about officially potty training her. :P poor thing.

WARNING: GRAPHIC PICTURES ;P
Shots of Madeleine's very first 'dookie' in her potty ~just a few days before Serafina was born.

Serafina is 5 months old!!

2010-09-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

She's really becoming her own person ~ laughing & 'talking' much more, expressing likes (and dislikes!). Serafina really is a very good, easy baby. She's happiest when someone is holding her, but is satisfied to sit in her Jumperoo for a bit (while I get Madeleine breakfast, etc). She loves watching her big sister, and Madeleine definitely gets the most smiles. =)

Serafina went through a rough sleep patch where she was waking twice a night, and getting up at 6am, but (knock wood!) I *think* we might be past that. She's now (still) going to bed ~5/5:30pm, waking ~3:30a, and up ~7am (we're trying to stretch it to 7:45, when Madeleine gets up)... fingers crossed. :P now, if we can get that fleabag Bobby to stop meowing in the middle of the night, we'll be all set. ;>

Our neighbors, La Cocina, hosted their annual street food festival 2 weeks ago (~40,000 people came!). What a blast! Fortunately, we hit all the food stands (& random giveaways) early, then relaxed on our front lawn to watch the action. Here we are on our front steps. (One of the rare times Madeleine didn't want her picture taken, hehe! She was probably too busy eating the mini cupcakes Keith & Maulik brought over, LOL!)

of course, just like her sister, Serafina definitely gives those 'Sharkey looks'!!! too funny. She was pretty surly that day ~ probably mad they put the DJ booth in front of our house ~ not that it kept her from napping (i was shocked), but still... ;P

Serafina is 4 months old!!

2010-08-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

A rare chance for a 'photo shoot' in July ~ Madeleine actually slept in for her nap, so Serafina & I had an hour to ourselves. Gave her a baby massage (like I used to do with Madeleine before she started running all around), then I took some pictures of just Serafina. :)

As you can see, Serafina's really strong/good at holding up her head & upper body.
And very interested in her hands & holding/grabbing things now.

Thank you again, Sarah, for this cute top! She's a belly baby, so it works out well (in addition to being so cute!).

Just can't get enough of these adorable hats. =)

Thank you Aunt Wendy for ANOTHER FABULOUS visit!

2010-08-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

so happy with Aunt Wendy! :) love the gummy smiles.

it's funny: Serafina usually doesn't tolerate being held by anyone other than Sharkey or me, but she LOVED being held by Wendy and even sat happily with Wendy during her 'fussy time' (3:30-4:30)!!!

trying to get everyone (madeleine!) to smile for a phone photo for Mimi (their grandmother)

Wendy doing "Siamese Niece" with Serafina. =)

Thank you, Aunt Wendy, for visiting!!! :)

(not sure what's going on with the 'Glamour Shots' white cloud at the bottom of the photo...)

July

2010-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sisters :)

note: Serafina is wearing the hat Grandmom Sharkey made her ~ so cute :)
Always watching Madeleine on the go!

Big Sister reading to Little Sister :)
Serafina was playing with her giraffes, and Madeleine was reading. Then, Madeleine decided Serafina would enoy the story. too. So she put the book ON Serafina & read her the story. :)

Seems the obligatory photo ~ Eating Pet's Food

One good turn deserves another ~ sharing her food with Bobby!

And with Serafina, too!

LOL, love this 'Sharkey' look of Serafina's!! (smart kid)

Sitting up in the Bumbo! & watching Bis Sister Madeleine

being entertained: everyone loves the animal sounds puzzle!

Madeleine hosts Cousin Owen. =)

shows him how to splash & shares her toys

love baby butts & bellies!!!

showing Owen one of her very favorite toys: her blow-up rat!

guess who got it for her?!? those two...

PAINTING!

Madeleine asked to hold Serafina AND wear the owl hats (so proud!)

Serafina is 3 months old!

2010-07-08T13:00:00.001-07:00

I truly can not believe it. 3 months fly with a baby so good! =) (or is it just that Madeleine is in the midst of her Terrible Twos so compared to that anything seems good?!?!? just kidding. kind of.)

Serafina really is a great girl. She's easygoing & smiling more and more. =)
Serafina continues to sleep well (5:30pm to ~5:30am, then back down until ~8:30am as well as a nap from 11:45am to 2:45pm) which makes me especially grateful!! I realize we are VERY lucky that our children sleep as much as Daddy would like to (and as much as Mommy does, hehe)!!!

Seriously, we are blessed. (and please pray madeleine's Terrible Two Stage passes quickly & Serafina keeps on being such a good girl!) :P

Serafina alone in her etsy.com hat (really need to stay away from that site!!!)

