The Ballinger Blog

Winter Updates!

2011-12-21T21:41:00.006-05:00

So Mama is getting pretty bad at updating the Blog these days! Let me catch up here.... In December '11 Madeline learned how to ride her bike without training wheels, roller skate and turned 5 years old! Our little girl is growing up too fast! Bridget is a spunky little gal who is learning her alphabet, a wiz at puzzles and will be turning 3 in just a couple weeks. To celebrate the girls had a combo birthday tea party with lots of little friends all dressed up for the special occassion. Here are a few shots of the par-tea!!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-13T20:26:00.004-05:00

Took the pumpkins to the patch!

Daddy was such a good sport!Cutest hamburger ever to go with...

the cutest hotdog ever!

The girls

We're just missing the fries!

Breaking News!

2011-09-18T19:55:00.002-04:00

Madeline made the front page of the Orlando Sentinel today! We were so surprised because Matt and I didn't have a clue she'd be in there. Through Facebook friends we found out about it. When I asked Maddie if she knew she was in the paper her reply was "oh yeah, I forgot about that!" SOOO proud of our little 4 year old saying her Pledge of Allegiance! The article was about how Florida is making pre-K standards tougher.

Off to Preschool!

2011-08-28T20:58:00.007-04:00

Maddie, where does the time go? We can't believe you're off to VPK! Your new teacher, Mrs. Royal, is wonderful. You can't stop talking about your first week of school. You even get a little upset when mommy comes to pick you up. You love it so much. Hope you love it for many, many years to come!

Maddie strikes a pose at home before going to her first day of school How cute am I?
Mommy and Maddie

Daddy and his big girls

Here we go

Let's go guys Let me get the door for you

Buddy Colton from the Kids Klub goes to the same school

Bridget is going to miss her big sis

Here's my own special drawer at school!

Ballet Garden Aug 2012

2011-08-20T21:13:00.006-04:00

The girls are enrolled in Ballet Garden at Aunt Nene's studio Art From The Heart where she teaches. The girls haven't stopped talking about their first class. Aunt NeNe isn't teaching this Ballet Garden but her daughter (aka Cousin Brynn) is also enrolled. We can't wait for recital early next year!!!

Bridget, Brynn, and Maddie at first day of Ballet Garden!

Pausing for a picture before heading to class. They love eachother so!

Silly Bidster And just as silly Maddie Time to learn a few moves Bridget always watching Maddie to make sure she has it right Strike a pose Bridget

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-23T19:34:00.006-04:00

Happy Father's Day to our super cool daddy and awesome Uncles!

Left to Right: Madeline Ballinger (4), Danielle Ballinger (2), Bridget Ballinger (2), Brynn Romanaccee (2)

Easter Weekend - 2011

2011-04-25T20:41:00.008-04:00

Cousin Danae takes some great photos of the Ballinger Babies on Easter weekend. Thanks Nae Nae!!

Pretty in Pink!

At the Lake

Time to hunt for eggs

Beach Babe

Bridget and pretty Cousin Danae

Nobody was ready for this shot!

Swim time

Maddie and Mommy

Bridget and her bumble bum

Maddie being...well Maddie!

10 cousins together for a photo proves difficult!

Biddy Babe

Maddie hunting for eggs

Bridget at the lake

Girlie time at Aunt Holly's

The Windy City

2011-02-19T18:25:00.007-05:00

After the adult only cruise we felt a tad bit guilty about leaving the girls for so long. 24 hours later we jumped on a plane and took a non-stop to Chicago. The perks of working in the airline biz are great! We rode business class to and from, saw friends and family, snow, and made a special visit to the Navy Pier. Another great time!! :) Thank you Dorelia Rivera and Deb Steiner for your hospitality. It was great seeing everyone!

Bridget's first plane ride!

Maddie & Daddy

Bridget had to carry her rollaway suitcase everywhere, all by herself...

and Maddie did the same!

Bundling up in Chicago for a day of sledding.

How am I supposed to move with all this stuff on?

Snow Bunny

Sledding with Kayla :)

Pausing for the family photo op

After a day of sledding the kids passed out cold!!

A visit to the famous Navy Pier!

Driving the Thomas Train was a treat!!

And yes ,we rode the monster ferris wheel at Navy Pier in the windy cold.

Cruisin!

2011-02-19T18:20:00.003-05:00

The grown-ups were able to get away for 4 nights in the Bahamas. What a great time and a nice lil vacay. Thank you mom (Mary Fehily) for watching our precious babies while we were away!!!

Bridget Turns Two

2011-01-08T18:09:00.004-05:00

Yup, she is two years old already! Our little baby girl is growing up. Well we have successfully completed week one with Bridget sleeping in a big girl bed and Maddie in the top bunk above her. Mom and dad can't believe how easy the transition from crib to bed has been with both girls. Biddy is also in full potty training mode and doing very well. Now, if we can only get her to stop sucking her thumb! Any suggestions?!?

