Rocking Horse

Last Christmas, the girls got an adorable rocking horse from Grandma Shelly and Grandpa Mike. Just this week, they have REALLY come to enjoy playing with it - even getting on and off by themselves, and getting very good at making it rock! We don't have great pictures or video of it, but here's a glimpse. You might also remember the ride-on truck they got, which they are very much enjoying while Daddy zooms them around the kitchen!

Barn n Bunk Fall Festival

Yesterday, we decided to check out the Fall Festival at Barn-n-Bunk in nearby Trenton, Ohio. While most of the activities are for a bit older set (though they had SEVERAL things geared toward preschoolers, which impressed us!), the girls did have fun - mostly checking out the pumpkins! (More (very cute!) pictures in the Picasa album)




























































I also got some Caramel Puff Corn and Pumpkin Bread (from Kauffman bakery - They spell their name wrong, but it looks delicious anyway!)... I'd share, but I'm positive it will be gone by the time you read this. Next time! :)

Twins Club Fall Sale

As you may recall, the West Chester Mothers of Twins Club has an awesome sale two times each year. At our spring sale, I scored the great wagon deal. The fall sale happened a few weekends ago, and while I didn't have anything large I set out to buy, I did get a few good bargains!

The #1 thing on my list was PJs, since I have none going into the fall and winter. We got plenty, most of which the girls won't be able to wear for a few months - which is fine, since it's not quite cold enough for many. There are a few pair that are fine for early fall, though!



















While I was working the public sale on Saturday, Kyle took a few videos of the girls checking out some of the things I had picked up the night before.

I was looking for blocks (like blocks you can stack), and hoped this item that was still in the package might fit the bill. I was mostly hoping it wasn't yet another stacking toy with the pole down the middle.... which it was. The girls like it though,















and they still play with it every day. In fact, it's the thing they fight over most these days, though they usually just like to carry all of the colorful pieces around in some piece of Tupperware.

(Please ignore my daughter's throat which is so red from her recent illness that you can see it glaring at you even "on film" - we think she's on the mend these days...)

They do somethings play with it as intended, though!



The thing I was most excited to show them though, was one of those goofy electronic "fish tanks". We had seen on in Big Lots while waiting one afternoon to get our oil changed, and while I ordinarily wouldn't spend a dime on it, Elise absolutely adored it. When I saw one for a couple of dollars at the sale, I figured it was worth it even if the excitement didn't last long. :)



I also got a couple of great things for them for Christmas, but you'll have to wait and see those! Besides, we all know that even the most expensive toys don't compare to the pleasure toddlers get out of everyday household items...

Fifteen Month Portraits

Thursday morning, Elise woke up covered in snot. I almost canceled our pictures, for fear that she wouldn't cooperate.

For weeks, I've "talked with" the girls about all their bumps and bruises, and how they have to stop before I can schedule pictures, and then they can be clumsy again. :) Lo and behold, picture day came without a scratch! Until I scratched Elise myself, on the way into the studio. Awesome.

Ironically, Elise was very cooperative, even staying where she was placed for several minutes. Avery wanted only to cling to my side, and was very happy so long as I was in the picture with her. Too bad I didn't even so much as wash my hair before going, or we could have had some really cute shots together!

Alas, we got some cute ones, as usual. I think you always get a few cute ones, when you have such cute babies, right? ;)



And as a side note, the bears pictured are from the studio. I told Kyle when I recounted the session for him, that we'll probably look back on these pictures when we're 50 and try to remember who gave the girls the bears, tell people how much we remember they carried them around, etc... only to have one of them remind us that they weren't even ours to begin with. Instead, Avery just couldn't part with hers, and so they had to join the session if we wanted to get ANYTHING out of it. Good thing they're cute bears!

FYI - there is a 15-Month Portraits Picasa album, if you'd prefer to view them there!

Video Gallery, Part 2

Be sure and see the post below with the first few videos!

As I have mentioned previously, the girls LOVE to dance. Before the first preview comes on before their sing-along DVDs, they are excitedly dancing and saying, "Dance! dance!". This video is from a time long ago, when they hadn't quite.... figured out exactly how to do it.

(Unless, of course, Elise was trying to do the robot. In which case, she rocked.)

And finally, one of their favorite songs as of late - from an ancient Gymboree video!

I have a couple more videos to share, but I'll actually try and put them up WITH the appropriate blog entry, instead of months later. Key word: "try".

Video Gallery, Part 1

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm TERRIBLE at pulling videos off of the camera. Here are a few that are long overdue for your enjoyment!

This one is from June (:blush:). The girls just crack one (and all of us around them) up!