Serafina doing Tummy Time (a real pro as she is a belly sleeper)
I was amazed how many expressions she had in the 2 minutes I took these pictures ~ really wonder what she's thinking!

And here she is in one of her favorite toys: her Giraffe bouncer ~ Serafina hits the giraffes, but I don't think it's intentional (yet). However, she gets the biggest kick out of watching the giraffes bounce around and rattle.

(and she's sporting one of the hats Auntie Wendy's work friend, Mimi's mom made for Madeleine, which have been passed on. :)

Summer Vacation in North Carolina

2010-07-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

For our summer vacation this year, we rented a house with college friends in North Carolina for a week. It was especially fun b/c all the kids had others their age ~ and fun for us b/c they could entertain each other! ;> Here are all the kids
L-R: Will Sirak 2, Jack Austin 4, Ava Ni 3mo, Reese Austin 21mo, Madeleine 2, & Serafina)

And here is the gang:

Fortunately, Madeleine loved everything about the beach

playing in the sand (so serious!)

going in the water
at first she wasn't too sure, but once she got used to it, there was no stopping her; Madeleine wanted to lay in the surf, swim in the waves, and go WAY out!!

Whew! Exhausting!!

and just hanging out with Reese raiding Angie's bag for snacks ;>

Unfortunately, it was just too hot for Serafina (who really couldn't go in the water). Hopefully she'll get to enjoy it next year! :)

Laying on Daddy in the AC (while watching World Cup) was more Serafina's speed (and Daddy's!) ;>

Serafina meets Ava
It was nice having a baby there Serafina's age; Serafina was born April 8, Ava was born April 1st. =) And they seemed to like it, too (as much as babies can)! :P

juicy baby legs & tiny toes ~ my favorites!!

Mini Golf!
While we were there, Jack Austin had his 4th birthday! He wanted to go mini-golfing, so of course, we all went. :) However, we got separated into 2 groups at the course. We got to golf with Jim, Cat, and Ava. Serafina & Ava slept through most of it, though. Again, hopefully they'll find it more exciting next year! But we had a grand time.

Why Jim enjoyed having Madeleine on his team:

Jack's Birthday
(L-R: Angie, Reese, Jack, & Adam Austin)

Getting spoiled by others (Jeff Sirak reading to Madeleine & his son, Will)

Good Times! Can't wait til next year! ;>

more Etsy trouble...

2010-07-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Etsy.com is dangerous! ;>

2010-05-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

i've been on a hat kick lately & Etsy is no help! :P

lol ~ in Madeleine's excitement to pose (that's my girl!), she forgets she needs to hold on to Serafina! good thing Serafina is both bendy & easygoing! :P

Week 6 with Serafina

2010-05-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

well, we're only at week 6, but so far, so good (KNOCK WOOD!)
madeleine is being a very good big sister; she's concerned whenever Serafina fusses, either telling me she needs 'mommy milky' or 'change her'. :P whenever strangers try talking to madeleine, she immediately tells them 'sister... (sera)fina'
as for serafina, we couldn't ask for a better baby. :) she's happy (as long as she's fed, her diaper has been changed, and she's being held, lol) AND (KNOCK WOOD again) she's a fabulous sleeper (thanks to mom who gave us tips and encouragement: THANK YOU!!!) ~ serafina's been going to bed at 5:30 (with madeleine), waking up ~2:30am for a feeding, then up ~7/8am (with madeleine). i'm keeping everything crossed that this continues for a long time!!! :P yesterday, the doctor weighed serafina at 9 pounds 11 ounces, right on track (gaining 1oz/day despite 'only' eating 6 times a day).

so madeleine was sitting in her stroller, waiting for us to get ready, when she asked to hold serafina.
madeleine held her gently and gave her a kiss.

Serafina is 1 month old

2010-05-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Serafina is 2 weeks old :)

2010-04-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

and doing really well, we're happy to report. Serafina is back up to her birth weight. We're all really enjoying the 'honeymoon phase' of this newborn Sleep (Well!) All The Time! (not to jinx ourselves, BUT) at night she's been going to bed at the same time as Madeleine (6:00/6:30) and only waking up at 10:30pm and 3:00am for feedings. (WISH that would last, but I know better...) She's also sleeping on the go very nicely. We'll all go with Madeleine on her 'Morning Adventure' (to the park, library for Story Hour, Zoo, Academy of Science, etc etc) and Serafina will pretty much sleep through it. Then, have a big nap from 12-3 when Madeleine does. Very nice. Again, I only wish this would last, but I doubt it... :P ah, well. at least we're all enjoying it now. :)

Big Sister Madeleine is also doing well (thus far ~ although still early to jump to conclusions as both sets of grandparents have been here entertaining her AND she's still able to go on her morning outings... ;> Hopefully we'll be able to say the same thing after everyone clears out & the dust settles. Stay tuned. :)

(pictures coming soon)

She has a name!