To start off the birthday celebration we went to the Sanford Zoo with cousin Drew Drew

Then we came back home to play outside in our party dress

Fairy taking a break

Silly Biddy

Her Tinkerbell themed party

So many presents!

Busy Biddy always on the phone. No time for photos here.

Mmmm, birthday cake!

December 2010 Highlights

2011-01-03T20:43:00.005-05:00

Sea World Reindeer Run 5K sponsored by AirTran Airways!

Gaylord Palms ICE with all the cousins for Maddie's birthday

Madeline turns 4 with a Rapunzel party

Santa Claus came by the house for a visit Christmas Eve

Madeline trying to figure this Santa guy out!!!

The 2010 Ballinger Christmas Card!!!

2010-12-02T17:52:00.000-05:00

Scalloped Scarlet Ribbon Christmas

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Disney Nov 2010

2010-11-11T16:15:00.007-05:00

In celebration off cousin Brynn, cousin Danielle and Miss Bridget's 2nd birthdays just around the corner....Disney World was in order!! It was a wonderful day with the kids riding all the classics followed by an evning with the adults at the Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival. It was a fun day for all!!

Waiting for the park to open

The Fam :)

All the cousins!

The Fab Four

Mini Me

Cuties on the carousel

Maddie meeting the princesses

A chilly night at Epcot!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-11T16:03:00.004-05:00

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween this year! Our's was filled with a trip to the Celbration, FL Pumpkin Patch followed by a night of trick or treating. The girls discovered their love of lollipops!

Photo op at the Patch

Bridget could not decide on her pumpkin!

It took no time at all for Maddie to pick out her fave

Maddie hanging with her bud Alyssa Horton

Princess Belle and Fairy Tinkerbell

My Fundraising Page

2010-09-15T15:07:00.003-04:00

Along with some of my family, I'm participating in Light the Night Walk in Sarasota this year. Please consider making a donation in support of cancer research. Just click the link below. Thanks so much and God Bless!!!
My Fundraising Page

Certified Swimmer

2010-09-08T15:36:00.004-04:00

Bridget is officially a certified survival swimmer at only 19 months old!! She is a fish in water just like her big sis! If you're ever interested in putting your children throught the course visit www.tlcwatersafety.com and give Cheri a call!

RIP Jack Fehily

2010-09-05T21:01:00.005-04:00

Just a year and a half after my father died of lung cancer we buried my stepdad Jack. He was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away a week later. He lived a wonderful life and will be missed by so many. Below is an article the Sarasota Herald Tribune put in their sports section on the day of his burial.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100903/COLUMNIST/9031053/2127?p=all&tc=pgall

Surfer Girl

2010-08-20T18:23:00.005-04:00

Daddy Matt is just loving this age with Maddie, now 3 1/2. They had a blast together at the Badman condo on New Smyrna Beach this past Monday. Matt had the opportunity to teach Madeline how to boogie board...

This was her first attempt on the board

As you can see she wasn't too thrilled with the end result

But she got right back on the horse and tried again

The next 2 hours she spent riding the waves with her cousins!

Our lil surfer girl!

Care To Hula Hoop Anyone?

2010-08-12T15:38:00.003-04:00

Spent Monday at Sea World where the girls were heavily involved in a hula hoop competition. If you've ever tried it, you know it's not as easy as it looks. Take my girls for instance...

Madeline taking a stab at it for the first time

Now how does this circle thingy go again?

Getting so good I can throw in a hop and a kick

I think I got the hang of it Mom! How does this look?

Now where'd Bridget get those sly moves?!?

A lil bit Biddy

2010-07-21T15:43:00.003-04:00

As you can see, Bridget has mastered her graceful leaps into the pool! She looks as if she could be a hurdler like her mommy was. Let's just hope Bridget has more skill than mom had!

A posicle is always a plus before, during or after a good swim.

Mommy caught Bridget reading a potty book on the potty! What a big girl!

Here is a few seconds of footage watching Bridget practice her swim survival with her jeans and

a smile on!

Summer Swimming

2010-07-15T17:25:00.003-04:00

Here is a quick snapshot of Bridget and Madeline holding hands with baby Brynn. Bridget and Brynn take swimming lessons together and we walk their daily. Precious cousins :)

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-13T14:11:00.004-04:00

We hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July!

A few other things so far this month...

Here we have Maddie and her girlfriends waiting to see Shamu at SeaWorld!

Mommy and Bridget sweating in the stands hoping for a splash from Shamu to cool us off!

Bridget, Courtney, Madeline and Alyssa...movie time!

Maddie after her chicken pox shot :( Poor baby

A little bit of June

2010-06-19T19:43:00.004-04:00

So far June has been a fun start to summer. The girls are loving the pool and try to swim with daddy every chance they get! Bridget is still taking swim lessons and doing a fantastic job! Madeline still goes to a Mom's Day Out program once a week at St. James but mommy is beginning to think she might be ready for a more preschool like enviornment. We'll see. This summer we bought season passes to Sea World and plan to spend as much time there as we can! The girls love it!

