The "E" Word

POOR BABY!

This is on our way home from our visit with Dr. Nguyen.

I know Madden looks sad, but this is just his serious face; which happens to be his favorite and most popular expression.

Today didn't exactly go as planned. We were supposed to go hang out with Aaron, Amy, Kaitlyn, and Camden. Then, Dr. Mann's nurse called and said she took the pleasure of making Madden an appointment. So, Madden had his first dermatology consultation today. Over the past couple of months, Madden's skin has been flaring up and getting progressively drier. His pediatrician kept chalking it up to extra sensitive skin, but unfortunately it turned out to be a little more than that. The dermatologist diagnosed him today with eczema. He gave us several different remedies for managing it and a few prescriptions. We are hoping that his beautiful, soft, glowing baby skin will return soon. I'm really going to miss giving Madden his nightly bath. He loves bath time, but that's something that we are going to have to cut back on for the sake of his skin. The dermatologist was incredibly nice and we will go back for a follow-up in 3 weeks.

Madden Relaxing in his Bath...Pre-Eczema

We decided to go eat while we were waiting for Madden's prescriptions to be filled. This was his second time going to a restaurant and he did fairly well. We don't venture out much, but we are looking forward to getting out this weekend to visit the Sossamon fam . We are really going to enjoy spending quality time with my brother and his family.

Some thoughts from Madden

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Love,

Madden

My mommy has been waiting to try this cute toboggan on me. I got it from the nurses at Cooks. I've finally grown into it. Wow! I sure look like my daddy's baby pics in this picture.

I'm ready for Grammy's retirement party! This was just seconds before my big meltdown. I do not like being strapped into my carseat. Once we start driving, I'm good to go. I was really good at the party. Everyone kept telling me how big I was. This one guy even thought I was 7 months old. I did have on my big boy clothes and I was looking very sophisticated. Yes, I know....I'm a little chubby, but my mommy and daddy say there's more of me to love!

Happy 4 months to me! I just got weighed and I was waiting to get my icky shots. I weighed in at 16.9 pounds. My Dr. said I am ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! He is so proud of me for putting on healthy weight. I've come along ways since my feeding tube days. I don't mess around anymore when it comes to food! Just count my rolls if you don't believe me:)

Excuse me, I'm trying to relax in my crib. Enough with that bright flash! My Daddy put the Christmas lights up in the cold rain. He's the best!

This is the only reason my mommy sleeps soundly at night. She stares at me every chance she gets. She's just a worry wort, but I love her.

The Secrets Out!

It's Official!

Yes, you read right! Grammy is retiring to watch Madden! My mom gave me this message in a frame on my Birthday; which means that I've been keeping this secret since July! Mike and I are so lucky that our little sweat pea will be in such good hands. Madden has been lovingly watched by daddy, Grammy, Mimi, Nana, and Aunt Jayme since I've returned to work. Mike and I really appreciate our family for rearranging work schedules and taking turns caring for Madden. We love you guys! Starting in January....Madden will be 100% Grammy's while Mike and I are teaching. YAY for retirement!!!!!!!!

Madden loves putting anything and everything in his mouth right now. Who needs toys? He's happily entertained with just his burp cloth. He is also in love with anything that is shiny, lights-up, or makes noise.

On another note....Madden is sleeping anywhere from 10-12 hours a night. He's also transitioned into his big boy bed. He sleeps so soundly in his crib. Mike and I are so proud of him.

We go to doctor Mann for Madden's 4 month check-up pretty soon. I'm excited, because we are really close to starting solid foods. We have come such a long way from the "Cooks Days". His eating issues are definitely a distant memory for us now.

This sweet chunk of love would never dream of skipping a meal now:)

He's Mr. Serious in this picture. He smiles and giggles out loud when he's in the mood. I just love his little personality. He's so fun to watch. I sure wish I knew what he was thinking sometimes. Mike and I laugh so hard when he starts babbling for long periods at a time. It honestly sounds like he has something very important to tell us. We are pretty sure he's saying, "I love my mommy and daddy!"