2010-04-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

FINALLY decided on her name: SERAFINA INA SHARKEY

SERAFINA: Not sure why I'm drawn to European names given my Native American roots ;> but there it is. I was scrolling through Italian names when I came across Serafina. I loved the lyrical sound of it. My dad is also pleased as it happens to be an old-school biblical name: stems from Seraphim ~ the highest order of angels. win-win. ;)

INA: After Ina Dean, the mother of my Stepfather, Rich. Ina was the nicest, most giving, kindest, and fun person, not to mention best euchre partner, I've had the pleasure of knowing. I only wish I could have known her better and for a longer time. I am proud and honored to name my daughter after such a great woman.

Serafina is quite a mouthful for a 2 year old, so Madeleine has coined the special Big Sister nickname of 'Fina'.
However, we hope everyone else will call Serafina by her full name as we love her complete name and aren't so fond of the shorter versions. :)

Sharklette #2 is born!!! =)

2010-04-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

Her birth story is short:
i sort of felt what might be contractions ~2am, went back to sleep until 4:30. told sharkey i wasn't sure, but he may want to stay home or go in for a half day. (he decides, what the heck, he'll stay.)
i take a long shower, and we head to the hospital at 5:15.
get all checked in & hooked to monitors at 5:45. am 8-9 cm dilated.
i want to start pushing ~6:25, they break my water, and Sharklette #2 is here at 6:30am weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and 20.5 inches (no epidural, no time really).
we're all doing great. =) even poor sharkey who had a front row seat thanks to the (male) nurse who instructed him to take my other leg during pushing ~ didn't ask, just told, & sharkey did, and hung in there like a champ ~ EVEN when they broke the water w/ a totally unexpected big gush, hehe!!! good times. baby girl was laughed out. :)

(my hair is still all wet from my shower...)

another Cloney is born (adds sharkey), and boy, is he right!! i thought madeleine couldn't look more like him, but this girl has miss maddie topped, i think.

First Visitors: Again, Aunt Rebecca, this time with Cousin Owen! =)

Owen felt his little cousin's pain... so cute! (He was all smiles & entertainment the rest of the time.)

Madeleine's First trip to the Dentist!

2010-03-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

and it was actually FUN!!! who knew?!?!
it helped that in the room, they had on a Disney movie involving (zoo) animals (a BIG treat b/c she never gets to watch TV ~ except of course when Daddy is babysitting ;>, and a sea scene on the ceiling, AND they kept giving her little 'gifts' as we went along! :) madeleine was surprisingly cooperative, allowing the dentist to count, clean, brush, AND floss her teeth without a peep! (i was shocked as brushing is usually quite the ordeal!) they gave madeleine some kiddie floss device, and she's been flossing now for the past 2 hours. :P of course, she had to have it for her nap as well, so she's probably still at it!
i'll try to get some flossing pics to post...

and since we went to a pediatric dentist in Pacifica and it's a sunny, gorgeous 70 degree day, we HAD to go to the beach afterwards! ah, it's a rough life we have. =)
good times. :) (WHEW!)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Madeleine! =)

2010-03-09T17:39:00.001-08:00

CA Academy of Sciences

2010-02-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Madeleine was fascinated by the penguins swimming and the stuffed animal displays

Can you see her saying "Oh, Boy!"?

Tiny Artist :)

2010-02-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

MY favorite past time for Madeleine. ;> I do love her creations!

As long as it's paper...

Double-fisted drawing!

Bunny pen

2010-02-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

at the Randall Museum ~ one of Madeleine's all-time favorite hang-outs!
(Please disregard the mismatched outfit: we were there for art class, so she's got on the grubbiest clothes I could find.)

CA Academy of Sciences

2010-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Madeleine & I get to go frequently during the week to the Academy, but this week-end, we got to take Daddy with us! =)

Touching (& playing) in the mini tide pool ~ Madeleine's favorite is the pink starfish. :)

Visiting Cousin Owen

2010-02-27T18:53:00.001-08:00

Madeleine was very impressed with & talked about "Owen" and "Becky" for many days after our visit. =)
Owen is 2 months old here ~ this was January 20, 2010.

