Madeline - Month 7

Madeline's hair has taken on a life of its own. It's now long enough to style (or not!). Our helper, Janeth, is the top stylist at Salon De Mads but Daddy also has a hand in it. Can you guess which 'dos are Ryan's?

We often get asked about Madeline's ethnic background. Earlier this week an older Chinese lady on the MTR said, "Oh, your daughter looks like my granddaughter. She's also half and half." After taking a look at Mads, several people have asked me whether or not my husband was Chinese! For the record Ryan is not Chinese. And I don't think there was an IVF mix-up (more on that later). However, my great grandfather was Chinese - from Hong Kong no less, a fact I recently learned! - and emigrated to Panama way back when, which eventually led to Roxana the Fox, me, and now Ms. Mads. I really like how she's ethnically ambiguous, and sometimes I think she's just trying to blend in with the locals.

This is my favorite picture of Madeline, the one I often
show people, and coincidentally the one that many
people think most shows her Asian heritage.

Madeline started music class this month. It's led by a woman named Krisel, who sings like the Little Mermaid and is just as pretty. Some people have all the luck. Madeline's new fav thing is music class and she has taken to singing - in the form of a high pitched screech - back to the teacher, which led to her new nickname "Little Mariah." Krisel named her this so it's legit. We have no idea where this talent comes from (as if we needed more reason to doubt the competency of the IVF clinic), but Ryan and I are glad that 33% of our family can carry a tune. 

The babies get to play instruments too!

So attentive!

New teeth are coming in! She got her first two bottom teeth at about month 3, and in month 7 they are coming in like lightning. Two more on the bottom and four on top. This girl is blessed by all things made of keratin and calcium.

Hard to see the new ones coming in,
but I promise they're there!

Click here for a One Second Everyday from month 7! You can hear Madeline's high pitched screech, also known as singing to those of you who lack musical talent. You will also see a picture of Madeline's face blown up like a balloon. Thank her mother for giving her a piece of toast and finding out Madeline has a wheat allergy. Put away your Mother of the Year trophy, I'm not winning this year. "Wait! There's a trophy?" Ryan says. He wants you to know that he's officially still in the running for Father of the Year, so no need to put that trophy away just yet.

This month we had visitors in town! Matt, Ramina, and their three kids paid us yet another visit abroad. You may recall the previous Winton Wonderland when they came to London a few years ago. This time they braved a 15 hour plane ride and the crazy Hong Kong crowds with their three little guys. This family travels well, and I'm ashamed to say that their children deal with jet lag better than me. Some highlights from their trip include eating dumplings, having high tea at the Marriott, visiting the Chi Lin Nunnery, and enjoying the Chinese New Year Fireworks. But really the best part was just hanging out, enjoying each other's company again, and watching the kids play together. Many thanks to the Wintons for such a special visit!

Visiting the Peak. 

"Hold on a sec," says Mads as Mina feeds her.

Tea with your sugar?

All the kids at the Chi Lin Nunnery.