The Smith Clan

It's Another BOY!! (2)

2010-08-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Some more pics from today's ultrasound....

It's Another BOY!!!!

2010-08-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had our 20 week Ultrasound today and found out we are having a 2nd BOY!!! Everything looked great and the baby is healthy and very active!!!

Meet Baby Smitty #2

2010-07-29T12:44:00.001-07:00

Meet Baby Smitty #2

2010-07-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Maddox's reaction to the Baby News:

2010-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Much to our surprise, our little guy seems to be understanding that we are having a baby. He is doing some really cute things like lifting up Jenns shirt and pointing to her belly. When we have been around babies, he is curious but also so caring, and there is no doubt that he is going to be a great Big Brother. Here are some of our favorite things that he has said about our new baby:

-"Hi baby!!" (while lifting up Jenn's shirt)
-"SSSHH the babies sleeping"
-"The baby is swimming underwater too" (while we were at swimming lessons)
- Mom: "Maddox are you going to have a brother or sister?" Maddox: "A Baby"

Sure these are cute, but the cutest thing that Maddox does is kiss Jenn's belly and says "Goodnight Baby" in a soft whisper.

Its getting BIGGER!!!!!!!!

2010-07-28T21:06:00.001-07:00

We've been slacking the past few weeks, but we wanted to make sure that everyone knew we where pregnant. There's no hiding it now!!!! 17 weeks and counting.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2010-07-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks Momma and Maddox for giving me a great birthday!!! I had a blast during the baseball game, and the cake wasn't too bad either!!

Too Cute!!

2010-07-28T20:53:00.001-07:00

Date #2

2010-07-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Maddox and Piper continue to hit it off and things are looking pretty good. Date #2 involved spending the day at the zoo and frolicking with the animals!!

BIG NEWS!!!

2010-07-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you have already heard, we are expecting Baby #2 on Christmas Day!!! We are super excited, thus the reason for the move to a bigger house. Be on the lookout for updated posts on our progress!!

Go HAWKS!!!

2010-04-20T16:40:00.001-07:00

Since it was such a beautiful day, we decided to head to Kinnick Stadium and catch the annual Hawkeye Spring game. Maddox had a blast and could not stop talking about the "Hawkeyes" and "fall down and get hurt", for a good 2 days afterwards.

Thinkin he's pretty big stuff

2010-04-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Grandpa Ross, we now have Harley #4. It took a good week for him to eventually sit on the motorcycle, but now Maddox will push on the gas pedal and go out of control throughout the yard and driveway.....eventhough Dad doesn't think helmets on motorcycles are a necessity, he will make this exception.

I'll Be In My Office!!!

2010-04-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDOX!!!!

2010-04-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

Oh My God I'm 2!!!!

2010-04-06T20:15:00.001-07:00

It does not really seem possible, but our little guy turned 2 on March 30th. We threw a fire fighter party at "Fired Up", a local paint your own pottery store. We think that the 14 kids had a blast and not one piece of pottery got damaged in the process.

Now I have a grill just like my Dad!!!

It's Date Night!!!

2010-04-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

Well, we are getting them started early, but we let Maddox go out on a date with that fiery little Piper. They had a great time eating curry and telling stories on the floor, but they seemed to hit it off very well. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO TO THE RIGHT!!!!!

They cleared off the dance floor and made room for the Black Eyed Peas.

MY HARLEY COLLECTION

2010-04-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

It really is pretty sad that my not even 2 year old son has more Harley's than I do.

Maddox Harley's: 4

Dad's Harley's: 0

These are only 2 of the Harley's. The other 2 will be posted soon.

Suckin Up All of the Attention....

2010-04-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Maddox was a hit during the Christmas season and he loves being with his Mom and Dad!!

Some More Holiday Pics

2010-04-06T19:59:00.001-07:00

Holiday Pics

2010-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

More from Halloween

2010-04-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Maddox loves being a big help, and he did a great job of helping Dad carve the pumpkins. Much to our surprise he wasn't freaked out by any of the gooey mess.

Mya even got into the action and went as a Police K-9. Poor Axel, the real Police K-9, had to stay home......

