tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55833004719047715182024-03-13T10:20:09.228-04:00mike and melissaThe Bla(h)g.Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-46780331281059599362014-03-26T22:26:00.001-04:002014-03-26T22:26:19.823-04:00We Made It Through The WildernessI actually haven't taken a blogging break, I've just been channeling all my blogging energy into the <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/" target="_blank">BDrag</a>. Winter came (boo!) and left (yay!) while I was working over there, which makes me realize how many things have happened in the interim. Here's a reverse-chronological recap, with lots of pictures of my adorable squishy baby for your viewing pleasure:<div style="text-align: center;">
Trying on Grandma's glasses</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p526x296/1920615_10152682772034848_595089083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p526x296/1920615_10152682772034848_595089083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Going swimming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IE385p5jTXU/UzM-Ta7ji3I/AAAAAAAAPxI/yXa5DcD74QU/s1600/IMG_20140321_180217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IE385p5jTXU/UzM-Ta7ji3I/AAAAAAAAPxI/yXa5DcD74QU/s1600/IMG_20140321_180217.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing with magnets is one of her favorite things these days. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ2Kyl6o73w/UzM-TZKBXhI/AAAAAAAAPxI/kRkbxtTiFME/s1600/IMG_20140320_101110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ2Kyl6o73w/UzM-TZKBXhI/AAAAAAAAPxI/kRkbxtTiFME/s1600/IMG_20140320_101110.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loves parks, though isn't really big enough to play on them without me right next to her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPIGWrl2SRk/UzM-TVNWQ1I/AAAAAAAAPxI/giXQSsvpOSI/s1600/VID_20140319_192008.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPIGWrl2SRk/UzM-TVNWQ1I/AAAAAAAAPxI/giXQSsvpOSI/s1600/VID_20140319_192008.mp4" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Swings are her favorite, though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prlbQjHefGc/UzM-TfnORAI/AAAAAAAAPxI/uQMOkGHMs-0/s1600/IMG_20140312_111042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prlbQjHefGc/UzM-TfnORAI/AAAAAAAAPxI/uQMOkGHMs-0/s1600/IMG_20140312_111042.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SynUogVwOG4/UzM-TWrbRFI/AAAAAAAAPxI/j23vVQ1ZdIU/s1600/IMG_20140312_101044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SynUogVwOG4/UzM-TWrbRFI/AAAAAAAAPxI/j23vVQ1ZdIU/s1600/IMG_20140312_101044.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cribs are cooler if your cousins are in them too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrmcXz2sjA4/UzM-TZOnK6I/AAAAAAAAPxI/rXYJEDqeS_Y/s1600/IMG_20140311_164947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrmcXz2sjA4/UzM-TZOnK6I/AAAAAAAAPxI/rXYJEDqeS_Y/s1600/IMG_20140311_164947.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In February Mike and I went to Hawaii! It was a total blast. Madeline stayed with her Grandma and Grandpa Wilde and didn't miss us at all. It was a big relief knowing she was happy while we were gone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VaBnIAYZ2I/UzM-7gEJT8I/AAAAAAAAPxY/rBR-xT5q1eY/s1600/IMG_20140217_135853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VaBnIAYZ2I/UzM-7gEJT8I/AAAAAAAAPxY/rBR-xT5q1eY/s1600/IMG_20140217_135853.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some highlights from our Hawaii trip:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red sand beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5VboDr1A8/UzM-7h37lCI/AAAAAAAAPxY/n75rOgcWiWc/s1600/IMG_20140216_173850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gh5VboDr1A8/UzM-7h37lCI/AAAAAAAAPxY/n75rOgcWiWc/s1600/IMG_20140216_173850.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cave</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SMRaaxb8F0/UzM-7n8HEnI/AAAAAAAAPxY/fiVXk7Gu7yE/s1600/IMG_20140216_171020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SMRaaxb8F0/UzM-7n8HEnI/AAAAAAAAPxY/fiVXk7Gu7yE/s1600/IMG_20140216_171020.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Black sand beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZFpXuUt0Bs/UzM-7u6yMqI/AAAAAAAAPxY/TiPrxS8hccI/s1600/IMG_20140216_165704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZFpXuUt0Bs/UzM-7u6yMqI/AAAAAAAAPxY/TiPrxS8hccI/s1600/IMG_20140216_165704.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hana Highway</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_9vZG-XAQg/UzM-7nvFSTI/AAAAAAAAPxY/2ULBhCC4kKw/s1600/PANO_20140216_154257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_9vZG-XAQg/UzM-7nvFSTI/AAAAAAAAPxY/2ULBhCC4kKw/s1600/PANO_20140216_154257.jpg" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hiking</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z4U0NiV0lM/UzM-7qzrWHI/AAAAAAAAPxY/pNNnuPvVD5c/s1600/IMG_20140216_144139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z4U0NiV0lM/UzM-7qzrWHI/AAAAAAAAPxY/pNNnuPvVD5c/s1600/IMG_20140216_144139.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a bamboo forest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UohrQHbi8/UzM-7sSEPFI/AAAAAAAAPxY/ostXB0X5b2A/s1600/IMG_20140216_142422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UohrQHbi8/UzM-7sSEPFI/AAAAAAAAPxY/ostXB0X5b2A/s1600/IMG_20140216_142422.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We may or may not have got a little sunburn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqoSsqflPbw/UzM-7hBtGII/AAAAAAAAPxY/Vc3ufNxTNRo/s1600/IMG_20140216_132021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqoSsqflPbw/UzM-7hBtGII/AAAAAAAAPxY/Vc3ufNxTNRo/s1600/IMG_20140216_132021.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whale watching</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_HGP3_WjTk/UzM-7mTNfxI/AAAAAAAAPxY/0jS78LMmnY8/s1600/IMG_20140215_132159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_HGP3_WjTk/UzM-7mTNfxI/AAAAAAAAPxY/0jS78LMmnY8/s1600/IMG_20140215_132159.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8xGK8KnKXs/UzM-7u0kLTI/AAAAAAAAPxY/HDZCE7V8cjE/s1600/VID_20140215_142416.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8xGK8KnKXs/UzM-7u0kLTI/AAAAAAAAPxY/HDZCE7V8cjE/s1600/VID_20140215_142416.mp4" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSZ4e_8cLAM/UzM-7sE0BBI/AAAAAAAAPxY/o-kZSTeTpH4/s1600/IMG_20140214_111319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSZ4e_8cLAM/UzM-7sE0BBI/AAAAAAAAPxY/o-kZSTeTpH4/s1600/IMG_20140214_111319.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a rough life</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roL1EOxLDUo/UzM-7szdOZI/AAAAAAAAPxY/5e-rOerVTL8/s1600/IMG_20140214_101629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roL1EOxLDUo/UzM-7szdOZI/AAAAAAAAPxY/5e-rOerVTL8/s1600/IMG_20140214_101629.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went on the coolest helicopter ride to Molokai. There were some clouds, but not too many. The island is almost entirely free of tourism, only inhabited by fishermen and farmers who have been there for generations. Flying over the volcano craters was so neat - it was like being transported back in time. I half expected to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex to come stomping out of the jungle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdrafTZcERo/UzM-7nzQq9I/AAAAAAAAPxY/e0Um7gtuN-s/s1600/IMG_20140213_170650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdrafTZcERo/UzM-7nzQq9I/AAAAAAAAPxY/e0Um7gtuN-s/s1600/IMG_20140213_170650.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe Jurassic Park really was filmed in Hawaii, so I guess it makes sense that the remote parts of the island reminded me of dinosaurs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hIpEfFyXJQ/UzM-7pxTuUI/AAAAAAAAPxY/ELgnuh7XCUE/s1600/IMG_20140213_165224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hIpEfFyXJQ/UzM-7pxTuUI/AAAAAAAAPxY/ELgnuh7XCUE/s1600/IMG_20140213_165224.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXJB5wWrwtE/UzM-7gqzgSI/AAAAAAAAPxY/xgwgW9VV1LE/s1600/IMG_20140213_165137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXJB5wWrwtE/UzM-7gqzgSI/AAAAAAAAPxY/xgwgW9VV1LE/s1600/IMG_20140213_165137.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did the best snorkeling in this little cove that was inhabited by dozens of indomitable roosters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyBm1wj4ihw/UzM-7pcaKAI/AAAAAAAAPxY/1WYUmKEmikA/s1600/IMG_20140213_090621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyBm1wj4ihw/UzM-7pcaKAI/AAAAAAAAPxY/1WYUmKEmikA/s1600/IMG_20140213_090621.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDBt0ugDXkA/UzM-7v43ijI/AAAAAAAAPxY/mPWtfKTkNhE/s1600/IMG_20140213_090508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDBt0ugDXkA/UzM-7v43ijI/AAAAAAAAPxY/mPWtfKTkNhE/s1600/IMG_20140213_090508.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dkThvPQHcc/UzM-7vODJHI/AAAAAAAAPxY/HrcFr9fGiy0/s1600/IMG_20140213_090035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dkThvPQHcc/UzM-7vODJHI/AAAAAAAAPxY/HrcFr9fGiy0/s1600/IMG_20140213_090035.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPGsBJNi6HE/UzM_pC9-vuI/AAAAAAAAPxo/KqAkk_9haJg/s1600/IMG_20140213_124252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPGsBJNi6HE/UzM_pC9-vuI/AAAAAAAAPxo/KqAkk_9haJg/s1600/IMG_20140213_124252.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a great time, but were happy to get back to this little squish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLJh7hc0KnY/UzNAHGOXEII/AAAAAAAAPxw/vmVUVuZzO0s/s1600/IMG_20140207_105210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLJh7hc0KnY/UzNAHGOXEII/AAAAAAAAPxw/vmVUVuZzO0s/s1600/IMG_20140207_105210.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I got when I said "smile."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFX97AbC_fs/UzNAHGRcdTI/AAAAAAAAPxw/znZ4bkGThyg/s1600/IMG_20140206_093309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFX97AbC_fs/UzNAHGRcdTI/AAAAAAAAPxw/znZ4bkGThyg/s1600/IMG_20140206_093309.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The five major food groups according to Madeline: yogurt, corn, crackers, berries, and garlic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The worst foods in existence according to Madeline: bread without butter, meat, and green beans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsPzwrmvrUo/UzNAHOp4s7I/AAAAAAAAPxw/OBfmlIrRJLQ/s1600/IMG_20140205_115424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsPzwrmvrUo/UzNAHOp4s7I/AAAAAAAAPxw/OBfmlIrRJLQ/s1600/IMG_20140205_115424.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still loves to read</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QijSV1LTy8/UzNAHIps3FI/AAAAAAAAPxw/1weeHm8MS_g/s1600/IMG_20140203_194835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QijSV1LTy8/UzNAHIps3FI/AAAAAAAAPxw/1weeHm8MS_g/s1600/IMG_20140203_194835.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mike took Madeline on her first snowmobile ride. It was very serious business.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgFwCS1A_2E/UzNAHNGLHuI/AAAAAAAAPxw/MzeLymtpPfw/s1600/IMG_20140201_143402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgFwCS1A_2E/UzNAHNGLHuI/AAAAAAAAPxw/MzeLymtpPfw/s1600/IMG_20140201_143402.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She even went swimming in the jacuzzi</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp4TSwEVaUU/UzNAHA0mbMI/AAAAAAAAPxw/-mIyfRfQ3Q8/s1600/IMG_20140131_185528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp4TSwEVaUU/UzNAHA0mbMI/AAAAAAAAPxw/-mIyfRfQ3Q8/s1600/IMG_20140131_185528.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loves imitating sounds. It's served her well in her vocabulary development.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8gwVv9Aog/UzNAHAmXGkI/AAAAAAAAPxw/UDQVx7mebus/s1600/VID_20140124_155502.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z8gwVv9Aog/UzNAHAmXGkI/AAAAAAAAPxw/UDQVx7mebus/s1600/VID_20140124_155502.mp4" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie was a late crawler. She nearly skipped it altogether in favor of walking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hhq2q4Q8KY/UzNAHLIxMII/AAAAAAAAPxw/dIvu2G60Wug/s1600/IMG_20140124_091120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hhq2q4Q8KY/UzNAHLIxMII/AAAAAAAAPxw/dIvu2G60Wug/s1600/IMG_20140124_091120.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby's first ice cream cone</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEgIrTYu1ZU/UzNAHM5yQ9I/AAAAAAAAPxw/YHFbTurx77o/s1600/VID_20140123_191255.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEgIrTYu1ZU/UzNAHM5yQ9I/AAAAAAAAPxw/YHFbTurx77o/s1600/VID_20140123_191255.mp4" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to Ice Castles in Midway. It was really cool. We had a great time exploring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mgf6gYmrf4/UzNAHMwOD4I/AAAAAAAAPxw/KqDOoq9cblI/s1600/IMG_20140111_124426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mgf6gYmrf4/UzNAHMwOD4I/AAAAAAAAPxw/KqDOoq9cblI/s1600/IMG_20140111_124426.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZGSOvkjLo/UzNAHC2OMaI/AAAAAAAAPxw/UTDqe2a1oXU/s1600/IMG_20140111_122403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZGSOvkjLo/UzNAHC2OMaI/AAAAAAAAPxw/UTDqe2a1oXU/s1600/IMG_20140111_122403.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsGA4ZqWNQU/UzNAHDVlokI/AAAAAAAAPxw/lv2CRRRRtcs/s1600/IMG_20140111_122627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsGA4ZqWNQU/UzNAHDVlokI/AAAAAAAAPxw/lv2CRRRRtcs/s1600/IMG_20140111_122627.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's not smiling in most of these pictures, but she really was a great sport while we were there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04hsFasFVzQ/UzNAHOwIylI/AAAAAAAAPxw/RctTxHB5jac/s1600/IMG_20140111_121703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04hsFasFVzQ/UzNAHOwIylI/AAAAAAAAPxw/RctTxHB5jac/s1600/IMG_20140111_121703.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKDvco48X0U/UzM-BEAlFyI/AAAAAAAAPxA/M7_WtIDtzU0/s1600/IMG_20140111_122058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKDvco48X0U/UzM-BEAlFyI/AAAAAAAAPxA/M7_WtIDtzU0/s1600/IMG_20140111_122058.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's still really skinny.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiSZhLcXZiY/UzNAxLrU5PI/AAAAAAAAPx8/9AT15qYVRIc/s1600/VID_20140113_181637.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiSZhLcXZiY/UzNAxLrU5PI/AAAAAAAAPx8/9AT15qYVRIc/s1600/VID_20140113_181637.mp4" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got a new stroller!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKN-jPHLP0A/UzNAxJ4v2KI/AAAAAAAAPx8/VFDavI3xVDQ/s1600/IMG_20140108_101017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKN-jPHLP0A/UzNAxJ4v2KI/AAAAAAAAPx8/VFDavI3xVDQ/s1600/IMG_20140108_101017.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every once in a while I'll take a photo that shows Maddie and Mike with the exact same expression on their faces. It cracks me up. For example:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6kkmj0_OwM/UzNCMHsUmUI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Zz0l3qB414M/s1600/IMG_20140105_190822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6kkmj0_OwM/UzNCMHsUmUI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Zz0l3qB414M/s1600/IMG_20140105_190822.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Wildes have a monthly dinner where they celebrate all the birthdays of that month. Amazingly, Madeline is the only January birthday so she got the candle all to herself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpPDIZM52wk/UzNCMC_pbaI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Y7yqEdBytLc/s1600/IMG_20140105_190712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpPDIZM52wk/UzNCMC_pbaI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Y7yqEdBytLc/s1600/IMG_20140105_190712.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma and Claire taking Madeline on a walk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDx5jacQU-c/UzNCMGZJTTI/AAAAAAAAPyI/A8SEsDVpbc8/s1600/IMG_20140104_165651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDx5jacQU-c/UzNCMGZJTTI/AAAAAAAAPyI/A8SEsDVpbc8/s1600/IMG_20140104_165651.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I waited and waited for them to darken, but her eyes have remained very blue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh1jotSe1oA/UzNCMC-WVnI/AAAAAAAAPyI/kZTPs5sxMN0/s1600/IMG_20140104_115007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh1jotSe1oA/UzNCMC-WVnI/AAAAAAAAPyI/kZTPs5sxMN0/s1600/IMG_20140104_115007.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little New Years Girl turned one! We celebrated with cupcakes and party hats. Fun was had by all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYr3IZEWlZ0/UzNCMMdaOEI/AAAAAAAAPyI/qLIa-qL9Hs4/s1600/IMG_20140103_225408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYr3IZEWlZ0/UzNCMMdaOEI/AAAAAAAAPyI/qLIa-qL9Hs4/s1600/IMG_20140103_225408.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELz_3GMSMQc/UzNCMI9tNJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/b_VBUZj50h8/s1600/IMG_20140101_191036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELz_3GMSMQc/UzNCMI9tNJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/b_VBUZj50h8/s1600/IMG_20140101_191036.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of her presents was bubble bath.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urDDxJt1Oyc/UzNCME6M0jI/AAAAAAAAPyI/gnp4VP2xV9o/s1600/IMG_20140101_163105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urDDxJt1Oyc/UzNCME6M0jI/AAAAAAAAPyI/gnp4VP2xV9o/s1600/IMG_20140101_163105.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She liked the wrapping paper better than the rest of her gifts, for the most part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKxP51ICAtU/UzNCMJHgTEI/AAAAAAAAPyI/tUzq0ioMgC8/s1600/IMG_20140101_101107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKxP51ICAtU/UzNCMJHgTEI/AAAAAAAAPyI/tUzq0ioMgC8/s1600/IMG_20140101_101107.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline is the queen of the fake laugh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCUV1nrctdE/UzNCMG30KqI/AAAAAAAAPyI/J5nZmUpz22Q/s1600/VID_20131230_184752.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCUV1nrctdE/UzNCMG30KqI/AAAAAAAAPyI/J5nZmUpz22Q/s1600/VID_20131230_184752.mp4" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28bi4pWrzI/UzNCMDq45yI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Tytba9CcpQQ/s1600/IMG_20131225_150506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28bi4pWrzI/UzNCMDq45yI/AAAAAAAAPyI/Tytba9CcpQQ/s1600/IMG_20131225_150506.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline got some new books for Christmas. THANK GOODNESS. We were getting sick of reading the same ones over and over and over and over and over....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhYJNjwt6n4/UzNCMJqir4I/AAAAAAAAPyI/hjL7JtOHz1s/s1600/IMG_20131225_105926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhYJNjwt6n4/UzNCMJqir4I/AAAAAAAAPyI/hjL7JtOHz1s/s1600/IMG_20131225_105926.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After we opened everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U67hvI75YlQ/UzNCMLZS1NI/AAAAAAAAPyI/9DxEpCv07SY/s1600/IMG_20131225_105313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U67hvI75YlQ/UzNCMLZS1NI/AAAAAAAAPyI/9DxEpCv07SY/s1600/IMG_20131225_105313.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline was very suspicious of Santa at our ward Christmas party. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/p526x296/1509741_10152505222409848_774036322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/p526x296/1509741_10152505222409848_774036322_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Eve with the Wildes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BhT8nd4P1Q/UzNCMOW0EJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/BnrKI0ZyYFQ/s1600/IMG_20131224_203426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BhT8nd4P1Q/UzNCMOW0EJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/BnrKI0ZyYFQ/s1600/IMG_20131224_203426.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline was an angel in her first Nativity scene</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dZdATJY_Vw/UzNCMFjIs8I/AAAAAAAAPyI/QNKGEuUDyDo/s1600/IMG_20131224_200455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dZdATJY_Vw/UzNCMFjIs8I/AAAAAAAAPyI/QNKGEuUDyDo/s1600/IMG_20131224_200455.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Helping" mom and dad fold laundry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmSNDMVDKA/UzNCMOabPgI/AAAAAAAAPyI/qAsTMiRTd9Y/s1600/IMG_20131224_091528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmSNDMVDKA/UzNCMOabPgI/AAAAAAAAPyI/qAsTMiRTd9Y/s1600/IMG_20131224_091528.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Twins" Ada and Madeline in their matching pajamas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur51ChCPvxw/UzNCMDNEeJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/bMa3riNxtM8/s1600/IMG_20131222_190217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur51ChCPvxw/UzNCMDNEeJI/AAAAAAAAPyI/bMa3riNxtM8/s1600/IMG_20131222_190217.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We braved the cold and saw the lights at temple square</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgPxg_MRLfk/UzNCMHqLuOI/AAAAAAAAPyI/K9TDb11LbyI/s1600/IMG_20131220_194534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgPxg_MRLfk/UzNCMHqLuOI/AAAAAAAAPyI/K9TDb11LbyI/s1600/IMG_20131220_194534.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk6EerCYIRk/UzNCMN5_DcI/AAAAAAAAPyI/H2Dy5wWJ1O0/s1600/IMG_20131220_193820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk6EerCYIRk/UzNCMN5_DcI/AAAAAAAAPyI/H2Dy5wWJ1O0/s1600/IMG_20131220_193820.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have the squishiest baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jBTNByQSOY/UzNCMNQy30I/AAAAAAAAPyI/P6cT_aAdl7c/s1600/IMG_20131219_114217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jBTNByQSOY/UzNCMNQy30I/AAAAAAAAPyI/P6cT_aAdl7c/s1600/IMG_20131219_114217.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Teething is not fun. She got her first tooth at 11 months, and didn't get any more until 14 months, when she got 3 teeth at once. Eating is a lot easier now, at least.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqw3yKTDl_k/UzNCMJCB3FI/AAAAAAAAPyI/e969AZAJzVc/s1600/IMG_20131212_150928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqw3yKTDl_k/UzNCMJCB3FI/AAAAAAAAPyI/e969AZAJzVc/s1600/IMG_20131212_150928.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to The Nutcracker with my nephews</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giIm25v1vVk/UzNCMMBX8tI/AAAAAAAAPyI/e1cTej09Nl0/s1600/IMG_20131210_113458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giIm25v1vVk/UzNCMMBX8tI/AAAAAAAAPyI/e1cTej09Nl0/s1600/IMG_20131210_113458.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBlyHveZaHc/UzNCMGMxsXI/AAAAAAAAPyI/OUKmA-m85yI/s1600/IMG_20131210_123402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBlyHveZaHc/UzNCMGMxsXI/AAAAAAAAPyI/OUKmA-m85yI/s1600/IMG_20131210_123402.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline totally likes my green smoothies</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FTc1zvPgUg/UzNCMNKwRgI/AAAAAAAAPyI/DXSiTh0dfB8/s1600/IMG_20131209_090204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FTc1zvPgUg/UzNCMNKwRgI/AAAAAAAAPyI/DXSiTh0dfB8/s1600/IMG_20131209_090204.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of these days she WILL get my make up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_34axovk2c/UzNCMGVO-EI/AAAAAAAAPyI/-Q7WU0fPfxc/s1600/IMG_20131208_101214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_34axovk2c/UzNCMGVO-EI/AAAAAAAAPyI/-Q7WU0fPfxc/s1600/IMG_20131208_101214.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love it when Uncle Jake and Uncle Nathan come to visit from Rexburg/Provo!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRikD8IanrA/UzNDA6U5ISI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Ln0uZjm0fVs/s1600/IMG_20131130_170743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRikD8IanrA/UzNDA6U5ISI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Ln0uZjm0fVs/s1600/IMG_20131130_170743.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fK3F0734-mE/UzNDA3J8bxI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Fx90rMmB5yY/s1600/IMG_20131128_175953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fK3F0734-mE/UzNDA3J8bxI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Fx90rMmB5yY/s1600/IMG_20131128_175953.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like I have a lot of reading pictures. She really does love to read. At the end of every book she says "yay!" and then reaches over to her nightstand to get another one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jn09zoCyzpI/UzNDA1rdVhI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Q7_Db8ee3RE/s1600/IMG_20131123_193920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jn09zoCyzpI/UzNDA1rdVhI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/Q7_Db8ee3RE/s1600/IMG_20131123_193920.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the family fun center in Sandy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d6de_b_J2w/UzNDA0AXiwI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/71mPO1o82cY/s1600/IMG_20131120_155842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d6de_b_J2w/UzNDA0AXiwI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/71mPO1o82cY/s1600/IMG_20131120_155842.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline's face just cracks me up here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAQMGGMDXP8/UzNDAwXMHAI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/eY-asOS-LRs/s1600/IMG_20131118_194255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAQMGGMDXP8/UzNDAwXMHAI/AAAAAAAAPyQ/eY-asOS-LRs/s1600/IMG_20131118_194255.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So yeah, we're still here. Hope you all have survived the awful winter that has swept across the land!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p526x296/1474517_10101178033413569_517750359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p526x296/1474517_10101178033413569_517750359_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-12886436571743369872013-11-22T18:09:00.003-05:002013-11-22T18:09:51.196-05:00Madeline Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, hello.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I believe I promised a post. Here you go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wilde family pictures happened. Here's Grandma and Grandpa with their grandkids:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIAwHKB18Mo/Uo_bDN1BWOI/AAAAAAAAM3U/Bggqms8d4SQ/s1600/0SCPzkAScijBMqdff9I4X3ywHEeDQF3paQ36PNK5Rfs%252CVjlywMqknp8KLajQLO9Whxmcv-uIHBXJHzpITGWwn_M%252CW1Ekb1aaqJhvwuwj1nLpsaT56Ht3-2kvmAAEnh96WDY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIAwHKB18Mo/Uo_bDN1BWOI/AAAAAAAAM3U/Bggqms8d4SQ/s320/0SCPzkAScijBMqdff9I4X3ywHEeDQF3paQ36PNK5Rfs%252CVjlywMqknp8KLajQLO9Whxmcv-uIHBXJHzpITGWwn_M%252CW1Ekb1aaqJhvwuwj1nLpsaT56Ht3-2kvmAAEnh96WDY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The three of us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7zXxP1dFv0/Uo_bDG1WjyI/AAAAAAAAM3Q/R87YL4-84aM/s1600/best+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7zXxP1dFv0/Uo_bDG1WjyI/AAAAAAAAM3Q/R87YL4-84aM/s320/best+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Neither Mike or I really look that great in most of the pictures. But Madeline is really cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql7nOY-Tm3k/Uo_bCydTfvI/AAAAAAAAM3I/d0EKgMjbN88/s1600/wQ6cYu1B-rDKTlar3dqkxinAgRVYhl9pq6jtuQP-OpI%252CHvi8ZoRvP7lpZ0hDNrS9W8Nk-bsZlPLD03HWSnvIFlU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql7nOY-Tm3k/Uo_bCydTfvI/AAAAAAAAM3I/d0EKgMjbN88/s320/wQ6cYu1B-rDKTlar3dqkxinAgRVYhl9pq6jtuQP-OpI%252CHvi8ZoRvP7lpZ0hDNrS9W8Nk-bsZlPLD03HWSnvIFlU.