Play group fun

2010-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's been quite rainy here lately, and our weekly play group has made all the indoor rotations, so Madeleine & I decided to have all her friends over here...
Needless to say, they were quite impressed with Madeleine's favorite play kitchen toy... her 6 pack of (empty, at least!) beer bottles. :P

Grandmom Sharkey visits

2010-02-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

November (30?)
Rose, in town to visit & help with new baby Owen, stops by to hang out with Madeleine for the day. =)

Mimi & Pop-Pop come for Christmas!!! =)

2010-02-26T16:38:00.001-08:00

They arrived on Wednesday, December 16 and we headed to Tahoe on Dec 18. (Sharkey enjoyed his Sweet Peace back in SF, claiming he had to work...) ;>

We each opened one Christmas present a day while in Tahoe =)

Once she figured it out, Madeleine loved 'helping' others open their presents. ;>

I was happy for Wendy to take Madeleine out in the snow for playing (Brrrrr!!!)

Tahoe was lots of fun, and a great CHECK for snow at Christmas, but Madeleine and I were certainly happy to put all that cold & snow behind us and head home to San Francisco! :)

More presents!

a PINK, FURRY coat from Mimi & Pop-Pop was a huge hit!

and from "Uncle" John & Brian, a kitty-cat outfit which Madeleine loved so much she immediately tried to wear! :) (Madeleine said her favorite phrase, "Oh, Boy!" when she opened it!)

Madeleine & Mommy =) Little PINK Riding Hood

being Very Gentle with Cousin Owen :)

He looks thirsty...

While walking in Chinatown, Mimi noticed this fun grate. :)

On an evening walk with Uncle Bob

Holding hands: Madeleine & Mimi's new walking trick ;>

pointing out the Moon ~ Madeleine's new obsession!

a TUTU! Mimi knows what little girls like =)

Taking Mimi & Pop-Pop to the Bay Area Discovery Museum

Of course, Mommy doesn't let her play in the water during winter, so while I was chatting with a friend, guess where Madeleine took Mimi?!

Oh, Boy!

Pop-Pop helped us with some home-improvement projects, during which Madeleine assisted (of course!) in her pink, furry jacket! ;> That's my girl!!

Playing with Pop-Pop =)

Showing Mimi & Pop-Pop the SF Zoo!
Teaching Mimi how to brush the goats gently ~ and pointing out their "eyeballs"

THANK YOU, MIMI & POP-POP for such a fabulous visit!!! =)
We had so much fun & can't wait to see you again in April! :)

Ardenwood at Christmastime

2010-02-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

Around holiday seasons, I get nostalgic for old fashioned family fun times. This year around Halloween time (in the pursuit of a Pumpkinville-type place), I found Ardenwood Historical Farm across the bay which has old-timey activities in addition to the actual working farm & historical Victorian house. Of course, we had to go back at Christmastime for MORE Family Fun! ;> http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Madeleine loved the animals (of course)

and riding on the train

She was a little wary of Santa (but who can blame her ~ look at the guy!)

had fun making funny poses. :P

(the sheep on the ground I made her at one of the activity booths)

Family Fun at the Beach (Nov 2009)

2010-02-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Gampy visits for Thanksgiving ~ Nov 2009

2010-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

oops... 3 months later am posting. sorry for the delay; we've been very busy lately!

Taking Gampy to the ocean & zoo =)

Madeleine's favorite zoo activity ~ (brushing) the goats!

Must take Gampy shopping (another of Madeleine's favorite things to do! That's my girl!!! =)
Went to a flea market & bought some tasty snacks (grapes)

Thanksgiving Day ~ the traditional Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge

BRRR!!! (whose brilliant idea was this?!?)

i think Sharkey's just about had enough, lol! :P

"Who is ready to go home?"

Afterwards, fun at a park

Unfortunately, on this last slide, Daddy forgot to catch Madeleine! :O
(but she dusted off & was ready for more ~ such a trooper!)

Chinatown!
First stop: Fortune Cookie Factory! Yummy!!! :)

What a good sport ~ trying Gampy's mystery drink!

mmm, not bad! :)

playing at the park in Chinatown

being entertained by a Big Girl with snaps ~ Madeleine thought those were the best thing ever!

All in all, quite an enjoyable Thanksgiving! =)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Talking

2009-11-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

We finally captured Madeleine saying our favorite word ~ Yes. she can't say the "y" sound, so she repeats the 's' sound at the beginning at the end, and of course, doubles it, so YES comes out as "seh-seh"
she also says "more" & does the signs for 'more' (we're baiting her with raspberries, which she loves)
good times ;>

Aunt Wendy visits again =)

2009-11-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

and arrives just in time for dinnertime fun! ;>

Madeleine still LOVES all dogs ~ we met a boy at the park with his new puppy; he was happy to show him to Madeleine

and the swing, loves the swing :)

and of course, LOVES the merry-go-round!

thank goodness we had the rain outfit from Mimi as it started to sprinkle, but Someone wasn't quite ready to go yet... ;>

and back to the park! :P

Unfortunately, didn't get any pictures of Madeleine's absolute favorite thing (that we did with Aunt Wendy): BIKE RIDING!!!