Halloween 2009

2010-04-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Our goal for this year was to find a costume that was truly unique. I think we succeeded. I have yet to see another little 70's disco dancer.

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!

2010-04-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

You can call me a bad parent or whatever, but there is really no excuse for this. It has been way too long since I have posted something on this blog, but I promise this will be the last time it happens. Please enjoy the next few postings as we take a walk back down memory lane....Again I am sorry for the lack of postings.

Beer and Doughnuts = The Perfect Breakfast

2009-10-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

We travelled to Madison for the Iowa vs. Wisconsin football game and met up with the Gulyas and Martins. The Hawkeyes pulled out the victory over the Badgers, and Dad pulled out the victory over the Wisconsin Malt Beverage Companies....(so he's been told).

GO HAWKS!!!

2009-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

The month of September starts a very important time of the year for the Smith Family: IOWA FOOTBALL. This year as always, Mike has to work the football games, but Jenn is able to go to a few of the games with Grandpa Smith and other friends. Maddox was able to experience his first game ever, and he did outstanding. He even made it through the whole game....Let's cheer on the Hawkeyes!!!!

Maddox cheering for the Hawks with Grandpa Smith.

Maddox in the stands of Kinnick with Mom..

Saying Hi to Dad before going into the game.

Chillin at the Chapman's tailgate!!

Enjoying our Day OFF!!

2009-08-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Once in a LONG while, both Mom and Dad have a day off together. We spent the day just being with Maddox and taking him to the Children's Museum.

It is amazing watching Maddox get involved with all of the play equipment and playing pretend. You can just see the wheels turning in his head.....

Iowa State Fair 2009

2009-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Fam headed west to Des Moines over the weekend to go to the Iowa State Fair. This was a first for both Mom and Maddox, and Dad hadn't been to the fair in probably 20 years. As always, the day of the fair was extremely hot and muggy and the smell of the hog barn (along with the funnel cakes) was filling the air. Overall it was a good day and everyone including Grandma and Grandpa Smith enjoyed themselves.

"How did that Butterfly get over there?"

"I'm off to pick me some vegetables"

"Mom, how do people ride these nasty things?"

"What U Lookin At?"

"Not the SHIRT!!"

Thanks Grandpa for buying me a Harley before my Dad got one...

2009-08-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Do I see my Future?

2009-08-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Camper...

2009-08-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

We ventured out and went on our first camping trip with the Gulya's in Rome, Wisconsin. We were very surprised that Maddox did well being outside for 14+ hours a day, but what kid wouldn't? He did not sleep too well the first night (even though we were in an air conditioned camper), but he got over it and slept good the second night.

We even were able to get Maddox on a boat for the first time. He really doesn't like the wind blowing in his face, but other than that he enjoyed himself....and so did the dog.

All suited up and ready to go for a boat ride....

"I'm on a boat...."

Chillin with Uncle Brett

2009-07-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

We had a nice visit with Uncle Brett and Ashley today....too bad he didn't cook us dinner.

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-08T02:05:00.001-07:00

Dad was sad that he was not able to enjoy the Fireworks on the 4th of July, but Maddox had a great time hangin out with Mom!!!

What Happens When You Leave a Toddler Unattended During Dinner??

2009-07-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

More from our trip to CHITOWN

2009-06-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Trying to touch the star fish at the Shedd Aquarium..

"OOOHHH that's squishy"

Our Trip to CHITOWN!!

2009-06-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

We chose to be adventurous and headed to Chicago for a long weekend. Eventhough it took us nearly 6 hours to get to town (usually takes 3 1/2), it was well worth the trip. We were able to stay with the Pludemans and visit with their adorable son Daniel, and got to catch some of the sights of Chicago. As soon as we got to town we parked the car and made a bee line to the Shedd Aquarium. Maddox wasn't really sure what to think about the big tanks of fish, but by the end of the day he had his face smashed up against the glass nose to nose with the sharks.

From the aquarium it was time to get something to eat, so we headed across the street to the Taste of Chicago. Dad was depressed that he couldn't see Emeril Live, but he enjoyed all of the people watching all the same. It was amazing seeing all of the different walks of life at the event (some should have looked in the mirror before they left the house). We played it safe with the food and had to sample the deep dish Chicago style pizza. Yum!!!