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madeline is the funniest eater. She still would rather nurse than eat real people food, but the real food that she does eat is highly atypical. She hates all the normal bland things that most babies eat (bananas, rice cereal, bread, etc.) but will happily eat things with flavor, like shrimp and burritos and curry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, we've recently discovered, sushi:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wksU8rTAxVo/Uo_dOp0tEFI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Xxl-oE6Mwmo/s1600/20131115_184212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wksU8rTAxVo/Uo_dOp0tEFI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Xxl-oE6Mwmo/s320/20131115_184212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She really wanted these dill pickle chips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlFUR5wYqhA/Uo_cqIsBNFI/AAAAAAAAM3k/fstgf5GbrsU/s1600/20130926_152259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlFUR5wYqhA/Uo_cqIsBNFI/AAAAAAAAM3k/fstgf5GbrsU/s320/20130926_152259.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berries are Maddie's favorite food. All berries are great, but raspberries are her favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SD2huvB2noo/Uo_dOgzzL7I/AAAAAAAAM3s/D07GI5SUifk/s1600/20131113_192611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SD2huvB2noo/Uo_dOgzzL7I/AAAAAAAAM3s/D07GI5SUifk/s320/20131113_192611.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She has the most hilarious concentrating face. She furrows her brows and puckers her lips and stares super intently at whatever she's focused on. It's really hard to capture on film, because as soon as she sees the camera she gets distracted and her concentrating face goes away. I finally got it, though:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH9gmSWtDtc/Uo_dOgjtXOI/AAAAAAAAM3s/7cGnZSxWw2M/s1600/20131113_092546-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DH9gmSWtDtc/Uo_dOgjtXOI/AAAAAAAAM3s/7cGnZSxWw2M/s320/20131113_092546-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's always sticking her feet through the bars of her crib. Always.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE10msutaLQ/Uo_dOoB4DKI/AAAAAAAAM3s/tzr4Xpp-z-Q/s1600/20131111_151323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE10msutaLQ/Uo_dOoB4DKI/AAAAAAAAM3s/tzr4Xpp-z-Q/s320/20131111_151323.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA8uaNrgqz8/Uo_dOvpLTOI/AAAAAAAAM3s/f_9JyMe9MjI/s1600/1384216764831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RA8uaNrgqz8/Uo_dOvpLTOI/AAAAAAAAM3s/f_9JyMe9MjI/s320/1384216764831.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She fell asleep on me. This NEVER happens. Never. It was so sweet to just hold my baby while she drifted off to sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0rKeJ5peRs/Uo_dOjYx1OI/AAAAAAAAM3s/ckkRLPy45ME/s1600/20131105_145002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0rKeJ5peRs/Uo_dOjYx1OI/AAAAAAAAM3s/ckkRLPy45ME/s320/20131105_145002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She learned to drink out of a straw.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CQELy60z-k/Uo_dOnFMLkI/AAAAAAAAM3s/tbknx4GpCoI/s1600/20131101_190537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CQELy60z-k/Uo_dOnFMLkI/AAAAAAAAM3s/tbknx4GpCoI/s320/20131101_190537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to Cornbelly's with some cousins! It's great having older cousins who will hold you whenever you want.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9MJ3AGFXlM/Uo_dOhBufgI/AAAAAAAAM3s/txg3G_G5sBc/s1600/20131101_165623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9MJ3AGFXlM/Uo_dOhBufgI/AAAAAAAAM3s/txg3G_G5sBc/s320/20131101_165623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Will did not want to share Uncle James with Madeline.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQwvkkEbaC4/Uo_dOjoW6QI/AAAAAAAAM3s/SxhiLsWT6sE/s1600/20131101_165002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQwvkkEbaC4/Uo_dOjoW6QI/AAAAAAAAM3s/SxhiLsWT6sE/s320/20131101_165002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucy and Emma on the cow train.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNnDaQaxLf4/Uo_dOiXvyCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/93RZtOiY5ME/s1600/20131101_164917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNnDaQaxLf4/Uo_dOiXvyCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/93RZtOiY5ME/s320/20131101_164917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...which was way too fascinating to smile for the camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m76hpOAxuwM/Uo_dOp19mAI/AAAAAAAAM3s/kYsX9uOMq0Y/s1600/20131101_164753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m76hpOAxuwM/Uo_dOp19mAI/AAAAAAAAM3s/kYsX9uOMq0Y/s320/20131101_164753.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby's first corn maze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2IHgP1cD1U/Uo_dOsAq5PI/AAAAAAAAM3s/H6cizX62gaM/s1600/20131101_161524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2IHgP1cD1U/Uo_dOsAq5PI/AAAAAAAAM3s/H6cizX62gaM/s320/20131101_161524.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This shed thing was full of corn. Madeline thought it was interesting until some older kids started throwing it around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfRKVNtUuIg/Uo_dOjuVg9I/AAAAAAAAM3s/QDgP8PKT2kY/s1600/20131101_153907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfRKVNtUuIg/Uo_dOjuVg9I/AAAAAAAAM3s/QDgP8PKT2kY/s320/20131101_153907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carving pumpkins! Mike put the pumpkin in front of Maddie and just carved wherever she pointed. It turned out very avant gard looking. I think Madeline will really get into this tradition in a couple of years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAN4KQQOYCk/Uo_dOuFiWCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/0xtn9KSuPTM/s1600/20131028_190923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pAN4KQQOYCk/Uo_dOuFiWCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/0xtn9KSuPTM/s320/20131028_190923.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madeline </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sC6tV7FKV-0/Uo_dOg8gQ5I/AAAAAAAAM3s/gMN5NswAtmg/s1600/20131028_153429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sC6tV7FKV-0/Uo_dOg8gQ5I/AAAAAAAAM3s/gMN5NswAtmg/s320/20131028_153429.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Must. Reach. Grandpa's. Glasses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-KR4lg_wb8/Uo_dOlqlYnI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Sll-3iSXR5A/s1600/20131026_172904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-KR4lg_wb8/Uo_dOlqlYnI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Sll-3iSXR5A/s320/20131026_172904.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three generations watching the Notre Dame game.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiwVexplbi8/Uo_dOqDGOfI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Iemexare1S0/s1600/20131026_172740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiwVexplbi8/Uo_dOqDGOfI/AAAAAAAAM3s/Iemexare1S0/s320/20131026_172740.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing with Dad is the best. I'm so sad about all the back light because this picture is so cute of Mike and Maddie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vwza_aHoMk/Uo_dOoHTNCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/jegk8SYoYLE/s1600/20131026_160230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vwza_aHoMk/Uo_dOoHTNCI/AAAAAAAAM3s/jegk8SYoYLE/s320/20131026_160230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy tickles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxmgAHh8TJE/Uo_dOtcM2fI/AAAAAAAAM3s/H47G6Y2KA1g/s1600/20131026_160157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxmgAHh8TJE/Uo_dOtcM2fI/AAAAAAAAM3s/H47G6Y2KA1g/s320/20131026_160157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie smiles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3c3O0i3AnM/Uo_dsnZw1oI/AAAAAAAAM4I/dWqnPal2SCE/s1600/20131022_085028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3c3O0i3AnM/Uo_dsnZw1oI/AAAAAAAAM4I/dWqnPal2SCE/s320/20131022_085028.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a hard time getting Maddie to smile, or even look at the camera, but here she is with her uncles and her cousin, Sam, who is giving a fantastic photobomb here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzT5638Og8/Uo_dsm1WsJI/AAAAAAAAM4I/swi7ULShNBQ/s1600/20131020_191627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzT5638Og8/Uo_dsm1WsJI/AAAAAAAAM4I/swi7ULShNBQ/s320/20131020_191627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Obvs these photos are out of order. We got the pumpkins before we carved them. Here we all are at the pumpkin patch:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6Owkl2sNI/Uo_dsjLuQ2I/AAAAAAAAM4I/2ngOSdU3pKs/s1600/20131019_110353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6Owkl2sNI/Uo_dsjLuQ2I/AAAAAAAAM4I/2ngOSdU3pKs/s320/20131019_110353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiu8ghCvgRg/Uo_dskWLo4I/AAAAAAAAM4I/y8K89Kg9paE/s1600/20131019_110152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiu8ghCvgRg/Uo_dskWLo4I/AAAAAAAAM4I/y8K89Kg9paE/s320/20131019_110152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PHGCcNK69U/Uo_dsmGzHZI/AAAAAAAAM4I/hvbJr0Ok2x8/s1600/20131019_105050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1PHGCcNK69U/Uo_dsmGzHZI/AAAAAAAAM4I/hvbJr0Ok2x8/s320/20131019_105050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never get enough of those sweet little sleeping shots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtGIYXMw8dA/Uo_dsuUCwBI/AAAAAAAAM4I/XzaNCBe1BPM/s1600/20131018_151130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtGIYXMw8dA/Uo_dsuUCwBI/AAAAAAAAM4I/XzaNCBe1BPM/s320/20131018_151130.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mischievous Madeline</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBEz47tLm94/Uo_dsjUM1HI/AAAAAAAAM4I/EOdc1be853U/s1600/20131007_143450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBEz47tLm94/Uo_dsjUM1HI/AAAAAAAAM4I/EOdc1be853U/s320/20131007_143450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was DETERMINED to get the phone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXOvSo2C4-o/Uo_dsjcchiI/AAAAAAAAM4I/S8qB0WSei9U/s1600/20131007_143428-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXOvSo2C4-o/Uo_dsjcchiI/AAAAAAAAM4I/S8qB0WSei9U/s320/20131007_143428-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Google hangouts with Dad is the best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHjyr_WKDA/Uo_dskpdRdI/AAAAAAAAM4I/slBQozRx11E/s1600/20131004_142828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUHjyr_WKDA/Uo_dskpdRdI/AAAAAAAAM4I/slBQozRx11E/s320/20131004_142828.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Correction: reading with dad is the best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_DR_TEy0ME/Uo_dsihvZEI/AAAAAAAAM4I/S1RexAYt4Eo/s1600/20131001_201343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_DR_TEy0ME/Uo_dsihvZEI/AAAAAAAAM4I/S1RexAYt4Eo/s320/20131001_201343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can just tell she's giving one of her fake laughs here. Cracks me up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owmr6EDWPHQ/Uo_dsqrnlKI/AAAAAAAAM4I/ZiIPrJfKJPQ/s1600/20130927_144236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owmr6EDWPHQ/Uo_dsqrnlKI/AAAAAAAAM4I/ZiIPrJfKJPQ/s320/20130927_144236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So, yeah, life is good. Madeline is fun and sweet and so full of life. Mike is busy doing all his Mike things. I'm loving my baby, hating the imminent cold weather, and loving <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/" target="_blank">the B Drag</a>, as we affectionately refer to it around here. We're all looking forward to Thanksgiving. Especially Mike. That man loves his turkeys.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving next week!</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-5114831657865492032013-11-03T21:08:00.002-05:002013-11-03T21:08:11.465-05:00Happy (belated) Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">From Evil Mike, Evil Melissa, and Evil Madeline.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOw67a87S7E/UncA3G_STEI/AAAAAAAAMiA/B1a7DOw3aiI/s1600/IMG_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOw67a87S7E/UncA3G_STEI/AAAAAAAAMiA/B1a7DOw3aiI/s640/IMG_0569.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jm853nLE8w/UncA5zN6NTI/AAAAAAAAMiI/FoO7r1s_HtU/s1600/IMG_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jm853nLE8w/UncA5zN6NTI/AAAAAAAAMiI/FoO7r1s_HtU/s640/IMG_0571.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently Evil Madeline's goatee tastes delicious.<span id="goog_908671411"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you have yet to experience the darkest timeline:</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ozhi1U765W0" width="640"></iframe>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-9955753795968071342013-10-24T14:21:00.001-04:002013-10-24T14:21:07.950-04:00Introducing: Bookmark Dragon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you only know three things about me, they are probably:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. I like to read</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. I like to write</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. I like my kid</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Not in that order, don't worry.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've done bookish posts on here before, but I usually save my book thoughts for emails with fellow bookish friends, Goodreads, or something like that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've decided to unleash the entirety of my bookish, nerdy glory for all to see. Muahahaha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Introducing: <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">Bookmark Dragon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48_qCeMauto/UmleJ52OfzI/AAAAAAAAMGk/6hlk0fLCZew/s1600/Bookmark+Dragon+Shumaker+Blog+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48_qCeMauto/UmleJ52OfzI/AAAAAAAAMGk/6hlk0fLCZew/s320/Bookmark+Dragon+Shumaker+Blog+Header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may or may not have known that the book blogosphere is a large and thriving community dedicated to talking about books: book reviews, book news, book covers, promoting literacy, the evolution of book genres, you name it. Basically, if chocolate were involved, it would be like my personal heaven. I'm not sure what took me so long, but I've finally decided to stop being a lurker, and join it outright. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">Bookmark Dragon</a> is my new book blog where I'll be posting on all sorts of book-related topics, with the occasional giveaway thrown in for good measure. (I've got one scheduled for next week, be excited!) I've already got a few posts up, and have many more in the works. I'm really excited about this, and hope this is just the start of lots of bookish conversations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here's the deal. It takes a while before a blog really gets out there, you know what I mean? If you would comment on the <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">blog</a>, like the page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bookmarkdragon">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BookmarkDragon">tweet </a>the blog, pin it to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bookmarkdragon/boards/">Pinterest</a>, or share it in any way, I would be so grateful! I hope this request isn't too obnoxious. I promise to post some really cute pictures of Madeline on here within the next week if I get at least 15 comments over at <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">Bookmark Dragon</a>. Since the audience of this blog is mostly just family and close friends who agree that Maddie is really freaking cute, that might be pretty good incentive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you still need convincing, here's a sneak peak picture of Madeline I took earlier this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every time you comment/like/tweet/etc. about <a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">Bookmark Dragon</a>, Madeline smiles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pqbT_sfBbE/UmleD3EX8xI/AAAAAAAAMGc/tHKeIoj_zug/s1600/20131014_135556-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pqbT_sfBbE/UmleD3EX8xI/AAAAAAAAMGc/tHKeIoj_zug/s320/20131014_135556-1.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you even resist that face? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I THOUGHT SO.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookmarkdragon.com/">Check it out.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.bookmarkdragon.com</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-89959404871028450852013-09-14T01:56:00.000-04:002013-09-14T01:56:41.720-04:00My Miracle MadelineIt's late. Madeline is asleep in the next room. I crept softly in to check on her, as I do every night, the light from the hallway spilling in with me. Her little body is cocooned around her blanket, the corner still grasped in her long fingers. It's the corner with the tags; her favorite. Her toes are touching the edge of the crib, as they so often are when she sleeps. I watch as her chest rises and falls to its own perfect rhythm. It is a quiet moment. An ordinary moment. One moment of thousands.<br />
<br />
But, to me, nothing is ordinary about it. In the space of a breath I remember the journey we took to bring her into this world: the desperation at hearing the problems we and she would face throughout the pregnancy, and possibly throughout her whole life; the crushing worry for her well-being; the feelings of helplessness mingled with a determination and ferocity so fierce it was nearly violent to fight for our little girl's life; the overwhelming love and concern that grew with each kick and roll; the tiny victories we celebrated together when we managed to get through yet another day without going into labor. This little girl who we fought for, prayed for, cried for, and pleaded for, <i>is alive</i>. She breathes. She thinks. She thrives. In the face of all probability, she is asleep in the next room clutching her favorite corner of her blanket.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I would have loved her anyway if she was blind. I would have loved her anyway if she couldn't breathe without support. I would have loved her anyway if she had down syndrome, or a faulty immune system, or cerebral palsy, or metabolism problems, or any of the other issues we were told were a possibility. She was my little girl, and I just wanted her to survive her tumultuous fetal life. But not only did my Madeline survive, she defied medical odds and waited to be born until she was<i> full term</i>, something no one dared to hope, and is now <i>completely healthy</i>. She has never had anything more serious than a minor stuffy nose. <br />
<br />
Her life and her health are nothing less than miracles.<br />
<br />
I don't know why our family was given this miracle, especially when so many others are denied theirs. But I do not forget it. Not even when she wakes up for the eighty-seventh time at night. Not ever. Because I know how tenuous and uncertain her life once was. Because I know what if feels like to confront the mortality of a child. Because I love her with a love deeper than the ocean. Simply put, because I am her mother.<br />
<br />
So when she cries and won't be comforted by anyone other than me, or when she wants to read that board book <i>again</i>, or when she spits out the food I just finished making, or when her giggles fill our home, or when her head rests on my shoulder, or when her arms reach for me to hold her, or when her large blue eyes meet my brown and light up with joy just because she's happy to see me, or when I watch her little body sleep - I will remember the miraculous singularity that is her life. I will remember, and I will love her all the more.<br />
<br />
All babies are miracles, in their own way. But this one - this curious, vibrant, happy, demanding, hilarious, beautiful, loving little miracle - this one is mine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlkRAZYPcsQ/UjPyO51TxsI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/HV-_8JjmxmA/s1600/2013-01-01_00-45-28_118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlkRAZYPcsQ/UjPyO51TxsI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/HV-_8JjmxmA/s320/2013-01-01_00-45-28_118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNgtOIVOOUI/UjPkXwH7thI/AAAAAAAAK4o/qD29mudxqQs/s1600/IMG_20130822_183930_201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNgtOIVOOUI/UjPkXwH7thI/AAAAAAAAK4o/qD29mudxqQs/s320/IMG_20130822_183930_201.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy7GvWuJIBQ/UjPkX_lVH4I/AAAAAAAAK4o/kZkQojVKgYQ/s1600/IMG_20130813_191233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy7GvWuJIBQ/UjPkX_lVH4I/AAAAAAAAK4o/kZkQojVKgYQ/s320/IMG_20130813_191233.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMyHjarpl0w/UjPkX4n7EZI/AAAAAAAAK4o/sXe7iRYeJu8/s1600/IMG_20130829_081838_744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMyHjarpl0w/UjPkX4n7EZI/AAAAAAAAK4o/sXe7iRYeJu8/s320/IMG_20130829_081838_744.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0HlPGVuBgg/UjPkXyjmGPI/AAAAAAAAK4o/75wvUSp7knc/s1600/IMG_20130830_121840_122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0HlPGVuBgg/UjPkXyjmGPI/AAAAAAAAK4o/75wvUSp7knc/s320/IMG_20130830_121840_122.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ze_w-vkuxJo/UjPkX45j9cI/AAAAAAAAK4o/XVp-chouVYw/s1600/IMG_20130830_075945_790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ze_w-vkuxJo/UjPkX45j9cI/AAAAAAAAK4o/XVp-chouVYw/s320/IMG_20130830_075945_790.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaEW3LU4cwE/UjPkX70mW4I/AAAAAAAAK4o/JlFFKBqQcug/s1600/IMG_20130831_084526_193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaEW3LU4cwE/UjPkX70mW4I/AAAAAAAAK4o/JlFFKBqQcug/s320/IMG_20130831_084526_193.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62_LCmErCZw/UjPpSBi1H3I/AAAAAAAAK48/P29covAswbk/s1600/IMG_20130528_165326_631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62_LCmErCZw/UjPpSBi1H3I/AAAAAAAAK48/P29covAswbk/s320/IMG_20130528_165326_631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKwuxXGcBdo/UjPpSHmN13I/AAAAAAAAK48/FTu41O9Lv-w/s1600/IMG_20130417_141944_724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKwuxXGcBdo/UjPpSHmN13I/AAAAAAAAK48/FTu41O9Lv-w/s320/IMG_20130417_141944_724.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yeGfijAN9c/UjPkX7Q5geI/AAAAAAAAK4o/98u1Dceb7h4/s1600/IMG_20130903_165330_184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yeGfijAN9c/UjPkX7Q5geI/AAAAAAAAK4o/98u1Dceb7h4/s320/IMG_20130903_165330_184.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI3s4P9gfHY/UXCNhOpPzKI/AAAAAAAAFPM/4pgYBovMu8w/s1600/DRuqFofzJis2clChFQtXGaSadg8B5FjZO_xgUcnqckM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI3s4P9gfHY/UXCNhOpPzKI/AAAAAAAAFPM/4pgYBovMu8w/s320/DRuqFofzJis2clChFQtXGaSadg8B5FjZO_xgUcnqckM.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VD1phIyKbA/UfqeLdz9PMI/AAAAAAAAJlc/g2b7zzJePFM/s1600/mike10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VD1phIyKbA/UfqeLdz9PMI/AAAAAAAAJlc/g2b7zzJePFM/s320/mike10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-4473815057202360402013-08-01T13:51:00.001-04:002013-08-01T13:51:53.755-04:00Summer 2013: In Which Mike and Melissa Have A Lot of Fun and Not A Lot of Sleep<div style="text-align: center;">
Greetings, internets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmoBQFzPIOo/UfmA9UqiAKI/AAAAAAAAJds/uvU4Uyb3SqM/s1600/IMG_20130711_180303_520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmoBQFzPIOo/UfmA9UqiAKI/AAAAAAAAJds/uvU4Uyb3SqM/s320/IMG_20130711_180303_520.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Life in the Wilde house has been great lately. We've had some vacations, some visitors, and have just been enjoying the summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnQOyI6zWKA/UfmA9SQrebI/AAAAAAAAJds/jGiS3jhufaM/s1600/IMG_20130717_194726_867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnQOyI6zWKA/UfmA9SQrebI/AAAAAAAAJds/jGiS3jhufaM/s320/IMG_20130717_194726_867.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little squish forgot how to sleep, but I can't help but love her anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vZv1hQOZVk/UfmA9SWzl2I/AAAAAAAAJds/egLRkcV7rQo/s1600/IMG_20130708_151833_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vZv1hQOZVk/UfmA9SWzl2I/AAAAAAAAJds/egLRkcV7rQo/s320/IMG_20130708_151833_006.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Fourth of July was celebrated in style. We woke Madeline up to show her her first firework; she just stared, fascinated, at all the bright lights. It was so cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLY1KeadIZM/UfmBcQusf0I/AAAAAAAAJfY/pd0bxtE_nYw/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLY1KeadIZM/UfmBcQusf0I/AAAAAAAAJfY/pd0bxtE_nYw/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madeline's favorite thing these days is the faucet in the kitchen sink.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEb-dI2nQSY/UfmA9bV86VI/AAAAAAAAJds/K2vyxXixwgs/s1600/IMG_20130702_154251_331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEb-dI2nQSY/UfmA9bV86VI/AAAAAAAAJds/K2vyxXixwgs/s320/IMG_20130702_154251_331.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMANTA4AsA/UfmA9VhNjnI/AAAAAAAAJds/ah3HCsVzKcQ/s1600/IMG_20130625_133742_050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMANTA4AsA/UfmA9VhNjnI/AAAAAAAAJds/ah3HCsVzKcQ/s320/IMG_20130625_133742_050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is so ticklish and giggles all the time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shP10-jiuKw/UfmA9aANM_I/AAAAAAAAJds/zieMMyFQyL0/s1600/IMG_20130626_122626_970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shP10-jiuKw/UfmA9aANM_I/AAAAAAAAJds/zieMMyFQyL0/s320/IMG_20130626_122626_970.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike took Mads canoeing. I think she would have liked it a lot more if she wasn't so tired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_x2Cxs_jK4/Ufqb57zQ4dI/AAAAAAAAJj4/RSHRZHBcovg/s1600/mike19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_x2Cxs_jK4/Ufqb57zQ4dI/AAAAAAAAJj4/RSHRZHBcovg/s320/mike19.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cousins Ada and Madeline aren't quite sure what to make of each other yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtAD2_swn9s/UfmA9cue4RI/AAAAAAAAJds/2E9XS8Ycwm0/s1600/IMG_20130623_165552_107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtAD2_swn9s/UfmA9cue4RI/AAAAAAAAJds/2E9XS8Ycwm0/s320/IMG_20130623_165552_107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Morning cuddles with mom.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UZQl8Eewg/UfmA9WBq2LI/AAAAAAAAJds/AdZwlLoCFz0/s1600/IMG_20130621_094103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UZQl8Eewg/UfmA9WBq2LI/AAAAAAAAJds/AdZwlLoCFz0/s320/IMG_20130621_094103.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went on a hike. We are still alive. And that's all I'm going to say about that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzjXPyKEGHo/UfmA9a_SbyI/AAAAAAAAJds/-S-2k6qWGzw/s1600/IMG_20130615_154359_642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzjXPyKEGHo/UfmA9a_SbyI/AAAAAAAAJds/-S-2k6qWGzw/s320/IMG_20130615_154359_642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>MOORHEAD REUNION</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As luck would have it, our families had reunions in back-to-back weeks. It was great to see everyone. It started with a Moorhead reunion in which I took almost zero pictures. We had a great time eating lots of cookies and green smoothies (they cancel each other out, right?); going to parks, swimming, jumping in bounce houses, getting black eyes, and just laughing all week long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brooke and Madeline checking each other out:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcKQm88Lh-E/UfmA9YAkhcI/AAAAAAAAJds/hOuwIZB2_zw/s1600/IMG_20130717_150926_089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcKQm88Lh-E/UfmA9YAkhcI/AAAAAAAAJds/hOuwIZB2_zw/s320/IMG_20130717_150926_089.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone blatantly ignored my violent protests to having family pictures taken and scheduled a session with a photographer anyway. Who wants to take family pictures at any point under a year after having a baby?? (If you do, you are welcome to come knock on my front door so that I can punch you in the face.) Thanks a lot, ya lugnuts. Here are a few that aren't completely misery inducing.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6uHxHFrRtA/UfmBTPr2QeI/AAAAAAAAJeM/ImX4hIQxiM8/s1600/fam020_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6uHxHFrRtA/UfmBTPr2QeI/AAAAAAAAJeM/ImX4hIQxiM8/s320/fam020_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grandma and Grandpa with their grandkids</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zivaq5_Vvsg/UfmBW5dvNqI/AAAAAAAAJe4/8iiHf7C9EMk/s1600/fam092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zivaq5_Vvsg/UfmBW5dvNqI/AAAAAAAAJe4/8iiHf7C9EMk/s320/fam092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The older three (clearly this was the year when beachy waves and skinny jeans were in style)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9NXEJAqBcA/UfmBYIm035I/AAAAAAAAJfI/SWF_CQJ7aA0/s1600/fam104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9NXEJAqBcA/UfmBYIm035I/AAAAAAAAJfI/SWF_CQJ7aA0/s320/fam104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The younger three</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxUgW_8g2hM/UfmBVi1WJWI/AAAAAAAAJeo/jdK324zTXuU/s1600/fam056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxUgW_8g2hM/UfmBVi1WJWI/AAAAAAAAJeo/jdK324zTXuU/s320/fam056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little behind the scenes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo4LUJY3d-4/UfmBYAT26sI/AAAAAAAAJfM/4rczrh1NVYs/s1600/fam107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo4LUJY3d-4/UfmBYAT26sI/AAAAAAAAJfM/4rczrh1NVYs/s320/fam107.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7v0zaer01s/UfmBV54re2I/AAAAAAAAJew/DgboRhg1_yo/s1600/fam090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7v0zaer01s/UfmBV54re2I/AAAAAAAAJew/DgboRhg1_yo/s320/fam090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Madeline</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5MVEQodvio/UfmB6vGLTtI/AAAAAAAAJfg/wuzRzCyZIdE/s1600/fam113edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5MVEQodvio/UfmB6vGLTtI/AAAAAAAAJfg/wuzRzCyZIdE/s320/fam113edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our fam</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxCLoFSMeA/UfmCccMUyeI/AAAAAAAAJfo/jM-wFw1i9r0/s1600/fam026edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxCLoFSMeA/UfmCccMUyeI/AAAAAAAAJfo/jM-wFw1i9r0/s320/fam026edit.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madeline's face cracks me up here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47QtgmW5E4g/UfmBUNT9MNI/AAAAAAAAJeY/s1YIXRZ_F40/s1600/fam030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47QtgmW5E4g/UfmBUNT9MNI/AAAAAAAAJeY/s1YIXRZ_F40/s320/fam030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>WILDE VACATION</b></div>
