Gamma!

The last three weeks have been heaven sent! We had a little visit from Grandma Foxy, or "Gamma" in Madeline-speak. All of our Skype dates with family have not been in vain. When Abuela walked through the door, Madeline yelled, "Gamma!" and ran into her arms.

This was taken right after Gamma walked through the door.
I'd say they were happy to be reunited!

We had loads of fun while Grandma was here. Meaning, Ryan and I did absolutely nothing and Grandma took care of it all. I don't think either one of us changed a diaper in 3 weeks! It was especially nice to have an extra set of hands while Ryan went to "work" in Australia. The lucky duck scored a weeklong trip to the land down unda during our school's high school Community Action Service week.

He's gone native.

At Byron Bay.

Gamma also brought with her a suitcase full of gifts, mostly for Mads. Here are some of her treasures:

This super cute robe came with pink matching boots! 

This tea set came from Grandma Barbar. 

As usual, we spent loads of time at the local park, and even took a little adventure over to the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. 

They were watching monkeys. All Madeline could think
about was getting her hands on some of the
other children's balloons.

Mads wouldn't go anywhere without Gamma.

My mom brought over some photos of me as a baby. Wow, Mads and I are practically twinsies!

This is me and my grandmother. 

Madeline is talking up a storm. She finally learned to say yes ("yeah"). Before, she would only say no, and then she'd get upset that you didn't give her what she wanted. 

"Madeline, do you want more yogurt?" I'd ask.

"No!" 

So I'd take it away. 

"Waaaahhhhh!"

So I'd replace the yogurt. Smiles.

She even has some 3-syllable words: video, cereal, oat-me-al (oatmeal...who knew it had 3 syllables?!), and agita (which means "I love you" in Tagalog. Recently the moon was out several mornings in a row. Now every day she goes to the window and says, "Moon! Moon!" She loves to dance, complete stacking puzzles, and walk up and down the stairs all by herself.