I think Avery & Elise get tired of us asking the same questions over and over. Though she does "perform on command" once in the following video, Avery makes that evident by totally ignoring Kyle, and doing her own thing the next time around. And please note that "her own thing" in this instance is giving lots of kisses to Minnie Mouse. On my shirt. I sure do have cute girls! :)



And one more, just some random afternoon in early July. The girls demonstrate some of their favorite activities (reading books, talking on the phone, etc) ... and their short, toddler attention spans!



More to come!

Tooth Count :)

Since I've forgotten to include this "data" in recent monthly updates, here is where the girls stand on teeth coming in. And in case you are ever inclined to ask about my girls' behavior and, "Could it be teething?", the answer with these two is ALWAYS "Yes". I swear, one or both of them is always cutting teeth, be it ever so slowly...

Elise: After remaining at 8 teeth for quite some time, she has 3 of her four molars breaking through the surface. She also has drool and gnawing habits to prove it, since she refuses to let anyone look.

Avery: She had just 6 for a long time (four upper and 2 lower), and FINALLY cut her seventh a few weeks ago. Because she was still so "behind" on the front teeth, it never even occurred to me to check for molars, even though I know they can come out of order in some kids. Sure enough, one day when she was screaming at me, her mouth was open enough to see she has one upper molar almost entirely finished coming in, and the other side breaking through as well. We're still not sure on that 8th front tooth... but we'll see it eventually. They're just determined to be teething up until it's time to start continue right on with 2-year molars...

And just to make this the most random post ever, you should really see my toenails. I got a pre-vacation pedicure this morning and - as repayment for running late - I got cute little (not at all tacky!) flowers on each big toe. Florida, here we come! :) (Which, of course, means nothing really with regards to the pedicure, since I wear flip-flops 9 months out of there year at home, too. Whatever, it was a good excuse!)

More Museum Classes!

So as you've probably figured out by now (even though I promise I don't post after every one, in an effort to avoid redundancy!), we go to the Sprouts Institute classes at the museum anywhere from 1-3 times each month. With the exception of when we're in WDW (which ALWAYS falls on the "wrong" week of the month), we are sure to go to Music & Movement class every month. We also like to try and get to a few Laugh & Learn (storytime) classes, and Signing Safari, but those are not offered quite as frequently. Anyway, September has been no exception!

On September 14th, we visited Miss Ai Li Brown for Music & Movement class. We actually had the chance to try out another Music Together program recently, and I have to admit that I have not seen a teacher of any class, anywhere, that is as fantastic as Ai Li. The girls get better and better at participating in this class, and they are just so much fun to watch. As usual, the class consisted of songs, dancing, scarves, rhythm eggs, rhythm sticks and assorted musical instruments. Elise and Avery just had a ball, and were quite vocal about it to boot! :)
























































And yesterday we went to see Miss Jeannie at Signing Safari! She took a break over the summer, so it had been a while since we were in her class. The girls were much more attentive this time than their first class (when they barely hit the age requirement), and showed off some of the signs they already knew. We worked on terms related to family and "around the house" (mama, dada, dog, cat, eat, more, all done, sleep, play, etc) so they were familiar with most of them. Miss Jeannie is also wonderful, and does a wonderful job singing, reading, talking and keeping the kids very entertained while she teaches. At the end of the class, we get to play with a parachute -- which Avery absolutely loved this time around, especially being under it!

After class we stuck around to play for a little while. The Duke Energy Children's Museum is so great! If you've followed along for a while (or do a quick search in the sidebar), you'll see that we've played so many times and have still yet to hit even half of what they have to offer! (The website really doesn't come close to doing it justice!)

This time, we played in the Cultural Kids area (really just Russia) where the girls were ballerinas and really loved looking at themselves all dressed up! We also worked on a little bit of engineering (like Aunt Kelly and Uncle Justin), but their attention span wasn't quite as long with the blocks this time :)




















































Check out the September Photo Album for more pictures, including a better look at the girls' uber-cute polo shirts and matching shoes!

Little Ladies

When the Lawless family came over for a birthday celebration, the girls behaved like such ladies the whole evening!

First, they carried around their diaper bags and other necessities for their baby dolls (while, unbeknownst to them, getting a sneak preview of a few Christmas gifts).



















Then, they discussed the opening Sunday of NFL football.















Finally, it was time to participate in the best part of any day (dessert!), with cupcakes just their size.















And wrappers that were apparently equally delicious!















Finally, to wash it down, they enjoyed some Perrier. My girls have good taste! :)

Coney Island

Earlier in the month, CCHMC had it's annual Employee Appreciation Day at Coney Island. The Cincinnati version is a cute park with a great history. It's no Cedar Point or Kings Island, but it's charming - and perfect for family reunions and work Employee Appreciation Days! :)

It was a bit crowded this year for my liking, and obviously offered only a few rides in which the girls could participate, but we were looking forward to it nonetheless. After waiting in line a couple of times and realizing they were running REALLY inefficiently (ie multiple lines trying to merge together, while oblivious ride operators ran half full loads, etc), we gave up on everything but the carousel. If you recall, my girls liked Cinderella's Golden Carousel in WDW last March. Then they hated the Carousel at the zoo, and the next week they didn't mind it. This time, they ADORED it. Elise cracked the whole place up with her (loud.) screams of "Wheee!" and "Trot, trot, trot!" (which is, by the way, apparently what the horse says).