Mike's family had a big reunion in San Diego and it was a blast! The house we stayed in had more personality than any place I've ever been before. We crammed a ton of fun things in and had a great time.<br />
<br />
Our car broke down on the way to CA. Breaking down on the freeway in the middle of nowhere is my worst nightmare. Luckily Josh and crew were passing through not too long afterwards so he picked up Maddie and me while Mike stayed in scenic Mesquite, NV and took care of the car. And that's how we ended up driving to CA with these silly monkeys:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL6vibj0LFo/UfqcdlS82PI/AAAAAAAAJkA/8o69EU3ssDE/s1600/mike18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL6vibj0LFo/UfqcdlS82PI/AAAAAAAAJkA/8o69EU3ssDE/s320/mike18.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Seeing the seals at the La Jolla Cove<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKovyJ9C9Pc/UfmA9WsmxcI/AAAAAAAAJds/0vR4DK3LHu0/s1600/IMG_20130727_174436_360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cKovyJ9C9Pc/UfmA9WsmxcI/AAAAAAAAJds/0vR4DK3LHu0/s320/IMG_20130727_174436_360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sdwVqcg460/UfmA9Y7SGBI/AAAAAAAAJds/BZn83lEwTUU/s1600/IMG_20130727_174532_920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sdwVqcg460/UfmA9Y7SGBI/AAAAAAAAJds/BZn83lEwTUU/s320/IMG_20130727_174532_920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple of cousins catching up on their sleep in the back of Grandma and Grandpa's car on the way to the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFr0Yx0xEDE/UfmA9UR8jwI/AAAAAAAAJds/J5fRRp5-vR8/s1600/IMG_20130727_120654_473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFr0Yx0xEDE/UfmA9UR8jwI/AAAAAAAAJds/J5fRRp5-vR8/s320/IMG_20130727_120654_473.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mining for gold</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPAl_QtR7Uo/UfqdEuHgFfI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/lwCmGOxFX9c/s1600/mike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPAl_QtR7Uo/UfqdEuHgFfI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/lwCmGOxFX9c/s320/mike1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nights were devoted to card games. Mike and James' game faces:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCFLmdnNvrU/UfmA9abb6qI/AAAAAAAAJds/sB4BH1SiDrM/s1600/IMG_20130726_232538_362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCFLmdnNvrU/UfmA9abb6qI/AAAAAAAAJds/sB4BH1SiDrM/s320/IMG_20130726_232538_362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the San Deigo Zoo:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QP2dMaUAzHs/UfmA9e6Zl7I/AAAAAAAAJds/utIGwWDQksY/s1600/IMG_20130725_174426_862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QP2dMaUAzHs/UfmA9e6Zl7I/AAAAAAAAJds/utIGwWDQksY/s320/IMG_20130725_174426_862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yp53JpZV6-o/UfmA9au2xtI/AAAAAAAAJds/u2HTlV0-OYk/s1600/IMG_20130725_152504_152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yp53JpZV6-o/UfmA9au2xtI/AAAAAAAAJds/u2HTlV0-OYk/s320/IMG_20130725_152504_152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie and her Aunt Angie became great buddies</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQI866ghtuo/UfmA9fLNUII/AAAAAAAAJds/oJvY7mzWyVU/s1600/IMG_20130725_143026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQI866ghtuo/UfmA9fLNUII/AAAAAAAAJds/oJvY7mzWyVU/s320/IMG_20130725_143026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie and her "twin" Ada</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnavVkLGio/UfmA9RquPfI/AAAAAAAAJds/i86JMKH7UR0/s1600/IMG_20130725_130315_607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnavVkLGio/UfmA9RquPfI/AAAAAAAAJds/i86JMKH7UR0/s320/IMG_20130725_130315_607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie was more interested in her grandpa's watch than in the views of San Diego from the sky ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jL57u15dU0/Ufqdabm4-cI/AAAAAAAAJkg/02EOhMf3FwI/s1600/mike3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jL57u15dU0/Ufqdabm4-cI/AAAAAAAAJkg/02EOhMf3FwI/s320/mike3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hippos </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCGRUZNQjO4/UfqdaclCXrI/AAAAAAAAJks/hjWiluUFUZ0/s1600/mike5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCGRUZNQjO4/UfqdaclCXrI/AAAAAAAAJks/hjWiluUFUZ0/s320/mike5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXoaasIHTYY/UfqdaTvf-UI/AAAAAAAAJkk/ljhvq18H0Bk/s1600/mike6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXoaasIHTYY/UfqdaTvf-UI/AAAAAAAAJkk/ljhvq18H0Bk/s320/mike6.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrB9mrNBh4/UfqdbME4bDI/AAAAAAAAJk0/_SDF2Uegaa8/s1600/mike8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrB9mrNBh4/UfqdbME4bDI/AAAAAAAAJk0/_SDF2Uegaa8/s320/mike8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJF1IAnRZew/UfqdblF84XI/AAAAAAAAJlE/pDoOyJX4Eno/s1600/mike9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJF1IAnRZew/UfqdblF84XI/AAAAAAAAJlE/pDoOyJX4Eno/s320/mike9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie and Lucy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sU3JPWpglG8/Ufqd91bPllI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/KqohDzh4rAw/s1600/mike4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sU3JPWpglG8/Ufqd91bPllI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/KqohDzh4rAw/s320/mike4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taking a nap on mom during dinner</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VD1phIyKbA/UfqeLdz9PMI/AAAAAAAAJlY/hdMOVxhK2hY/s1600/mike10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VD1phIyKbA/UfqeLdz9PMI/AAAAAAAAJlY/hdMOVxhK2hY/s320/mike10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lovely days at the beach:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfUDCEO_B8w/UfmA9aoJMUI/AAAAAAAAJds/djBlID02sIg/s1600/IMG_20130726_194439_088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfUDCEO_B8w/UfmA9aoJMUI/AAAAAAAAJds/djBlID02sIg/s320/IMG_20130726_194439_088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plW6T1QZ_bg/UfmA9YQPlbI/AAAAAAAAJds/FxofkEU3nNo/s1600/IMG_20130726_180253_287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plW6T1QZ_bg/UfmA9YQPlbI/AAAAAAAAJds/FxofkEU3nNo/s320/IMG_20130726_180253_287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKH0tj3AEeY/UfqdOWRgooI/AAAAAAAAJkY/8qogB4HUjdQ/s1600/mike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKH0tj3AEeY/UfqdOWRgooI/AAAAAAAAJkY/8qogB4HUjdQ/s320/mike2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeFciOehvvA/UfmA9YX_C9I/AAAAAAAAJds/yjPaYBtZ6EQ/s1600/IMG_20130726_194207_766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeFciOehvvA/UfmA9YX_C9I/AAAAAAAAJds/yjPaYBtZ6EQ/s320/IMG_20130726_194207_766.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Claire the sand-mermaid</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqL8o8XYR0M/UfmA9dfr0cI/AAAAAAAAJds/agwm0Adqm2M/s1600/IMG_20130724_144505_768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqL8o8XYR0M/UfmA9dfr0cI/AAAAAAAAJds/agwm0Adqm2M/s320/IMG_20130724_144505_768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aunt Bethany rocking Madeline to sleep during nap time. This happened more than once during this trip. Thanks Bep! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGvLMhAif7A/UfmA9drVSaI/AAAAAAAAJds/vRO7PhMh7dc/s1600/IMG_20130724_142942_913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GGvLMhAif7A/UfmA9drVSaI/AAAAAAAAJds/vRO7PhMh7dc/s320/IMG_20130724_142942_913.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to Sea World!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the turtle reef</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpXFy2tdhcE/UfqeaqmlVvI/AAAAAAAAJlg/h2tFPAnDWR4/s1600/mike12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpXFy2tdhcE/UfqeaqmlVvI/AAAAAAAAJlg/h2tFPAnDWR4/s320/mike12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mike and Mads at one of the Sea World Aquariums</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzRdD_5lgZE/UfmA9WECP9I/AAAAAAAAJds/a4Ln8rKxi9E/s1600/IMG_20130723_145346_035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzRdD_5lgZE/UfmA9WECP9I/AAAAAAAAJds/a4Ln8rKxi9E/s320/IMG_20130723_145346_035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie fell asleep about three seconds after we saw the Shamu show, but we did see it! Proof:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53KG28zW0qo/UfmA9cduJhI/AAAAAAAAJds/jrh6hwgG7JA/s1600/IMG_20130723_112024_354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53KG28zW0qo/UfmA9cduJhI/AAAAAAAAJds/jrh6hwgG7JA/s320/IMG_20130723_112024_354.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She liked seeing the whales a lot more after her nap</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9MrTi8eQ9w/UfqesQslXWI/AAAAAAAAJlo/uQc8Kictyc0/s1600/mike14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9MrTi8eQ9w/UfqesQslXWI/AAAAAAAAJlo/uQc8Kictyc0/s320/mike14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chillin with Kate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6qkWW-rNbE/UfqesqHpAtI/AAAAAAAAJl0/43IQ0uqpir8/s1600/mike11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6qkWW-rNbE/UfqesqHpAtI/AAAAAAAAJl0/43IQ0uqpir8/s320/mike11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clearly Maddie was particularly stoked about the flamingos </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_d7fSKmcU8/UfqesgVofWI/AAAAAAAAJls/YnT45fnSC68/s1600/mike13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_d7fSKmcU8/UfqesgVofWI/AAAAAAAAJls/YnT45fnSC68/s320/mike13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie and Grandma</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl0zZlr_xgo/UfmBSgio_oI/AAAAAAAAJeI/uwYKeuVxF0A/s1600/IMG_20130723_185751_253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl0zZlr_xgo/UfmBSgio_oI/AAAAAAAAJeI/uwYKeuVxF0A/s320/IMG_20130723_185751_253.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
While we were in CA we spent some time with my parents and sister in Mission Viejo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkt6p9dHq4/UfqbSaGe0kI/AAAAAAAAJjg/sUsKYHPtTxI/s1600/mike15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkt6p9dHq4/UfqbSaGe0kI/AAAAAAAAJjg/sUsKYHPtTxI/s320/mike15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inca Mamma's... I miss you already... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ndNtxLxsL0/UfqbSQMKTVI/AAAAAAAAJjo/IXTTrY4iPIs/s1600/mike16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ndNtxLxsL0/UfqbSQMKTVI/AAAAAAAAJjo/IXTTrY4iPIs/s320/mike16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We started planning Binz's room redo while we were there - Binz, I started a Pinterest board for you! Go check it out and tell me what you like! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ro7D8TfqIMA/UfqbSbLXLlI/AAAAAAAAJjk/envkiTbX790/s1600/mike17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ro7D8TfqIMA/UfqbSbLXLlI/AAAAAAAAJjk/envkiTbX790/s320/mike17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The car ride home was thankfully much less eventful than the car ride out. The only negative thing that happened was a blow out. Which is why Maddie rode home in just a diaper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5p3vFNqzbI/Ufqc3doJF7I/AAAAAAAAJkI/pvVh2hL3iEc/s1600/mike20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5p3vFNqzbI/Ufqc3doJF7I/AAAAAAAAJkI/pvVh2hL3iEc/s320/mike20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We got home this past weekend and have been missing everyone, but enjoying the quiet. Since we've been home Maddie has been getting better and better at sitting up, though she still needs pillows or something around her for when she falls sideways.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FEO8E761qY/UfmA9cUFlPI/AAAAAAAAJds/muLoubCmZ60/s1600/IMG_20130729_104238_538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FEO8E761qY/UfmA9cUFlPI/AAAAAAAAJds/muLoubCmZ60/s320/IMG_20130729_104238_538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie is seven months old today! I can hardly believe it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zekTQcOalZY/UfmA9cbo0jI/AAAAAAAAJds/KuEPM4HYkFw/s1600/IMG_20130612_102419_629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zekTQcOalZY/UfmA9cbo0jI/AAAAAAAAJds/KuEPM4HYkFw/s320/IMG_20130612_102419_629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And last but not least, <span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MIKE!</span> <br />
I love you and your foxy buns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4c3ICqfxro/UfmEG5VC_sI/AAAAAAAAJf4/DnoUk-A1DcE/s1600/3902734608_cde25e49a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4c3ICqfxro/UfmEG5VC_sI/AAAAAAAAJf4/DnoUk-A1DcE/s640/3902734608_cde25e49a7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-12871637364017061652013-07-07T21:11:00.002-04:002013-07-07T22:41:11.762-04:00Book Recommendations of Late<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been getting a lot of questions lately about when the heck am I going to do another round of book reviews. Well here you go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337042881l/9565548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337042881l/9565548.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Grave Mercy</i> by R.L. LaFevers</b></span>: Assassin nuns. Need I say more? Actually I do need to say more. The plot was there, and it was really solid, but it was buried in too much romance for my taste. It was still a fun read though. I don't often read books set in this time period (fifteenth century europe) so that was refreshing. I didn't care for the main character at first, but she grew on me. I plan to read book 2. (Note: This is a different kind of trilogy; each book is from the perspective of a different character, telling different stories, all within the same world. So I don't think it will be as hard to pick up book two without re-reading book one. Which is kind of nice.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_EZ0rSbMTeOHa2XOK1euw2AJUaYIiM0Pp4xe2Zw6C1MZdzXuK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_EZ0rSbMTeOHa2XOK1euw2AJUaYIiM0Pp4xe2Zw6C1MZdzXuK" width="131" /></a><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRD0lYDO312mjqhGDRr0Im8brR8A9WQTJkr43aAU3HnOkQ6WseW" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRD0lYDO312mjqhGDRr0Im8brR8A9WQTJkr43aAU3HnOkQ6WseW" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Under the Never Sky</i> (book 1) and <i>Through the Ever Night</i> (book 2) by Veronica Rossi</b></span>: Just when I felt like I was all dystopiaed out, this series came along. I couldn't put these books down. A note: please do not judge this series by the book covers. I hate the covers. Not remotely representative of the rocking story inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/i/2013/04/01/Siege-and-Storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/i/2013/04/01/Siege-and-Storm.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://bks1.books.google.com/books?id=H-wblEEbz0YC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE71-pDMa1z0g0gQq2up_gk5TNUH5bSJ9S3RIQLFWgcEdTsw3ihA_-9MIdonar9t3z_E-739tWZsZFzSfk2wnxdBKrlj67X2SZzlcpPFYMomMrMODN5rkAHnda0KJQOb044cB0OeA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://bks1.books.google.com/books?id=H-wblEEbz0YC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE71-pDMa1z0g0gQq2up_gk5TNUH5bSJ9S3RIQLFWgcEdTsw3ihA_-9MIdonar9t3z_E-739tWZsZFzSfk2wnxdBKrlj67X2SZzlcpPFYMomMrMODN5rkAHnda0KJQOb044cB0OeA" width="131" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Shadow and Bone</i> (book 1) and <i>Siege and Storm </i>(book 2) by Leigh Bardugo:</span></b> Probably my favorites series lately. Awesome world building (Russia meets magic!), witty dialogue (Nikolai!), and engrossing adventure (Darkling shenanigans!). A lot of fun for anyone who likes fantasy, or who just likes to imagine. I'd recommend waiting until book three is released before reading the series, though, otherwise you'll have a very miserable several months waiting for closure. (Side note: Unlike Rossi's books, these covers <i>rock</i>.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theeternalones.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/matched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://theeternalones.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/matched.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Matched </i>by Ally Condie</span></b>: Another distopia. First of a trilogy. There was a lot to like, but on the whole there was way too much teenage angst. I would have preferred a better balance between romance and action. I didn't continue the series. It just wasn't my taste. Sorry Condie fans. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/The_Fault_in_Our_Stars.jpg/200px-The_Fault_in_Our_Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/The_Fault_in_Our_Stars.jpg/200px-The_Fault_in_Our_Stars.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> by John Green</span></b>: Not a part of a series! It can be nice to read a stand-alone amid all these trilogies. Whenever I recommend this book, people ask me what it's about, and I tell them: it's a fictional story about a teenage girl with cancer. At that point their eyes glaze over and I can tell they have no interest. At <i>that </i>point I start jumping up and down and flapping my hands, insisting that it's so much more than a 'cancer book,' it's not emotionally manipulative, and it really is worth their time. They then make some excuse about leaving their curling iron on and quickly retreat, while casting nervous glances at me over their shoulders. Their loss. Seriously, you HAVE to read this book. It's won all sorts of awards, and it certainly deserves them. It's smart, funny, and really quite touching, all while tacking some pretty serious subjects. This is the first book that has made me cry in a long, long time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYmDkx7jQj4_0SWnZt2BYcA9U_hU2vdZOx3EJy2dmHJgoXUotZYA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYmDkx7jQj4_0SWnZt2BYcA9U_hU2vdZOx3EJy2dmHJgoXUotZYA" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Girl of Fire and Thorns</i> and <i>The Crown of Embers</i> by Rae Carson:</span></b> A kingdom seeping with corruption, revolutionaries with questionable tactics, dark magic threatening everyone, forbidden love, and a reluctant hero all make this a really entertaining series. I read <i>The Girl of Fire and Thorns</i> last summer and <i>loved </i>it. I read <i>Crown of Embers</i> some months later and had a little difficulty remembering the details of the first book, which threw me for a while. I kept reading, though, and eventually that jogged my memory enough to keep me engaged during the second book. I wish I had re-read <i>TGoFaT </i>first, though. I think I would have liked <i>CoE </i>more if I had. Still, I am excited for book three.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/seven-kingdoms-graceling-fire-bitterblue-kristin-cashore.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/seven-kingdoms-graceling-fire-bitterblue-kristin-cashore.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Graceling, Fire</i>, and <i>Bitterblue </i>by Kristin Cashore</span></b>: Katsa is definitely the most kick-butt heroine since Katniss Everdeen. This trilogy is more like <i>Grave Mercy</i>, in that it tells different characters' stories in each of the novels, and those stories, while overlapping, aren't dependent on each other. It's a fantasy land with certain magical elements, but it felt more realistic than many other fantasy novels. No dragons, witches, hobbits, or elves here. That could be a plus or a minus, depending on your point of view. I enjoyed it, personally. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teenlitrocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://teenlitrocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Daughter of Smoke and Bone</i> by Laini Taylor</span></b>: This book is bizarre in all the best ways. It's nothing like I expected. I don't even know what genre it is: paranormal? sci-fi? romance? Who knows. This series has quite the following, and I totally understand why, but for some reason the book just didn't do it for me. I finished book one because I always finish books after I start them (with very few exceptions) but I don't think I'll continue the series. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littlemomentsofhappinessdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/divergent-insurgent-fans-veronicaroth-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://littlemomentsofhappinessdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/divergent-insurgent-fans-veronicaroth-56.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Divergent </i>and <i>Insurgent </i>by Veronica Roth:</span></b> This is another dystopia series. <i>Divergent </i>came out a while ago, and I read it last year, but I didn't get around to reading <i>Insurgent </i>until recently. <i>Insurgent </i>was just as fast paced and action packed as I remember <i>Divergent </i>was. This series definitely packs a punch. I would like it more, personally, if there was more humor infused throughout - it just seems so serious all the time - but it's still a fun ride. Lots of adrenaline, lots of excitement, and lots of late hours finishing these books.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ronreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Cinder_hi-res1-678x1024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ronreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Cinder_hi-res1-678x1024.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cinder </i>by Marissa Meyer</span></b>: This book tells the story of a Cyborg Cinderella. And it's as awesome as it sounds. I totally called one major plot twist, but it was still worth the read. I haven't read the next in this sci-fi/dystopia series, but I hear the next one tells Little Red Riding Hood's story. No, I don't know why I haven't read it yet. I'll get on that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpL6h34DOn3l0Ybvh1twMgXWeEMCHctNfC0tW1-iI0mlXvdpwHcA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpL6h34DOn3l0Ybvh1twMgXWeEMCHctNfC0tW1-iI0mlXvdpwHcA" width="130" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Casual Vacancy</i> by J.K. Rowling</span></b>: What? Not a YA book? Shocking, I know. I think I'm the only person I know who liked <i>The Casual Vacancy</i>. And still, I don't think 'liked' is the right word. Maybe 'appreciated,' or 'valued' would be better. It's a grim, unhappy story, and it's difficult to read. It's one of those stories that has stayed with me months after reading it, though. Conclusion: I'm glad I read it, but I'm not sure I'll be picking it up again any time soon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kaumie.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/uglies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://kaumie.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/uglies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Uglies, Pretties</i>, and <i>Specials </i>by Scott Westerfeld:</span></b> I think I got my expectations up too high for this series. I wanted to like it. Really, I did. That's why I read three of the four books in the series. But in the end I was just too bored to continue. On the upside, this series made me really want to learn how to ride a hoverboard. So there's that.<br />
<br />
Side bar: has anyone else noticed how YA book-to-movie crazy the entertainment business has been lately? Seriously. There's <i>Ender's Game, Divergent, The Maze Runner, The Fault In Our Stars, The Mortal Instruments, The Host</i>, and of course <i>Catching Fire (Hunger Games</i> book 2). And probably more that I don't know about. Cray-cray. I'm not sure how to react to all these movies. It makes me nervous. I'll probably have to drown my anxiety in copious amounts of chocolate chip cookies. That sounds like a good idea.<br />
<br />
Lastly, here is Her Cuteness on her first half birthday: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAtQ_bbnSgc/UdoQ5KvCpZI/AAAAAAAAIQA/PKcPKhYwROY/s1600/IMG_20130703_104829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAtQ_bbnSgc/UdoQ5KvCpZI/AAAAAAAAIQA/PKcPKhYwROY/s640/IMG_20130703_104829.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What, did you think I was going to go through a whole post without posting a picture of my little girl? Pssssshhh.Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-4420061330328500142013-06-11T00:31:00.000-04:002013-06-11T00:31:39.864-04:00California, Book Cover Flip, and Some Seriously Awesome Sunglasses<div style="text-align: center;">