It was great to see you Nana Cheryl!!!!

My multi-tasker. She can talk on the phone using just her arm and chin while using the computer at the same time!

Just chillin

Testing out the new Ariel goggles! They look fab, ya think?!

May Highlights!

2010-05-20T18:10:00.006-04:00

Matt is so proud of his little girls and their swimming lessons! Madeline is such a pro at 3 yrs old that she didn't even need lessons this year. She'll now even dive down to the bottom of the pool while riding daddy's back like a dolphin to touch the bottom! Kelly is too chicken for that, ha! Bridget has come a long way in just a month of swim lessons. She is kicking, using her arms, grabbing the wall, and almost floating. She doesn't even shed a tear while doing it anymore.

Day 1 - Not too happy!

Day 16 - This is a piece of cake!

Lil Fishy

Madeline had her very first recital last weekend performing a "Little Girls, Big Girls" dance with her Aunt Noelle. Madeline was in 2 shows and looked like a pro for both. I can't wait for the DVD to arrive so I can post it for family to see. She was adorable!!!!

5 weeks later....

2010-05-12T17:12:00.024-04:00

5 weeks later our kitchen is complete! It was worth the wait and we're so pleased with the way everything turned out. Our house feels so new now and looks beautiful! A special shout out goes to our contractor Carlos for all his hard work and our neighbor Chuck for the kitchen design and cabinet order. A few before and after shots posted below.

Bridget started her swim lessons 3 weeks ago and is doing fabulous. It appears she'll be a little fish just like her big sis. Bridget has also mastered climbing and jumping out of her crib. For now, the crib has been turned around backwards with the high part out in the front. She's fooled for the moment but is smart enough to figure it out in due time.

Madeline Grace is taking ballet lessons with her Aunt Noelle, a professional ballet instructor. She is the youngest of all the girls and is finding it difficult to remember all her steps but she's adorable doing it! She'll be in her very first recital this Saturday...pics and video to be posted!

Hope all our friends and family are happy and healthy. xoxoxo, The Ballingers

OUR NEWLY ARCHED DOORWAY TO THE KITCHEN

LOOKING THROUGH THE ARCH INTO THE KITCHEN & DINING ROOM

MATT LOVES TO GIVE BRIDGET BATHS IN OUR NEW BIG SINK AND KELLY IS JUST IN LOVE WITH HER NEW BACKSPLASH!

AHHH, THE BUILT-IN WINE FRIDGE WHERE THE KIDDIE TABLE ONCE STOOD LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER.

GOOD SHOT OF THE SOFFITS & HALF THE WALL REMOVED

WE PLACED A HUTCH FOR STORAGE TO THE LEFT OF THE LAUNDRY ROOM DOOR

WOW, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Kitchen Chaos Week 3

2010-04-14T20:10:00.005-04:00

Yay, we're in the middle of week 3 and things are finally starting to come together. The dirty white mess appears to be out of the way and next comes the clutter. The house is basically a maze with cabinets just about everywhere but the bathtub! Matt has been working morning, noon and night putting them all together. The ceilings in the house have also been scraped of the popcorn so furniture, food and family has constantly been moved from one room to another!

So the floors are finished, electric wiring complete, and wall paint applied to appropriate areas. The remainder of the ceiling will be painted tomorrow and then cabinet installation begins!! Here is a peek of the latest...

Taking this pic standing in the dining room. The walls have been painted a deep sage color.

Matt feeding the kiddos in our make shift kitchen which is supposed to be the dining room. The paint is all finished in here as well as a newly hung chandelier.

We'll leave our mark to be discovered when the cabinets are replaced again... :)

Kitchen Chaos Week 2

2010-04-06T19:33:00.008-04:00

Well...it's week two already! Hoping the worst of all this is in the past now. Demo is a big dirty, dusty disaster.

Day 9: The tile is cut a layed. A few mis-matched pieces appear around the edges and will go underneath the cabinets. That's what you get for buying on sale and the item is discontinued...there wasn't enough for our square footage. Tomorrow it will be grouted. Oh...check out Maddie and Biddy trying to find a way to break in. They are a little over not being allowed in there! Biddy is stuck under the chair!

Day 8: Buh bye popcorn ceiling and hello knockdown texture! The arched doorway is also completed.

KITCHEN CHAOS Week 1

2010-03-30T20:34:00.009-04:00

We're finally remodeling the kitchen! As exciting as it is, it's also very stressful and difficult. This family of four is adjusting to the conditions the best we can. It's been a lot like upscale camping, I guess!

With every renovation comes the unexpected expenses and repairs. Turns out the air conditions pan was rusting through and leaking on the existing drywall. Matt will now be replacing that tomorrow which will delay him a day or so assembling the new cabinets. He's hard at work and his wife loves him sooooooooo much for it!! Let's hope the surprises stay to a minimum.