There was a lot of great food, and we got to take a quick dip in Sunlite Pool in hopes to get the girls acclimated to swimming again. I think the highlight of the day though, at least to the under 2 set, was definitely the gravel.














All in all, it was a fun day - and more enjoyable than the Buckeyes loss to USC that we then went home to watch. More pictures in the Photo Album!

15-Month "Well"-Child Checks

Today we said "bye bye" to Dr. B, who is moving to Seattle in a few weeks! :(

The girls were true to form - showing off some, playing shy some, screaming like banshees with their 4 shots.  All in all, a normal visit!  Here are the stats --

Elise -- 

weight: 21lb, 5oz (25th %ile)

height: 30 inches (36th %ile)

head circ: 18.5 inches (80th %ile)

Avery --

weight: 20lb, 10oz (17th %ile)

height: 29.5 inches (23rd %ile)

head circ: 18.25 inches (65th %ile)

While I was shocked that a) they had gained ~ 3 pounds in 3 months (isn't growth supposed to slow down after the first year?!) and b) only 11 ounces STILL separates Avery and Elise despite their very different eating habits, Dr B actually said, "You couldn't plot more perfect looking growth charts".  Who would have thought we'd have such good eaters (and consistent growers, really) after the torture we had to put them through their first few months of life to get ANYTHING in them!  We'll take it!

I had been suspecting for a few days that Avery is/is getting sick, and she does have bright red ears and a bright red throat... but nothing that needs treatment just yet.  Say a little prayer that the "little something" she has stays little, then goes away!

We don't have to go back at 18 months unless we have concerns, but I did arrange for a weight check sometime over the winter just for our records, medication dosing, etc.  Here's to optimism, in that we will only have to run in for said weight check and not ill visits between now and next summer! ;)

Fifteen Months!

I'm not sure how long the monthly updates will continue, but for now the Duck outfits still fit - so here's what's happening these days --

Two of the words that best describe the girls at 15 months are "words" and "woes"!

Every day it seems, they learn a new word to use correctly. In fact, I find myself tempted to lie on our questionnaire at the doctor's office tomorrow, so that Dr. B will believe me! :) When I answer that they know 15-20 words each instead of 3-6, I almost guarantee that - despite how well he knows Kyle and I - I'm going to be chalked up as one of those moms who hears "antidisestablishmentarianism" when her child actually says "hrmphsfir". :) Lest I forget though, here are some of the things we hear on a daily basis, from two of the sweetest voices I know: up, down, bye bye, hi, mama, dada, dog, fish(y), shoes, hat, sit, dance, eat, water, all done, more, book, cup, ball, baby... and of course "Cinderwewella"! I know that their gender, genetics (seriously - do you know their mom?), etc have a lot to do with their development, but when it comes to language I can't say enough good things about baby sign, and how much I think it has helped. It gave them a head start, in my opinion, on the idea that everything has a word that describes it, and continues to drive home meanings. I will even go so far as to say the words they pick up the fastest (and vocalize) are words that they also sign, often learning the sign at the same time.

Anyway, enough about that. If you are interested in the whole signing thing, I would be more than happy to talk your ear off about it if you ask! :)

Onto the "woes"...

I alluded in a recent post about one of Elise's strange fears (the Chicken Little preview). Avery's are even sillier, although of course I don't tell her that! ;) Today at Kids First, I officially confirmed that she is, in fact, afraid of elevators and guitars. The first is especially rough, considering I am never in a position to take the stairs instead of the elevator, with two one-year-olds. The second is just funny to us! We have acoustic guitars here that she used to love playing/exploring. Troy has been staying with us the first part of this month and brought his electric guitar, and Avery acted like it's sole purpose of being in her house was to torture small children. She has continued to be utterly terrified of the guitar toy at McDonald's, and today the ukelele at music class. A ukelele! Kyle and I often discuss when listening to music that ukelele=happiness. :) I can't even begin to understand this fear, so I'm just hoping it passes quickly. At least a guitar (or similar) is not something we absolutely have to face on a regular basis!

They continue to love playing with their Disney figurines, dancing, reading, and kissing on stuffed animals and baby dolls. They enjoy emulating grown up "tasks" like dressing themselves (mostly feeble attempts except for their crocs, which they can put on themselves), rocking a baby doll, brushing their teeth and hair, etc. We're working on several animal sounds, and they're doing a great job picking them up. Hopefully we'll get video soon, especially of Avery's buzzing like a bee, and Elise's "Roar!" (which is pretty impressive, if I do say so myself!)

