Our Wiggle Worm

Our little girl's developmental stages is amazingly interesting and entertaining. She is now 7 months old. She had started walking with her walker, she is blabbing her mouth crazily. She also sings with us when we sing. She is so funny. Last Sabbath in church we were singing our opening song and she started singing. When we had high note she made her voice louder. Most of the member behind us, had to soften their voice to hear her sing. She is also trying to cut teeth this time, she has her moments of being clingy. The one she hasn'r mastered is to crawl, but we will get to that later. Enjoy the pictures. The last few pictures were taken today in the studio.

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Celebrating year 37th

Today is my birthday. I have started celebrating my birthday since yesterday because my husband sent my beautiful purple roses. He saw my reaction when I opened the box while we were on SKYPE. Then today, I decided to cook for few people to celebrate my 37th year of life. This year has been Amazing,since I became a mommy. My mom cooked pancit, I cooked the hawaiian chicken that my nephews and nieces love and short ribs. There were 2 cakes served but both chocolate, which I love. I received few gifts which are all very nice especially a spa getaway with pedicure...I can't wait to book that! I have received a lot of text and greetings from my facebook friends. Well,you enjoy the pictures....By the way, I amgrowing my hair out that's why it looks stubborn....

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Madelynne sits by herself for the Ist time

As a parent, I feel ecstatic for another milestone of our Baby. She hasn't reached her 200th day but she is now sitting on her own. I just took a chance to take a picture if she could sit on her own without any support. My parents were very nervous to see me leave her on her mat to sit. She sat for few seconds and of course I had to catch her from falling and hitting her head. Whew! That was close. The rest of her pictures were playing on her mat.

Madelynne at 6 months

She is getting big! She is entertaining. She is is eating solids. She passes objects with her hands. She loves her gum stimulator. She is a blabber mouth. She loves the pets. She received her 6th month immunization...that didn't go well. Tylenol and Motrin helped ease the pain. She loves conversing with her Daddy over in Skype and phone. She like walks around the block in the afternoons. She loves books and Baby Einstein movies...believe me she doesn't sleep in the middle of the movie. She understands Ilocano. Here are her recent pictures.

Angela's 80's theme B-day Party

Last Weekend, I was invited to celebrate to an 80's theme birthday. It was a bit hard to prepare for this occasion, but I pulled it off. I played around from my husband's Big Black shirt. The party started @ 8 pm until later, but I only stayed for an hour and a half, because I am a new Mommy..The faces you will see are my co-workers. So enjoy....

June 2009

Mark has been gone for a month and a half now. It's been hectic and I couldn't find the time to sit and post new pictures. I work night shift. Papa and Mama tak care of Madelynne when I am scheduled to work. They have been a great help with me. Mama was sick for awhile and we were trying to help her in her weakness. With prayers and "otap," Her loud voice is back, but her movements had gotten slow. Papa on the other hand takes care of our lawn. His mission is to keep the grass green with this Texas heat we have. So far he is doing well. His endurance is brief as he gets older. However, he loves strawberry shake, ice cream and frozen yogurt. He is my dessert buddy! We went to PF Chang's for Father's Day. He said that that was the best food he ever tasted. He loved the Lettuce wrap and the rest of the dishes we ordered. Enjoy the pictures.

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MARK DEPLOYS TO IRAQ

The pictures you will see are from Mark's praration for his deployment. First, on 21st of May, we celebrated an Organization day for his unit, Ist Med Brigade HHC, in Blora at Belton Lake. I met plenty of family and their soldiers that are preparing to be deployed as well. There, we were served with smoked brisket, beans, corn, burgers, salads, cakes , drinks and many more to remember.

Mark started packing about 1 week before his flight. We grabbed the opurtunity to have fun with Madelynne. We palced her in Mark's back pack and the pictures tuned out wel...like she is coming out from the back pack. Last Friday, Mark came home eaarly from having his DA photo done. I bit of poses with her cute little McGee was taken. The whole weekend was busy before her deployment. Friday night, we went to a BBQ with the Ramoses. Then a farewell potlock prepared by the filipinos at church in Maryann's house. towards the end of the afternoon, we went to Fort Hodd, because of Gary Senice and the Lt. Dan's Band chad a concert in the stadium. It was fun, they played variety of music: country, pop, ballad, and patriotic. Then Sunday, we went to the stories and they prepared a meal and ice cream cake for Mark.