It will all be worth it when it's complete and we'll have you all over to celebrate then!!

Day 5: The rest of the ceiling in the kitchen is scraped and prepped for knockdown spraying on Saturday. The remainder of the drywall on the walls is also removed. The doorway is also being prepped to be relocated a tad to the left and arched.

Day 4: Electrical work completed and new ceiling goes up.

Day 3: No visual changes today. Just a lot of electrical work was accomplished.

Demo Day 2: Ahhhhh, the wall is opened up!

Demo Day 1: Good bye cabinets, ceilings, soffits, and flooring!

Pre-Demo: Cute / Country kitchen for now...

St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T15:52:00.003-04:00

Our lil shamrocks wish all our friends and family a very Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Pretty Princess

2010-03-10T17:12:00.004-05:00

Madeline has a big thing for any Disney Princess these days. She'll tell you her favorite princess is Ariel, Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Snow White, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty! Ha, basically all and any of them! She is also growing quite the collection of dress up clothes which she LOVES to wear. Thanks Nanny Fehily for Tink and Nana Ballinger for Cinderella!!!!

Cousin Drew spent the night with Maddie, umm-I mean Snow White, this weekend and the next day they went to Mom's Day Out together!

Snow White strikes a pose...

Maddie asked Daddy to be her Prince Charming! It was so precious :)

lollipop..lollipop...oh lolli...lollipop

2010-02-05T18:48:00.007-05:00

Let's put it this way...Madeline doesn't get candy often!

Now you see it...

Now you don't!!!

Having lollis at Disney with Drew and Seth!

My iPhone

2010-02-03T19:01:00.003-05:00

Daddy bought Mommy the iPhone for Christmas. She loves it but I have to teach her a thing or two about using it....

No Cavities!

2010-01-26T12:52:00.005-05:00

Madeline had her very first Dentist appointment this morning.

Look at me. I'm Free (aka three!) I'm such a big girl.

Hey! The chair turns into a bed!

Open Wide....

All Clean!!

Bridget's Cupcake Party!

2010-01-08T20:17:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Bebe Bridget's Birthday

2010-01-03T20:32:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe Mommy gave birth to all 8 pounds 12 ounces of Bridget Kelly 1 year ago on January 5th. She is still getting sweeter by the second. Biddy is signing a lot these days. She signs "more" and "bath" quite often and we're still working on "please" and "thank you." She is becoming more and more find of books and loves to eat baby wipes, socks, and Maddie's panties....clean ones of course!

Her birthday celebration is cupcake themed and we'll be having a small get together Monday night in her honor. Happy Birthday baby girl! We all love you so much.

Tea Time with Hope!

2010-01-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tea Time!

2010-01-02T19:35:00.004-05:00

Madeline and Mommy enjoyed their first tea party in honor of Hope Badman's birthday. It was held at the most precious tea room in Mount Dora, FL. We had a wonderful time dressing up, sipping tea, and spending time with the girls! Happy 13th Hopey!

The birthday girl!!!

Little Miss Maddie looking all grown up Spot of tea anyone?

The girls!

Madeline takes her time trying on many hats

as Anna sips her tea like a lady

A Very Merry Christmas

2010-01-02T19:03:00.017-05:00

Madeline is 3 now and boy what a fun age it is for Christmas! She had a great time this year and as you will see, so did Bridget! We look forward to many more holidays together and wish we could spend them every year with those close to us. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Our sweet Maddie Grace ...

and then there is our goofy Maddie Grace!

Our precious girls together Christmas Eve right before church

I saw Bridget kissing Ruuu-u-dolf, underneath the mistle toe last niiiiight...

Just checking out the stockings Christmas morning mom...we're not peeking!

Madeline discovers Santa ate almost all the cookies she made!!!

Bridget loves her Christmas Elmo book...thank you Santa!

Oh! For meeeeee?

Come here little present...

Don't make me come in there after you!

GOTCHA!

Maddie's Sunday Sundae Social!

2009-12-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas!

2009-12-12T20:53:00.002-05:00

Bridget is 11 Months Old!

2009-12-07T20:11:00.002-05:00

Giggle Girls in the Tub!

2009-12-02T18:59:00.004-05:00

Too precious!

There's no place like....Disney!

2009-12-02T18:21:00.007-05:00

For the second time this month we headed to Disney. There are perks to living in Orlando and having family members who work there! Thanks again for a great time Nana and Papa!!!

Maddie and Biddy chill by the huge Grand Floridian Christmas tree

Madeline demonstrates her new under bite smile she's been doing...

Cousin Brynn rides the carousel!

Madeline does too!

Aunt Holly and cousin Drew ride on Goofy's roller coaster.

Maddie and Mommy take their first roller coaster ride together

Try to focus on the gorgeous lights on Cinderella's castle and not the lady with the huge bosom caught in my picture!

I just had to get a pic of the morning after Disney hair! Love it!

Gobble Gobble!

