raspberries have lots of
FLAVOUR!

I picked a few raspberries from the backyard, mashed them up and VOILA - instant baby food. They seem to pack at bit more punch than the rice cereal (aka "gruel" as Jason calls it) that she had been eating up until this point. Her expression is absolutely priceless. It should be noted here that Maddie makes the same face when she gets a sip of water. Stay tuned for further dining adventures! Today we started Barley cereal and in a few days we'll move onto oatmeal. Oh, the excitement never ends at the Markosky's!

mmmm, love those raspberries

We're on SOLID ground now!

Maddie started cereal on Sunday, her SIX month birthday! So far it's all going good and she's giving us lots of funny faces with the new tastes. Our favorite face so far is when she gets a drink of water...trust me, it's hilarious!

At the water park with Rogue and Knox.

My Mom's trip to England

My mom(Maddie's Grandma B, since I confused so many people last time) made her third trip to the UK this spring. I couldn't go as her Sherpa and compass this year, so instead she took Fat Ella for company. Ella's a bit of a camera hog - in 700 shots there isn't one of my mom, but several of Ella and about 500 roses. Yes, my mother is OCD about two things: roses and serviettes.

Ella having some Retail Therapy at Harrod's (fabulous, huge department store) after seeing the sights. That Ella is such a rebel, standing on the display right in front of the "no standing on the display" sign. I'm not going to reinforce her wild behavior by putting in all the pictures of Ella smoking right under the "no smoking" signs.

Here is Forge Villa - this is the house where my great great grandmother lived before coming to Canada. I think Ella stayed home this day.

Most houses have names in England and the name stays with the house even when the ownership changes. My great great great grandfather was a blacksmith and hence the name. (Mom, correct me if I'm wrong here).

This is Michael Aspel from Antiques Roadshow. They were in the same town as Mom, so of course she couldn't resist the opportunity of a lifetime. She was even able to have a piece of furniture appraised (via photos before you ask).

Ella, stopping to smell the roses.

Ahhh, the price of carpet.
This is our upstairs dining/living room area. You can imagine how calm and centered it makes me feel. But, all I have to do is skip downstairs to carpeted bliss...

The Swimsuit!

Our next door neighbor, Marilyn, invited Madeleine and me over for a dip in their pool. Maddie thought it was great and didn't mind the cool water at all. Who wouldn't love a swim in a suit like that!

I was just telling someone the other day that Maddie doesn't move around in her crib. The next morning we woke up to find this. She had moved 90 degrees from where we left her (her head was originally way down were her feet are now)

Madeleine and Kole

"oh Kole, you say the funniest things" (insert girl giggle)
"yeah" (insert deep, man voice- acting cool)

"And now, ladies and gentlemen: I will attempt to balance this fuzzy baby on one hand. Do not try this at home."

Yesterday Maddie said /b/ and /m/ for the first time ever! She also nearly ruptured Kole's eardrums with her piercing screeching. Luckily, Kole didn't seem to mind.


(Who is this kid? I work with Erika and Erika is Kole's Mom. Erika and I are both on mat leave and at least once a week she helps to save me from the insanity, oh I mean bliss, of motherhood.)

Time for the
high chair!

Time to play in the high chair, but not quite time for solids...

Watch out, Marty...there's a new guy in town.
Harold the Bear

Harold sits on the change table and Maddie likes to tell him all about her day. Sometimes she places particular emphasis on a story by biting his foot or tossing him from the table. It's tough love, but he always comes back for more.

This post is so that Grandma M will
stop giving me a hard time!!

Madeleine must be a little bit Beagle...
she loves to rub her favorite blankie on her face as she's falling asleep. Now before you rush off to call Child and Family Services, we do our best to make sure the blanket is down (see below for proof).

Sweet dreams, Snuggle Bum.

Madeleine's first...
CANADA DAY!