Just 1st...deployment Day, we started earlyu to drop off Mark to draw his weapon, then we met him at the 13th SCE's gym for the farewell ceremony. There were about 100 soldiers from his unit deploying. His old oldiers and friends came to bade him goodbye dro, his previous unit. It was dramatic, but Madelynne stole the attention of many ,because of her patriotric outfit.

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MY first mother's day

May 10 2009, My first mother's day to celebrate. MY bouquet arrived in the evening of May 9th. Mark ordered lavender and yellow roses for mather's day for me. That day my allergies attacked me. However, I managed to sniff my flowers. Then that morning we went to brunch at Shilo Inn. I greeted my Mama as well. We all enjoyed the food esp. for me. But my day had to end early because I had to work that night, but before headed out, I posed a little bit in front of the came with my family.

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Dad and Karen Visit us

Mark's Dad and stepmother made a roadtrip to the east to visit their children that live far from them. Their first stop was Killeen, TX. Mark and I are so excited to see them. I saw Mark became a kid a again. Mark and Dad hugged so many times. Dad and Karen checked in to a Hotel since Karen is unable to climb upstairs to the bedroom. They broought their new baby, Tyrany, a chihuahua and shitzu mix. She is very cute and our Cookie and Oreo just loved playing with her. We brought them to an authentic mexican restaurant on their first night and then Cracker Barrel on their second night. Madelynne was just talkative and chuckled when Karen talked to her. It was ajoy to see them and alos for Mark. He wished that he could see his father before he deploys this June. We are blessed to have a loving family.

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Madelynne's first vegetable garden and new high chair

Yep! It is a springtime and we have decided to start a vegetable garden, a tradition for us since Mark and I were together. Mark borrowed a rototiller, but it hardly worked. It kept on dying after 10 secs of starting. So we made a trip to Lowes and we found an electric rototiller. This is quieter and made Mark work faster. Mark made 2 vegetable beds for the long beans, green beans, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, 'kardis', upo, squash, bittermelon, parsley, and basil. We dressed Madelynne with her hat....she can't stand the brightness of the sun...she is like Manang Ardie who can't stand the sun. ....Hmmmm...We had a little fun at the patio. Madelynne likes to make sounds now. I think she sings too whenever we start singing to her. When the camera is in front of her...she doesn't smile alot...I think she knows that her Mommy is capturing every new event of her life. However, when the camera is not in front of her, she mumbles and smiles a lot. That evening, we pulled up her high chair given by friends where I work. She can't hold herself up yet, but we have her sit by us when we eat dinner sometimes. She pushes herself up or braces herself with her feet at the end of the tray. It is so amazing how she knows how to protect herdelf from falling. She stared at her daddy, maybe she was saying, 'daddy what are you doing to me?,' We all laughed with that look she made to Mark. You all enjoy the pictures.

A Dedication to God

May 2nd, 2009, we dedicated Madelynne to the Lord in Killeen SDA church. Her dress was made from the rest of the materials of my wedding dress by my mother-in-law, Georganne. It was a nice ceremony. Madelynne actually behaved through the service.

Madelynne is 100 days old

We have been blessed with our wonderful gift this year, Madelynne Ray. Our family felt a little empty then, now it is so full that it is overflowing with love and just enjoying our time as a family. Mark is deploying to Iraq this June, so he is spending as much time as he can to Madelynne becuase he will miss a year of her developments and milestones within this time frame.
Grandpa Paul ariived from the Philippines on April 21st, a day after Madelynne's 3rd month. Grandpa Paul saw how his youngest granddaughter have grown within a month of his absence. Grandma Feliza takes care of Madelynne during the day while I sleep to go to work at night. Then Mark takes care of his daughter when I work. This month of May I have requested to Work during the day so that I can spend the nights with my family before Mark leaves for Iraq on June. Mark also have been preparing our vegetable garden for this summer.
Madelynne likes to dress up and ride in our family car. It seems that it is relaxing to her and falls asleep during the smooth ride. She like us to read books to her. We bought her nursery rhymes, Jesus books and her Bible lesson. Couple of my co-workers bought her good books to read as well. She follows the pages whenever we turn them and she mumbles along as we read. Sometimes, we here her singing to herself. She's got strong bones. She likes to stand up and down on our laps everyday. We love to see her smiles whenever we talk to her. We speak to her in English, but Mama speaks to her in Ilocano. She still loves her little hammock that's swinging on her crib. She is serious in front of the camera. Enjoy her pictures.