We just got back from California last week, and it was a blast! Baby's first road trip. Madeline was reasonably good in the car on the way down, and was a total rock star on the way back. Good work, Maddie. (She was about two minutes from falling asleep in this picture, but she really was pretty good on the drive most of the time.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tsLxznCGn-s/UbY4_BTd2nI/AAAAAAAAH2w/o9DWIZ-5rYE/s1600/IMG_20130602_114920_597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tsLxznCGn-s/UbY4_BTd2nI/AAAAAAAAH2w/o9DWIZ-5rYE/s320/IMG_20130602_114920_597.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped in AZ so I could feed Madeline and decided to document her first visit to the state. Apparently she liked it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2psrVWHAuoU/Ubad4MZknkI/AAAAAAAAH4c/q6XWIFa6Fck/s1600/Maddie+in+AZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2psrVWHAuoU/Ubad4MZknkI/AAAAAAAAH4c/q6XWIFa6Fck/s320/Maddie+in+AZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also discovered this trip that Maddie apparently loves casinos. We spent the night in Vegas on our way to CA and Madeline loved all the lights and sounds as we walked through the hotel to our room. She did not so much like our LOUD hotel neighbors who woke her up at 3:00 AM. Neither did I.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGLLcRnujTg/Ubaf_VkjDSI/AAAAAAAAH40/nGPF87cHpkw/s1600/IMG_20130523_220846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGLLcRnujTg/Ubaf_VkjDSI/AAAAAAAAH40/nGPF87cHpkw/s320/IMG_20130523_220846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we arrived we had a great time at the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnoNt18thw/UbY4_IrBAnI/AAAAAAAAH2w/WQJhcJrdpHo/s1600/IMG_20130601_154501_675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnoNt18thw/UbY4_IrBAnI/AAAAAAAAH2w/WQJhcJrdpHo/s320/IMG_20130601_154501_675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First time in the water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-KCBYy8LX0/Ubaf_ZM1kEI/AAAAAAAAH44/zYHJuXYRwSU/s1600/IMG_20130525_142831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-KCBYy8LX0/Ubaf_ZM1kEI/AAAAAAAAH44/zYHJuXYRwSU/s320/IMG_20130525_142831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't let the pink sparkly heart sunglasses fool you. Madeline is very serious about the beach. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjFgnRrFCqo/UbY4_Ik8dfI/AAAAAAAAH2w/wQNYslugnAA/s1600/IMG_20130601_170921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjFgnRrFCqo/UbY4_Ik8dfI/AAAAAAAAH2w/wQNYslugnAA/s320/IMG_20130601_170921.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madeline and my sister Lindsey totally hit it off. They were two peas in a pod the entire trip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc7vG7sSWU/UbY4_FG4oUI/AAAAAAAAH2w/QwoIlkPbkLk/s1600/IMG_20130531_170637_108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc7vG7sSWU/UbY4_FG4oUI/AAAAAAAAH2w/QwoIlkPbkLk/s320/IMG_20130531_170637_108.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFhLc5egEb0/UbY4_HNtvKI/AAAAAAAAH2w/9P3VvevK4IA/s1600/IMG_20130531_170616_436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFhLc5egEb0/UbY4_HNtvKI/AAAAAAAAH2w/9P3VvevK4IA/s320/IMG_20130531_170616_436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie supervising Aunt Binz while she works on a project for her biology class... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGMmbh0S3M/UbY4_EFt3lI/AAAAAAAAH2w/68TEU61WwiQ/s1600/IMG_20130530_163844_550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyGMmbh0S3M/UbY4_EFt3lI/AAAAAAAAH2w/68TEU61WwiQ/s320/IMG_20130530_163844_550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr8Gi8ZBUiA/UbY4_NFmvII/AAAAAAAAH2w/wLSiyw_3n8g/s1600/IMG_20130530_095108_294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr8Gi8ZBUiA/UbY4_NFmvII/AAAAAAAAH2w/wLSiyw_3n8g/s320/IMG_20130530_095108_294.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was while we were in CA that Maddie discovered her toes. Her life has completely revolutionized with this discovery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39_pTbeS7ws/UbY4_K7q7OI/AAAAAAAAH2w/cFQPh0qjJjs/s1600/IMG_20130531_103720_729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39_pTbeS7ws/UbY4_K7q7OI/AAAAAAAAH2w/cFQPh0qjJjs/s320/IMG_20130531_103720_729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My good friend from high school got married. We were able to go to the ceremony. It was great to see them, and fun for me to introduce Mike to some great old friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B9RNL-T8CA/UbY7bKucy1I/AAAAAAAAH3c/7PJH9_iGL44/s1600/Lior+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B9RNL-T8CA/UbY7bKucy1I/AAAAAAAAH3c/7PJH9_iGL44/s320/Lior+Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6C57kIqs2Mo/Ubaf-2AY2VI/AAAAAAAAH4w/7WA7AHcwkKE/s1600/IMG_20130526_174856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6C57kIqs2Mo/Ubaf-2AY2VI/AAAAAAAAH4w/7WA7AHcwkKE/s320/IMG_20130526_174856.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, my mom, Binz, and Maddie hung out on the coast... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(THANK YOU FOR WATCHING MADELINE FOR US!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy4eVeLhfyg/UbZUzsp35jI/AAAAAAAAH4A/jTy5N_P0i_E/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy4eVeLhfyg/UbZUzsp35jI/AAAAAAAAH4A/jTy5N_P0i_E/s320/IMG_0664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgo00ZTRuG4/UbZUzNQXJ9I/AAAAAAAAH30/YII-TWfM-r4/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgo00ZTRuG4/UbZUzNQXJ9I/AAAAAAAAH30/YII-TWfM-r4/s320/IMG_0767.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rest of the trip was filled with lots of smiles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqAKffmLKCQ/UbZUziO1UBI/AAAAAAAAH38/n5zvMmML78U/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqAKffmLKCQ/UbZUziO1UBI/AAAAAAAAH38/n5zvMmML78U/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And lots of Albertacos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir549V4x5Pw/Ubaf_bHyO3I/AAAAAAAAH5I/msdIj2rH0YA/s1600/albertacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir549V4x5Pw/Ubaf_bHyO3I/AAAAAAAAH5I/msdIj2rH0YA/s320/albertacos.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These cute cousins hung out a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5r6uUzQovfE/UbY7a0IfdhI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/rlSkAaWJSqE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5r6uUzQovfE/UbY7a0IfdhI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/rlSkAaWJSqE/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my goals while we were on this trip was to make Maddie and my brother Nathan BFFs. Nathan was driving back to UT with me, so it was imperative that Maddie warm up to him. Happily, they did become friends and she was great with him on the drive. Thanks for driving with me, Nath!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvul_e1JTX8/UbY4_HsR2sI/AAAAAAAAH2w/ZBfJuyHCiQg/s1600/IMG_20130602_153620_105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvul_e1JTX8/UbY4_HsR2sI/AAAAAAAAH2w/ZBfJuyHCiQg/s320/IMG_20130602_153620_105.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some uncle/niece bonding over the Angels game. Apparently Maddie likes baseball. Or just the bright colors from the TV. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_6xUDQonM/UbY4_CEAmxI/AAAAAAAAH2w/HCtIZaB1sqo/s1600/IMG_20130528_195206_426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_6xUDQonM/UbY4_CEAmxI/AAAAAAAAH2w/HCtIZaB1sqo/s320/IMG_20130528_195206_426.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Helping grandma in the kitchen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whNb-8wod1s/UbY4_EyMwLI/AAAAAAAAH2w/1EXQNBGRG3w/s1600/IMG_20130530_131029_862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whNb-8wod1s/UbY4_EyMwLI/AAAAAAAAH2w/1EXQNBGRG3w/s320/IMG_20130530_131029_862.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not sleeping during nap time... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ1E9K4FZWw/UbY4_CTkfjI/AAAAAAAAH2w/qJuYdq4K7Yc/s1600/IMG_20130523_091425_091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ1E9K4FZWw/UbY4_CTkfjI/AAAAAAAAH2w/qJuYdq4K7Yc/s320/IMG_20130523_091425_091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a great trip and we loved being there. Miss you already!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOvN7O87N_s/UbZUz9OZn6I/AAAAAAAAH4E/LRNpSCVnRGU/s1600/IMG_0735.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOvN7O87N_s/UbZUz9OZn6I/AAAAAAAAH4E/LRNpSCVnRGU/s320/IMG_0735.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since we've been back we've been spending time at the pool, trying to convince Madeline that water is fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPaJBghE07U/UbY4_PkBz2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/q1mtYgynXuk/s1600/IMG_20130522_194746_607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPaJBghE07U/UbY4_PkBz2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/q1mtYgynXuk/s320/IMG_20130522_194746_607.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's discovered my hair. This discovery could have waited, if you ask me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtkZuwf3nLY/UbY4_OdLXqI/AAAAAAAAH2w/tEHtqlBQB2c/s1600/IMG_20130517_133451_331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtkZuwf3nLY/UbY4_OdLXqI/AAAAAAAAH2w/tEHtqlBQB2c/s320/IMG_20130517_133451_331.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's turning into a curious little girl, wanting to grab everything around her and stuff it in her mouth, and succeeding more often than not these days. She is pretty ticklish and she giggles all the time, especially for her dad. She's still pretty hesitant to let other people hold her, but at least she seems to be improving since we spent ten days in CA in constant company of other people besides her parents. Her smiles completely melt my heart and I'm just so glad that she's mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jssDCBBnc/UbY4_Eqr0aI/AAAAAAAAH2w/gPraJGBtsR8/s1600/IMG_20130515_171233_314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_jssDCBBnc/UbY4_Eqr0aI/AAAAAAAAH2w/gPraJGBtsR8/s320/IMG_20130515_171233_314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lastly, in case you haven't seen this, you should totally check out <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/07/coverflip-maureen-johnson_n_3231935.html">YA author Maureen Johnson's article and awesome challenge on gendered book covers</a>. It is out of this world good. Basically, she challenged her twitter followers to come up with alternate book covers to well known YA books, just to show how book covers are designed differently based on the gender of the author rather than on the story itself. Such a fascinating and thought provoking idea, and such incredible differences in the covers! I thought I'd post a link to the article since <a href="http://mikeandmelissawilde.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-covers-ya-edition.html">we've already talked about </a>how book covers can be hugely problematic and misleading. Check it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's one example:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIkjdX3eyVk/Ubam2_nHipI/AAAAAAAAH5U/pab92P_e9Qo/s1600/slide_296089_2421903_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIkjdX3eyVk/Ubam2_nHipI/AAAAAAAAH5U/pab92P_e9Qo/s320/slide_296089_2421903_free.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vNY-hBejYI/Ubam2wJggLI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/SHnvQFF4BUA/s1600/slide_296089_2421899_free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vNY-hBejYI/Ubam2wJggLI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/SHnvQFF4BUA/s320/slide_296089_2421899_free.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's all. I will leave you with this picture of this cuteness:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLtpNWTOTjA/UbY4_OnRB2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/BxCOVJJIxIk/s1600/IMG_20130531_165853_995-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zLtpNWTOTjA/UbY4_OnRB2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/BxCOVJJIxIk/s320/IMG_20130531_165853_995-1.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-43549665263229925032013-05-15T15:00:00.002-04:002013-05-16T00:10:49.025-04:00A Birthday, Some Giggling, and A Lot of General Cuteness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hola. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09iWhcQpe2g/UZPTdFvPBpI/AAAAAAAAGw0/TGJgFngrWXQ/s1600/IMG_20130420_223052_712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09iWhcQpe2g/UZPTdFvPBpI/AAAAAAAAGw0/TGJgFngrWXQ/s320/IMG_20130420_223052_712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am posting pictures of my daughter smiling to remind myself that she really does smile sometimes. We've hit a rough patch in the last couple weeks. Madeline has been fighting us tooth and nail lately every time she needs to take a nap or go to sleep at night. The result is a lot of frustration, a lot of sleep deprivation, and a lot of tears on everyone's part. I'm told it's a phase and that it will pass. Well, IT BETTER BE. I guess it's just one of those hard weeks. We'll get through it. Eventually.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-uCyP-03t8/UZPTdJkBInI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Rz7M7kAnPf8/s1600/IMG_20130423_100844_331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-uCyP-03t8/UZPTdJkBInI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Rz7M7kAnPf8/s320/IMG_20130423_100844_331.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See? Look how adorable she can be when she gets enough sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCBvXTV5RI/UZPTdJN9bmI/AAAAAAAAGw0/ZMU3L09meuk/s1600/IMG_20130508_123929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCBvXTV5RI/UZPTdJN9bmI/AAAAAAAAGw0/ZMU3L09meuk/s320/IMG_20130508_123929.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This picture just makes me laugh. Madeline just looks so grumpy. (Okay, back to smiling pictures...)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gR6ycVt876g/UZPTdFHS1eI/AAAAAAAAGw0/3Ru7m6dmzlk/s1600/IMG_20130428_173835_516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gR6ycVt876g/UZPTdFHS1eI/AAAAAAAAGw0/3Ru7m6dmzlk/s320/IMG_20130428_173835_516.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Maddie was first born, all I could see was Mike when I looked at her. Now that some time has gone by I can see some glimpses of myself in my fair skinned, blue eyed, blonde child. She looks a <i>little </i>bit like me here... right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKFlBS1w5N8/UZPTdJkvfZI/AAAAAAAAGw0/FgBCKqUGMEM/s1600/IMG_20130509_225639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKFlBS1w5N8/UZPTdJkvfZI/AAAAAAAAGw0/FgBCKqUGMEM/s320/IMG_20130509_225639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a total Mike picture though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VokeOrzqMtE/UZPTdPyIBlI/AAAAAAAAGw0/X3dQ8XK_Og4/s1600/IMG_20130430_130154_504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VokeOrzqMtE/UZPTdPyIBlI/AAAAAAAAGw0/X3dQ8XK_Og4/s320/IMG_20130430_130154_504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is here! I'm so glad. It's so nice to be in tee-shirts and flip flops again. The pool in our complex opens this week. Hallelujah.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mcjexbnSAI/UZPTdGLBuEI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Jj4PJg5c91o/s1600/IMG_20130508_124439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mcjexbnSAI/UZPTdGLBuEI/AAAAAAAAGw0/Jj4PJg5c91o/s320/IMG_20130508_124439.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chillin in grandma and grandpa's hammock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaEOZ9ggJIA/UZRcJAhb9oI/AAAAAAAAGzE/krWnGc8ZlBk/s1600/IMG_20130514_191051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaEOZ9ggJIA/UZRcJAhb9oI/AAAAAAAAGzE/krWnGc8ZlBk/s320/IMG_20130514_191051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So far Maddie has successfully rolled over one time. She seemed very surprised and not particularly happy to find herself on her stomach. (She despises tummy time with all her soul.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kAru4FdfjI/UZPTdCv5L_I/AAAAAAAAGw0/S0ww0bV62-E/s1600/IMG_20130508_124514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kAru4FdfjI/UZPTdCv5L_I/AAAAAAAAGw0/S0ww0bV62-E/s320/IMG_20130508_124514.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Behold, her cuteness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn2khyt6vj4/UZPTdCge-RI/AAAAAAAAGw0/j1DOXMPaDl4/s1600/IMG_20130508_161016_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn2khyt6vj4/UZPTdCge-RI/AAAAAAAAGw0/j1DOXMPaDl4/s320/IMG_20130508_161016_010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie's swaddling days are quickly coming to an end. Her hands always find a way out, no matter what.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLqFWc-XEKY/UZPTdKvn2aI/AAAAAAAAGw0/j32APV13I8M/s1600/IMG_20130510_155052_375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLqFWc-XEKY/UZPTdKvn2aI/AAAAAAAAGw0/j32APV13I8M/s320/IMG_20130510_155052_375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mike had a birthday! Happy birthday, Hot Buns. We celebrated over sushi downtown. Mike's birthday and Mother's Day fell on the same weekend, so we accommodated both of us and got Thai food and saw Iron Man 3 on Friday (first real date since Madeline was born) and went swimming on Saturday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5bUc28Ev4/UZPTdMjkRdI/AAAAAAAAGw0/XonhwP3hvoQ/s1600/IMG_20130510_200251_478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5bUc28Ev4/UZPTdMjkRdI/AAAAAAAAGw0/XonhwP3hvoQ/s320/IMG_20130510_200251_478.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <i>think </i>Madeline likes swimming. She doesn't smile all that much in the water, but she doesn't cry either. She usually doesn't hesitate to let us know if she doesn't like something, so her lack of tears makes me think she is alright with the water. It really wipes her out though. She always falls asleep minutes after getting out of the pool. Also, her swimsuit cover up makes her look like a Jedi. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lmz4VISTf4/UZPTdFKFn-I/AAAAAAAAGw0/ADCpaOIxQws/s1600/IMG_20130511_144628_834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lmz4VISTf4/UZPTdFKFn-I/AAAAAAAAGw0/ADCpaOIxQws/s320/IMG_20130511_144628_834.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, lastly, in case anyone needs a pick-me-up, I give you The Greatest Moment Ever Caught On Film:</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwpnaZLiIXG5cLxZydPsRhJIG2HJ0GGQjleUJ2CeygebuaLbtYlZIylPNLNqIpJBTK-NXsUdLBqJkYRTcSfkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pretty much just watch this on repeat.</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-73396193897012200442013-04-19T13:00:00.000-04:002013-04-19T13:00:40.413-04:00April in House Wilde<div style="text-align: center;">
Greetings from House Wilde. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXONd5J395w/UXCIH4mGoDI/AAAAAAAAEu4/HU5PgdD1GA8/s1600/IMG_20130328_145606_487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXONd5J395w/UXCIH4mGoDI/AAAAAAAAEu4/HU5PgdD1GA8/s320/IMG_20130328_145606_487.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, Maddie update for the grandparents. Madeline is great. She is smiling and cooing and squeaking all the time. She's started giggling, which is the greatest thing to ever happen. She still takes a long time to fall asleep at night, despite our best efforts, (we're talking sometimes upwards of two, three, or even four hours before she's out) but once she does fall asleep she stays asleep for a good long time, only waking up once or twice during the night to eat, and then falling right back to sleep when she's done. She is grabbing her toys, clothes, my hair, etc. all the time too. Lately her number one goal is to stuff as many fingers in her mouth as possible. She continues to be a very alert baby, always very aware and sensitive of her surroundings. Her hair that is growing in under her baby hair appears to be very light blonde. It looks like she got her dad's coloring. She is a happy child, and quick to smile. We just love her to pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raItJztdaUQ/UXCIH4wwLNI/AAAAAAAAEu4/KTAGK9RLg6s/s1600/IMG_20130329_164509_703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raItJztdaUQ/UXCIH4wwLNI/AAAAAAAAEu4/KTAGK9RLg6s/s320/IMG_20130329_164509_703.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She's too young to really tell what her personality is yet, but she has revealed a few clear characteristics. I've mentioned that she is definitely very alert and aware of her surroundings, and that she has a great ability to focus. In addition to that, from what I can tell, Madeline likes music, and doesn't like people. It doesn't matter what kind of music I play, from Coldplay to Taylor Swift to Beyonce, she always smiles when she hears it. And it doesn't matter who the person is, if it's not Mike or I, she doesn't want them. The more people there are around her, the less happy she is. Whenever we're in large group settings Maddie becomes clingy and grumpy and not at all her happy self like she is whenever we're home. I really hope it's just that she doesn't like the noise, or that she's just introverted like her parents, and not suffering from early onset separation anxiety. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HhU10SEnr8/UXCJRK1TcKI/AAAAAAAAE4U/BOXNHpMT3-E/s1600/IMG_20130404_114734_516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HhU10SEnr8/UXCJRK1TcKI/AAAAAAAAE4U/BOXNHpMT3-E/s320/IMG_20130404_114734_516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She also doesn't like wind. It's kind of hilarious when we take her outside on a breezy day - she just doesn't know how to handle the wind. The wind makes her close her eyes, but she likes to see what's around her, so it goes against her nature to have her eyes closed, so she ends up just blinking rapidly the whole time we're outside. We take pity on her and help shield her from the wind as much as we can, but it's just so cute. Maybe she just doesn't like the great outdoors all that much. Wonder where she got that from. :) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie hiding from the wind on a recent hike</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22-OrJKkMQQ/UXF1KA5TDrI/AAAAAAAAFZI/CbQuJPPQmuc/s1600/IMG_20130412_154457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22-OrJKkMQQ/UXF1KA5TDrI/AAAAAAAAFZI/CbQuJPPQmuc/s320/IMG_20130412_154457.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie's first Easter was a success, as the bunny ears clearly illustrate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xN3obwMK8lo/UXCIH_WVYfI/AAAAAAAAEu4/E0rPx2azg5o/s1600/IMG_20130326_160236_455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xN3obwMK8lo/UXCIH_WVYfI/AAAAAAAAEu4/E0rPx2azg5o/s320/IMG_20130326_160236_455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sleeping through church on Easter Sunday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn7XUvJx2HU/UXCIH6gTK_I/AAAAAAAAEu4/wTdz5EYrwHM/s1600/IMG_20130331_134726_742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn7XUvJx2HU/UXCIH6gTK_I/AAAAAAAAEu4/wTdz5EYrwHM/s320/IMG_20130331_134726_742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Madeline was blessed in our church this past Sunday. She wore the blessing dress my grandmother made for me when I was blessed as a baby. It was nice to feel like a part of my grandmother, who passed away a few years ago, was present that day. I was nervous that she was going to cry the whole time (church is a large group setting - see above for Madeline's position on large group settings) but she was actually a little angel during the whole thing and didn't make a peep. Yay for small miracles. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My blessing day with my grandmother who made the dress</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmFQjj_ppI/UXCJYK1-mQI/AAAAAAAAE5k/03bs8Huni5Y/s1600/Moorhead_02_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmFQjj_ppI/UXCJYK1-mQI/AAAAAAAAE5k/03bs8Huni5Y/s320/Moorhead_02_150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie's blessing day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2Naoplw9rE/UXCN4N1wR9I/AAAAAAAAFQY/lfxi37-gZjs/s1600/viewer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2Naoplw9rE/UXCN4N1wR9I/AAAAAAAAFQY/lfxi37-gZjs/s320/viewer.png" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little girl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyhpyTtkizk/UXCJRLORRMI/AAAAAAAAE4U/61Y8tt38H9k/s1600/IMG_20130406_172116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyhpyTtkizk/UXCJRLORRMI/AAAAAAAAE4U/61Y8tt38H9k/s320/IMG_20130406_172116.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Madeline has a serious love affair going on with the clock in our living room. I don't know what it is, but she <i>loves </i>that thing. I love how she is staring at it with her hands on her heart in this pic. Maddie cracks me up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqmxDwxXDts/UXCJRF0v2xI/AAAAAAAAE4U/rqfuza3g5PQ/s1600/IMG_20130405_195426_271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqmxDwxXDts/UXCJRF0v2xI/AAAAAAAAE4U/rqfuza3g5PQ/s320/IMG_20130405_195426_271.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buddies </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBPmGfalFfA/UXCJRHTw7mI/AAAAAAAAE4U/-r_E3D_EMm4/s1600/IMG_20130404_180203_844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBPmGfalFfA/UXCJRHTw7mI/AAAAAAAAE4U/-r_E3D_EMm4/s320/IMG_20130404_180203_844.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took Maddie swimming for the first time. Her swimsuit was borrowed from a cousin. Clearly she still has a long way to go before she'll fit into it, but we still had a good time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrrSpko1rw/UXCJRK6bn8I/AAAAAAAAE4U/g716OAV2wno/s1600/IMG_20130402_171507_220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnrrSpko1rw/UXCJRK6bn8I/AAAAAAAAE4U/g716OAV2wno/s320/IMG_20130402_171507_220.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got a fish! We named her Harper. She died in less than 24 hours. That's usually how it goes with goldfish, isn't it? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8-zx6roeIg/UXF1nN5hV-I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/sbBFUintesc/s1600/IMG_20130409_211317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8-zx6roeIg/UXF1nN5hV-I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/sbBFUintesc/s320/IMG_20130409_211317.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy baby </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj3O-pOVFEc/UXCK_su0z2I/AAAAAAAAFI8/RH0EIBUpX10/s1600/IMG_20130415_154036_368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj3O-pOVFEc/UXCK_su0z2I/AAAAAAAAFI8/RH0EIBUpX10/s320/IMG_20130415_154036_368.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am lucky enough to have an amazingly talented photographer for a sister-in-law. While she was in town last month she snapped a few of Madeline. I'm so glad she did! They turned out wonderful. Here are a few of my favs:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0jfKm2ElQ4/UXCNgw1DPOI/AAAAAAAAFPA/VENCUS8HhOw/s1600/5FIkcHIsrIuHuvqyckOEGY0KJHbzNJJDxfKNysY3qpA,NOTk9XjzO9ASoe88CIzQu8QFgVus47HkEAK9uszTKck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0jfKm2ElQ4/UXCNgw1DPOI/AAAAAAAAFPA/VENCUS8HhOw/s320/5FIkcHIsrIuHuvqyckOEGY0KJHbzNJJDxfKNysY3qpA,NOTk9XjzO9ASoe88CIzQu8QFgVus47HkEAK9uszTKck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI3s4P9gfHY/UXCNhOpPzKI/AAAAAAAAFPE/og04wYNiPzg/s1600/DRuqFofzJis2clChFQtXGaSadg8B5FjZO_xgUcnqckM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI3s4P9gfHY/UXCNhOpPzKI/AAAAAAAAFPE/og04wYNiPzg/s320/DRuqFofzJis2clChFQtXGaSadg8B5FjZO_xgUcnqckM.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8b1qXF4nr2k/UXCNhVRlBgI/AAAAAAAAFPc/MqlyAvp2ucY/s1600/NBtyToDMki7uwrlAsyQZyhyMA7SrAJ-cCS4Lxzsd6WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8b1qXF4nr2k/UXCNhVRlBgI/AAAAAAAAFPc/MqlyAvp2ucY/s320/NBtyToDMki7uwrlAsyQZyhyMA7SrAJ-cCS4Lxzsd6WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTZrwQdd36M/UXCNhvQZlHI/AAAAAAAAFPY/jzYuVoD1TjM/s1600/UH_qDHhuIONzOOZbCjHylIS457FDpkCtoS0twRvZl_c,tfgsHIQwkVjsQG009LmfBRH04fU3WPtICcFyOcbzz6g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTZrwQdd36M/UXCNhvQZlHI/AAAAAAAAFPY/jzYuVoD1TjM/s320/UH_qDHhuIONzOOZbCjHylIS457FDpkCtoS0twRvZl_c,tfgsHIQwkVjsQG009LmfBRH04fU3WPtICcFyOcbzz6g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think she looks a lot like her cousin Jane in this one: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iXLTZ04rL4/UXCNiOMdKFI/AAAAAAAAFPs/HQnyxTXTbbw/s1600/W2_QUv4PfeEHLrprEt5yrOnruNY6YiEgG65Jqr-CnaE,qQ7L0792cEXI8LmpgkfmK1blwJIy1n2MhhQOZvOJhAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iXLTZ04rL4/UXCNiOMdKFI/AAAAAAAAFPs/HQnyxTXTbbw/s320/W2_QUv4PfeEHLrprEt5yrOnruNY6YiEgG65Jqr-CnaE,qQ7L0792cEXI8LmpgkfmK1blwJIy1n2MhhQOZvOJhAY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hzgKVFg3us/UXCNiRlDGOI/AAAAAAAAFP0/d6jKcZnaLDo/s1600/klqufHfAQ3EDICEJ6Kc9di9_GK9iAWB7kpVZXZISl28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hzgKVFg3us/UXCNiRlDGOI/AAAAAAAAFP0/d6jKcZnaLDo/s320/klqufHfAQ3EDICEJ6Kc9di9_GK9iAWB7kpVZXZISl28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycKp64wcOuI/UXCNi8jSD0I/AAAAAAAAFP4/0YffE5AXFrc/s1600/lafgTvZber9tj857YE4RZfxFPLmLwiGhbVgrQZxaxxE,lVV8AB9XhanC55HnninM0DXIPpvKfgkCPN-CvAGSxHo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycKp64wcOuI/UXCNi8jSD0I/AAAAAAAAFP4/0YffE5AXFrc/s320/lafgTvZber9tj857YE4RZfxFPLmLwiGhbVgrQZxaxxE,lVV8AB9XhanC55HnninM0DXIPpvKfgkCPN-CvAGSxHo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, and I got bangs. (Side note: it is really hard to take a photo of yourself while holding a wiggly baby. There wasn't really a good shot. This is as good as it got - meaning both our heads were in the picture at the same time.