Trips to the Zoo

2009-11-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

We're certainly getting our money's worth of Sean, Kristin, Libby, & Charlie's Christmas present from last year ~ our Family Zoo Membership! =)
Madeleine LOVES the petting zoo part (as well as looking at all the other animals, too)!

LOL ~ she also loves the gift shop!!!

giving Bear a kiss

Playground

2009-11-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the playground a block from our house...
Playing in the sand area (with her toys from Mexico. :)

Still loves the swings =)

(here she is signing for 'more' swing)

making a friend

finding pine cones

Madeleine LOVES the merry-go-round (and much to her mother's dismay, has taken to being an ultimate risk-taker lately by STANDING UP while on it...)

Halloween Festival

2009-11-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Took Madeleine to the Golden Gate Mother's Group festival, and of course, her favorite things were the balloons and the park (that's there every day!)!! oh, well...

Shopping at the Flea Market

2009-11-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Medeleine's favorite Sunday activity is going to the Alemany Flea Market (a close drive from our house) in San Francisco.
Perusing...

Making careful choices...

Finally ~ found the perfect treasure! :)

Sports Car Baby

2009-10-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

From Happy to Fussy Face Phyllis in 2 seconds flat!

Puerto Vallarta

2009-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Puerto Beach

2009-10-30T08:55:00.001-07:00

The first time Sharkey's willingly gone to the beach (AND sat in the sand!)
... because his Madeleine wanted to play in the sand with her beach toys! =)

"Sand on my hands! Sand on my hands!!!" (can't fight genes)

at least she figured out how to get the sand off. :)

As always, more interested in the ROCKS than anything else, LOL!!!

Mexico!

2009-10-29T16:04:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun in February, that we went back to Puerto Vallarta last week! :)
It was a little crazier now that Madeleine is so mobile (and has DEFINITE views about what she does and does NOT want to do), LOL!

However, (for the most part) she LOVED the huge kids pool area ~ complete with Pirate Ship & loads of water slides! =)

One of her favorite slides ~ a little frog. Madeleine could climb the 5 steps up and slide down all on her own!

"Swimming"! (the water was shallow enough for her to 'walk' on her hands in the water ~ just like Daddy! ;>

Playing with Daddy
(For some reason Sharkey's feet totally crack Madeleine up. They're so weird.)

(Me) playing with our new camera...

2009-10-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

and Madeleine is playing with my phone
src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eElxnNSHhJU/Suoevbij-DI/AAAAAAAAB1s/8unlity_aLw/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0"
alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398160903552366642" />

and displaying her new (scary!) trick of climbing into her stroller all by herself!

Pumpkin Patch search

2009-10-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought it would be SO hard to find a decent pumpkin patch in the Bay Area???
The first week-end in October, I dragged Sharkey & Madeleine off to the first patches in high hopes. Dashed. Straw thrown on the cement and a few pumpkins on the ground does NOT a pumpkin patch make.
However, the 'busts' in my opinion probably got Madeleine ready for when we found the real thing...

(We've gotten a LOT of mileage out of these 'costumes': they're PERFECT for the weather here ~ we'll throw one on over her clothes, and ready to go! :)

Last week-end, after the FOURTH pumpkin patch bust, Sharkey put his foot down and refused to go to any more.
Good thing Madeleine is a persuasive baby, or we wouldn't have found the Perfect Pumpkin Patch/Harvest Festival!!!
This place had it all: people in period costumes teaching kids how to make straw dolls, press cider, make cookies, etc. etc.
Finding straw for her corn husk doll:

Hunting for Indian Corn in the corn field:

Success! :)

Picking out a pumpkin with Daddy

This didn't last long... Madeleine was MUCH more interested in the ROCKS in the patch than the pumpkins! (oh, well: to each his/her own... and i guess we DID meet in Geology Camp... ;>

Mimi will be proud!

Madeleine's favorite part: the Wagon Ride! =)

STILL a messy eater...

2009-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Loving her yogurt!

LOVING the Rainforest Cafe

2009-10-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

...even the scary gorillas hanging from the ceiling AND the Thunder part! (That's my girl! I think she'll fired up for Disney!!!)

Madeleine 'helping' me assemble my new bike...

2009-10-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

Playing with Big Sister Bobby

2009-10-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

This one is mostly Madeleine laughing ~ can't see her much as she's in the tunnel looking at/chasing after Bobby most of the time...