2009-12-02T18:06:00.003-05:00

Besides the fact that Kelly and Matt had to work, AGAIN, Thanksgiving this year was wonderful as always. All the Ballinger's got together at Nana and Papa Ballinger's house to feast, play, and be thankful we could all be together as a healthy and happy family.

Bridget has a taste of her first Thanksgiving feast

Madeline Grace & Ashley Grace having fun at the kiddie table!

Maddie & Biddy pose for a photo with cousin Brynn

Nana takes the girls for a walk down to the lake!

Family Birthdays!

2009-11-26T05:01:00.014-05:00

November has been busy with family birthday celebrations! Cousins Danielle and Brynn both turned one this month, cousin Danae turned 15 and got her permit (watch out Floridians!), cousin Andrew turned 3 and Nana Ballinger turned another year young as well! Birthday cake seems to be an everyday occurrence and that is OK with Madeline!!

Bridget is taking more and more steps these days. Right now it's about 7 before she crashes. Speaking of crashes, she also got her first shiner last week. She was just standing next to daddy and lost her balance and toppled over. Her head hit the changing table and shortly there after, her first black eye had formed. She took it like a champ and cried for just a second.

Madeline is playing pretend more and more. She loves to be a doctor and a mommy. She also loves to dance. It's a hoot watching her mimic 'Dancing With The Stars' as she dips and spins with her Cabbage Patch doll in the living room.

Here we went with cuz Drew on a train ride to Kissimmee for his 3rd birthday!

The birthday boy gets to wear the hat!

Aunt Holly holds us tight at departure!

Bridget had a blast on her first train ride too!

Here is Maddie & Biddy posing with Danielle in their Sunday best! Go Fins!

Bridget showing off her black eye

This is too cute. Maddie wants to be just like her daddy :)

Bridget Kelly Turns 10 Months Old!

2009-11-09T11:28:00.001-05:00

Disney & Epcot 2009

2009-11-05T18:58:00.009-05:00

Bridget went to Disney for the first time ever and Madeline for the third time. They had a blast together as did mommy and daddy!! We spent the first half of the day at Disney and the end of the day at Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival. What a great time we had. Thank you for the tickets Nana & Papa Ballinger!

Bridget started taking a couple steps on her own this week. She is walking in between the coffee table and the couch. She'll be walking across rooms in no time now! She also waves bye bye, but not when you're leaving. She'll wave to you for no reason at all! She is also giving kisses to us and to her stuffed animals. Biddy absolutely loves Maddie's Tickle Me Elmo doll and hugs it whenever she can! She also giggles a lot these days. She used to just smile big all the time but now the most adorable sounds come out of her....especially when tickled under the chin and on the thighs!

Our girls are so precious!

Arriving at Disney!

Madeline being her silly self

Biddy & Daddy waiting in line for over an hour to meet Princess Aeriel. Dad's favorite part of the day!!!!

Doing what she does best...

Here Maddie is telling Aeriel

that she dressed up like her for Halloween!
She was so in awe of her favorite princess!

Daddy teaching Maddie how to drive...

Hi mommy!
Whoa, slow down!

Heading to Epcot for the annual Food & Wine Festival

Maddie hid her eyes in fear when mom and dad took her on the Snow White ride at Disney. We didn't realize it was Snow White's "Scary" Adventure! Poor Maddie. She was terrified. However, meeting Princess Snow White at Epcot wasn't so scary at all :)

Showing off her dancin moves after a full day of fun!

Boo!

2009-10-31T21:55:00.004-04:00

Madeline and Bridget went Trick or Treating with friends Courtney and Serena. Madeline was Aeriel, Bridget was the elephant, Courtney was Scooby Doo and Serena was a pirate. It was unusually hot (low 90s) here in Orlando and the mosquito's were out tonight as well. Nonetheless the girls had a great time and came home with way too much candy! Daddy will be happy I'm sure ;)

As per her request...a Princess Mermaid (aka Maddie!)

Bridget having trouble with her costume

Did you know that baby elephants suck their thumbs?

Here we are trick or treating at Dave Judski's house. He refused to answer his door and we are pretty sure he was inside hiding. Next time the Vette gets it!

Hope everyone had a SAFE and happy Halloween!

Takin The Pumpkins To The Patch

2009-10-25T21:13:00.004-04:00

Today we were supposed to be in Sarasota for the Fall Festival and train ride with Madeline & Bridget's cousins. We've all been sick with the flu and thought it would be best to stay close to home. Since we had already been trapped inside the house for a week now I thought it'd be ok if we just went up the street to pick out a pumpkin to carve tonight. Boy was I wrong! Within minutes of snapping these photos Bridget was projectile vomiting all over me and several pumpkins! We spent the next couple hours inside the 24 hour Urgent Care Center. She'll be ok however Maddie has not yet recovered. She was quite upset when she couldn't pick out a pumpkin to take home. I promised her we'd go back tomorrow first thing!

Decked out in their Sunday best! Go Fins!