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBywn1D_QU/UXCNQT8z_WI/AAAAAAAAFOw/ZiNZjYdlAxs/s1600/IMG_20130417_142004_580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBywn1D_QU/UXCNQT8z_WI/AAAAAAAAFOw/ZiNZjYdlAxs/s320/IMG_20130417_142004_580.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the lego art exhibit in Park City, which is exactly what it sounds like: an art exhibit made of legos. It was awesome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAro1s-ji3Q/UXF1zNbt_DI/AAAAAAAAFZY/6w8UJgkWzq0/s1600/IMG_20130413_150437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAro1s-ji3Q/UXF1zNbt_DI/AAAAAAAAFZY/6w8UJgkWzq0/s320/IMG_20130413_150437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A photo barrage of the rest of the month: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo5G4WOs8OE/UXF1zmfJKoI/AAAAAAAAFZg/WM19iWDLuRw/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo5G4WOs8OE/UXF1zmfJKoI/AAAAAAAAFZg/WM19iWDLuRw/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CllrjsWT8Ko/UXCNQfQ7VkI/AAAAAAAAFOw/5f4r3vPMYew/s1600/IMG_20130417_151809_951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CllrjsWT8Ko/UXCNQfQ7VkI/AAAAAAAAFOw/5f4r3vPMYew/s320/IMG_20130417_151809_951.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3rBHFpnE4E/UXCK_mYjIGI/AAAAAAAAFI8/8fR41eCD1O4/s1600/IMG_20130411_104126_324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3rBHFpnE4E/UXCK_mYjIGI/AAAAAAAAFI8/8fR41eCD1O4/s320/IMG_20130411_104126_324.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rsb05TbTos/UXCK_sPQv1I/AAAAAAAAFI8/wSxQgsqemoQ/s1600/IMG_20130411_135813_581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rsb05TbTos/UXCK_sPQv1I/AAAAAAAAFI8/wSxQgsqemoQ/s320/IMG_20130411_135813_581.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5y82e70oL8/UXCK_vfANBI/AAAAAAAAFI8/eYpsZbCy1kw/s1600/IMG_20130410_144407_943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5y82e70oL8/UXCK_vfANBI/AAAAAAAAFI8/eYpsZbCy1kw/s320/IMG_20130410_144407_943.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA1kvxP5rSg/UXCK_s7FTuI/AAAAAAAAFI8/RRa0XHp5lIM/s1600/IMG_20130410_105453_876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA1kvxP5rSg/UXCK_s7FTuI/AAAAAAAAFI8/RRa0XHp5lIM/s320/IMG_20130410_105453_876.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPEQ-vUGYxc/UXCK_tAbimI/AAAAAAAAFI8/HyNsePOfmZ8/s1600/IMG_20130409_131537_155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPEQ-vUGYxc/UXCK_tAbimI/AAAAAAAAFI8/HyNsePOfmZ8/s320/IMG_20130409_131537_155.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I promise, someday I'll get over the fact that I am now a parent and blog about something other than my kid. But that day is not today. Besides, blogging about something with intellectual depth requires brain power, and I am not getting nearly enough sleep for that. So there.</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-48761272553391702832013-03-26T11:49:00.003-04:002013-03-26T11:49:33.167-04:00March Maddieness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Well, another month has already gone by, and our Madeline just keeps stealing more and more of our hearts. I can't believe she's almost three months. Here are some photos from the past month for those wanting to see. Prepare yourselves for major cuteness overload.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Greetings from her adorableness</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6iPlOSIvyc/UVG_QG-tkqI/AAAAAAAACaM/H6SEUYKQUQA/s1600/2013-02-01_10-55-56_715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6iPlOSIvyc/UVG_QG-tkqI/AAAAAAAACaM/H6SEUYKQUQA/s320/2013-02-01_10-55-56_715.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She has so many different facial expressions. She kills me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRo7ok22_NY/UVG_TAkwRmI/AAAAAAAACas/VI7ACcg6qCQ/s1600/2013-02-27_11-46-22_972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRo7ok22_NY/UVG_TAkwRmI/AAAAAAAACas/VI7ACcg6qCQ/s320/2013-02-27_11-46-22_972.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_5bY0npyFI/UVHAXLiZZiI/AAAAAAAACbM/Px_zWnHX9CQ/s1600/2013-03-05_15-38-42_572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_5bY0npyFI/UVHAXLiZZiI/AAAAAAAACbM/Px_zWnHX9CQ/s320/2013-03-05_15-38-42_572.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two are such buddies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVTwQt5vqyM/UVG_RS9BQpI/AAAAAAAACaY/4o9pNiJIFLM/s1600/2013-02-03_15-14-20_451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVTwQt5vqyM/UVG_RS9BQpI/AAAAAAAACaY/4o9pNiJIFLM/s320/2013-02-03_15-14-20_451.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cute cousins, Madeline and Ada, 7 weeks apart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpntnKiCLZI/UVG_RHsSueI/AAAAAAAACaU/3161xepMl-Q/s1600/2013-02-10_19-47-53_897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpntnKiCLZI/UVG_RHsSueI/AAAAAAAACaU/3161xepMl-Q/s320/2013-02-10_19-47-53_897.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqIkZTn37Sc/UVG_UQocAZI/AAAAAAAACa8/KRkOcfuqDec/s1600/2013-02-28_10-46-41_228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqIkZTn37Sc/UVG_UQocAZI/AAAAAAAACa8/KRkOcfuqDec/s320/2013-02-28_10-46-41_228.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little string bean is in the 25th percentile for weight, and 80th percentile for height. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is one long, skinny baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d50uYkXDrRA/UVG_SG7lxqI/AAAAAAAACak/xarBcc_Z4VY/s1600/2013-02-22_14-28-06_547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d50uYkXDrRA/UVG_SG7lxqI/AAAAAAAACak/xarBcc_Z4VY/s320/2013-02-22_14-28-06_547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this sweet face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCCK7HuyJZk/UVG_T_W0XNI/AAAAAAAACa0/jcxMukLpByY/s1600/2013-02-27_16-45-00_228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCCK7HuyJZk/UVG_T_W0XNI/AAAAAAAACa0/jcxMukLpByY/s320/2013-02-27_16-45-00_228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie REALLY <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">likes being held by a standing adult, preferably one in motion. Read: the bjorn and I are pretty tight these days.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct_mJ3kAqho/UVHAXgKk8WI/AAAAAAAACbQ/93wJX5XHT10/s1600/2013-03-07_19-04-32_926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct_mJ3kAqho/UVHAXgKk8WI/AAAAAAAACbQ/93wJX5XHT10/s320/2013-03-07_19-04-32_926.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smiling in her sleep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtTgelDt1dI/UVHAYEBHXQI/AAAAAAAACbc/cGSNNSTSmnQ/s1600/2013-03-07_10-31-44_450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtTgelDt1dI/UVHAYEBHXQI/AAAAAAAACbc/cGSNNSTSmnQ/s320/2013-03-07_10-31-44_450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is smiling all the time these days. It's kind of the greatest thing ever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eZuPW3nTKE/UVG_U0newLI/AAAAAAAACbA/tttLZgjsScY/s1600/2013-02-28_13-39-16_357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eZuPW3nTKE/UVG_U0newLI/AAAAAAAACbA/tttLZgjsScY/s320/2013-02-28_13-39-16_357.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DpKCXz0kYs/UVHAYuqpZbI/AAAAAAAACbk/pbe0hWsTKUg/s1600/2013-03-11_14-17-21_732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DpKCXz0kYs/UVHAYuqpZbI/AAAAAAAACbk/pbe0hWsTKUg/s320/2013-03-11_14-17-21_732.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is just on the brink of laughing. It's going to happen any day now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB8uZcK9s0c/UVHAZ8ZVwNI/AAAAAAAACbs/16TBgRwRoeY/s1600/2013-03-11_16-14-26_228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB8uZcK9s0c/UVHAZ8ZVwNI/AAAAAAAACbs/16TBgRwRoeY/s320/2013-03-11_16-14-26_228.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XD3ZJI06WQ/UVHAatbF6-I/AAAAAAAACb8/UZUuyTTSzQI/s1600/2013-03-15_14-09-27_518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XD3ZJI06WQ/UVHAatbF6-I/AAAAAAAACb8/UZUuyTTSzQI/s320/2013-03-15_14-09-27_518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My sweet girl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccGHOiMgkzA/UVHAaei6GGI/AAAAAAAACb0/4tjTC9d8-Es/s1600/2013-03-12_15-53-46_328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccGHOiMgkzA/UVHAaei6GGI/AAAAAAAACb0/4tjTC9d8-Es/s320/2013-03-12_15-53-46_328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's still plenty of time for her eyes to change, but as of right now they are most definitely blue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVtIBBv7vZk/UVHAathQxAI/AAAAAAAACb4/ce3CmGDA-_c/s1600/IMG_20130316_174338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVtIBBv7vZk/UVHAathQxAI/AAAAAAAACb4/ce3CmGDA-_c/s320/IMG_20130316_174338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Madeline has begun reaching for things that she's interested in. She reaches much more with her left hand than her right. I don't know if that's indicative of anything; it's probably way too early to tell which hand she favors. It's just something I've noticed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leQlDxiic4s/UVHAdf3tGpI/AAAAAAAACcg/NYOE329LTRg/s1600/IMG_20130319_145119_557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leQlDxiic4s/UVHAdf3tGpI/AAAAAAAACcg/NYOE329LTRg/s320/IMG_20130319_145119_557.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"What, you want me to sleep <i>again</i>? But I already slept <i>yesterday</i>."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_l67ZpUyPE/UVHAcQUx2nI/AAAAAAAACcU/_VubDvQzsPY/s1600/IMG_20130319_102620_244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_l67ZpUyPE/UVHAcQUx2nI/AAAAAAAACcU/_VubDvQzsPY/s320/IMG_20130319_102620_244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This photo was taken this morning when Madeline was <i>supposed </i>to be sleeping...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UbZh80fkzk/UVHAdUYVXtI/AAAAAAAACcc/BVDl68j02Nk/s1600/IMG_20130325_125401_549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UbZh80fkzk/UVHAdUYVXtI/AAAAAAAACcc/BVDl68j02Nk/s320/IMG_20130325_125401_549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is good.</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-54382413205711567412013-02-21T19:00:00.000-05:002013-02-21T19:05:24.948-05:00Photographic Evidence of Madeline's Cuteness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Our Madeline is just the greatest thing. Parenthood has definitely been an adjustment, and I have days where I feel more like a homicidal maniac than a loving mother, but despite the lack of sleep she has still managed to completely capture my heart. She regularly renews my faith in this world just because she is a part of it. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks for the family and friends who have requested more photographic evidence of her cuteness...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peek-a-boo </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUkOOMKGEtI/USalHAe_TxI/AAAAAAAACSs/yrA19oCb0TQ/s1600/1357933023456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUkOOMKGEtI/USalHAe_TxI/AAAAAAAACSs/yrA19oCb0TQ/s1600/1357933023456.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the first smiles we managed to catch on camera</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVXzeh2yVjQ/USalO3wKXEI/AAAAAAAACS0/_-GT6k1vnxA/s1600/1357958387228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVXzeh2yVjQ/USalO3wKXEI/AAAAAAAACS0/_-GT6k1vnxA/s1600/1357958387228.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chillin with Dad</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYRqPU03fw8/USalq45T2lI/AAAAAAAACTE/uKJPLKiFsro/s1600/1359173264174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYRqPU03fw8/USalq45T2lI/AAAAAAAACTE/uKJPLKiFsro/s320/1359173264174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chillin with Mom</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYyP37uSank/USal0IoFEbI/AAAAAAAACTM/O4WicI5RBA4/s1600/1359173274989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYyP37uSank/USal0IoFEbI/AAAAAAAACTM/O4WicI5RBA4/s320/1359173274989.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone who meets her comments on her long fingers. You should see her toes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently we have a ballet dancing pianist on our hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOsO8f4bko/USal3wOuiAI/AAAAAAAACTU/Mwrq15vVRM8/s1600/1359417073922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOsO8f4bko/USal3wOuiAI/AAAAAAAACTU/Mwrq15vVRM8/s1600/1359417073922.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite faces that she makes is when she puckers her lips into the shape of an O. She will sit and stare at us with her puckered lips for a long time. It cracks me up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uLo51cJfO0/USalRieDaMI/AAAAAAAACS8/zESLbseXyCA/s1600/1357958387719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uLo51cJfO0/USalRieDaMI/AAAAAAAACS8/zESLbseXyCA/s1600/1357958387719.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqv-xEiFDs/USamBNpX2pI/AAAAAAAACTc/qcuOxJRXjXk/s1600/1359417308909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNqv-xEiFDs/USamBNpX2pI/AAAAAAAACTc/qcuOxJRXjXk/s1600/1359417308909.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9-ptD9QgXU/USamIHpv7zI/AAAAAAAACTs/on0xQRkM1ho/s1600/1359833641308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9-ptD9QgXU/USamIHpv7zI/AAAAAAAACTs/on0xQRkM1ho/s320/1359833641308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maddie was born with incredible focus. She really likes to zero in on whatever she's looking at and will stare at people's faces or her toys with a lot of concentration. I try not to project personality traits onto her, but she really does appear to have a very focused, thoughtful nature. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjbnxF6BRJA/USamGp3bFBI/AAAAAAAACTk/0MJgvwUephw/s1600/1359833634834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjbnxF6BRJA/USamGp3bFBI/AAAAAAAACTk/0MJgvwUephw/s320/1359833634834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie is growing faster length-wise than she is width-wise. She fits into newborn sized clothes better around the neck and body, but she can't wear many newborn sized things since she's too long for most of them. So she ends up wearing mostly 0-3 month clothes, even though they're super baggy on her. We're working on it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YT7G3-SVeQ/USamL3rVOFI/AAAAAAAACT0/8eJAenIZQUE/s1600/1359833647036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YT7G3-SVeQ/USamL3rVOFI/AAAAAAAACT0/8eJAenIZQUE/s320/1359833647036.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately she's been into furrowing her brow, which only makes her look even more serious when she's concentrating on something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6B1YAbHIC4/USambT2zipI/AAAAAAAACUE/Ob37IsCYfOU/s1600/1361254965016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6B1YAbHIC4/USambT2zipI/AAAAAAAACUE/Ob37IsCYfOU/s320/1361254965016.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She much prefers being held to being set down, especially if she's tired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqhWJOqaVto/USamT_0U1PI/AAAAAAAACT8/gONEVTGYG5A/s1600/1360296211108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqhWJOqaVto/USamT_0U1PI/AAAAAAAACT8/gONEVTGYG5A/s320/1360296211108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She currently has very indecisive hair: it's dark on top and light on the sides. I don't know which color is going to win out, but I hope a single color eventually <i>does </i>win out. The Cruella De Vil look might not serve her well in job interviews. Just sayin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WiBQy0p8jE/USamkpOZI_I/AAAAAAAACUU/pxqyGlR2om0/s1600/1361254964761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WiBQy0p8jE/USamkpOZI_I/AAAAAAAACUU/pxqyGlR2om0/s1600/1361254964761.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DflpPJplhMI/USameck3YHI/AAAAAAAACUM/22QXJzHR08M/s1600/1361254965679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DflpPJplhMI/USameck3YHI/AAAAAAAACUM/22QXJzHR08M/s320/1361254965679.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went hiking in St. George last weekend. Madeline wasn't so sure about the bjorn at first, but she ended up liking it and was a champ on the trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcjLmX7VdVg/USawTGAtAgI/AAAAAAAACUs/ug82xPilLSs/s1600/IMG_20130214_193901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcjLmX7VdVg/USawTGAtAgI/AAAAAAAACUs/ug82xPilLSs/s320/IMG_20130214_193901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She has been smiling a lot lately too, which is pretty much the greatest thing ever in the history of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cdccLFLdhRs/USam-Gun_pI/AAAAAAAACUc/6nLNDn8VvCk/s1600/IMG_20130219_160147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cdccLFLdhRs/USam-Gun_pI/AAAAAAAACUc/6nLNDn8VvCk/s320/IMG_20130219_160147.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My family says she looks like Mike, and Mike's family says she looks like me. I think she has Mike's eyes, long fingers and toes, and maybe his coloring, and I think she has my mouth and chin. I can't get the picture of Mike to rotate, sorry. But you get the idea.</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0b-8W727Do/USanmkmCQ9I/AAAAAAAACUk/b__q2Ug-vIM/s1600/Moorhead_03_290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0b-8W727Do/USanmkmCQ9I/AAAAAAAACUk/b__q2Ug-vIM/s320/Moorhead_03_290.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s320/1357438556084.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTVBOSfXaSQ/USakzCkhkPI/AAAAAAAACSg/KrqCTLwSgGE/s1600/1357438556084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mike and I are doing well. Between bedrest and having a brand new baby, I have been in solitary confinement for a loooooooooong time. We are getting out of the house more often now that she's old enough to go places without me feeling like the world's germs are conspiring against her, which has been glorious. Apparently fall and most of winter happened while I was indoors. Considering my intense aversion to snow, it wasn't the worst season to skip. We are planning all sorts of adventures outside our house for the coming weeks and months, since, you know, we can now. It's great. If anyone wants to go scuba diving or take a spur-of-the-moment trip to Mexico one weekend, and doesn't mind hearing Madeline when she's up in the night, let us know. Our sleep-deprived-selves are up for anything at this point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy February!</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-83774129926680617002013-01-09T19:57:00.001-05:002013-01-09T19:57:26.535-05:00Little Madeline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know everyone says this, but my kid is the most adorable thing on the planet. Seriously. Just look at her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skP0SDUmzVY/UO4ObwwjmII/AAAAAAAACPo/2o4TR7S-Q3Y/s1600/2013-01-02_04-30-26_203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skP0SDUmzVY/UO4ObwwjmII/AAAAAAAACPo/2o4TR7S-Q3Y/s320/2013-01-02_04-30-26_203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_Co1pjbdT0/UO4Oide35eI/AAAAAAAACPw/Vw1lDf9krqI/s1600/IMG_20130107_142147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_Co1pjbdT0/UO4Oide35eI/AAAAAAAACPw/Vw1lDf9krqI/s320/IMG_20130107_142147.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu6d9dPbZQA/UO4OmZodMNI/AAAAAAAACP4/-3z3STrMtqU/s1600/IMG_20130106_092109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu6d9dPbZQA/UO4OmZodMNI/AAAAAAAACP4/-3z3STrMtqU/s320/IMG_20130106_092109.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y56gjX1H_nQ/UO4OqtqfHXI/AAAAAAAACQA/EK7Ar6yukYQ/s1600/IMG_20130109_142546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y56gjX1H_nQ/UO4OqtqfHXI/AAAAAAAACQA/EK7Ar6yukYQ/s320/IMG_20130109_142546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMLZefG3OFE/UO4Ouc8GaAI/AAAAAAAACQI/BjTU_Zlju-g/s1600/IMG_20130108_161619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMLZefG3OFE/UO4Ouc8GaAI/AAAAAAAACQI/BjTU_Zlju-g/s320/IMG_20130108_161619.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96BT2gLBJP8/UO4OxC_v-fI/AAAAAAAACQQ/Ni87BRN5EUw/s1600/IMG_20130108_150200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96BT2gLBJP8/UO4OxC_v-fI/AAAAAAAACQQ/Ni87BRN5EUw/s320/IMG_20130108_150200.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvr7yLeEVg/UO4Oz4sSvTI/AAAAAAAACQY/6IaRhg9_esY/s1600/2013-01-08_11-39-22_422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSvr7yLeEVg/UO4Oz4sSvTI/AAAAAAAACQY/6IaRhg9_esY/s320/2013-01-08_11-39-22_422.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mC_QLPhzbP8/UO4O6B7LIZI/AAAAAAAACQg/OkiCYsFEaZo/s1600/IMG_20130107_142219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mC_QLPhzbP8/UO4O6B7LIZI/AAAAAAAACQg/OkiCYsFEaZo/s320/IMG_20130107_142219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8wYNo37Kf0/UO4O9aV4_jI/AAAAAAAACQo/kTNsxWmEowM/s1600/IMG_20130107_093545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8wYNo37Kf0/UO4O9aV4_jI/AAAAAAAACQo/kTNsxWmEowM/s320/IMG_20130107_093545.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vNZfPLzE-0/UO4PC2gr0eI/AAAAAAAACQw/8iuwdXGivSY/s1600/IMG_20130106_112711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vNZfPLzE-0/UO4PC2gr0eI/AAAAAAAACQw/8iuwdXGivSY/s320/IMG_20130106_112711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3DGgMAF-aI/UO4PIdLikUI/AAAAAAAACQ4/9xVqTFjOtFc/s1600/IMG_20130106_092235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3DGgMAF-aI/UO4PIdLikUI/AAAAAAAACQ4/9xVqTFjOtFc/s320/IMG_20130106_092235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are in love.</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-75383739533081315982013-01-02T06:16:00.000-05:002013-01-02T06:16:38.965-05:00Happiest New Year<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Introducing: Madeline Clementine Wilde. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Stats: Born 1/1/13 at 12:33am, 6 lbs 14 oz, 19 inches long. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">We have never been happier, and are so excited to spend the rest of our lives loving this tiny perfect miracle. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Happy New Year!</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB6ShU3h7_k/UOQU1G0qGTI/AAAAAAAACNs/GNsVTeHek54/s1600/2013-01-01_00-45-28_118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FB6ShU3h7_k/UOQU1G0qGTI/AAAAAAAACNs/GNsVTeHek54/s320/2013-01-01_00-45-28_118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a801zyfsO1Q/UOQU6dosYvI/AAAAAAAACN0/dEFIWGYTX8Q/s1600/2013-01-01_01-04-51_192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a801zyfsO1Q/UOQU6dosYvI/AAAAAAAACN0/dEFIWGYTX8Q/s320/2013-01-01_01-04-51_192.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL0HWYuD6WE/UOQVfdJHiqI/AAAAAAAACOE/j4Fvv6mUnP8/s1600/2013-01-01_18-43-32_399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL0HWYuD6WE/UOQVfdJHiqI/AAAAAAAACOE/j4Fvv6mUnP8/s320/2013-01-01_18-43-32_399.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4rfpAs4xvU/UOQU_T-8waI/AAAAAAAACN8/AJ74XTGy0OU/s1600/2013-01-01_18-44-36_320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4rfpAs4xvU/UOQU_T-8waI/AAAAAAAACN8/AJ74XTGy0OU/s320/2013-01-01_18-44-36_320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-45982055177143812202012-12-11T13:38:00.001-05:002012-12-13T12:30:13.983-05:00The End Is NearStarting this Friday, if I haven't already gone into labor, I will be getting the stitches removed and will also officially be off bedrest. SOUND THE HEAVENLY FREAKING CHORUS. Mike and I are in full-on countdown mode. Mike has started repeatedly singing that "One Day More" song from Les Miserables with a few substitute lyrics: "Three more days 'til revolution, they will nip you in the bud..." It's lovely. I already have a long To-Do list of things I want done post-bedrest and pre-giving-birth, (depending on our luck that may be a very small window of time, so we'll see how this goes) including Christmas shopping, goody making, Hobbit seeing, closet organizing, Christmas lights viewing, and hiking Ensign Peak. I refuse to have this baby until I have had at least a day or two to enjoy my new freedom.<br />
<br />
What? I've been a little cooped up lately.<br />
<br />
Anyway. <br />
<br />
<b>On Bedrest I Have:</b><br />
-Read 23 books<br />
-Done a fair amount of writing<br />
-Consumed an unknown quantity of Tums<br />
-Watched three seasons of <i>Community</i><br />
-Had <i>Harry Potter</i> and <i>Star Wars</i> movie marathons<br />
-Had people come visit me from 7 different states<br />
-Sworn off doctors, even while scheduling follow-up appointments<br />
-Watched Mike make an entire Thanksgiving feast for just the two of us, and then gorged down that food like nobody's business. Seriously, I knew that man could make a killer turkey, but <i>every single dish</i> was heavenly. I bet <i>you </i>didn't have eleven pounds of turkey per person at <i>your </i>Thanksgiving feast.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mike and my madre making pie crusts the day before the feast</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qH9pZg_kt9w/ULe8IBvHOII/AAAAAAAACK8/TL2Q0Y2wrAA/s1600/2012-11-21_20-48-39_468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qH9pZg_kt9w/ULe8IBvHOII/AAAAAAAACK8/TL2Q0Y2wrAA/s320/2012-11-21_20-48-39_468.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Cutting into the turkey</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yBAvRetXOY/ULe8JefntNI/AAAAAAAACLE/mdR_ZKrqbHo/s1600/2012-11-22_17-43-56_608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yBAvRetXOY/ULe8JefntNI/AAAAAAAACLE/mdR_ZKrqbHo/s320/2012-11-22_17-43-56_608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>After the binge </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFBPf8FORzk/ULe8KdQqqTI/AAAAAAAACLM/4FPgePx55ac/s1600/2012-11-22_18-12-23_379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFBPf8FORzk/ULe8KdQqqTI/AAAAAAAACLM/4FPgePx55ac/s320/2012-11-22_18-12-23_379.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
-Got a new niece! Welcome little Ada!<br />
-Played over a thousand games of FreeCell<br />
-Done hours and hours worth of research on cervical incompetence, pregnancy, labor, delivery, recovery, and infant care<br />
-Considered hundreds of potential names for our little squishy<br />
-Failed to find a name that Mike and I can agree on. Do not be surprised if she ends up being named "kid."<br />
-Never got the hang of swallowing <strike>whole cantaloupes</strike> prenatal vitamins<br />
-Had a nice no-fuss birthday<br />
-Developed an insatiable appetite for apples and peanut butter<br />
-Threatened to throw all sharp objects within arms reach at the next person who tells me "how nice bedrest must be."<br />
<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to be done with bedrest. It's been a loooong and very painful and excessively boring and extremely stressful three months. I'm so glad that we were able to stay pregnant this long, but I am just as glad that it's almost over. I am not one of those women who enjoy pregnancy, so it's been kind of an odd experience to severely dislike being pregnant all while dreading the thought of going into labor too soon and <i>not </i>being pregnant. It's nice to feel like labor is not the enemy anymore. I realize that giving birth will only mean switching one set of worries and concerns for another, but I'm ready. Bring it on, fetus.<br />
<br />
SPEAKING OF... We are having a kid soon. How's that for freaky? It's time for the Birth Guessing Game.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Birth Guessing Game</span></u></b><br />
Okay, folks. Please submit your guesses for the following:<br />
1) What day she will be born<br />
2) Her birth height and weight<br />
3) What her name will be (we really could use some input here)<br />
<br />
Here are some things to assist you in your guesses:<br />
- The circlage is being removed on Friday 12/14 at 10:15am. <br />
- The average time from removing the circlage to giving birth is 11 days.<br />
- That average includes women who probably never needed the circlage, but had it done as a precautionary measure. (After all my ultrasounds, we are left with no doubt that I am not one of those women. I absolutely needed this circlage to keep my baby alive.)<br />