Happy Girl! =)

Madeleine is 1 1/2!!!

2009-09-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

No footage from today, but here are some videos/pics I've taken during the past month...

Playing at the water park 3 blocks from our house. =)
...and making friends, as always. ;>

Madeleine still loves 'playing' her horn (from her Mimi)

Here's the hands up 'I don't know' motion Madeleine has recently begun (very funny, to us, at least)

Madeleine saying 'Bye Bye'

Madeleine discovers she's ambidextrous! :P

Big Girl!

2009-09-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

Madeleine Kitty-Cat

2009-09-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Grandma & Granddad Sharkey visit (August '09)

2009-09-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

Madeleine thought it would be fun to take Grandma & Granddad to the Bay Area Discovery Museum (before they had to go to Rebecca's house to work!)

Hangin' Out (with her favorite babysitter!) before bedtime

***SONOMA DAYS***
We went to Sebastapol from Thursday to Monday ~ what a relaxing time for all! :)
...at least once some Rules were made: No Noise Toys! (I can't wait for Nelson's birthdayS, hehe...)
Rebecca's favorite toy! :P This was filmed before Don & Rebecca's arrival... (and yes, that 'twitching' is actually dancing on Madeleine's part!)

Playing in the pool with Grandmom and Granddad

Hanging out in the (not hot yet!) hot tub with Daddy. =)

Fun with Food

2009-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Our true San Francisco/Cloney of Sharkey Baby: LOVES the burritos!!! :P

"Reading" in Big Girl Chair

2009-09-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Madeleine loves climbing into her Big Girl chair to read (albeit not for very long!)

Reading to the 'Emily' dolly my mommy made ME! =)

Making Friends in Chinatown

2009-08-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Leave it to Madeleine to make friends wherever she goes! ;)

Favorite Things

2009-08-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Tutu, blankie (made by Mimi), lip gloss, & beads

Daddy's Home to play with his girls! =)

Why I love the tutu ~ shows of Madeleine's adorable baby legs!!! =)

Videos

2009-07-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Amusing Grandmom ~ has food in both hands, but doesn't want to let it go, so Madeleine figures out an alternate plan...

(love the Dad face at the end!)

At the aquarium ~ however, i think Madeleine is more interested in the other people... :P

Shoulder Shrug! (and typical stumbling around with things in both hands & mouth)

Being gentle with Big Sister Bobby & Walking

Walking with her Favorite Things: shiny beads & my lip gloss(!)

Grandma & Granddad Sharkey visit =)

2009-07-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

We didn't have many projects to do this time, so we all got to do some fun, touristy things. =)
Top of Twin Peaks for a view of downtown

Checking out a new park area by the bay (& practicing WALKING!!!)

Exploring Pacifica, a little town ~10 min from SF

Relaxing with Grandmom

Bill did a lot of babysitting while I ran 'errands' (getting a haircut for the first time in 2 years, etc) AND at night, so Sharkey & I got to have a 'date night'! So the next morning, after Granddad's sleepover, Madeleine took Bill around, showing him what she loves.
Playing at the park with Granddad

Taking Granddad to swim 'class' with Daddy

Thank you, Grandmom & Granddad, for visiting!!! =)

Follow-up GI visit

2009-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

went REALLY WELL!!!! =)
At 16 1/2 months, Madeleine is almost 22 pounds, and 29 inches. Dr Mian was quite excited about her growth; Madeleine is not only back on the growth charts, but measuring ~50th percentile!!!

In other news, Madeleine is doing really well. Very happy still. =) WALKING up a storm (thanks to Grandma & Grandad Sharkey who really cracked the walking whip when they visited a few weeks ago!)!
She's still not talking much ~ will say DaDa (of course) and BobBobBob, she seems to be starting on Doggie...
However, Madeleine will nod her head yes when asked a question, and will raise her hand at other times (i.e. Who is glad Daddy is home?). Too cute! will try to get it on video...
She also shrugs her shoulders ~ didn't realize we did that much, but we must! Funny what they pick up!
As far as motor skills go, Madeleine is on a kick of putting small toys into baskets/boxes and carrying or pushing them around.

She loves books, especially ones that flip to show something underneath or tactile books. I'll put some in her crib, and she'll happily 'read' in the morning while I take a quick shower. Let's hope this isn't just a phase!!!

We've been pretty busy as Madeleine seems to get pretty bored (read: Fussy!) if we hang around the house too much. So we've been checking out new things around town (an interesting singing toddler class ~ didn't realize the ADULTS would be required to dance... needless to say, i don't think we'll be attending THAT one too much. :P
She's still enjoying her baby swimming 'lessons' on Friday & Saturday (more like supervised splashing around, but they love it).
We've been making it to her weekly play group more, which has been fun for both of us. ;> It's really neat to see all the kiddos growing up!
Of course, we've been going to the zoo as well. They have a great children's area with goats (who MUST be tranqued ~ they're TOO laid back!) and sheep and ducks...
Good Times!

