Landon update

A month overdue, I finally have a Landon update...
He's been walking for about three weeks now, and he's now onto a full run at times. He doesn't do real well with shoes, but he's learning.

His vocabulary now includes, "hi", "nana" for nigh night, "num num" for food, "bubba" for bubbye, "atta" for all done, you get the point. So basically you need one of us to translate ;) He's trying though and he often shows signs along with it. When he's asked what a bear says, he "roars" but it's the softest nicest "roar" you've ever heard. We're working on that though!

Here he's helping me with dishes... have to teach them early!

He and Moby have found a special love for each other. It's very cute to see the two of them interact and play. Landon is especially gentle with him (even though his personality is not-so, exemplified by abruptly throwing things off of his high chair tray when he doesn't want them or yelling when no one is listening to him). :)

Here are a few pictures of one of his girlfriends, Thalia. She came all the way from Ypsilanti to visit! Landon was just enamored by her! Thanks for making the trek Chris and Clayr!

Where does she come up with this?

"Madisyn, guess what?! Aunt Shell is going to come over today after your nap."

"And Mr. Golden Sun?"

"What?"

"And Mr. Golden Sun?"

Later she started singing, "Mr. Sun, sun, Mr. Golden Sun, please shine down on me!"

Family pictures!

We finally got Madisyn's three year, Landon's one year and family pictures (our first!) done last weekend. Besides feeling terribly crummy that day and Landon not wanting to cooperate (I think he was still suffering from his single, possibly double, ear infection), and Madisyn giving completely cheesy smiles the whole time, Tina got some great shots!

I was SO excited that they turned out despite the craziness at our house while she was here. Two of my coworkers had suggested her and I really love her style of photography. Here are a few shots from our photoshoot. If you want to see the rest, click on "client proofs" on her website and click on "Dykema".

This morning...

Madisyn is pretty aware that we're planning on getting a swing-set (although I try to tell her that "we'll see"). Here's our discussion this morning regarding the topic.

"Mommy, can we get a swing-set with a yellow slide like that one?" - i.e. ANY swing set, since they all come with yellow slides
"Well, we'll have to see, maybe we can talk to Daddy."
"YOU can talk to Daddy."
"I think I need your help, maybe both of us can talk to Daddy."
"Do you NEED my help or WANT my help?"
*chuckle under breath* "You're right baby, I WANT your help."

We've been trying to teach Madisyn the difference between "need" and "want" lately, I guess she is learning :)

Landon's room

We've had it finished for a while, but I finally got around to taking pictures! Feel free to give me ideas of how to fill the room. (above is the "before" picture)

This is my favorite bedding ever! Monkeys :)

BEST invention EVER

I may be excitable, but seriously we just bought the most amazing monitors EVER!!!!

First of all, those who don't know our house layout (this pertains, I promise), we have a story and a half with a main floor master and the kids bedrooms upstairs. Therefore, we are in definite need of monitors (especially because we can not leave the kids doors open - or at least Madisyn's - because there is the main front door at the bottom of the stairs, between our bedroom and theirs, and Madisyn knows how to un-deadbolt the door and get out... something we don't want to happen without us knowing, so she has one of those cheap plastic childproof doorknob covers on her door so that she can not get out).

Here it is... It is absolutely PERFECT for anyone with two kids, especially ones with bedrooms not near the master... I present you with the Graco iMonitor Duo.

Pros:
* Monitor two rooms with one parent unit, alternating between the rooms
* You can adjust the volume of each room separately (i.e. Landon's room louder since Madisyn usually yells when she needs something)
* You can adjust the length of time each room is monitored separately (i.e. Landon's room at two minutes and Madisyn's room at 30 seconds)
* There are two sets of "sound lights" for you to see which room is being monitored and the amount of noise that is coming from that room (even if you have the volume turned off)
* They're digital - NO interference
* They have a range of 2000 ft
* They give you a small beep warning if you're starting to get too far (but they still work crystal clear!)
* They give you a constant beep when you've gotten out of range
* The parent units have rechargeable batteries and sit on the docking station for AC use
* The child unit can also be battery operated (I don't think this is common)
* They are extremely small, light, and don't have an awkward antenna if you're carrying or wearing (via belt-clip) around
* They are "paired" at the factory, so we can't have interference with neighbors monitors

Cons:
* They're expensive (but worth it... see above)

Easter pictures

After the crazy birthday party on Saturday, we tried to have a low-key Easter. The day consisted of early church, an entire day of relaxing, and an Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Papa Dykema's. Here's a few pictures of Madisyn, Landon and Joshua on their Easter egg hunt.