She's TWO

On October 19th, we celebrated Molly Kate's 2nd Birthday. It is interesting to say that we now have a 6, 3 and a 2 y/o. I think despite heading full-steam into toddlerhood, she will always be "the baby." Here are a few of her favorite things...

1. Her pink blanky- the smell of it is forever etched in my sensory memory. No matter how many washings, it still smells yummy like Molly Kate

2. FOOD- she came into this world hungry and does. not. stop. Lack of food becomes a national emergency at our house

3. Hide and seek with her daddy and sisters

4. Being held my me. Yep, she's a momma's girl

5. Dancing- the girl has the best rhythm out of all of us!

6. Play-doh- what kid doesn't like play-doh??

7. Swinging

8. Her baby- how we have raised three momma hens, I do not know. But ALL THREE love their babies!

9. Barney and Yo Gabba Gabba

10. Last, but not least...when daddy comes home. She joins in the chorus of squeals when he gets home.

What I love about her is that she is in no rush to wiggle out of my arms. In fact, she would probably prefer to stay there most of the time. I love to kiss her dimpled cheeks and to see those beautiful brown eyes cut over to the side in delight. Not too often does a week go by without someone making mention of her happiness and good disposition. She is such a blessing and is emerging into a precious (gulp!) little girl, but as I said, she will always be our baby. In fact, I am typing this right after sending her off to Shreveport for a couple of days while we attend my sister's, Kristin's, wedding in Boston. There is already a void because she is gone. Molly, you hold such a special place in my heart and in our family. Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Good reports

Mom went to the MD Anderson today and met with her oncologist. Fortunately, the cancer is still the same type from 8 years ago and hasn't morphed into anything bigger and badder. This basically means that the drug she was on to block estrogen production quit working and the tumors grew. They are very, very tiny and hopefully will be responsive to a new medication that binds to the tumor itself to block the estrogen and this, in turn, will hopefully keep it from growing and may actually kill the existing cancers cells there. All indications are that this is a very slow-growing and not very aggressive form of disease.

Thank you for all your well wishes, support and prayers. Our family has felt every bit of it! Please continue to pray for her and MANY others like her who are fighting this horrible disease. God bless!

Pink

As you probably know, this is breast cancer awareness month. This time of year has always been personal as my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 1/2 years ago. It was caught early and we thought that was the end of it as long as she stayed on her medication. Well, we were wrong. She recently discovered the cancer had come back and metastasized to her bone and liver. She will now be followed and treated through MD Anderson in Houston, Texas by a fabulous doctor. Our family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers already said on behalf of our wonderful mom, Cynthia Maedgen. We just ask that you keep her as well as countless others battling this disease in your constant prayers. I will keep everyone informed as I get information. Thank you so much my sweet family and friends in Christ.

more....

First day of preschool for Addy and Molly Kate....sooo excited

Enjoying the new swing set and the last warm days of September...notice the sprinkler (just can't beat sprinkler fun!)

Not giving up!

Ok, so I've gotten really bad at this blogging thing, so instead of getting caught up with words I will leave you with a few pictures to mark the beginning of school and gymnastics:)

First day of 1st grade:










Addy practicing gymnastics...she's best at the monkey bars, of course!

Molly and Addy at meet the teacher



We are settled into our new school year and the kids are doing very well! More to come....