Hope you all out there are well. :)

East Coast Trip (Part II)

2009-07-21T06:52:00.001-07:00

We've been quite busy lately ~ going to Gymboree, the Zoo, Play group, swimming... and Madeleine is WALKING!!! (but i'm getting ahead of myself).

Here are pictures from the second part of our East Coast Trip (back in June!!)

Let's start in Ellicottville at my mom & Rich's house (aka Mimi & PopPop ~ we went there after staying with my dad in Olean).
Madeleine LOVED the pony my mom found at the Auction!!! It's legs make it go up & down while it rolls along.
(It was like Christmas morning: no one could get dressed before the fun began! ;)

a video:

(and as you can see, Madeleine still loves dogs ~ she'll point them out & make her excited sound whenever she sees one. :)

Playing with all the Treasures Mimi collects & brings out!!! =)

The perfect instrument for babies!!

Daddy joins his girls!!! =)
... first stop, the Auction!

Having fun with our auction purchase!!

Showing Sharkey the pony!

Madeleine's turn to push the pony!

This made the whole trip worthwhile to Sharkey! :P

Playing at the airport!

good thing, too, b/c we were on the 1.5 hour Buffalo to Atlanta flight for 5.5 hours!!! (due to 'weather' in Atlanta) AND wound up hunting for a hotel in Atlanta from 2 - 4am b/c our flight to San Francisco left without us!!! now that was fun. (actually, miss maddie was the best traveller of the 3 of us!) ah, never a dull moment! :P
but despite all that, the trip was DEFINITELY worth it!
Thank you, mom & Rich, for a wonderful visit!!!! =) (hopefully we'll see you in san francisco soon! :)

Back to WNY

2009-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

a bit late with the update...
Madeleine & I went back to the East Coast this month, from June 4-13th.
We stayed with my dad (Madeleine's Gampy) first.

Of course, we also visited the Sisters at St. Elizabeth's. =)

Madeleine challenged Sr. Mary Lawrence to a walker race! (TOO funny!!)

In the end, Sr. Mary let Madeleine win. ;>

My friend (since WE were babies!), Amy Mahar, drove to Olean for the week-end to visit with Madeleine & me. =)

Amy & I took Madeleine to see where WE used to play when we were little

And of course, we had to say hi to Joe & Roberta, Amy's parents!

Thank you again, Amy, for driving down! It was great to see you!! :)

YAY!!!

2009-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, Madeleine's test results came back, and she does NOT have Celiac Disease!!! =) =) =)

Additionally, Rose unearthed Sharkey's growth chart, and his looks nearly identical to Madeleine's! So, we're thinking it's probably just genetic... :P WHEW!

Here are Sharkey's stats:

age weight height

4 wks 6-10 19
2 mo 9-14 1/2 20.5
3 1/2 12-6 22.75
5 13-13.5 24
7 15 25.5
9 17-3 27
12 17-5 27.34
15 18-4 29.25
19 19 30.25
24 21-`13 31

Family Fun in Tahoe

2009-06-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

Tahoe!

2009-06-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the family wagon and took this party to Tahoe a few week-ends ago. =)
We took Madeleine 'hiking' ~ we were promised a PAVED hike, the only kind for me!

and along the way, found the perfect vacation home, right on the lake! :P

However, later on we decided to go OFF the paved trail (NEVER a good idea!) and of course, we got a bit more than we bargained for...

ICY cold Tahoe mountain run-off = numb legs! :-O

After all that exertion, Miss Madeleine needed some rehydrating!

Ah, back on the paved trail with "interpretive signs"! =)

We also went biking. :)

(We're trying to prevent whiplash with the blanket around Maddie's head...)

Madeleine got along well with everyone:
Within minutes of arriving, she had Demetrius, well-known anti-child guy, eating out of the palm of her hand, quite literally!

REALLY, guys?!?

Siri gave Madeleine her first haircut! :)

I used food as a distraction ~ worked pretty well.

Ah, Tahoe! We always love being there, enjoying the BEAUTIFUL surroundings

and of course, the TERRIFIC company! ;>

Thank you for ANOTHER great visit, Wendy!!! =)

More Walking (with walker)

2009-06-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

So Far, So Good...