On Saturday the family packed up and headed to the Cubs/White Sox game at US Cellular Field. It was a scorcher that day, but we took plenty of ice cream breaks to keep cool. Maddox loved the baseball game and everyone sitting around us loved him. He was cheering when everyone else was cheering and even manipulated our neighbors out of nacho chips. Ridiculous!!! The White Sox ended up squeking out the win 8-7.

All in all it was a great trip......

The boys outside of Comiskey Park...whoops US Cellular Field.

"Take me out to the Ball Game, take me out to the Crowd"

"Come on Dad let's get to the game"

"Mom did you see that??"

Can you say Creepy???

2009-06-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

One morning this week Maddox woke up from the overnight with a dry diaper. Jenn and I said what the hey, and put Maddox on his toy potty to see what he would do. Voila!!!, he peed like he had been doing it for years. He is only 15 months old!! He definitely understands the concept of using the toilet and goes in it everyday now....

Overcoming our fear of water......

2009-06-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

We were trying to be good parents when we signed up Maddox for swim lessons, but we quickly realized that you can't just throw your child into the water and expect them to swim. On our first night of lessons, Maddox was completely terrified of the water and screamed the entire 30 minutes in the pool. Nothing would calm him down, and we seriously thought this was a bad idea. We refused to give in to the pressure and took him back to the pool 2 days later. The screaming only lasted about 10 minutes. I guess that practice and repetition makes perfect because by the 6th lesson, Dad, Mom and Maddox were going completely under water with no screaming!!! YAY!!

"NO WAY AM I GETTING IN THAT WATER!!"

The next Michael Phelps in the making (minus the bong)

Why do I have Nipples???

2009-06-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

It was a Great Fathers Day!!!

2009-06-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

THANKS MOM AND MADDOX FOR A GREAT FATHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Taking lessons from Dad

2009-06-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

Somebody has been watching his Daddy too closely at the restaurants....

"Almost finished"

"Finished"

A Visit from the Gulya's

2009-06-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a great visit from the Gulya's (friends from Wisconsin). We miss being able to spend time with them and it was a good time seeing the twins, Hayden and Donovan. Jenn and I realized that we have it very easy with only one child. Our hats go off to Kyle and Melissa for having to try and corral two toddlers. I am getting exhausted just thinking about it!!

Again thanks for a great visit.

Maddox and Hayden chillin by the swings at College Green Park...

Maddox and Hayden chillin again...look closely at the background and you can see the blow up Drag Queen. There just happened to be a "Pride" parade going on at the time.

Maddox and the twins (and Melissa) preparing to go shopping at the Children's Museum.

Dancin Machine

2009-06-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know if Maddox has been watching too much Dancing With the Stars, or if it is those Beyonce videos, but he sure can bust a move. But, with all of the rhythm he does have, nothing compares to his headbanging with the 80's Hair Bands.....

Just chillin with Dad

2009-06-12T01:43:00.000-07:00

BUSTED!!!.....

2009-06-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

Eventhough he is smart enough to know he is not supposed to be in the cupboards, he keeps going back and back again.

We're Lovin Kindermusik

2009-06-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

For the last 14 weeks or so, Maddox has been attending Kindermusik. He just absolutely loves going and has to be the center of attention (as you can see). When we sit in a circle, he goes around to all of the other kids and says hi, and then goes to the middle and busts out the latest MC Hammer moves. It is hilarious....

Loving the bubbles......

2009-04-27T01:41:00.000-07:00

No, those are not party favors....

2009-04-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

We will give you one guess of what Maddox found in the bathroom cabinet...

More 1 year pics.....

2009-04-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

My 1 Year Pictures

2009-04-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2009-03-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

Well it doesn't see possible, but I am officially 1 as of 11:56pm. It has been an eventful year and I can't wait to see what I can sneak by Mom and Dad this year. -Maddox

"I don't know whats in here but it is huge!"

"Yeah, that's my girlfriend Piper"

"Piper knows my style!!"

"Mom and Dad can I really make a mess?"

"I kept it somewhat clean."