Itty Biddy in a sea of pumpkins

Now let me see what you taste like!...

Ham!

Bridget turns 9 months old!

2009-10-05T19:08:00.004-04:00

For this months photo we went with our Halloween costume!! Mommy must say that she's a pretty precious elephant...

September Highlights

2009-09-24T04:52:00.014-04:00

Just a few things to touch on this month. Our babies are growing up so fast.

Bridget has learned "So Big!" and has a huge smile on her precious face every time you say it! She is also standing everywhere without holding onto furniture. Little tiny baby steps are in the works and I think we may have a walker by month 10! It's hard to believe since Madeline was well into her 10th month before even crawling.

Madeline is turning into such a big girl too. Her potty training is in full swing these days and she is doing great running around in her big girl panties. We've had our share of accidents along the way but the advice we have gotten from others is working---NO DIAPERS! Daddy is taking this kind of hard. It's just another sign that his baby Maddie is growing up. Mommy on the other hand is loving the fact that soon she will only have to buy diapers for one child every month!

Maddie was practicing her cart wheel the other day in the driveway. Her form is great however with a sippy cup in one hand, it's not! Needless to say, this is the result of that!

Bridget also got another tooth this week. One of her front ones to be exact. What does she like to eat with all these chompers?

Well the remote control of course!!

Say Cheese..Glub, Glub, Glub!

2009-09-16T09:16:00.006-04:00

Here are a couple of shots of Maddie on Labor Day in the pool. Our friend, Eric Giere, had a cool underwater camera. Even holding her breath...she is still adorable!

Sunday Funday!

2009-09-13T19:33:00.010-04:00

Today was a great day. Nanny and Poppy Fehily were in town for the food show at the Orlando Convention Center. We met them for breakfast and afterward headed to the Peabody to watch the "Duck March." If you aren't familiar with it, 5 ducks march a read carpet to and from their penthouse at the Peabody Hotel. Between marches they swim, play, poop and nap in a fountain located in the middle of the hotel. The girls were speechless and loved every minute! Thanks for taking us nanny and poppy!!!!

Bridget & Nanny waiting for the ducks Bridget, have I showed you how much I love you today? The ducks home away from home
I guess mommy thought this sign was cute!

Matt is so excited he just can't stand it!

Bridget learning how to walk the red carpet already!

Here come the ducks!!

Quack! Quack! Quack!

Ahhh, bathe and then breakfast!

Madeline and Bridget loved every second!

Souvenirs from nanny and poppy....thank you!

As you can see from the attire, it was also game day! Today was the first Dolphins game of the season. We won't say if they won or lost, let's just say we hope next week they look a little bit better! ;)

Doctor Madeline Ballinger

2009-09-09T10:49:00.007-04:00

Doctor Maddie has a ring to it, eh?!? Just thought I would Blog a bit and let you know what Madeline said yesterday....

When mommy asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween she replied, "a princess mommy!"

When asked what she wanted to be when she grows up she replied with "a Doctor!" Uncle Jim will be proud!

I think mommy and daddy will be quite happy with whatever she decides to do in life but we're loving the fact that she is aiming high! You are so precious Madeline Grace. Guess I better get crackin on that college fund. Now if we can old master the potty training...

Bridget Turns 8 Months Old!

2009-09-08T17:33:00.000-04:00

Mom's Day Out

2009-09-02T16:48:00.010-04:00

So Madeline started the Mom's Day Out program at St. James a couple weeks ago. She is going once a week and just adores it. Mom and dad like it too! Mom couldn't resist taking a few pics Tuesday morning before they left for school or as Madeline calls it "Kool!"

Ready for Kool!

Classic pic of the fake smile so mom would get this over with

Showing off the HK lunch box and the necklace she made

Hey, at least she didn't eat it!

2009-08-22T20:31:00.003-04:00

Diggin for....

a little gold! Ewww!

Bribe

2009-08-14T19:00:00.003-04:00

This would be the type of photo you do not want to have to use against your children when they become older. Poor Biddy! Where did that hairy crack come from? Precious nonetheless. This photo was taken as she was bouncing happily to a Moose E. Moose commercial on the Noggin channel. My friends w/out kids are wondering what in the world I am talking about! Bridget loves to watch a cartoon moose that plays on commercials during Madeline's favorite shows!!!

More First Times!

2009-08-12T18:44:00.003-04:00

So Biddy started standing up last night. Today she was climbing up on anything she could get her hands on. Below is a pic of her trying to reach her big sister. Madeline was taking an afternoon snooze on the couch. She was pooped....literally! Madeline pooped on the big potty today!! Yay Maddie! This is an exciting moment for us in this house. 1 step closer to buying underwear instead of diapers. There is also a pic here of Miss Bridget showing off her fangs. Now she has 2 bottom front teeth and 2 fangs. Do they make Lil Vampire Halloween costumes?--lol!