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My Daughter turns 2 months

It has been wonderful 9 weeks watching our preecious little girl grow. She started with just a heartbeat to cries and movements; the struggle of initiating breastfeeding to wanting to eat every hour; from newborn diapers to #1's that she tears up when she does her work, if you know what I mean. From lacking sleep to being comfortable of having 3-4 hours of sleep for the night. From finding ways to put her to sleep...singing, rocking. swinging, listening to lullabies, praying or just simply being quiet. Dressing her up to church is so much fun. Even though she sleeps mostly @ church, we feel that God and the angels watch her. We are so proud that her developmental milestones are advance to her age. She starts to converse now and wants to stand with out support. She is a strong girl.

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Anna Visits her little sister

Since it's Spring Break, Anna flew to Texas to see her newborn sister. Anna is 14 years old. She is excited to turn 15 because of her oppurtunity to learn how to drive. She loves to read books. Last weekend, we took her to Austin. It was a busy day when we were there. Obviously, Mark and I haven't been to the city for a while. I was stressed from finding parking. Madelynne enjoyed her ride from her stroller. Anna got the chance to walk trough downtown Austin and saw the capitol. Then on Sunday, we went to Cameron Zoo in Waco, TX. It was Anna's first time to see the largest turle and the largest rat. Anna will be with us until Thursday.

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2nd Month Visit to Doctor

Madelynne had her 2nd-month visit to her Doctor, Dr. Ricky Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell goes to the same church wherre we go, Killeen SDA Church. She was 10 lbs, 1.5 oz. and 22 inches long. She is growing and getting heavy. The whole family had to come, because of this milestone. The visit was going well, until she got her shots. The nurse thought I was not doing well, but I was putting away the burp cloth during the shots, while Daddy held her. However, in the afternoon, she got very upset. I thought she was wet, but her R thigh was red and swollen. She did not have fever though. I tried feeding her, but she did not like it. Her Daddy applied cool pack on the site. She did not was us moving it. She cried for an hour. The doctor said to give her motrin and tylenol. Daddy went to the store to get those medications immediately. Daddy was sweating from being worried. We gave her Motrin and after 30 mins, she fell asleep with little sighs in between. I guess she is like me who doen't like pain. Mama called her "Kal-lay," she was worried and stayed stayed in the baby's room the whole time. Here you go, enjoy her pictures.

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Madelynne's New Play Pen

We have decided to get a new playpen for Madelynne. This has a changing table, a massager, music and nature sounds. Madelynne likes her little massages on it. Since it was nice outside. We took Madelynne out and took some pictures, she did not like her Pooh hat on. Anyhow, enjoy the pictures.

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Baby Shower # 3

Yes! There was a baby shower # 3 for me. My church here, Killeen SDA Church, coordinated a baby shower for 3 new Moms and their babies and I was one of the celebrants. One of the mothers has a 4-month old baby girl and the other has 2 1/2-months boy. Madelynne was the youngest among the celebrants. My mom made lumpia for the potluck. There were nachos, fruits, mashed potatoes, vegetarian patties, vegetable trays and dips and ice cream float punch. We cannot forget the cake, half was chocolate and the other vanilla. There were cool games too, such as name parts of your body that has 3 letters only. Then filling out the blanks for the nursery rhymes ( which I hardly know!). Truly it was a blessing for us to have a nice and generous church. The shower was exclusively by the ladies from church, so Mark and Papa did not attend. Mark was very surprised about the gifts galore we received, so he had to reopen the gifts. I had to take pictures from his excitement.

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Goofing off in the house

We captured few pictures with Madelynne as she reaches her 2nd month.

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Celebrating Papa's 77th B-day

March is Papa's birth month. First, we celebrated @ my friend, Maryann's house, in Harker Heights. We had a potluck, Mama prepared her infamous pancit and pitchi-pitchi. There were, kare-kare, beef & chicken adobo, another kind of pancit, dineng-deng and of course his cake and ice cream. After our little early dinner, the gals played their guitar and we started singing. On his actual Birthday, we went to Chili's Restaurant. He ordered steak, mashed potato and mushrooms. The crrew in Chili's surprised him with chololate shake that he shared with us. We are all glad that Papa reached his 77th year and he is enjoying life with his partner in life. We are glad that he is still around to see Madelynnes Ray and able to sing to her with his wonderful voice and make funny faces.