The Chicks Really Dig Me!!!

2009-03-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Not everyday does your local bank sponsor a petting zoo in their basement. Maddox and mom went and enjoyed playing with the baby chicks, cows and birds, oh my!!

The cow says, "Moo".

"See I told you I get all the chicks."

We are officially screwed...

2009-03-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Within the last couple of days Maddox has not only gone from trying to walk, but has gone straight to trying to run. There's no turning back now.....

I'm Off to the Races

2009-03-17T13:23:00.001-07:00

With less than 2 weeks to go before my 1st Birthday, I am trying my hardest to get walking on my own...to date I am up to 5 unassisted steps!!!!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

2009-03-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

During his first day at his new daycare (don't ask about what happened with the previous provider), the kids celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday. Patty (our new daycare) made hats for all of the kids to keep and sent them home with a laminated group picture of the kids. She is Awesome and Maddox just loves her...

Now How Did That Cat Get in There???

2009-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

I thought this obstacle was easy to negotiate...

2009-03-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

After several attempts, Maddox was unable to clear the obstacle...

Dad has been slacking but Happy Valentines Day!!!!

2009-03-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Since my Dad was busy at K9 school, he wasn't able to update the blog as often as he would like. So, after being a month behind, here are some pics.....

There is no doubt that I am Mommy's Little Love Bandit. I have the shirt to prove it.

My rat tail is still intact, but the rest of my hair is gone..

2009-02-01T13:41:00.001-08:00

We thought that this day would be a tramatic experience, but it went extremely well. Maddox had his first haircut at Mastercuts at the mall, and he didn't do anything except flirt with the girl cutting his hair. He sat so patiently on Dad's lap and wasn't phased at all. We are so proud of him and he was the hit of the store.

I'm Famous

2009-02-01T13:38:00.001-08:00

Thanks to one of our friends, we learned that Maddox is now famous. One of his 9 month pictures is on display next to Old Navy at the Coralridge Mall. I think a modeling contract with Baby Gap is in the future...

I just keep growing so fast...

2009-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

Within the past week Maddox has mastered the art of pulling himself up. Now he is standing up on everything and gets really upset because he can't walk but wants to. He is taking small steps around furniture and we don't think it will be much longer before he is walking....then we will really be in for it.

Maddox's 9 Month photos

2009-01-19T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here is a sample of Maddox's 9 month photos. As always they are awesome!!!

Mom and Dad, I think I need some more toys..

2009-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

It was a very merry Christmas

2009-01-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

Maddox's first Christmas was a hit and he trully enjoyed opening up all of his presents. Of course he was spoiled by all and he was the focus of attention.

Maddox looked like he had done this before and didn't need any help ripping the paper..

Doesn't he look so serious??

Our New Star....

2008-12-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

1 too Many Margaritas

2008-12-15T08:59:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Smith were in town this weekend and we all made the trip to one of the local Mexican Restaurants. By the looks of it, the juice Maddox was drinking had a little something extra.....

Trip to see Santa

2008-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

After waiting nearly 45 minutes in line at the mall, Maddox had his first experience with Santa. He did remarkably well at first, but once he got a closer look at Santa's face he lost it. He didn't scream at the top of his lungs like most of the kids, but he was noticebly irritated. I guess I would be too if I was sitting on someones lap that looked like he had been on an all night drinking binge. Maybe we will have better luck next year!!!

Our 1st Trip to the ER..

2008-11-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

After a loud crash and scream, we found ourselves rushing to the E.R......

Last night Maddox and Jenn were playing happily on the living room floor and his first accident happened. Maddox was in a sitting position on the carpet playing with toys, when he tumbled backwards and nailed his head (loud enough that I heard it while I was in the garage in the lower level) on our sofa table. He screamed like mad for about 2 minutes and Jenn and I were extremely worried. He had a VERY large bulge in the back of his head and we were unsure of what we should do. A friendly phone call to the E.R. resulted in "bring him in immediately."

So, we bundled him up and headed to the E.R. Once there, as always, we had to wait and wait and wait. Instead of the usual 4 hour wait, we were only kept in suspense for an hour or so. We had 2 doctors come in and look at Maddox and his head, and both stated he would be just fine, eventhough they used words like "head trauma." They said we just need to keep an eye on him for a couple of days to see if there are any changes in behavior, etc..