- My doctor thinks it will be only a matter of a few days after the stitches are cut before I go into labor.<br />
- I only have less than 1 centimeter of functional cervix remaining as it is, and for several months now the stitches have been the only thing that has separated her from the outside world. She will likely be born very soon after the stitches are cut, since there will be nothing left preventing her from being born.<br />
- As previously stated, I refuse to have this baby until I've had a few days of freedom. You will not win many Mel points if you guess that she will be born immediately after cutting the stitches.<br />
- Mike's goal is to make it to Tuesday 12/18 because on that day she will officially be 37 weeks, making her a full-term baby instead of premature.<br />
-The actual due date isn't until January 8th.<br />
<br />
Okay, <span style="font-size: large;">GO!</span><br />
<br />Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-58486470876235794822012-11-03T15:47:00.000-04:002012-11-03T15:47:02.732-04:00I AM THE WINNER OF EVERYTHING. SOMEBODY GET ME A HAM.It's official: the three of us made it to November without going into labor <i>or </i>dying <i>or </i>going completely insane. We win everything! We're at 30 1/2 weeks now, and are hoping to make it at least a few more weeks, if we can. Bedrest still sucks, and I miss my body, but, again, none of us have gone into labor or died or gone completely insane. So I call it a win. It might sound melodramatic, but all three options have been real possibilities at various points in the last few months. The fact that we are all still functioning human beings is a serious victory. <br />
<br />
We've had some fun things to break up the pregnancy stress/bedrest monotony lately. Mike's old college roommate and his wife came and visited from New Mexico, my mom came in town and knocked out all sorts of projects, and three of my college roommates came from CA, OR, and DE to visit as well. True to form, we didn't take a single picture of anything or anyone for any of the visits. Sigh. One of these days we'll actually use our camera. Here's us roomies a year ago... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVPWTyKZixs/UJVqFp1AGeI/AAAAAAAACJE/1rI9O8ALPEk/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVPWTyKZixs/UJVqFp1AGeI/AAAAAAAACJE/1rI9O8ALPEk/s320/IMG_1500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year we had planned on going to Balboa, but once bedrest hit I had to brokenheartedly admit that I couldn't go. Rather than get together without me, the three of them changed their plans last minute and traveled to Salt Lake instead, just for me. That's right, they traded Balboa Island for my living room. That takes a special kind of friendship. I love you guys, and miss you already! Between the Roomies and my Mamma Lamma, we got all sorts of things done. Thank you so much for the freezer meals, the sewing projects, the painting, the meal prep, the deep cleaning, the errand running, the impromptu baby shower, and everything else! Really, the company would have been enough. But I am so grateful for all they selflessly did while they were here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Halloween was pretty low key, but we still had a good time. Mike made a "scary" Halloween dinner for us, and then carved pumpkins while I separated the pumpkin seeds from the guts. We then roasted the pumpkin seeds and ate them while watching Hocus Pocus and waiting for trick-or-treaters. The three of us dressed up as a cook and an oven and a bun for about two minutes just so that we could take a picture. Here we are at a rare moment wherein I am standing:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOoO5NXgXWs/UJVqpeEAvfI/AAAAAAAACJU/ZfrseAPWDBQ/s1600/CIMG2667_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOoO5NXgXWs/UJVqpeEAvfI/AAAAAAAACJU/ZfrseAPWDBQ/s320/CIMG2667_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't worry, I was laying back down on the couch immediately after this picture was taken. And have been here ever since. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New goal: Make it to Thanksgiving without going into labor, dying, or going completely insane. If we make it, we will truly have a lot to be grateful for. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wishing you all Happy Novembers!</div>
Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-12529998897857803052012-10-13T15:08:00.000-04:002012-10-14T11:47:09.640-04:00Tales from the BedThis post is not nearly as salacious or exciting as that title may have led you to believe. I'm actually on bedrest right now (more pregnancy complications, story of my life these days) and after a few weeks of constantly laying down, I think I've figured out how to survive this self-imposed immobility without going completely insane. I thought I'd share.<br />
<br />
<h3>
HOW TO PREPARE IF YOU ARE GOING ON BEDREST</h3>
The transfer to bedrest is sudden and unexpected for most of us, but if you do have a few days to prepare ahead of time, here are some suggestions for how to get ready.<br />
<br />
-Get your hair cut, but do not make any drastic changes. You probably won't be allowed to sit/stand long enough to blow dry/style your hair, so something simple and easy is best.<br />
-Get your absentee ballot arranged so that you can still vote.<br />
-Go to the dentist. <br />
-Get a pedicure. With shellac.<br />
-Check when your driver license needs to be renewed. You won't be able to go to the DMV once you're on bedrest, so get it done ahead of time.<br />
-Decide ahead of time what to do if someone rings the doorbell. I've heard of some people give a copy of their house key to friends or family members who will be making regular visits, which seems to work well. For other unexpected visits, though, decide now that you won't get up.<br />
-Go grocery shopping.<br />
-Buy straws. You have no idea how difficult it is to drink from a normal cup when you're laying down.<br />
-Trays. They will keep the inevitable crumbs from your most recent meal to a minimum.<br />
-Dry shampoo. It will do wonders to preserve your dignity.<br />
-This goes without saying, but really good, comfortable, supportive pillows. Lots of them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
HOW TO SURVIVE WHEN YOU ARE ON BEDREST</h3>
Once you're laying down, you will be spending a lot of time alone doing very little. Here are some ways to tackle the boredom, retain your dignity, and still feel good about yourself. <br />
<br />
-Start the day right. Eat a healthy breakfast. Have a cooler by your side stocked with drinks and snacks and lunch to get your pregnant self through the day. Make sure you have everything you need <i>within arms reach</i> before your spouse leaves for work: cell phone, iPod, laptop, chargers, books and bookmarks, notepads and pens, chapstick, medications (Tums, Tylenol, etc. as needed), lotion, tissues, hair bands and bobby pins, make-up, napkins, hand sanitizer, TV remotes, etc. Note: this will probably require a good sized nightstand.<br />
-I can still take my own showers, but this may not be an option for you, depending on what kind of bedrest you are on. If you <i>can </i>shower, though, actually take a shower. You may not feel very motivated to take a shower, because, hey, you're not leaving the house anyway. But it will be worth it. Feeling clean and wearing normal clothes will help fight the depression that more easily creeps up on you if you stay in your PJs all day. I have been wearing more make-up these days than I did on my non-bed-rest days. It just makes me feel less like a slob.<br />
-Keep your blinds open. It will remind you that life goes on outside your walls.<br />
-The interwebs are great. Use them. Reading the news online and emailing friends will make you feel less cut off from the world.<br />
-FreeCell. If it's not on your laptop now, get it.<br />
-Podcasts. Particularly <i>Wait Wait Don't Tell Me</i>. <br />
-<i>Community</i>. Or some other entertaining show that will keep you smiling. (Season 4 starts next week!!)<br />
-You will no longer be able to attend birth classes, infant CPR classes, nursing classes, or any of those other classes that are intended to help you prepare for your kid's birth, so you'll need to educate yourself. The internet and the library are your friends. Use them.<br />
-Keep a photo from your latest ultrasound where you can always see it to remind you why you're doing this.<br />
-Muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, backache, joint pain, and insomnia are all side effects of bedrest that can effect your body. I've found that it helps to stretch your muscles. You can't actually use them, but stretching them (as much as is safe) will help your body feel more relaxed and calm, and will help you sleep at night. Getting massages will also help a LOT. Getting massages generally helps with everything in life though, so that's no surprise.<br />
-Don't read <i>What to Expect When You're Expecting. </i> It will freak you out, and more stress and worry about the well-being of your unborn child is the last thing you need if you're already on bedrest.<br />
-Do read <i>Pushed</i>. It will inform and educate you, and leave you feeling empowered rather than completely freaked.<br />
-Read non-pregnancy books too. You need to think about other things than all the pregnancy shenanigans surrounding you. Absorbing and distracting fictional trilogies are ideal, but anything that doesn't talk about reproduction will do. <br />
-Find a friend who will pick up said absorbing and distracting books from the library and bring them to you, and then return them when they're due. (Marse and Becky, you guys are the best.)<br />
-Your brain is not on bedrest! Use your mind. <a href="http://ocwconsortium.org/">Open Courseware Consortium</a> is a great option. Or you can check books out from the library on whatever topic you've always been interested in, and become an expert. Like cheetahs, or British poetry, or psychology, or American history, or Russian politics, etc. <br />
-Learn a new skill that you can do without moving your legs. Like knitting, or drawing, or computer programming, etc. It will give you a sense of accomplishment.<br />
-Don't say no to help! This one is really hard for me, because I am really independent and like to do things myself. But I can't right now. And you won't be able to either. The sooner you can accept help from others, the better off you will be. Let your friends and family empty your dishwasher, or take out the trash, or vacuum, or bring you lunch, or whatever. It will make you happy because things are getting done, will make them happy because they're doing a kind deed, and will ease the burden on your spouse, for whom this is also a difficult challenge. <br />
-Remember that bedrest is temporary. You will not be like this forever. It ends, eventually. Just keep going. A really cute kid is coming out of this, so just take a deep breath and hold on.<br />
Perhaps my greatest piece of advice, though, is this:<br />
-Marry someone exceptionally awesome. Someone who will be your middle-of-the-night Tums retriever, personal masseuse, chauffeur to doctor appointments, food craving satisfyer, daily breakfast in bed preparer, water bottle refiller, laptop cord retriever, pumpkin cookie maker, Harry Potter movie marathon watcher, lunch schedule organizer, personal cheerleader, and who will make you as many green smoothies as your heart desires. I love you, Hot Buns.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>HOW TO HELP IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE ON BEDREST</b></h3>
Here are some ideas for how to help, support, and encourage your bedrest friend. (Note: this is not a subtle cry for help. I am very well taken care of. This is more a list of things that others have done for me that have made a huge difference and that Mike and I have really appreciated.)<br />
<br />
-Bring them food. Meals are hard when you're on bedrest, and bringing a lunch or dinner is a massive, colossal help. (You know who you are: THANK YOU!)<br />
-Hang out with them for a few minutes. They are probably bored and starving for human interaction so just talking will lift their spirits. <br />
-If you see something that needs to be done, do it. Take dirty dishes from the nightstand to the sink. Sweep the floor. Fold a load of laundry. These are things that the spouse has to do after getting home from work, which means less time your bedrest friend and their spouse can spend together. So you helping this way will not only make their house a little cleaner, it will give them more time to be together. And they will love you for it.<br />
-Bring over movies and/or books. <br />
-Flowers seem useless and impractical, but they actually are really nice. Your bedrest friend can't go out into nature, so bringing a little nature to them is a great way to show you care. <br />
-It's hard to commemorate the holidays when you're on bedrest. One way you can help is offer to get out your bedrest friend's holiday decorations and hang them. Or bring over an autumn-scented candle, or something. Mike's mom brought over a pumpkin, and I have really, really loved having it in our house. It has made me feel more festive, which has really done a lot by making me feel like I'm not missing out on this holiday season that I love so much.<br />
-Find out what their pregnancy cravings are and help to satisfy them.<br />
-Bring over maternity clothes. Your bedrest friend can't go shopping, so letting them borrow a couple of your old maternity shirts for them to wear will help them feel nice. And it will give them motivation to get dressed in the morning.<br />
-I've felt a lot of love and support from people who are far away. If your bedrest friend lives far away, there is still a lot you can do for their mental and emotional well-being. Emails that just say hello and ask how they're doing are awesome. You can't bring them books, but you can recommend them. And this is a time when your friend could use a lot of book recommendations. Have your kids draw pictures for them and send them through the mail. My young niece sent me a series of jokes via text message. The jokes didn't really make sense, but it still brightened my whole day. Email them funny stories. If you can, send them some bedrest-friendly pampering things, like good smelling shampoo, lip gloss, scented soaps, or nail polish. Something that will add some spice into their limited routine. Recommend websites, or new recipes, or youtube clips, or online articles (anything from the Onion is pretty much a guaranteed win) or anything else that you see that makes you think of them. The practical support from people nearby is awesome and needed, but the emotional and mental support from those far away is just as valuable.<br />
<br />
I am very much looking forward to bedrest being over. But thanks to my family and friends, I think my bedrest experience has been about as positive as it possibly could be. Thank you!! <br />
<br />
<i>PS - The baby is doing well. She is a perfect little fetus, growing and developing in all the ways she should. The problems we're experiencing are due to my body not agreeing with pregnancy, not due to the baby. We're 27 1/2 weeks along now, and hoping to stay pregnant for as long as my body will allow. Our original goal was to try and make it to 28 weeks. We're feeling pretty confident about making that goal. (Hallelujah!) Now we'll just keep going as long as we can in order to give our little girl as much time in the womb to grow and develop as possible. It's stressful and a constant source of anxiety knowing I could go into labor at any moment (I swear I've aged a decade in the past month) but we're remaining optimistic and hopeful that everything will turn out okay. We just love our little girl, and hate knowing she's in constant danger of being born before she's ready. Everyday that passes without incident is a victory. Continued thoughts/prayers/good vibes are appreciated.</i>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-19574133590429484962012-09-16T22:54:00.001-04:002012-09-16T22:54:11.872-04:00Summer HappenedWow, you leave your blog for a couple months, and suddenly it's like there's no way you can catch up. Well, I'll try anyway. It's definitely been an eventful summer for us. Here are the highlights:<br />
<br />
<b>1. WE MOVED </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJMb610Tq5c/UFEJV0z8apI/AAAAAAAACEk/eqmDiMR6sIg/s1600/Moving+from+SB+to+SLC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJMb610Tq5c/UFEJV0z8apI/AAAAAAAACEk/eqmDiMR6sIg/s320/Moving+from+SB+to+SLC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A couple days after all the graduation hoopla was over, we had all our stuff in boxes and were ready to move back west. Luckily for us, Mike's brother and fam were also moving from east to west during the same time that we were, so we were able to coordinate with them and caravan out together. It wasn't without mishaps (what moves are, really?) but it also wasn't without laughter, good conversation, music, and lots of chips a'hoy, so I call it a success.<br />
<br />
And, incredibly, we moved out just a few days before our apartment complex in South Bend burst into flame. I wish I was joking. I'm not. They think it was caused by a not-quite-snuffed cigarette that led to a small fire, which quickly became a large fire when the small fire hit the gas line. I'm just glad that none of our friends or former neighbors were hurt, though most lost their homes. The fire was so bad that they bulldozed the entire complex and are re-building from scratch. Crazy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6xdfM3Z44/UFEJXgmlczI/AAAAAAAACEs/pZK2Cz7wfpM/s1600/Hurwich+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6xdfM3Z44/UFEJXgmlczI/AAAAAAAACEs/pZK2Cz7wfpM/s320/Hurwich+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. WE GOT PREGNANT</b><br />
As discussed in my last post. More on that below. <br />
<br />
<b>3. MIKE TOOK THE BAR</b> <br />
Holy horribleness, batman. I am so glad the bar is over. Mike and I would frequently go on "dates" where we would either sit next to each other on the gazebo while he studied and I read, or go on walks around the nearby gully while we reviewed whatever he had spent the day studying. Poor Mike. I never doubted his ability to pass, but he was just so stressed about this whole exam. More stressed about this than anything law school had ever thrown at him. It didn't help that he had joint pain in his hands and wrists during the week of the test, which would require two full 8-hour days of typing answers and filling in bubbles on the Q&A section. Even so, the bar itself wasn't as bad as the preparation for it. I am so glad it's over. Mike is even more glad. <br />
<br />
<b>4. WILDE GIRLS TRIP</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G101ktScUds/UFEJ1iKzGWI/AAAAAAAACE0/qmco9eRB9Wg/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G101ktScUds/UFEJ1iKzGWI/AAAAAAAACE0/qmco9eRB9Wg/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Wilde women packed up for a weekend of fun in Cedar City. The main attraction there is the Shakespeare Festival, so I was right in my element. I loved seeing all the art based on Shakespearean plays at the main theatre, and we all loved seeing Les Miserables and To Kill a Mockingbird. The plays were so well done, and so moving. I loved them. We were all humming various strains from Les Mis for the rest of the weekend. We also snuck in some shopping, yummy food, late night hot tubbing, crafting (I now have a Christmas decoration besides my green and red salt and pepper shakers! Yes!) and even some vomit, courtesy of yours truly. Sorry about that last one, guys.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBES8LtwPys/UFEJ2yNnfnI/AAAAAAAACE8/uyYIhHMRn5o/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBES8LtwPys/UFEJ2yNnfnI/AAAAAAAACE8/uyYIhHMRn5o/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>5. TEXAS TRIP (Alternate sub-topic title: Mel Suffers Serious LaPierre Withdrawal)</b><br />
My sister had a baby girl in July, and I was thrilled to fly to Texas to meet her and spend time with my favorite Laps. It was a week filled with trips to the park, incredible meals (seriously, who has homemade bread and banana muffins ready at 8:00am when they've just had their fourth child?), my first Texas barbeque, lots of hide and seek, the famous Round Rock doughnut, admiration of Bryce's carpentry skills, Sleeping Queens, maternity clothes swapping (thanks, Leese!), LaPierre beans, and even the first day of school for the older two kids. I had a blast, and wish I could see them more often. I especially miss holding this wonder woman:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lN4J3mbOHhI/UFFZU2HoSsI/AAAAAAAACFo/ZcNhDS9DytE/s1600/IMG_20120828_121447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lN4J3mbOHhI/UFFZU2HoSsI/AAAAAAAACFo/ZcNhDS9DytE/s320/IMG_20120828_121447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, for the grandparents and other aunts and uncles who (quite understandably) can't get enough of this adorableness:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXR9u8_QygM/UFFZeFg4XbI/AAAAAAAACFw/l5_u_91Z6oY/s1600/IMG_20120823_135453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXR9u8_QygM/UFFZeFg4XbI/AAAAAAAACFw/l5_u_91Z6oY/s320/IMG_20120823_135453.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hNDRdTLCA/UFFZfSsXVCI/AAAAAAAACF4/d9h1jylRuUI/s1600/IMG_20120823_153941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hNDRdTLCA/UFFZfSsXVCI/AAAAAAAACF4/d9h1jylRuUI/s320/IMG_20120823_153941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSL3npTpreE/UFFZg6SNGvI/AAAAAAAACGA/MXk4dwhreXg/s1600/IMG_20120825_123922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSL3npTpreE/UFFZg6SNGvI/AAAAAAAACGA/MXk4dwhreXg/s320/IMG_20120825_123922.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlJ4R0VlaKI/UFFZigVRI6I/AAAAAAAACGI/PNMUsVUx9Hk/s1600/IMG_20120826_164823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlJ4R0VlaKI/UFFZigVRI6I/AAAAAAAACGI/PNMUsVUx9Hk/s320/IMG_20120826_164823.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Bridget and "Sofa" were so excited to see each other after Sophie's first day of school. It was so cute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldn1yAP2lPA/UFFZj5KgBwI/AAAAAAAACGQ/qwt77m7hRww/s1600/IMG_20120827_144929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldn1yAP2lPA/UFFZj5KgBwI/AAAAAAAACGQ/qwt77m7hRww/s320/IMG_20120827_144929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYQzrDw3Yx0/UFFZk1Tc-fI/AAAAAAAACGY/6_golUXlVXk/s1600/IMG_20120828_142548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYQzrDw3Yx0/UFFZk1Tc-fI/AAAAAAAACGY/6_golUXlVXk/s320/IMG_20120828_142548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
(I taught Bridget that rabbits sniff their noses. This is how she sniffs her nose:) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz07kkbaHGX6PC6rrsUXqfrgXBbpiqJZ98ZaxA3w6TRk8jnUlaMGUqfo1yhWTmtkgwwZwGxddTvvgpUX6IEjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>6. WE MOVED AGAIN</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj22HhnWdlw/UFFZJC5gwHI/AAAAAAAACFg/mhi5pL-7YuQ/s1600/IMG_20120829_110504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj22HhnWdlw/UFFZJC5gwHI/AAAAAAAACFg/mhi5pL-7YuQ/s320/IMG_20120829_110504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
More accurately, <i>Mike </i>moved again, since I was on the plane from Texas for the majority of the move. Mike did some painting before moving all our stuff in (our baseboards are so hot right now) and made all the moving arrangements, and had all our boxes moved from the storage unit to our new condo by the time I got home from the airport. I was sorry to miss the move, but totally thrilled to walk into our new place seeing our stuff ready to be unpacked. I am loving getting settled. <br />
<br />
<b>7. OUR KID FREAKED US THE HECK OUT, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY ENSURING HER SPOT AS OUR ONLY CHILD</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmm2OUSJwo/UFIMA3yyKHI/AAAAAAAACHc/4NK0PdUyHQk/s1600/Translucent+Ultrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfmm2OUSJwo/UFIMA3yyKHI/AAAAAAAACHc/4NK0PdUyHQk/s320/Translucent+Ultrasound.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A trip to the doctor revealed several big things:<br />
a) It's a girl. Cue freak out.<br />
b) She's due almost a whole month sooner than we thought. (It turns out the pregnancy test I took at the end of April that came back negative probably should have been positive.) New due date: January 8th. Cue even bigger freak out.<br />
c) I won't go into details here, but suffice it to say that my body sucks at this whole reproduction thing, necessitating surgery to prevent this baby from being born pre-term. Cue MAJOR HUGE freak out.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, it was an overwhelming weekend. I felt like I was standing in front of a fire hydrant with my mouth open; just being hit with one huge piece of information after the next. The (obviously) most overwhelming aspect was learning that our baby was in danger of being born too soon if we didn't elect to have the surgery, something she would almost certainly not survive given how young she is. But, because the surgery was taking place literally within centimeters of where she was growing, there was also a chance that the surgery itself could accidentally break my water, triggering pre-term labor that, once again, she would almost certainly not survive. Either way our baby was in danger. We weighed the pros and cons, and decided that having the surgery was the best choice. The doctors were optimistic, but I was a mess. I spent the next few days before the surgery worrying and crying and not sleeping and ignoring my phone. (Sorry, concerned well-wishers. I just couldn't talk about it yet.) The surgery happened a couple of weeks ago, it went well, the baby is fine, and I appear to be healing nicely. However, we will still probably not make it all the way to 40 weeks. The baby will likely be born around 36-38 weeks. But, being born at 36 weeks is <i>far </i>better than being born at 22 weeks, so I'm happy. However, I was not happy to learn that I will have to have this same surgery for every future pregnancy, which gives me serious hesitation regarding ever reproducing again. All of this affects our future and family planning, and we're still adjusting to this new reality. Despite all the surgery shenanigans, this whole thing has been much more difficult mentally than physically, and I'm still processing it all. Thanks to those who knew this was going on for the support and encouragement that came in the form of food, emails, flowers, texts, etc. Our baby is alive, and is on track for a full and healthy life, so right now I'm just focusing on that. <br />
<br />
<b>8. A WELCOME VISIT CAME FROM SOUTH BEND</b> <br />
<br />
My friend and former neighbor from South Bend was in town, and I was able to catch up with her over lunch. It was soo good to see her, and to remember that I really do have friends, even if they all live on the other side of the country. Obviously I am still suffering from homesickness, and would appreciate it if my friends would stop having lives of their own and come follow Mike and I wherever we move to and keep me company. Cambria (and all my other SB homies) if you're reading this, I MISS YOU DESPERATELY!!! <br />
<br />
<b>9. MELISSA GOT INTO GREEN SMOOTHIES</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-GoNSuP6X4/UFIhVI1BRTI/AAAAAAAACIA/gYz9z0R4Krs/s1600/green-smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-GoNSuP6X4/UFIhVI1BRTI/AAAAAAAACIA/gYz9z0R4Krs/s320/green-smoothie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lisa is to thank for this new obsession. I've never liked veggies, and usually have to trick myself into eating them. I've tried green smoothies before and didn't really like them. But I like Lisa's green smoothies, and thanks to her genius I have consumed more bananas, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, cucumbers, peaches, mangoes, and pineapples than ever before in my life. My antioxidant levels thank you, Leese.<br />
<br />
<b>10. MIKE PASSED THE BAR</b><br />
That's right, Mike passed! <span style="font-size: large;">CONGRATULATIONS, HOT BUNS!!!! </span> I am both thrilled and not-at-all surprised. It was a long summer of Barbri reviews and flashcards, but it all paid off. You did it! All hail the esquire. <br />
<br />
