This week’s photo challenge is GROWTH.
To tell you the truth, I didn’t have to struggle with the theme this time around, as I’ve been waiting for just such an opportunity to dote a little bit on my first and only granddaughter, Maddalena “Maddie” Grace.
Like her granddad, Maddie’s a Leo, too, and she’s been roaring ever since she said her first “hello” last year on July 23rd.
She was born in Rome, Italy – mom’s American, dad’s Italian – and Maddie already has a pretty good handle on what it means to be bi-lingual: “One, two, free…Uno, duo, tway.”
I live in Vicenza, about 325-miles north of Rome, so when I visit, about once a month, I immediately see the physical and personality changes from the previous visit as soon as I lay my eyes on Baby Maddie.
She’s a pretty happy camper, too – at home, with her playmates at pre-school, in supermarkets, restaurants, and in the arms of whomever, wherever. 
The family, to a person, agrees that Maddie is already a “people person.” With an incredible curiosity for everything around her, she has an uncanny ability to lock eyes with total strangers, hold them in a trance, and beckon them to come closer to find out who she is.
It sure is a joy for me watching my granddaughter’s healthy and happy progress. I can only imagine how much fun it must be for her, growing up Maddie.
©The Palladian Traveler
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©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
The Palladian Traveler 
Great interpretation of this week’s theme. Best wishes to you and your family.
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Arindam – Thanks very much for reading my Photo Challenge offering. TPT
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She takes my breath away- what a beautiful child. You take good photos, Grandpa.
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“Maddie with the smiling face,” making her Granddad proud!! Uschi, my wife, is a Leo too and says you both are destined for greatness (Leo’s always say things like that about themselves). Tom, the pictures are as priceless as your model. And your doting is wonderful to watch.
Herb Glover
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Beautiful post!
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TAA – G’day. Thanks for the comment and for stopping in at my site to read “Growing up Maddie.” TPT
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Herb – Thanks for reading “Growing up Maddie.” Pretty easy material to write and shoot when she’s the star. Nice to know, too, that Uschi is a member of the “Lion’s CLub,” like Maddie and me. We like to boast and roar; we just can’t help ourselves. Ciao for now. Tom
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she has her grandpa’s blue eyes!
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She certainly does.
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What a great piece!!! I so enjoyed learning more about this cute little girl, Maddie!! xoxo
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Nives – Glad you liked the blog on Baby Maddie. Feel free to share the link with all of my Canadian “relatives.” Ciao for now. Tom
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Adorable – and nice representation of growth!
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TRS – Thanks for stopping in at my blog and for your comments on “Growing up Maddie.” TPT
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Looking at the slideshow, it seems a lot longer than 12 months! Thanks very much granddad!
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Mauri – E stato il mio piacere scrivere questo articolo dalla nostra “principessa.”
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