By the end of our E.R. visit, Maddox was back to his old self by flirting with the nursing staff...we will keep you updated if anything should change!!!

BUSTED!!!!

2008-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Now that Maddox is constantly on the move, he often finds himself in akward locations...

"Dad I'm stuck..."

After his many laps around the kitchen, Maddox thought he needed to pay a visit to the dog bowls..

Look Ma New Teeth!!

2008-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

If you look REALLY hard, you can see 2 new teeth on the bottom...Look out MOM!!!

A Day on the Farm

2008-11-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Before the disappointing showing by the Iowa Hawkeyes against Illinois, we headed out to a local Apple Orchard to get Maddox exposed to real Iowa life on the farm. It was a beautiful day out for November and all of us really enjoyed ourselves. The Orchard is a short drive from Grandma and Grandpa Smith's and it was well worth it. Maddox was able to get up close and personal with goats, ducks, turkeys, pigs and other animals. He was not scared at all and thought it was a blast seeing his Dad feed the goats. When he gets a little older, we will have to head out to the Orchard again to play in the "Corn Pool", and to pick yummy apples.

The Smith Family at the Apple Orchard...

Maddox teaching Mom how to drive a tractor. It wouldn't start because it isn't a John Deere.

"Look I live in a Pumpkin, kind of like Sponge Bob in a Pineapple"

"These things are udderly useless!"

The goats sure were hungry....

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Maddox had his first Halloween experience and he was a complete hit. We travelled to Grandma and Grandpa Smiths house and went Trick or Treating in Nevada. The City of Nevada closes off the downtown area and the kids trick and treat at all of the local businesses. It is a safe experience and the kids were out in droves (the most people I have seen in Nevada at one time). Maddox was not allowed to eat any of the candy that was handed out, but Mom and Dad sampled some for him. The town also had a costume contest, but we determined it was a complete waste of time. There was no actually judging, only 2 guys sitting at a table "remembering" their favorites. What kind of contest is that?? We were really looking forward to the $25 Nevada bucks. Anyway we got a free picture out of the deal.

Our little Monkey...

Jenn's office had Trick or Treat night on the 30th and Maddox stole the show. He had by far the cutest outfit, but unfortunately there were no door prizes....

Not a 20 something anymore

2008-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Maddox and his Dad want to wish Mommy a Happy 30th birthday.......doesn't that sound old??

Maddox had a blast helping Mom open up her gifts.

What a Big Week!!!

2008-10-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

This week Maddox did not hit us with one surprise, but with 2. He has figured out how to move both his arms and legs in sync and the floor, and is crawling like a madman. He is constantly on a mission to chase the dogs and play with their toys. We cannot turn our backs for a second now, or else he will be down the hall and getting into things he shouldn't. Before you know it he is going to be running after the dogs...

Not only was the crawling a surprise, when Maddox went to stick Jenn's finger in his mouth, she felt something sharp and was startled. We pulled down his lower lip and what do you know he had a bright shiny white tooth. A couple of days later another tooth poked through and is starting to grow in.....Jenn is not too thrilled because of the obvious fear of his feedings.

Hawks Win, Hawks Win!!!

2008-10-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

It was a sad day for Bucky the Badger. The Hawks pulled out the upset and beat Wisconsin 38-16. Our friends from Wisconsin will just have to feel sorry for themselves for the next year.....

Another Full House

2008-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend the Smith household was completely crazy and buzzing with energy. It was time for the big Iowa/Wisconsin football game and many of our friends and family were in town. Our friends Jill and Shane came in from Milwaukee, Alissa and Kevin were in from Chicago, Alisha and TP from Cedar Rapids, and of course Grandma and Grandpa Smith from the big metropolis of Nevada. Maddox was not phased by all of the comotion and everyone seemed to really enjoy playing with him. It was the first time Jill and Shane and Kevin and Alissa had met him, and Maddox warmed up to them right away. No stranger danger yet.....

Maddox with Piper and her Dad TP..