And thus the summer ended. Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-53193578261557440782012-08-01T16:12:00.000-04:002012-08-01T16:12:06.557-04:00Digital Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DOioAld0Q/UBmKWDdXoHI/AAAAAAAACDc/2B7KtdLbeLE/s1600/MnM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DOioAld0Q/UBmKWDdXoHI/AAAAAAAACDc/2B7KtdLbeLE/s400/MnM.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Today is our third anniversary! Go us. Good things come in threes: like our family. It's true: Mike and I are expecting a baby! I'm about 13ish weeks along and feeling good. She or he should
arrive around the end of January or beginning of February. We are
thrilled and terrified.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcoI68dgIFw/UBmNY0pgJ8I/AAAAAAAACEA/oFORwS2R50M/s1600/BabyUltrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcoI68dgIFw/UBmNY0pgJ8I/AAAAAAAACEA/oFORwS2R50M/s320/BabyUltrasound.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy three years, Hot Buns. I hope
you’ve enjoyed these past few years, because this next one’s sure to be
insane.Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-6222177724881687312012-05-25T18:07:00.000-04:002012-05-25T18:07:39.920-04:00The Master and the Esquire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel like bursting out with the song "Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles" whenever I realize that Mike and I are DONE WITH SCHOOL. It's true. We graduated and we couldn't be happier. The festivities started with my mom and brother flying out from CA for my graduation. They got in a few days early, so we hit up Shipshewana, toured both ND and IUSB, and ate a LOT of food before the ceremony. Photographic evidence of our graduations follows: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My brother, Nathan, had never been to Michigan, so we drove 5 minutes north and took a picture to commemorate this joyous occasion: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVSTyY8dEE/T7r6HpqhMVI/AAAAAAAACAM/Yq_AiCLWXvA/s1600/DSCN2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVSTyY8dEE/T7r6HpqhMVI/AAAAAAAACAM/Yq_AiCLWXvA/s320/DSCN2033.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Touring IUSB:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsZ4qVTcRYw/T7r6dLaWVOI/AAAAAAAACAc/vsETIiXnZBo/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SsZ4qVTcRYw/T7r6dLaWVOI/AAAAAAAACAc/vsETIiXnZBo/s320/DSCN2057.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can't really tell, but we're standing on the bridge at IUSB that overlooks the St. Joseph river. Also, Even when Nathan ducks down and I stand on my toes, he is <i>still </i>taller than me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMgf7a1oqxI/T7r6zIzCf7I/AAAAAAAACAk/ERaBs4qaaUQ/s1600/DSCN2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMgf7a1oqxI/T7r6zIzCf7I/AAAAAAAACAk/ERaBs4qaaUQ/s320/DSCN2065.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g1kxlvLD88/T7r7mKOKUxI/AAAAAAAACA0/M8fpwLDQDAA/s1600/DSCN2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g1kxlvLD88/T7r7mKOKUxI/AAAAAAAACA0/M8fpwLDQDAA/s320/DSCN2080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QwBCspIbfs/T7r4nbiu6PI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QMTwoaB_QW8/s1600/CIMG2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QwBCspIbfs/T7r4nbiu6PI/AAAAAAAAB_c/QMTwoaB_QW8/s320/CIMG2521.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcpMPbc9bkA/T7r4WJqyiDI/AAAAAAAAB_U/F4SkOTAyn_U/s1600/CIMG2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcpMPbc9bkA/T7r4WJqyiDI/AAAAAAAAB_U/F4SkOTAyn_U/s320/CIMG2513.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02W_vqTzV2w/T7r7PpJn_OI/AAAAAAAACAs/ffEK94koLds/s1600/DSCN2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02W_vqTzV2w/T7r7PpJn_OI/AAAAAAAACAs/ffEK94koLds/s320/DSCN2077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgemXgW7Kcw/T7r2MYW-AUI/AAAAAAAAB-U/N9HTkAGTqvo/s1600/CIMG2479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgemXgW7Kcw/T7r2MYW-AUI/AAAAAAAAB-U/N9HTkAGTqvo/s320/CIMG2479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my fan club in the stands:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG7OVl8F9YQ/T7r2xvw0BSI/AAAAAAAAB-k/NvZVYDxjc_0/s1600/CIMG2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG7OVl8F9YQ/T7r2xvw0BSI/AAAAAAAAB-k/NvZVYDxjc_0/s320/CIMG2495.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bxQv5a2YA/T7r2fZaSkEI/AAAAAAAAB-c/hZPZqRlc05I/s1600/CIMG2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_bxQv5a2YA/T7r2fZaSkEI/AAAAAAAAB-c/hZPZqRlc05I/s320/CIMG2493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQHRX3393Js/T7r3SUtcwnI/AAAAAAAAB-0/_-AXadaI_aQ/s1600/CIMG2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQHRX3393Js/T7r3SUtcwnI/AAAAAAAAB-0/_-AXadaI_aQ/s320/CIMG2503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1UV_TN2mzU/T7r4FJvgnoI/AAAAAAAAB_M/Uzv7ijTh0bY/s1600/CIMG2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1UV_TN2mzU/T7r4FJvgnoI/AAAAAAAAB_M/Uzv7ijTh0bY/s320/CIMG2506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DgO2qJSAXw/T7r3j4RxJEI/AAAAAAAAB-8/AyKCNgx4SXg/s1600/CIMG2504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DgO2qJSAXw/T7r3j4RxJEI/AAAAAAAAB-8/AyKCNgx4SXg/s320/CIMG2504.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuJq3pXNOrE/T7r30BjVK_I/AAAAAAAAB_E/rasoGx1V-BA/s1600/CIMG2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuJq3pXNOrE/T7r30BjVK_I/AAAAAAAAB_E/rasoGx1V-BA/s320/CIMG2505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Many thanks to my madre and Nath for flying out, and to Liz, Janelle, and Callie for coming/decorating my front door with balloons and streamers. It made me feel loved. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mom and brother decorated the inside of our apartment in festive graduation get-up.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcVBWzNFdCo/T7r44BleM4I/AAAAAAAAB_k/GxHAJZhqGTM/s1600/CIMG2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcVBWzNFdCo/T7r44BleM4I/AAAAAAAAB_k/GxHAJZhqGTM/s320/CIMG2534.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few days passed, and then it was time for Mike's graduation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a picture of Mike with all his school books after his first semester... and after his last semester... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyy629yKVn0/T7r17AXmTyI/AAAAAAAAB-M/iok2FxDLU9w/s1600/CIMG2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyy629yKVn0/T7r17AXmTyI/AAAAAAAAB-M/iok2FxDLU9w/s320/CIMG2147.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av1YGIWgK44/T7r5JP7gDEI/AAAAAAAAB_s/1CucMBPKEBQ/s1600/CIMG2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av1YGIWgK44/T7r5JP7gDEI/AAAAAAAAB_s/1CucMBPKEBQ/s320/CIMG2619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mamma and Poppa Wilde came out for the festivities.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iD85enQuME/T7sHp3RXkjI/AAAAAAAACBo/ob2diyyEmw0/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iD85enQuME/T7sHp3RXkjI/AAAAAAAACBo/ob2diyyEmw0/s320/IMG_1271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7Kalbo7LBY/T7sGwBhmrcI/AAAAAAAACBY/CyDNAP7KBnc/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7Kalbo7LBY/T7sGwBhmrcI/AAAAAAAACBY/CyDNAP7KBnc/s320/IMG_1267.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g96Ejvc-rOc/T7sH7-XGftI/AAAAAAAACBw/sp0BWBKT2zU/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g96Ejvc-rOc/T7sH7-XGftI/AAAAAAAACBw/sp0BWBKT2zU/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5JwEx47fS0/T7r5ZmhOVZI/AAAAAAAAB_0/Zq8UQFCTgKM/s1600/CIMG2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5JwEx47fS0/T7r5ZmhOVZI/AAAAAAAAB_0/Zq8UQFCTgKM/s320/CIMG2630.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Getting hooded</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpYlHpWeSOk/T7r5vKm1yII/AAAAAAAAB_8/pWQYxphMIDQ/s1600/CIMG2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpYlHpWeSOk/T7r5vKm1yII/AAAAAAAAB_8/pWQYxphMIDQ/s320/CIMG2639.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next day Notre Dame had their commencement with all graduates from across the whole university. It was bloody hot in that stadium, but we still all had a grand time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjAjP-3yFpA/T7rn5xSHxaI/AAAAAAAAB9U/DXnJhBRqNbY/s1600/2012-05-20_09-16-54_695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjAjP-3yFpA/T7rn5xSHxaI/AAAAAAAAB9U/DXnJhBRqNbY/s320/2012-05-20_09-16-54_695.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYjEqsnEfk/T7r5_Kd0zrI/AAAAAAAACAE/8ATUIjfy9uE/s1600/CIMG2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYjEqsnEfk/T7r5_Kd0zrI/AAAAAAAACAE/8ATUIjfy9uE/s320/CIMG2644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8jK7NI_jM0/T7sGkGYrF3I/AAAAAAAACBQ/hybe2pI2tFU/s1600/IMG_12600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8jK7NI_jM0/T7sGkGYrF3I/AAAAAAAACBQ/hybe2pI2tFU/s320/IMG_12600.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been a long road, and we are very proud of each other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnDKbk7vl5o/T7sICPyLIcI/AAAAAAAACB4/3USnk7QklMA/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnDKbk7vl5o/T7sICPyLIcI/AAAAAAAACB4/3USnk7QklMA/s320/IMG_1295.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIZX9oQjJAE/T7r3BlsVUtI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_Yfc5EtKqns/s1600/CIMG2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wIZX9oQjJAE/T7r3BlsVUtI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_Yfc5EtKqns/s320/CIMG2501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy graduations to us!</div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-90682755322355988482012-05-03T15:11:00.001-04:002012-05-03T15:15:05.590-04:00Catching Fire: The Dream CastOkay, now that we've all seen Hunger Games (and liked it? Hated it? Dare I say, loved it?) it's time to anticipate casting for the next movie in the series: Catching Fire.<br />
<br />
Note: This may contain minor spoilers for those of you who have not read the book. Consider yourself warned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finnick Odair: and Mags: Jesse Williams and Cloris Leachman<br />
Seriously, Jesse is PERFECT as Finnick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y827xPwKhM/T6LO9YBUIkI/AAAAAAAAB4A/oK-wtWh3qeA/s1600/Jesse-Williams-Finnick-Odair-Catching-Fire-Casting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y827xPwKhM/T6LO9YBUIkI/AAAAAAAAB4A/oK-wtWh3qeA/s320/Jesse-Williams-Finnick-Odair-Catching-Fire-Casting.jpg" width="277" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqkCspJwi2g/T6LO_Z2XTGI/AAAAAAAAB4w/expze_guzP4/s1600/cloris_leachman_Mags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqkCspJwi2g/T6LO_Z2XTGI/AAAAAAAAB4w/expze_guzP4/s320/cloris_leachman_Mags.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woof and Johanna Mason: Michael Caine and Naya Rivera </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Because no movie cast is complete without Michael Caine.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8yZdBPGTgE/T6LO-Y6JabI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/ZrTfRb7K3rc/s1600/Naya+Rivera-Johanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8yZdBPGTgE/T6LO-Y6JabI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/ZrTfRb7K3rc/s320/Naya+Rivera-Johanna.jpg" width="198" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1W2Rs236Z8/T6LTS7TXe8I/AAAAAAAAB5c/AWyrlYf64ck/s1600/Michael_Caine_+Woof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1W2Rs236Z8/T6LTS7TXe8I/AAAAAAAAB5c/AWyrlYf64ck/s320/Michael_Caine_+Woof.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beetee ("Volts") and Wiress ("Nuts"): Michael Emerson and Cherry Jones</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04xz0_PzVFg/T6LO9q82ivI/AAAAAAAAB4I/Q0CfLb3qxp4/s1600/Michael+Emerson+Beetee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04xz0_PzVFg/T6LO9q82ivI/AAAAAAAAB4I/Q0CfLb3qxp4/s320/Michael+Emerson+Beetee.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjsuKnqXMKY/T6LQ8UqM19I/AAAAAAAAB5M/VM9PXUcyTXs/s1600/Cherry+Jones+Wiress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjsuKnqXMKY/T6LQ8UqM19I/AAAAAAAAB5M/VM9PXUcyTXs/s1600/Cherry+Jones+Wiress.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brutus: Dwayne Johnson</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlz0ZhgNRRA/T6LO9P1-EyI/AAAAAAAAB34/lzNVBzx67do/s1600/Dwayne-Johnson-Brutus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlz0ZhgNRRA/T6LO9P1-EyI/AAAAAAAAB34/lzNVBzx67do/s320/Dwayne-Johnson-Brutus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enobaria: Thandie Newton or Milla Jovovich<br />
They both have that same look in their eyes that essentially says "I can kill you with my mind," so either way works. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuGYKICi5M0/T6LO-KeDXII/AAAAAAAAB4Q/FKjP786oxzE/s1600/Milla+Jovovich+Enobaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QuGYKICi5M0/T6LO-KeDXII/AAAAAAAAB4Q/FKjP786oxzE/s320/Milla+Jovovich+Enobaria.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4aqhHm37TM/T6LO_MsoOYI/AAAAAAAAB4o/_MBDr8CsS9Y/s1600/Thandie+Newton_Enobaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4aqhHm37TM/T6LO_MsoOYI/AAAAAAAAB4o/_MBDr8CsS9Y/s320/Thandie+Newton_Enobaria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cashmere and Gloss (District 1 brother and sister): Kristen Bell and Patrick Wilson<br />
I hear Kristen Bell is lobbying to play Johanna, but I always imagined Johanna with much darker skin, so Kristen can play Cashmere instead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0pNiv8Zg0Y/T6LO-yNlOSI/AAAAAAAAB4g/GZjpEJQxycA/s1600/Patrick_Wilson-Gloss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0pNiv8Zg0Y/T6LO-yNlOSI/AAAAAAAAB4g/GZjpEJQxycA/s320/Patrick_Wilson-Gloss.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frQx6Wg0gEk/T6LO_kvoYcI/AAAAAAAAB44/cNLZgvZLaj4/s1600/kristen-bell-cashmere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frQx6Wg0gEk/T6LO_kvoYcI/AAAAAAAAB44/cNLZgvZLaj4/s320/kristen-bell-cashmere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chaff: Some guy named Patterson Joseph that I found online. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously though, this is exactly how I imagined him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-2EOwPBnuk/T6LUyUFpCLI/AAAAAAAAB5k/LWN2kjpSESE/s1600/patersonbbc2+Chaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-2EOwPBnuk/T6LUyUFpCLI/AAAAAAAAB5k/LWN2kjpSESE/s320/patersonbbc2+Chaff.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And Seeder: Gina Torres </div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPtQJSX6ACY/T6LVLcTknkI/AAAAAAAAB5s/bH14ETvZF6Q/s1600/Gina_Torres+Seeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPtQJSX6ACY/T6LVLcTknkI/AAAAAAAAB5s/bH14ETvZF6Q/s320/Gina_Torres+Seeder.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plutarch Heavensbee: Chiwetel Ejiofor </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I imagined him a little older that this, though, so maybe Chiwetel Ejiofor's uncle?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-px4RYjog3As/T6LSn7xOCbI/AAAAAAAAB5U/2-X-NW8JEzg/s1600/Chiwetel-Ejiofor+Plutarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-px4RYjog3As/T6LSn7xOCbI/AAAAAAAAB5U/2-X-NW8JEzg/s320/Chiwetel-Ejiofor+Plutarch.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lastly, Thead (District 12 Peacekeeper): Damian Lewis</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8HfhwePP3U/T6LYBp0dl1I/AAAAAAAAB54/rYjwZUpS1HU/s1600/damian_lewis_peacekeeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8HfhwePP3U/T6LYBp0dl1I/AAAAAAAAB54/rYjwZUpS1HU/s320/damian_lewis_peacekeeper.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well? Am I right or am I right? </div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-41661560393853012042012-04-17T09:51:00.002-04:002012-06-29T15:51:26.796-04:00Book Covers: the YA EditionSo, we've talked about <a href="http://mikeandmelissawilde.blogspot.com/2011/09/judging-books-by-their-covers.html">book covers</a>, and we've talked about the <a href="http://mikeandmelissawilde.blogspot.com/2011/07/in-which-i-depart-from-recent.html">false standards of beauty propagated by the media</a>. I've noticed that these two topics overlap in the oddest of places: on YA book covers.<br />
According to the all-knowing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young-adult_fiction">internets</a>, YA books are targeted to teenagers from 12-18 years old, but publishers sometimes market their books to kids as young as 10 and as old as 25. (And people older/younger than that are certainly reading these books too.) That's cool. I'm all in favor of promoting reading. What I don't like is the cover art.<br />
<br />
We've blasted magazines, television, and product advertisements for photoshopping their subjects out of reality. (They're not really listening to us, but at least we're raising awareness.) But, as far as I know, no one is talking about the negative and misleading messages sent by YA book covers. To me, this is even more problematic than a digitally enhanced lipstick advertisement. Here's why: <br />
<br />
1) When we read books, we become friends with the characters. We know them. They become people, like you and me, not some distant celebrity doing a commercial. But, according to these book covers, all these people we're reading about look exactly the same: skinny, attractive, and constantly wearing ballgowns. If our friends constantly looks like this, there's probably something wrong with us if we're not. This only heightens the idea that something is wrong with us if our feet are larger than size 6.<br />
<br />
2) We've moved away from putting illustrations on the cover of YA books to putting photoshopped photographs on these covers. The purpose of these book covers is the same as the digitally altered lipstick advertisement: to convince you to purchase the product. There's nothing wrong with wanting your advertisement/book cover to be appealing. But I think publishers have an ethical responsibility to look into the messages they are sending with their selected advertisement/book cover. And if their advertisements/book covers are sending false and damaging messages, they should be called out on it. <br />
<br />
3) These books are <i>specifically targeted</i> to young people! Hello?! How about a little market management?!? Why don't you just put lipo ads in your books. Does anyone else have a problem with this?<br />
Ahem. Anyway. Looking over YA novels, I've seen that they tend to fall in one of the following categories:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ballgown Obsession</span></b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUbqyMa1yG4/T4wzYqrz7VI/AAAAAAAABn0/PZT3_-xpdrI/s1600/bad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUbqyMa1yG4/T4wzYqrz7VI/AAAAAAAABn0/PZT3_-xpdrI/s200/bad2.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ5ktu3DhJw/T4wzkCcGS4I/AAAAAAAABo8/VXIh9TmC18U/s1600/bad11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ5ktu3DhJw/T4wzkCcGS4I/AAAAAAAABo8/VXIh9TmC18U/s200/bad11.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXMXFlzzyho/T4w0Camx6iI/AAAAAAAABrs/nSET2v0lljs/s1600/bad33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXMXFlzzyho/T4w0Camx6iI/AAAAAAAABrs/nSET2v0lljs/s200/bad33.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr9ciMjWs8o/T4wzfD0YrZI/AAAAAAAABoU/dHdm37vfBck/s1600/bad6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr9ciMjWs8o/T4wzfD0YrZI/AAAAAAAABoU/dHdm37vfBck/s200/bad6.bmp" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_P3qaemNp-o/T4xVoe5v14I/AAAAAAAABy4/L4zTVDAHAFA/s1600/bg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_P3qaemNp-o/T4xVoe5v14I/AAAAAAAABy4/L4zTVDAHAFA/s200/bg2.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9svkSMMO0Tg/T4xVnyih_uI/AAAAAAAAByw/mjQalgC_zOY/s1600/bg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9svkSMMO0Tg/T4xVnyih_uI/AAAAAAAAByw/mjQalgC_zOY/s200/bg.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1TvQ_hUmTM/T4xWO7HqaoI/AAAAAAAABzI/xEVqJBFJhUM/s1600/bg4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1TvQ_hUmTM/T4xWO7HqaoI/AAAAAAAABzI/xEVqJBFJhUM/s200/bg4.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LgBicTJWYk/T4xZSK6IlJI/AAAAAAAABzg/M9VzkCrAjkk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LgBicTJWYk/T4xZSK6IlJI/AAAAAAAABzg/M9VzkCrAjkk/s200/1.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Ballgowns, in and of themselves, are not evil. In fact, they can be fun. A lot of these novels are great because of the escapism element, and I think ballgowns are a signifier of the kind of escapism to be found in the text. I don't want to banish ballgowns from book covers. Far from it. But I think cover artists should consider the fact that real girls don't actually wear them that much. And when they do, they probably won't all look like the above women. Still, this is probably the category that I have the least issue with. </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ophelia Complex</span></b> (helpless drowning victims, usually wearing white dresses in water) (This one is really popular):</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5fmTuSd0N0/T4wziGTc5gI/AAAAAAAABok/IJl5oyVRvP0/s1600/bad8.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5fmTuSd0N0/T4wziGTc5gI/AAAAAAAABok/IJl5oyVRvP0/s200/bad8.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOH_PjaHENc/T4wzgXANA8I/AAAAAAAABoc/gYgbmyULMHM/s1600/bad7.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOH_PjaHENc/T4wzgXANA8I/AAAAAAAABoc/gYgbmyULMHM/s200/bad7.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ipBC2pPG_0/T4wzaQ4N73I/AAAAAAAABn8/J5MD2uCk2f0/s1600/bad3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ipBC2pPG_0/T4wzaQ4N73I/AAAAAAAABn8/J5MD2uCk2f0/s200/bad3.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJdCCjVvNE/T4wziqHmRaI/AAAAAAAABos/SBfQ9nOrWj8/s1600/bad9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJdCCjVvNE/T4wziqHmRaI/AAAAAAAABos/SBfQ9nOrWj8/s200/bad9.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74cPrf8kpUs/T4wz32dIjdI/AAAAAAAABq8/NBaNxZMGMC0/s1600/bad27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74cPrf8kpUs/T4wz32dIjdI/AAAAAAAABq8/NBaNxZMGMC0/s200/bad27.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF2dSr_Wz0o/T4wzyLycgBI/AAAAAAAABqU/hZCcZyiKmXE/s1600/bad22.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF2dSr_Wz0o/T4wzyLycgBI/AAAAAAAABqU/hZCcZyiKmXE/s200/bad22.bmp" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHQTI1DtsQ/T4wzo1BryjI/AAAAAAAABpU/qyiDzfrZCVg/s1600/bad14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHQTI1DtsQ/T4wzo1BryjI/AAAAAAAABpU/qyiDzfrZCVg/s200/bad14.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2WUH5JQsHA/T4wzrWh83gI/AAAAAAAABpk/o-VxbM1lYtE/s1600/bad16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2WUH5JQsHA/T4wzrWh83gI/AAAAAAAABpk/o-VxbM1lYtE/s200/bad16.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tq0vhGLVYWI/T4wzoPgjrVI/AAAAAAAABpM/hiU1CPhvrgU/s1600/bad13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tq0vhGLVYWI/T4wzoPgjrVI/AAAAAAAABpM/hiU1CPhvrgU/s200/bad13.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YB7KEczAXQY/T4wz1vWJkZI/AAAAAAAABqs/JO1o-PT4RpU/s1600/bad25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YB7KEczAXQY/T4wz1vWJkZI/AAAAAAAABqs/JO1o-PT4RpU/s200/bad25.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udtPuwjuu-0/T4wz6YX_6nI/AAAAAAAABrM/moF74DTpX1c/s1600/bad29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udtPuwjuu-0/T4wz6YX_6nI/AAAAAAAABrM/moF74DTpX1c/s200/bad29.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7vtE6bJJZw/T4w0IZo8XLI/AAAAAAAABr8/bQ6KTr1zj3A/s1600/bad35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7vtE6bJJZw/T4w0IZo8XLI/AAAAAAAABr8/bQ6KTr1zj3A/s200/bad35.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Obviously the YA market has an odd obsession with precipitation. What they're probably trying to show is that some problems are so difficult they make you feel like you're underwater. There's a particular kind of hypnotizing tension to these covers that give a sense of urgency, and therefore make you want to read the novel to find out if she swims or drowns. The problem, though, is that these covers also objectify the girls' bodies, by virtue of their wet, clingy (and usually white) dresses. The only one that works for me in this batch is "Wish," because she's wearing a swim suit. </div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Laying Down Pose</span></b> (In either the vulnerable, helpless way, or the sultry, come hither way):</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KUWYFB9n-w/T4xXq_3ppiI/AAAAAAAABzQ/O7VMUeJfS1I/s1600/aa1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KUWYFB9n-w/T4xXq_3ppiI/AAAAAAAABzQ/O7VMUeJfS1I/s1600/aa1.bmp" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gFY77DWyw-g/T4xVh3ZpoWI/AAAAAAAAByY/B7H-jKa8Htc/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gFY77DWyw-g/T4xVh3ZpoWI/AAAAAAAAByY/B7H-jKa8Htc/s200/a1.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Dyce8Y2yY/T4w0jz3UIiI/AAAAAAAABtk/MYVqZvWNdyU/s1600/untitled2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3Dyce8Y2yY/T4w0jz3UIiI/AAAAAAAABtk/MYVqZvWNdyU/s200/untitled2.bmp" width="125" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkjv2FOz1Qw/T4x18eTg6EI/AAAAAAAABz4/zw5_GeBe1tk/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkjv2FOz1Qw/T4x18eTg6EI/AAAAAAAABz4/zw5_GeBe1tk/s200/4.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwI--2vN6Rg/T4xXr6OLvpI/AAAAAAAABzY/69h6E1A0tDM/s1600/aa3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwI--2vN6Rg/T4xXr6OLvpI/AAAAAAAABzY/69h6E1A0tDM/s1600/aa3.bmp" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkkX8sHW0bg/T4x19a5j1nI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Qt8AGiKhGss/s1600/11.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkkX8sHW0bg/T4x19a5j1nI/AAAAAAAAB0A/Qt8AGiKhGss/s1600/11.bmp" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD7ZvthhNGg/T4xVnOTf4pI/AAAAAAAAByo/2en6kAW_mwU/s1600/a3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD7ZvthhNGg/T4xVnOTf4pI/AAAAAAAAByo/2en6kAW_mwU/s200/a3.bmp" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Once again, novels need tension in order to work. Showing those poor young girls laying helplessly on the ground (top row) certainly conveys this emotion. The problem is that these covers also suggest that girls are helpless creatures who just lie down when problems strike, and who need to be rescued, preferably by strange men wearing top hats, as in "The Name of the Star." Their loose clothing also hints at their weakness, their powerlessness. I'd rather see girls who are in control of their life, not subject to the whims of their circumstance. (Agents that act, instead of being acted upon, if you will.) The bottom row is, to me, even more problematic. The look on those girls' faces is very sexual, and not in an empowered way. They appear to be very need-driven. The laying down pose still shows weakness, but in these images that weakness is romanticized and glamorized. These girls solve their problems via their sexuality. Sexuality is a powerful thing, but women are equipped with so much more, and should be aware of other things in their arsenal of awesomeness to pursue their goals. Women don't need to sexually manipulate the world around them to get what they want. What they need is faith, tenacity, creativity, determination, and a willingness to work hard. We should not be sending these other harmful messages to young girls. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Harlequin Romance Angle:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clQ8zBjgCxE/T4w0RCarORI/AAAAAAAABsc/P-zuSw4JdBk/s1600/hr4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clQ8zBjgCxE/T4w0RCarORI/AAAAAAAABsc/P-zuSw4JdBk/s200/hr4.bmp" width="133" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZixgK_2XCyg/T4w0KYUVnZI/AAAAAAAABsE/DzsGUYPM8q8/s1600/hr.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZixgK_2XCyg/T4w0KYUVnZI/AAAAAAAABsE/DzsGUYPM8q8/s200/hr.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iEFQhSVIHM/T4wzjEi6GdI/AAAAAAAABo0/QLo0N3vgQVE/s1600/bad10.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iEFQhSVIHM/T4wzjEi6GdI/AAAAAAAABo0/QLo0N3vgQVE/s200/bad10.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fefhp4Sis7k/T4w0OzSGurI/AAAAAAAABsU/FkBy1xy3IVg/s1600/hr3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fefhp4Sis7k/T4w0OzSGurI/AAAAAAAABsU/FkBy1xy3IVg/s200/hr3.bmp" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