Our Precious Girls

2009-08-04T13:59:00.003-04:00

Bridget is 7 months old!

Sisters!

Maddie singing her ABCs this morning!

2009-08-04T08:18:00.002-04:00

Summertime Strolls

2009-08-03T19:25:00.002-04:00

The girls love taking walks together in their new double stroller. Mom likes it just as much since she doesn't have to tote a 17 pounder on her chest anymore!

Big Girl Panties!

2009-07-26T22:21:00.003-04:00

Madeline was testing out her tightey whities this morning! She ran circles around the house showing them off. She felt like such a big girl!!!

Passed With Flying Colors!

2009-07-23T19:24:00.003-04:00

Madeline had her final swim test this week. Floating has been the most difficult thing for her to do and the final test was done doing just that but in jeans and shoes. She passed! Mommy and daddy were so very proud of her! Way to go Maddie Grace!!

Fun Stuff

2009-07-16T03:50:00.004-04:00

Madeline has one more week of swimming lessons and her final test is Tuesday Jul 21st where she'll have to swim fully clothed. Dad is also going to get in the water and take some under water photos! She has become and amazing swimmer. She'll do laps on the short ends of the pool and can even stop midway, roll over, float/rest and then roll back over to swimming again!

Bridget started to crawl this week and even cut her second tooth! She has begun to chew on just about anything and is always drenched from massive amounts of drool!

Biddy showing off her pearly white!

Playing around in my exercauser. It's my fav!

Maddie showing mom and dad how good she floats in the hot tub!

Daddy and Biddy watching Maddie swim in the backyard

Mini Me's

2009-07-06T18:27:00.006-04:00

Little Kelly and Little Matt

Peanut turns 6 months old!

2009-07-06T14:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-05T21:12:00.003-04:00

Matt and Kelly both had to work on the 4th of July this year so the girls didn't get to do anything too exciting. They spent the morning swimming with daddy and the afternoon playing with mommy. When the sun went down, the girls went outside to watch the sky light up with fireworks. We didn't spend more than 2 minutes in the front yard and that is when Madeline decided she was really scared of them! She held onto mom's leg and begged to go back inside! We hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!

A Week Of Milestones

2009-06-24T17:25:00.005-04:00

We reached some milestones this week. Bridget is starting to sit up on her own. She needs a little help and after a while topples over but we're working on it. She is also on the way to crawling and cut a tooth Tuesday morning! My, how they grow up so quickly!

On our way to crawling...rocking back and forth!

Madeline horsing around at Aunt Holly's

Sitting up all by myself!

All smiles even though my 1st tooth just came through.

Here I am playing with my cuz, Brynn. She can sit up and crawl much better than me. I am catching up though!

Made for the shade!

2009-06-18T19:05:00.002-04:00

Lil Biddy hanging out with her Aunt Noelle while mom and dad were in NYC!

She'll be on the wakeboard in no time!

2009-06-10T17:40:00.002-04:00

Biddy turns 5 months old!

2009-06-08T18:13:00.002-04:00

Trains, Planes and Automobiles!

2009-06-06T21:56:00.007-04:00

Matt and Kelly took their first trip away from the girls. It was hard to leave them but they were in good hands thanks to Noelle, Holly, Danae, Anna, Nana & Papa! Kelly's Aunt Noreen was married in NYC. We flew to White Plains, NY where we then took a bus, a train, a subway and a cab into the city! It was fun getting to experience the city life however, we'll stick with the hustle and bustle of Orlando instead!

Family pics before the ceremony

Kelly's mom, Mary, with Matt at the rehearsal dinner

Matt & Kel

Kelly & PopPop

Matt & Kel...

First Swim

2009-06-02T18:25:00.002-04:00

Bridget took her first dip in the pool and enjoyed every minute.

Some adults would love to have a head of hair like mine!

Hold me tight daddy

I loved to splish and splash!

2009-05-24T23:06:00.004-04:00

So which little Ballinger is wearing a wig?

(A) Madeline Grace at 7 months old

(B) Bridget Kelly at 4 months old

A.

B.

Sweet Tater Tastin

2009-05-24T22:54:00.002-04:00

Well hey, sweet potatoes aren't so bad...

Ummmm, wait a sec...

Eww, these are awful!! Blah, Blah!

Mmmmmmmmmm

2009-05-17T22:04:00.004-04:00

Bridget tries cereal for the first time. Most all of it, ended up on her instead of in her!

Beauties in the Buff!

2009-05-14T19:14:00.005-04:00

Maddie & Biddy took a bath together for the first time. Check out the hair dos! We had to make make Madeline's hair stick up. Bridget's hair does that everyday with no soap or product at all! They had fun together :)

Mother's Day 5-10-09

2009-05-14T19:09:00.004-04:00

All the Ballinger's got together for a quick snapshot. It was the first time all the babies were together!