Maddox and Alissa (aka Shorty)...see the link to her bump watch!!

Maddox chillin with Jill and Shane.

My 6th Month Photos...

2008-10-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took Maddox in for his 6th Month photos. He had a blast and was so good with the photographer. Here are some of our favorites....

Chillin after the bath..

I can see a new Hawkeye poster in the works!!

This is when he mastered sitting up....

Everyone has to have a baby butt picture!!

Getting ready to Hang with the big kids...

2008-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

It was hard making the transition, but since Maddox hit the 6 month mark we figured he should start sleeping in his crib....rather than just collecting dust. The first night he stirred a couple of times but did not wake up. Instead of waking up peacefully at his normal time of 6:00 am, he starting crying. When Jenn went to check on him, Maddox had figured out a way to get his arm wedged in between 2 rails. It is my assumption that he was crying not because he wanted to get up and eat, but he was ticked off that he couldn't roll over. We are on the second night of him sleeping in the crib, and everyone should be pleased to hear that he slept in until 7:45 am......

He sure does look peaceful......

Movin on Up...

2008-10-02T12:39:00.001-07:00

Now that he has mastered sitting up, Maddox has moved up to bigger and better things like playing basketball......

All tangled up

2008-09-15T12:32:00.001-07:00

Since he is constantly on the move, Maddox often finds himself all tangled up in blankets...

Grandma and Grandpa get their turn...

2008-09-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Smith having a blast feeding Maddox..

It doesn't matter who is feeding him, Maddox loves his Bananas. It is absolutely amazing how well he has done with the solid food in only a couple of short weeks. By the looks of it he is going to be a good little eater.

Maddox Meets the Gulya's

2008-09-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend our friends Kyle and Melissa came into town from Milwaukee with their 2 adorable boys Donovan and Hayden. The last time we saw the boys they were only a couple of months old, but now they are all grown up and on the move (really on the move). It was a real eye opener for Jenn and I and it was a good lesson in kid proofing 101 (I will soon be removing everything in sight that is at least 20 inches off of the ground). All of the boys had a good time together, as did the parents. It is always fun when we get together, and hopefully we will be able to do it more often.

Maddox is right at home with Melissa..

Kyle doesn't like to admit that he is actually a Bears fan....

Hayden thought Maddox needed an extra little push on the swing..

Donovan and Maddox having a ball on the floor..

Mom You're Hilarious

2008-09-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

We aren't really sure what was so funny, but Maddox was having a blast!!!

Yummy Cereal

2008-08-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day and we started Maddox on rice cereal. We were nervous that he would not be able to get any of the cereal off of the spoon, but boy were we wrong. As soon as we get close to his mouth, Maddox opens wide and tries to put the spoon in his mouth all by himself. At the end of the week we are going to try another solid food so he can grow into liking green beans.....video will be up soon!!

Thanks Grandpa Ross!!!

2008-08-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Maddox sure does like the new camo shirt that Grandpa Ross sent, but Dad is offended.......

Keeping on pace to be a big one.....

2008-08-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Maddox had his 4 month check up today and he is on track to be a big boy. He is in the 55% for his weight, and in the whopping 80% for his height. I am predicting that he will end up being a Brian Urlacher prodigy, but I may be expecting too much.

Along with the normal baby check up, Maddox got his second round of shots. That brings the score to date: Shots 2- Maddox 0. He did not like being pricked 4 times, but he took it like a champ and only screamed for a couple of minutes.

It is unbelievable how fast Maddox is changing. He is becoming increasingly interactive and is full of smiles. His favorite activity now is to roll onto his stomach and reach for his toys. He is scooting all over the floor on his back, and all of beautiful mullet hair is being rubbed off. Pretty soon I think we are going to be in for it and we will be chasing him all over the house.

Putting Gerber Out of Business

2008-07-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

Who needs baby food when you have your toes?? Maddox discovered this week that he is extremely flexible and can get both of his feet into his mouth. He does get quite upset when he can't devour his whole foot and has to settle for his big toe. He is keeping Mom and Dad entertained and it is amazing at all of the new things he is doing. The next adventure will probably be crawling, so Dad better get busy with kid proofing the house.