I seriously considered making a "YA or Harlequin?" poll, showing two different images from each genre and making people guess which was which. But then I got annoyed and moved on. </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Faceless Shot</b></span> (face is hidden, turned away, or cut out of the image completely in order to place emphasis on the uniformly white, slender body):</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XSzFh2RySY/T4wzw_ZyfYI/AAAAAAAABqE/Pdl5K3m6Gqk/s1600/bad20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XSzFh2RySY/T4wzw_ZyfYI/AAAAAAAABqE/Pdl5K3m6Gqk/s200/bad20.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hu6xfOhgznM/T4wzswVXnYI/AAAAAAAABps/5preAugEtqU/s1600/bad17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hu6xfOhgznM/T4wzswVXnYI/AAAAAAAABps/5preAugEtqU/s200/bad17.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TorgbmxGlyM/T4wzvBA214I/AAAAAAAABp8/yDAr16g4YUM/s1600/bad19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TorgbmxGlyM/T4wzvBA214I/AAAAAAAABp8/yDAr16g4YUM/s200/bad19.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7w9JJQFJGk/T4wzuE4G4RI/AAAAAAAABp0/U4aGbjEH-q0/s1600/bad18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7w9JJQFJGk/T4wzuE4G4RI/AAAAAAAABp0/U4aGbjEH-q0/s200/bad18.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVhYC3XGiLk/T4wzc42Iv0I/AAAAAAAABoM/frcur91QXdA/s1600/bad5.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VVhYC3XGiLk/T4wzc42Iv0I/AAAAAAAABoM/frcur91QXdA/s200/bad5.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb2CB86Ff40/T4wz8JyBXSI/AAAAAAAABrU/F-h2EJbdtUo/s1600/bad30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb2CB86Ff40/T4wz8JyBXSI/AAAAAAAABrU/F-h2EJbdtUo/s200/bad30.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3Y4OXLtkQ/T4wzpzaT5AI/AAAAAAAABpc/GwDvwevALJQ/s1600/bad15.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3Y4OXLtkQ/T4wzpzaT5AI/AAAAAAAABpc/GwDvwevALJQ/s200/bad15.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF9RytDJaPM/T4wzbGMdfII/AAAAAAAABoE/erK-sRqS-h4/s1600/bad4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF9RytDJaPM/T4wzbGMdfII/AAAAAAAABoE/erK-sRqS-h4/s200/bad4.bmp" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
This is not unique to women either:</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mjs9_Db3C4/T4w0BBnTi2I/AAAAAAAABrk/iGc3vUoFA4g/s1600/bad32.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mjs9_Db3C4/T4w0BBnTi2I/AAAAAAAABrk/iGc3vUoFA4g/s200/bad32.bmp" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Of course, you could always just go naked (yes, these are the covers to a YA trilogy, not a poster meant for you to hide in your closet):</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz2NMHUC-r4/T4wzxJJ4yAI/AAAAAAAABqM/P-1IbSl6lbc/s1600/bad21.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oz2NMHUC-r4/T4wzxJJ4yAI/AAAAAAAABqM/P-1IbSl6lbc/s320/bad21.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The See-through Dress Cover</span></b> (emphasis on skinny, white legs): </div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1NkDoq7FVPI/T4wzzWJ_dAI/AAAAAAAABqc/e6dnf65LTuA/s1600/bad23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1NkDoq7FVPI/T4wzzWJ_dAI/AAAAAAAABqc/e6dnf65LTuA/s200/bad23.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx-O_Y-gEbg/T4wz0xj8wiI/AAAAAAAABqk/OXwodKmRxrM/s1600/bad24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx-O_Y-gEbg/T4wz0xj8wiI/AAAAAAAABqk/OXwodKmRxrM/s200/bad24.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj6au4KRjc8/T4xbfAKZ4ZI/AAAAAAAABzo/W0bStyYQn18/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj6au4KRjc8/T4xbfAKZ4ZI/AAAAAAAABzo/W0bStyYQn18/s200/3.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Edr6yWeiGE4/T4wzXterrUI/AAAAAAAABns/0qFkpSA1LSk/s1600/bad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Edr6yWeiGE4/T4wzXterrUI/AAAAAAAABns/0qFkpSA1LSk/s200/bad1.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbhWv7dqXWk/T4w0DgoTq6I/AAAAAAAABr0/QI6Wu6lDnQo/s1600/bad34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbhWv7dqXWk/T4w0DgoTq6I/AAAAAAAABr0/QI6Wu6lDnQo/s200/bad34.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0OAhg9RzTg/T4wz5RVuzGI/AAAAAAAABrE/izJ-DAcRKeI/s1600/bad28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0OAhg9RzTg/T4wz5RVuzGI/AAAAAAAABrE/izJ-DAcRKeI/s200/bad28.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Close-Up-Of-One-Body-Part Shot</span></b> (These are focused on lips, but there are others):</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXC3rAbyJzA/T4wz2jLoY5I/AAAAAAAABq0/pgmDqbXtkr0/s1600/bad26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXC3rAbyJzA/T4wz2jLoY5I/AAAAAAAABq0/pgmDqbXtkr0/s200/bad26.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD-HJAzeZgc/T4w0WM_CifI/AAAAAAAABs0/yVccZgSjO1I/s1600/lips1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD-HJAzeZgc/T4w0WM_CifI/AAAAAAAABs0/yVccZgSjO1I/s200/lips1.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-GObOawRQI/T4w0XJ19cOI/AAAAAAAABs8/ywK54hQeJZE/s1600/lips2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-GObOawRQI/T4w0XJ19cOI/AAAAAAAABs8/ywK54hQeJZE/s200/lips2.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU0VqKjGqG0/T4w0X4Iy3fI/AAAAAAAABtE/Ok9paRMud94/s1600/lips3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU0VqKjGqG0/T4w0X4Iy3fI/AAAAAAAABtE/Ok9paRMud94/s200/lips3.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_wBhhOTKoI/T4w0YVZvBcI/AAAAAAAABtM/wuPBhS_Kwhk/s1600/lips4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_wBhhOTKoI/T4w0YVZvBcI/AAAAAAAABtM/wuPBhS_Kwhk/s200/lips4.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipAuu8d24XQ/T4w0Y_w0JdI/AAAAAAAABtU/x1HMricdYRE/s1600/lips5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipAuu8d24XQ/T4w0Y_w0JdI/AAAAAAAABtU/x1HMricdYRE/s200/lips5.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
The "Faceless Shot" and the "See-through Dress" and the "Close-Up-Of-One-Body-Part" covers all send one basic message: <i>Judge Bodies</i>. The purpose of book covers is for you to judge them as appealing enough to purchase. But you have nothing to gauge your judgement on besides a human body. Therefore, you judge the body. Both the male and the female bodies portrayed are very idealized, and several of those covers leave little to the imagination. While I like that they let you imagine what the protagonists' face looks like on your own, I dislike the resulting emphasis on appearance, the normalized p0rnography, the rampant photoshopping, and the encouragement to judge other people's bodies.<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br />
Another really, really big problem with these covers is that all the models are white. I searched and searched for a non-white person on the cover. My searching yielded two results. <i>Two</i>. I think the girl on the first cover might be Hispanic, but she's still pretty fair. And I'm pretty sure the second book is supposed to take place in a fictional Arab country, which would make the people on the cover Arab, no? Her clothing supports that idea. But then again, the guy is blond. I even looked up the cover art on a few YA books I read that have non-white protagonists, but the cover art either showed a white-washed character, or showed no person at all. I just can't believe there isn't more diversity here.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O31ZNBBPIdQ/T4w1TsSM4pI/AAAAAAAABxU/4wihoGS_xn8/s1600/maybe+hispanic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O31ZNBBPIdQ/T4w1TsSM4pI/AAAAAAAABxU/4wihoGS_xn8/s200/maybe+hispanic.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-vQLuMOKu0/T4w1SqF5yCI/AAAAAAAABxM/vWE0hyGc56k/s1600/maybe+arabic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-vQLuMOKu0/T4w1SqF5yCI/AAAAAAAABxM/vWE0hyGc56k/s200/maybe+arabic.bmp" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br />
All these digitally altered and idealized images remind me of the Tina Fey quote:<br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">
"Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes. The rest of us are struggling.” (From <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bossypants-Tina-Fey/dp/0316056863">Bossypants</a></i>.) </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br />
Tina's right. We are giving young girls impossible expectations of their bodies through these images. We should not be angry with our bodies because they are <i>human</i> bodies. We should not judge each others' bodies for not reaching some impossible ideal. We deserve better than that, and we are better than that. </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
</div>
You might have thought we were only propagating this kind of twisted thinking in magazines and on TV. But it's everywhere. This was rated the #1 YA book cover <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11070.Best_YA_Book_Covers?format=html&page=1">according to Goodreads</a>. That's right: a wet, naked, skinny, faceless girl on the cover of a book we market to children: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6rmS_hJqs/T4wz9r9a0yI/AAAAAAAABrc/rb8Te09miRU/s1600/bad31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi6rmS_hJqs/T4wz9r9a0yI/AAAAAAAABrc/rb8Te09miRU/s200/bad31.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
I just really don't like these covers and the messages they send directly to children and teenagers. I think publishers should be more careful with the images they produce, and am calling them out for their negligence. There are better ways to sell books and promote literacy than this. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
I'll end on a good note. If you have to put a person on the cover, it <i>can</i> be done tastefully. (Despite my rantings, it is possible.) These are all solid covers:</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3C2rzOLL9k/T4w0m7OlQWI/AAAAAAAABt8/qMQoegBdj80/s1600/good3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3C2rzOLL9k/T4w0m7OlQWI/AAAAAAAABt8/qMQoegBdj80/s200/good3.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-086fpSQjES4/T4w0uKwku8I/AAAAAAAABuk/lgQMo_F3v9c/s1600/good8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-086fpSQjES4/T4w0uKwku8I/AAAAAAAABuk/lgQMo_F3v9c/s200/good8.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXG2bZXmOKM/T4w0sMwRiNI/AAAAAAAABuU/nqNw_ztAATs/s1600/good6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXG2bZXmOKM/T4w0sMwRiNI/AAAAAAAABuU/nqNw_ztAATs/s200/good6.bmp" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90qrjW8TFmE/T4w0kaZuSdI/AAAAAAAABts/Zkf067m9uHA/s1600/good1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90qrjW8TFmE/T4w0kaZuSdI/AAAAAAAABts/Zkf067m9uHA/s200/good1.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGzuqdCi8e0/T4w1EJ9j5ZI/AAAAAAAABvs/hYHihVXEehY/s1600/good17.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGzuqdCi8e0/T4w1EJ9j5ZI/AAAAAAAABvs/hYHihVXEehY/s200/good17.bmp" width="135" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3HVrqk0Jk4/T5FbTdqqt0I/AAAAAAAAB0U/QC6dSobnh-4/s1600/1+kelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3HVrqk0Jk4/T5FbTdqqt0I/AAAAAAAAB0U/QC6dSobnh-4/s200/1+kelli.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMqJRaXGDs/T4w0pEJQ6vI/AAAAAAAABuE/u-PPBdB_5UU/s1600/good4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMqJRaXGDs/T4w0pEJQ6vI/AAAAAAAABuE/u-PPBdB_5UU/s200/good4.bmp" width="128" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrtWjH9_A-I/T4w0wF15xsI/AAAAAAAABus/-2T5xJEMDJs/s1600/good9.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FrtWjH9_A-I/T4w0wF15xsI/AAAAAAAABus/-2T5xJEMDJs/s200/good9.bmp" width="136" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtE-Mn-Zjt4/T4w0szFk2BI/AAAAAAAABuc/KwiA8Us-gNM/s1600/good7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtE-Mn-Zjt4/T4w0szFk2BI/AAAAAAAABuc/KwiA8Us-gNM/s200/good7.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of my favorite book covers, however, have no people on the covers at all. These covers rock: </div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BouxTsPtaSY/T4w09DRCJrI/AAAAAAAABvE/ZQphZAP7tdo/s1600/good12.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BouxTsPtaSY/T4w09DRCJrI/AAAAAAAABvE/ZQphZAP7tdo/s200/good12.bmp" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXmrhbKSO50/T4w1An-9EMI/AAAAAAAABvU/q-0I8gb7Ui8/s1600/good14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXmrhbKSO50/T4w1An-9EMI/AAAAAAAABvU/q-0I8gb7Ui8/s200/good14.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjizelLsEKQ/T4w0_vAfFjI/AAAAAAAABvM/0pSTQPpYc9A/s1600/good13.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjizelLsEKQ/T4w0_vAfFjI/AAAAAAAABvM/0pSTQPpYc9A/s200/good13.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa8HQiKwtS4/T4w1ZiKISqI/AAAAAAAAByM/NrqoLb03c1w/s1600/noppl7.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa8HQiKwtS4/T4w1ZiKISqI/AAAAAAAAByM/NrqoLb03c1w/s200/noppl7.bmp" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW8qqZERHhk/T4w1B5Ka4pI/AAAAAAAABvc/o4BHp04xRto/s1600/good15.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW8qqZERHhk/T4w1B5Ka4pI/AAAAAAAABvc/o4BHp04xRto/s200/good15.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D35pR3FyVmI/T4w1Coxse-I/AAAAAAAABvk/JaUSmuk4CUg/s1600/good16.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D35pR3FyVmI/T4w1Coxse-I/AAAAAAAABvk/JaUSmuk4CUg/s200/good16.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2_up-JAuPI/T4w1FKVuLYI/AAAAAAAABv0/HWPXalUUXOk/s1600/good18.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2_up-JAuPI/T4w1FKVuLYI/AAAAAAAABv0/HWPXalUUXOk/s200/good18.bmp" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xrwac19b-8/T4w1GRVIgqI/AAAAAAAABv8/MgspYpK5BZg/s1600/good19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xrwac19b-8/T4w1GRVIgqI/AAAAAAAABv8/MgspYpK5BZg/s200/good19.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPDki7uLa1o/T4w1GuncIDI/AAAAAAAABwE/le_148limrk/s1600/good20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BPDki7uLa1o/T4w1GuncIDI/AAAAAAAABwE/le_148limrk/s200/good20.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMb4h0t9NB0/T4w1KtoSGrI/AAAAAAAABwU/WbrBFzWIdNI/s1600/good22.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMb4h0t9NB0/T4w1KtoSGrI/AAAAAAAABwU/WbrBFzWIdNI/s200/good22.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiRFq3soAGA/T4w1NTgmRpI/AAAAAAAABwc/x4VS4AIMfKE/s1600/good23.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiRFq3soAGA/T4w1NTgmRpI/AAAAAAAABwc/x4VS4AIMfKE/s200/good23.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbIVDoegh7A/T4w1JYeiU-I/AAAAAAAABwM/JqB5oCERXOA/s1600/good21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbIVDoegh7A/T4w1JYeiU-I/AAAAAAAABwM/JqB5oCERXOA/s200/good21.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ffxXXGiCc/T41zxb-16aI/AAAAAAAAB0M/eDG0KNXlx_M/s1600/good11.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ffxXXGiCc/T41zxb-16aI/AAAAAAAAB0M/eDG0KNXlx_M/s200/good11.bmp" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXxtBCd6Ew/T4w1Rs2QYcI/AAAAAAAABxE/8CG28SA2Cng/s1600/good28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXxtBCd6Ew/T4w1Rs2QYcI/AAAAAAAABxE/8CG28SA2Cng/s200/good28.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SovhQleEyhs/T4w1Vq2lDoI/AAAAAAAABxk/b9Wb3D-g4hc/s1600/noppl2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SovhQleEyhs/T4w1Vq2lDoI/AAAAAAAABxk/b9Wb3D-g4hc/s200/noppl2.bmp" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuszsHlB9Xo/T4w1WwYNk6I/AAAAAAAABx0/Oarj80ZOWeg/s1600/noppl4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuszsHlB9Xo/T4w1WwYNk6I/AAAAAAAABx0/Oarj80ZOWeg/s200/noppl4.bmp" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ_GaeObsNw/T4w1UBhYMeI/AAAAAAAABxc/mlMrGe762dE/s1600/noppl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ_GaeObsNw/T4w1UBhYMeI/AAAAAAAABxc/mlMrGe762dE/s200/noppl.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jie_NkVhXqA/T4w1Qp2ETuI/AAAAAAAABw8/_liycJM_VuA/s1600/good27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jie_NkVhXqA/T4w1Qp2ETuI/AAAAAAAABw8/_liycJM_VuA/s200/good27.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7W15M1kEJE/T4w1ZCo7U_I/AAAAAAAAByE/9hFvq6oWCcU/s1600/noppl6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7W15M1kEJE/T4w1ZCo7U_I/AAAAAAAAByE/9hFvq6oWCcU/s200/noppl6.bmp" width="132" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohuY-wKxBJc/T4w1OT43a8I/AAAAAAAABwk/YmIYGvDJeHs/s1600/good24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohuY-wKxBJc/T4w1OT43a8I/AAAAAAAABwk/YmIYGvDJeHs/s200/good24.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3OG22kxH3A/T4w1QP91QoI/AAAAAAAABw0/r7JKU_bb5RM/s1600/good26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3OG22kxH3A/T4w1QP91QoI/AAAAAAAABw0/r7JKU_bb5RM/s200/good26.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViewcUvsfWU/T4w1PU6vk_I/AAAAAAAABws/R6XnFk-0nqU/s1600/good25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViewcUvsfWU/T4w1PU6vk_I/AAAAAAAABws/R6XnFk-0nqU/s200/good25.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MO2J1e8RI/T4w1VyS5keI/AAAAAAAABxs/MJQZOCYfcwM/s1600/noppl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MO2J1e8RI/T4w1VyS5keI/AAAAAAAABxs/MJQZOCYfcwM/s200/noppl3.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Other people who have talked about book cover shennanigans:</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://elloecho.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-pretty-white-girl-ya-book-cover.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello Ello on Sad White Girls and YA Book Covers</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/04/hey-everyone-stop-taking-this-picture-no-i-mean-it"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tor.com on the dumb poses</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stackedbooks.org/2012/04/cover-trends-female-body.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stacked on Cover Trends and the Female Body</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trac-changes.blogspot.com/2011/10/cover-trends-in-ya-fiction-why.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trac Changes on Cover Trends and YA Fiction.</span></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And, my personal favorite, </span><a href="http://www.jimchines.com/2012/01/striking-a-pose/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jim C. Hines, Fantasy Author</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Seriously, how can you not love someone who mocks stupid book covers by doing this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4F9Dp9b-4k/T5aoSBpKvKI/AAAAAAAAB1k/6Bb8S59s2uc/s1600/Shape%2520of%2520Desire%2520-%2520Jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4F9Dp9b-4k/T5aoSBpKvKI/AAAAAAAAB1k/6Bb8S59s2uc/s400/Shape%2520of%2520Desire%2520-%2520Jim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my other favorite: </div>
<div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpspPQOf7Cc/T5aojW9hxHI/AAAAAAAAB1s/2AbnKOVQ1jE/s1600/Magic%2520to%2520the%2520Bone%2520-%2520Jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpspPQOf7Cc/T5aojW9hxHI/AAAAAAAAB1s/2AbnKOVQ1jE/s400/Magic%2520to%2520the%2520Bone%2520-%2520Jim.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
</div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-37370806172969091342012-03-30T10:03:00.000-04:002012-03-30T10:03:00.697-04:00A Pregnancy Story<em>I went back and forth and back and forth on whether to post this. Writing this has been extremely cathartic for me. But now, re-reading these words, I’m realizing that I come across as severely depressive. Let it be known, Mike and I haven’t locked ourselves in our apartment, nor are we playing emo music on repeat. We are okay. We are laughing and joking and have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about life and our future. Just yesterday we danced in the kitchen to Katy Perry’s</em> <em>California Gurlz<strong>.</strong> So we are back to our sarcastic and probably-too-irreverent selves. But sometimes life throws you curve balls, and it’s okay to talk about the bad along with the good.</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
It happened a couple weeks ago. We were still high off the discovery that we were expecting. We hadn’t told anyone yet. It was a tiny secret that would change our entire world. We were nervous, excited, and terrified. We were having a baby. <br />
<br />
Then the bleeding started. We hoped and prayed that it was just a false alarm, and were anxious that it wasn’t. But the bleeding wouldn’t stop. The next few days were horrible in ways I will not discuss here. I knew in my gut that we were losing the baby. By the following Monday I had no tears left and no hope left that the baby was still alive and safe inside of me. After a trip to the doctor’s office, it was confirmed.<br />
<br />
I had a miscarriage. I already knew it, but having it medically confirmed made the loss feel somehow truer. I was only about five weeks along, which makes this entire experience very surreal. But the sorrow, discouragement, and confusion are overwhelmingly real. <br />
<br />
I had a miscarriage. Just writing that is difficult. The few people I’ve told have all asked, “How are you feeling?” And, to be honest, I have no idea how to respond. How do you describe the emptiness? The helplessness? How can you convey the depth and complexity of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain? How can you possibly describe to someone how it feels to become a mother but have no child to prove it? To miss someone you’ve never met? To wonder whether your grief is even valid, since it happened so early in the pregnancy? And then, to go on with your life as if it never happened? <br />
<br />
I once read a book called A Void by Georges Perec, translated by Gilbert Adair – an interesting book for its plot and themes, but remarkable because it was written entirely without use of the letter “E.” Just imagine for a moment trying to write a book without the letter “E.” You could not use the words “he,” “she,” “the,” “were,” “be,” “then,” and “have,” just to name a few of the most commonly used words in the English Language. Neither could you use any words that end with “ed” or “es.” Now imagine writing this book entirely without use of the letter “E” <em>in French</em> – a language utterly obsessed with vowels – and the original language this book was written in. It’s absolutely astonishing. So, given its constraints, it is incredible how smoothly the novel reads. For several long stretches it’s easy to forget that the “E” is missing at all. But then, every once in a while, a certain word or an unexpected phrase will strike you, and you realize in a moment of brutal and devastating certainty that something is horribly wrong. <br />
<br />
That is how I feel. I go to work, I sit in class, I write my thesis, I watch <em>Community</em>, I laugh with friends, I sleep at night. For all intents and purposes my life has returned to normal. But every once in a while amid the normalcy it will hit me – my tiny child is gone. And I reel once again. <br />
<br />
Life will go on, has gone on, but it will not be the same. I don’t often share private aspects of my life on here, but I wanted to share this story because I want to remember the good along with the bad. I want to remember nervously joking with Mike in the bathroom while we waited for the results. I want to remember seeing that “pregnant” sign appear for the first time in my life. I want to remember the delight, the apprehension, the excitement, and the sheer panic of realizing we were about to become parents. I want to remember freaking out at the size of prenatal vitamins. (Seriously, those things are like cantaloupes.) I want to remember the fierce protectiveness I felt for this tiny embryo. I want to remember Mike’s arms around me as I sobbed while clutching an aching stomach. I want to remember our child that didn’t stay. <br />
<br />
It’s hard. I doubt this will ever leave me. But as heavy and as difficult as this is, we will be okay. Life will go on. We will be okay. Sometimes life just sucks.<br />
<br />
<br />
PS- Obviously, I relate to the world around me through words. This poem has been on my mind a lot over the past couple of weeks: <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Michiko Dead</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By Jack Gilbert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He manages like somebody carrying a box </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that is too heavy, first with his arms</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
underneath. When their strength gives out, <br />he moves the hands forward, hooking them </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the corners, pulling the weight against </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his chest. He moves his thumbs slightly </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the fingers begin to tire, and it makes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
different muscles take over. Afterward,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he carries it on his shoulder, until the blood </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
drains out of the arm that is stretched up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to steady the box and the arm goes numb. But now </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the man can hold underneath again, so that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he can go on without ever putting the box down.</div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-53297075978768335732012-03-15T16:00:00.002-04:002012-03-15T16:00:35.043-04:00Take THAT, March MadnessI like sports the way I like highlighters. They can be really fun and can make life a little more colorful, but too much gives me a headache. So, when it comes to brackets, this is the kind of thing I'd rather spend my time on:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn-nS8rj5NY/T2JJ5VMvU2I/AAAAAAAABds/CFKcqcGLWTg/s1600/HPB-VilliansBracket-64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn-nS8rj5NY/T2JJ5VMvU2I/AAAAAAAABds/CFKcqcGLWTg/s640/HPB-VilliansBracket-64.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hpb.com/villains/">source</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PS- Major Woo to the Hoo for becoming an aunt and uncle today for the 22nd time!!! Can't wait to meet you, little Peach.</div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583300471904771518.post-89566115058521011612012-02-24T10:06:00.000-05:002012-02-24T10:06:01.744-05:00Well If This Doesn't Deserve a Post I Don't Know What DoesMy entire morning just got about 8 billion times better.<br />
<br />
<br />
Friends, J.K. Rowling is writing a new book. <br />
<br />
Cue: squealing. <br />
<br />
Potter fans, we do have something to live for.<br />
<br />
That, or <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/02/23/us/AP-US-Books-Rowling.html?_r=1">The New York Times</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/new-jk-rowling-book_n_1296367.html">Huff Post</a>, <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/deals/article/50754-j-k-rowling-inks-deal-with-little-brown-for-adult-book.html">Publisher's Weekly</a>, <a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/j-k-rowling-to-publish-first-adult-novel_b47473">Media Bistro</a>, <a href="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2012/2/23/jk-rowlings-next-novel-for-adults-announced">The Leaky Cauldron</a>, <a href="http://www.theblairpartnership.com/">Rowling's agent</a>, and <a href="http://www.jkrowling.com/">the woman herself</a> are in cahoots on the biggest and most dangerous prank this world has ever seen. (Dangerous because, hello, if it turns out this was a joke then you will have millions of furious fans on your hands who are not afraid to hunt you down.)<br />
<br />
We don't know much about it yet. I can garner no more information out of these articles other than that the new novel is written for adult audiences, is "very different" from the Harry Potter series, and that more details (title, publication date, plot details, etc.) will be released later this year. If you hear something more, though, def pass it on. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From a recent press release:<br />
<br />
<em>"Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world. The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life."</em><br />
<br />
Excuse me while I go do cartwheels around my office.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTWceb5YwEk/T0enQzdZC9I/AAAAAAAABdY/wgsRi21nbMc/s1600/rowling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTWceb5YwEk/T0enQzdZC9I/AAAAAAAABdY/wgsRi21nbMc/s640/rowling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissa @ Bookmark Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05419362802492698740noreply@blogger.com5