Biddy is Baptized

2009-05-12T17:19:00.005-04:00

May 10th was a very special day. It was Mother's Day but also the day little Bridget was baptized. Bridget wore a very special dress. It was once worn by Madeline on the day of her baptism but also worn by Kelly, on her wedding day! Thank you mom for making that beautiful dress out of my gown. It will be something that is passed down from generation to generation now! Bridget's special Godparents are Jake Ballinger and Jody Schroeder.

Afterward, we went back to our place and celebrated! Thank you all for coming.

4 months old

2009-05-12T14:57:00.004-04:00

15 weeks old!

2009-04-21T15:12:00.002-04:00

Maddie goes back to swim lessons...

2009-04-20T19:57:00.004-04:00

Let's just put it this way....she wasn't happy about it! She screamed for Daddy the whole time :(

Happy Easter Everyone!

2009-04-12T18:01:00.004-04:00

My first Easter!

We loved our matching Easter dresses...thanks Auntie Holly!

What? Easter is over?

Eggs-travaganza!

2009-04-11T20:26:00.003-04:00

Maddie had an great time coloring Easter eggs tonight...Biddy on the other hand, not so much!

Bridget turned 3 months old!

2009-04-06T18:59:00.003-04:00

Wow, where does the time go? Bridget turned 3 months old yesterday! She is doing very well and her colicky evenings have begun to subside....thank you Lord! Mommy went back to work full time. She is still getting used to waking up at 3 am (not for a feeding) but to get ready for work. Daddy is now Melanoma free after his surgery a few weeks ago...thank you all for your prayers. Madeline is fantastic as usual. She is talking up a storm and doing the cutest things. The other night after her bath she was spinning in circles looking behind her. When asked what she was doing she replied "Maddie is trying to see her butt!" She also ran a whole mile the other day!!! We have a track star in the making here!

Bridget at 3 months old

Stick Figure Family

2009-03-20T20:30:00.001-04:00

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Bridget is 2 months old!

2009-03-03T15:24:00.001-05:00

Always making us laugh...

2009-03-02T21:03:00.002-05:00

Maddie is always doing something each day to make us laugh! This morning she wanted to feed her Care Bear. So, she got mommy's Boppy Nursing Pillow, pulled up her shirt and proceeded to feed her Care Bear! She has done this before with her Dora Doll and Baby Doll too but this was my first opportunity I had to take a pic. Maddie has also been known to walk around the house with breast feeding attachements held tightly to her chest! Too cute!!

Cousin Seth in town!

2009-03-02T20:58:00.003-05:00

Matt's cousin Deb and her adorable son Seth came for a visit last week. Seth loves to read...especially with his new glasses! He is too cute :)

Matt reading Seth his fav book...
Snack time!

Announcing...

2009-02-26T21:10:00.002-05:00

North Carolina Vacation

2009-02-25T21:13:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Professional Photos

2009-02-05T10:47:00.005-05:00

1st toothless grin!

2009-02-03T20:41:00.002-05:00

At 4 weeks and 1 day old, Bridget decided to flash mommy a smile. Well at least mommy is considering it a smile!

4 weeks old already!

2009-02-02T13:19:00.008-05:00

Bridget Kelly is 4 weeks old already. Why do babies have to grow up so fast?

It was a fun weekend since the West Palm Beach Ballinger's came up for a visit with cousin Danielle! What a cutie pie she is!! Bridget and Danielle are only 7 weeks apart.

Our little hedge hog at 4 weeks old!
Baby Bridget and Baby Danielle the sleeping beauties...

Aunt Shannon, Cousin Anna, Bridget and Kelly

Proud Nana holding Bridget and Danielle

Madeline had so much fun today playing with her cousins that she fell asleep while eating her dinner!

Crazy Hair!

2009-01-21T18:07:00.003-05:00

Madeline woke up from her nap yesterday with the craziest hair-do!! Mommy couldn't stop laughing :)

Cookin in the Kitchen

2009-01-14T14:36:00.004-05:00

Chef Maddie at your service...

Biddy gas pain face!

A kiss for my little sis

1 week old!

2009-01-12T20:47:00.004-05:00

Bridget is already one week old!! Since we spent the first 5 days of her life in the hospital it is hard to believe a week has passed already. Bridget loves being at home and big sister Maddie is such a big help taking care of her.

All the swelling in Biddy's face has now gone away and reveals a much cuter complexion! A c-section had to be performed after 12 hours of labor. Bridget was face forward (instead of coming out with the top of her head first she was face first/nose first) in the birth canal and got stuck. She was so swollen she came out looking like she'd been in a fight with Tyson! Momma and baby are both recovering and doing great!

Thank you all for the cards, calls and emails!

My swollen but precious face 7 days ago

My first sponge bath at 6 days...not a fan!

Showing off my luscious locks!

2009-01-10T17:14:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T19:21:00.004-05:00

The princess would like to wish you all a safe, happy and blessed 2009!

Say hello? Say cheese? What do I do with this thing?

I am too sleepy to stay up for fireworks!

Maybe if I stand on my head I will stay awake...