2009-06-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Madeleine's endoscopy was today. It went well (the procedure lasted only 20 minutes); the doctor said her esophagus, stomach, and small intestine all look healthy. =)
The only rough part was when Madeleine woke up from the anesthesia, she came around earlier than expected and was quite unconsolable. It got slightly better when they took the IV out, and once we got in the car to go home, Madeleine was back to normal. :)

As of today, Madeleine weighs 20.24 pounds (a 2 pound gain from last month), which is GREAT!!! (The filet mignon and butter is working!)

We'll have the biopsy results (looking for Celiac Disease) in ~ 1 week, so keep your fingers crossed for that.

Walking with her walker!!!

2009-05-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: don't worry about the 'bumpy' ending, she was up & ready for more! (tough like her mommy!!) ;)

Beating the Heat & Reading with Daddy

2009-05-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

it was a sweltering 82 degrees this week-end (we're not THAT wussy, it REALLY DID feel MUCH hotter!!)!

Miss Maddie's favorite pastime!

2009-05-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

CAUGHT!

"Helping" Mommy clean out her wallet!!!

Got an Appt!

2009-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

So Miss Madeleine's getting her endoscopy on JUNE 1st...

Celiac Disease????

2009-05-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

The good news: Madeleine is happy and moving around (crawling, pulling up to standing, standing) a lot.
The bad news: her iron (stores) are still low (after 4 months of giving iron drops) AND she's still not gaining weight/growing even though she eats like a linebacker!!!
SO, we're leaning toward thinking MAYBE Maddie's got Celiac Disease as her symptoms point in that direction (little weight gain, anemia, family history).
We're waiting on a call from the doctor to schedule an endoscopy.
We'll post more as we know.
In the meantime, please keep Madeleine in your thoughts/prayers (that we finally figure all this out)!

(Cousin) Evy visits!

2009-04-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

April 15-18
All the way from Western NY!!! =)

Had to do all the obligatory Tourist Checks:
Lombard St

Cable Car (Evy didn't actually get to RIDE it, but that's for suckers anyway)

Wharf

(with GG Bridge in the background)

Alcatraz (again, didn't actually get to GO, but SAW it, hehe)

*Note: as you can see in this pic, Madeleine got The Biggest Charge out of Evy... not sure WHY, but Maddie certainly lives for Evy! ;>

Haight

Madeleine and I thought we'd take Evy to our favorite pizza-by-the-slice place... Turns out the pieces were bigger than I remembered, LOL! :P

*Note: Here is Maddie enjoying her first taste of pizza!

On Saturday, Sharkey babysat while Evy & I went to the newly renovated CA Academy of Sciences (museum). It's a VERY well done and FUN museum!
We saw Log Fish (odd!)

Cheetahs in trees!

and not sure what Kirk did to the guy who discovered these tiny, tiny creatures, but it must have been bad! :P

Good times! Thank you for visiting us, Evy!!! =)

Mademoiselle Madeleine

2009-04-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

How cute is this outfit?!? :) (Click to enlarge photo.) Thank you, Kristin & Libby!

Riding her 'new' $5 garage sale horsey. =)

Uncle Bob, Rose, & Bill visit =)

2009-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

April 3-11
Evidently working their 'normal' jobs wasn't taxing enough, so Rose, Bill, & Bob decided to take some time off and come to San Francisco to do some REAL work! :P Since neither Sharkey or I are very 'handy' AND since Rebecca & Don bought a fixer-upper, there is no shortage of tasks awaiting them here in SF!!!
So at our house, for this trip we managed to: put more planks in the attic so we can store baby stuff (thank you, Kristin for everything!!), install 2 more chandeliers (even rewire one!), and hang a LARGE, HEAVY mirror.
And here's Bob showing Sharkey how to fix a vacuum cleaner

Whew! and we don't even know what got done at Rebecca & Don's...

Despite all their duties, time for fun was still found!
Here Rose is getting some laughs out of Madeleine:

Uncle Bob gives Miss Maddie a ride on her trike.

Madeleine's newest favorite: MUSICAL CARDS! (ew, boy...)

Here's a LONG video of Madeleine checking out her new card from Grandma (& Granddad Sharkey)

Hangin' out with Grandma =)

Eating with Granddad

Just making sure she's not missing any of the action. ;>

Showing her toys to Uncle Bob :)

Thank you for visiting!!! Great times, as always! :)

Charlie talks to Gampy

2009-04-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Often when Madeleine napped, Sean & I would take Libby & Charlie to one of the parks near our house. Kristin would babysit & get some much-deserved Sweet Peace. ;>
During one of these outings, our Dad called. (And a rare time we could actually talk b/c a little person wasn't needing our attention!) Charlie saw Sean talking on the phone, and insisted on having a chat with 'Gampy'. Too cute! Here is Charlie walking & talking (just like Daddy & Mommy)