Madelynne Ray's Ist Month Moments

Let's see....Madelynne Ray is about 10 lbs this time. She loves to sleep, but it's hard to put her to sleep at night. It can be frustrating, but we are accepting that this child that God above brought is the answer to our prayers. I can say that my life is complete with my family. The color of her hair is like her Daddy's, brown. Her eye color is hazel and she is starting to focus. I just love it when she smiles in her sleep that's when I say, "Your angel is visiting you." Mark adores her and Madelynne just loves sleeping on her Daddy's chest. The funny thing she does is when she passes gas, it's as loud as grown up's "toot." We all laugh when she does and she does it often. She is a regular cradle roll attendee (Sabbath class for young ones). She is the youngest in her class. She gets to paste little children on the felt cloth and participates in the class. Mama and Papa sing to her in Ilocano and she falls asleep with their songs. Mama even made a swing for her which, made of a sheet, like the one they had me sleep during my infant year. It's funny, because this little girl likes it too. Well, enjoy the pictures and more to come.

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Grandma Georganne's Visit

My mother-in-law, Georganne, came to visit her latest grandaughter. She arrived on Feb. 1st and stayed until the 9th. Mark took his 10 days family leave at this time too, but he caught cough and cold. This ailment broke his heart, because Madelynne and I slept in the Baby's room and he was not able to hold her for more than a week. Georanne in the meantime, baked a lot of varieties of cookies for me and favors to the hospital and friends. She also help me around in cooking and taking care of Madelynne. My parents, however cannot take their hands off from Madelynne as well. On Sunday, my mother-in-law, sewed my dining room curtain which had been my long project. She also brought Madelynne's child decication dress that she made from the remnant of my wedding dress materials. Her child dedication will be around this year. It's too bad that Grandma G had to go back to the cold and wet Oregon. "Thank you for everything Grandma G." Enjoy the pictures.

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Madelynne Ray's Ist week

We are loving every moment with our precious little angel. Madelynne is difficult to put down, since she is cute and just loving the feel of our own baby in our arms. Madelynne had a 2nd day follow-up after discharge, she lost 10 oz. which was the max. to loose, so Ms. Lockhart,NP, said we needed to come back the next day for evaluation. We did the best we could to let her regain some of the weight overnight. We passed with flying colors, she regained 4 oz. Then we swung by L&D. My co-workers and Madelynne just loved her, and My nurse, Michele, was working that day. She shared me how scared she was when Madelynne was delivered that it was just pulse that was present for the first 3 mins of her life. The Lord was good to her that she pinked up before her 10 minutes of life reached. I heard her squirmed then and I was thankful to God that He touched her. That is why she had to go to NICU for few hours for observation. This time she loves to eat, almost every 2 hours, sometimes, every hour. It's amazing that babies can sleep all day and love to bother the adults' sleep in middle of our deep sleep. She doesn't like wet diaper and can fart loud. As Mark said, "My little girl is a rootin', tootin' machine." Enjoy the pictures.

Welcome Madelynne Ray

Madelynne Ray Cababat McGee was born on January 20th 2009, in Carl R. DArnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX. A historical Event: Inauguration of the 44th U.S. President, Barrack Obama. She was delivered at 3:14 PM by Major Adriena Beatty, MD. Wt: 6 lbs, 13 oz and 21 inches long. Proud parents: SSG Mark D. McGee and Donna Lyn C. McGee.

Brewing Labor

This past weekend, I was miserable! I was not able to walk well, because of the pressure in my sciatica. I had Brackston Hicks that occured every 5-10 mins. Then, early inauguration of Obama, came I started having painful contractions.

Baby Shower # 2

My Doctors hosted a baby shower for me on Sunday. Michele, my potential nurse baked cup cakes with Madelynne's name spelled on the arrangement. We played games such as making diaper out of paper towel, sucking 4 0z of water from the baby bottle, which the participants said, " it was hard." We played memory game. Dr. Beatty was very generous to open her doors for the party and Dr. Morning handled the games and favors. Madelynne received mostly clothes and a bit from our registry. Luckily the clothes were from newborn to 9 months. A dramatic letter to Madelynne was composed by Michele, tears just welled out from my eyes and from the girls too. It was all a wonderful event. We have at least 1 week left to meet Madelynne Ray Cababat McGee.