I DON"T NEED A HAIRCUT!!!

2008-07-24T14:46:00.001-07:00

Some people have suggested that Maddox needs to visit the local barber shop. I think people are crazy, and I don't know what they are talking about. You be the judge.....

A Blue Duck??...Now that's funny!

2008-07-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Need I Say More?

2008-07-15T12:39:00.001-07:00

Already a Ladies Man

2008-07-07T13:21:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Our friends Alisha, TP and their 1 month old daughter Piper came down to visit today and enjoy the 4th of July festivities. We all ventured out and attended the Iowa City Jazzfest on the U of IA campus, and then stayed for the fireworks. The fireworks are usually held at City Park in Iowa City, but since City Park is still "Lake Park", the show was moved to the Pentacrest next to the Old Capital. It created a very pretty backdrop and I wouldn't be surprised if they are not held there more often.
We were really unsure how Maddox would react to all of the loud booms and lights, but we have determined that he is going to grow up and be a pyromaniac. He was not fazed at all, and he loved sitting on Dad's lap watching throughout the hour long show. The only fireworks he did not enjoy were the one's he left in his pants.......

Just taking it all in...

Our Little Overachiever

2008-07-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend while we were visiting the grandparents, Maddox shocked us all and decided he was ready to roll over. Tummy time is now a thing of the past and he is rolling over consistently from his belly to back. Occasionally he even throws in a back to belly maneuver. Check out the video in the video bar.......

Our first overnight road trip...

2008-06-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend the family (including both dogs) embarked on its first overnight road trip to the sprawling metropolis of Nevada, Iowa. Much to our surprise, Maddox did an amzing job in the car and did not mind the 2 hour drive at all. Once at Grandma and Grandpa Smiths, he was absolutely spoiled by everyone that came to visit. He loves the sound of everyone's voices and even entertained us all with his little laughs. Grandpa Smith has the touch and can get Maddox to smile and laugh with ease. Overall it was a great visit and it appears that he will love to go Grandma and Grandpa's.

Between the laughter, Maddox had time to blow us some bubbles

Even Great-Grandma Smith was able to get Maddox to chuckle.......it must be a Smith thing,

I've Found a New Friend

2008-06-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Maddox is just loving the new stuffed giraffe that we found....

I prefer the fingers over the pacifer

2008-06-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Taking a break for family time

2008-06-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Jenn went back to work in a make shift office this week and has been dealing with the flood relief efforts. Mike is back to a normal work schedule and is just trying to keep the gawkers out of the flood waters. After a long week it was nice to spend time with the family.

What is wrong with this picture??

2008-06-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

While visiting our friends Alisha and TP and their new baby Piper, Jenn thought it was a good idea to put Maddox in her papasan chair. As you can tell by his facial expression, he is not a fan of Pink.

We're all OK...

2008-06-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

If you have been watching the news lately, you have seen the devastating floods in the Iowa City and Coralville area. The University of Iowa where both Jenn and I work continues to be under water, and our favorite restaurants are destroyed. Since we live on a hill we were not affected by the flood waters, but our lives and daily routines have been drastically changed. There are only 2 roads in and out of the Iowa City area, and what once took 10 minutes to get to work, now takes 45 to an hour. I was called in to work on multiple occasions to help with the flood efforts, and Jenn is currently displaced until the power is turned back on. Jenn's office did not take on any water, but it was only about 25 yards from suffering the same fate as so many other buildings.

It will be a long time before the Iowa City/Coralville area is put back together, but as we saw by thousands of volunteers, this community will come back and be stronger than ever.

Mom's Last Day.....

2008-06-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Mom goes back to work and it seems hard to believe that it has been 9 weeks since Maddox was born. Maddox will be going to an in home daycare and we feel very confident that he will get the care he needs. He will get to spend quality time with Dad a couple of days a week, since Dad has switched to the overnight shift. So, it should be fun but it will also be hard leaving our little man with someone else.

Going to Great Grandma and Grandpa's

2008-06-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

We went and saw Great Grandma and Grandpa K. today and Maddox had a really good time. He was so smiley and was a little jabber box, who apparently had a lot to say.....