Another Year Past!

Wow, what can I say. This past year has brought a bunch of changes in the Shaw Family. I worked as a tutor in the public school system with children much less fortunate and in seriously broken homes. I was able to appreciate what we have and to appreciate our families so much more so. Madison's life was changed with the introduction of her baby sister. I was so worried about her behavior and reaction to becoming a big sister and having a baby in the house. But she is an awesome big sister, wanting to help me with most of the difficult tasks, such as bathing her sister or changing her diaper or even spoon feeding her. Anything that can potentially create a mess for me to clean up. Isabella was a much needed person in our lives. She has brought much happieness to our family with her smiles and laughs. And continues to amaze us with her bubbly spirit. She is definetly heaven sent! She is so calm and care free making life so much easier for me since Madison is so demanding and strong willed. God knew I couldn't handle another like her for sure! Anyway, Jeremy is still working away, nothing much changed for him other than adding Isabella to the family. Isabella is trying to crawl now. She gets up on all fours and scoots away and she does the army crawl and the tummy spin (goes in circles). That is just funny b/c it reminds me of a dog chasing its tail. Madison had her wonderful Christmas program at school on December 20th, I have video I'm hoping to post. I'm still trying to learn all the special features on this Blogger and I'm trying to figure out how to post video clips. It may be a while before that is done, but keep checking for posts.

I haven't forgotten, just haven't made time

So sorry to all of you that have been enjoying our Blog. Things got a little hectic and time flew by before I realized I hadn't sat down to update the blog. I will try to update at least once a month, Try being the Key word! So, here is an update. Isabella's surgery went great. You can barely see the incision that was made. She is growing like a weed! I'm going to attach some pics so you all can see her. We spent Thanksgiving with Mimi and Papaw Norman in San Antonio. Madison was able to enjoy play time with her cousin Kinzi. She had so much fun and constantly talks about her cousin. For those of you that don't know, Kinzi is Jeremy's brother's (Josh) baby girl. She is 3 years old also. Only 3 months younger than Madison. Papaw and Sandee were also there. During this long break from the blog I learned to make custom hairbows and took a sewing class. I had so much fun! Looking forward to learning to sew more! And this past weekend my sister Pamela graduated from Nursing school with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. We are so very proud of her. We also did our Christmas time with the girls at my mom's house, Granny's! Isabella was all over the presents. She loves the shiny wrapping paper. Well, tomorrow Madison has her Christmas program at school. I'm hoping to get some pics to post, but most of all, Jeremy will be in charge of the Video Camera as I will be substituting for another teacher and will not be able to video the program. Madison's friend Ellie will be singing Happy Birthday Jesus, solo. She is really good! Well, here I go with trying to post pictures. Hope you all enjoy and if I don't get back to the blog before the end of the year, We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, The Shaw Family

P.S. More Pictures to follow!!!

Potty Time Prizes

Today was a very eventful day at the Shaw household. After several weeks of making "pee-pee" in the Big Girl Potty and us trying to get her to understand that is where "poo-poo" goes too, we have finally made a breakthrough. Madison willingly and without hesitation made "poo-poo" in the potty. Of course she was thrilled b/c for weeks we have been telling her she would get prizes for doing it. She received a "Lulu" cookie and a Thomas the train to add to her new small train collection. I am hoping to have a nice train table with tracks set-up for Christmas morning. So if anyone would like to help contribute to her collection you can do so for Christmas. Here are some pictures of her enjoying her Potty Prizes. Way to go Madison!!! We are so Proud!!!!

More Photos

Ballet and Gymnastics

Madison started ballet and gymnastics last week and this week she started school. We have been very busy. She loves her ballet and gymnastics classes. And today was the 2nd day of school. She did very well. Jeremy is pretty impressed with the gymnastics classes. Last week they worked on balance beam and this week they worked on the uneven bars and the trampoline exercises. Here are a few photos of ballet and gymnastics.

Labor Day

We went to PawPaw's house on Labor Day. We took our friends Ellie and her mom, Letty. PawPaw and Grams have a new baby pony and we took the girls to see it. While we were there PawPaw gave the girls a pony ride. They had so much fun and were able to pretend they were real cowgirls. Ellie was all "dude'ed" up in her cowgirl outfit for the trip. The girls and PawPaw really enjoyed themselves. Isabella liked the horses too! Here are a few pics of the cowgirls.

Isabella on the Move

Isabella is on the move. She is trying to scoot her way off her boppy pillow. She kicks and pushes with her feet and knees. Can you believe she is only 11 1/2 weeks old and trying to crawl?!?! Wow! Go Isabella!