Otherwise, life is just crazy busy (and crazy!) with these two on-the-go girls. They have mastered running, throwing things, and fighting... but they also spend lots of time each day sharing, giving one another hugs and kisses, and picking up their toys (it's a game!). They are so very sweet, and I cherish each day with them!

Picasa Upload

I just wanted to pop in and let you know there are a few different sets of pictures that have been added to the September Picasa album. I have a growing list of entries that I need to do, and the longer the list gets the more I realize these things probably won't ever get their own! :)

Click on over for lots of cute pictures of Buckeyes game days, dressing up with Daddy's belt, experiencing candy corn & buckeyes, and (thoroughly) enjoying spaghetti --

Stay tuned for the 15-month "birthday" update this evening!

8 years?

Huh. I guess some things will always seem much more fresh than it seems they should, no matter how much time passes. Then again, I'm pretty sure that's a good thing. There are some things in our lives we shouldn't lose sight of. Those things are usually hopes or goals set for the future, but sometimes it's ok to be reminded of past tragedies that no doubt changed our lives.

They remind us to pray for people who were hurt - not just all of us threatened or bewildered, but REALLY hurt, in a way we just cannot grasp. Still hurting, still missing people they love dearly.

They remind us to be thankful for freedoms we have that have never - not in 2001, 2009 or 1775 -come without a cost. And specifically to those people who have fought, and are fighting, to protect that freedom.

They remind us to stop and think about the future. Except not so much about the future, but more about the God in control of it. Democracy is more than wonderful, involvement in politics important, a good education priceless - but all of those things are small details that we have some semblance of control over. The reality is that THE FUTURE is largely out of our hands. That brings me an indescribable amount of peace, despite how the same reality (that I have less control of a certain situation than I would like) brings this type A chick to her knees more frequently than she'd care to admit. And lots of times not "to her knees" in prayer, at least not until she's been to her knees crying and throwing a fit about it for a while.

They remind us to cherish every moment we have with our friends and family. That life is fleeting, even when it's not cut short. After all, it's already been EIGHT years since September 11, 2001.

Check out this post from last year for a more eloquent, always relevant message.

Stroller Safari

September 1st marked our first "Stroller Safari" class! The theme was "Terrific Textures", and boy was it fun! I should say, it was done really, really well. I know Elise was excited and really did enjoy herself, but poor Avery was mostly just sleepy!














We started our day in the Education Center, where our teacher talked to us about various textures. To drive the point home, each child was given 3 squares of fabric to match - a super soft one, a rough/prickly one, and a smooth one. (This was Elise & Avery's favorite part, I think. Go figure, right?) I will also point out that it was at this point that I correctly guessed which three animals we would be meeting. Have any guesses? Don't cheat, now!

First, we met a chinchilla named Ashley (I think). She, of course, was oh so soft! True to twin form and their own nature since shortly after birth, my girls decided to change things up and have a little role reversal on that day. Elise was very eager to touch all the animals,














while Avery really wanted nothing to do with them!














The second animal we met was a Hedgehog. We had met one of his relatives when the zoo came to Max's House (we meaning me, out of our family) and I just think these guys are so cute! I can't believe I'm saying this as a child of the 90's, but they're even cooler than Sonic made us think they were!

Finally we met a snake. We talked about it's smooth skin, and practiced our ssss sounds, then it was out to explore textures in the rest of the zoo!















As if they might actually do something to her, Avery didn't even want to touch the plants in the zoo. Silly girl! We touched some plants that were soft, prickly and smooth, and then even got to pet a few goats.














The goats really liked checking Avery and Elise out (always have, actually!). You'll notice (off the edge of the picture, perhaps... or just take my word for it ;)) Elise didn't even draw up an inch this time! Perhaps she's overcome that fear, to make room for new ones?















After class was over we stuck around a while to visit a few more animals. We saw a bearcat and some babies in the nursery (a leopard and a wallaby, to start). We saw the birds and the bears, and then we went to visit the manatees, because the girls just adore the "fishies" (that live with said manatees). They take notice of the ginormous other things swimming around the tank, but mostly they like the fish. (Christmas idea #1 if you're shopping: Aquarium Membership ;)).
































The best surprise of the day though, was this one --















Kyle got to come with us! We were talking as I was approaching the zoo, and it turned out that he had no patients for the remainder of the morning. We swung by to pick him up, and all four of us got to spend the morning together at the zoo!

And the second surprise of the day was this -- the girls LOVED the carousel again. Who knows what happened last time, or why Elise is utterly terrified of the Chicken Little preview that comes on before her Sing-a-long DVDs. Toddlers are strange.


































Overall, I was very impressed with the Stroller Safari class, and hope to swing a few more of them in the future. I'm not sure having twins is so much harder than a singleton, but it sure is doubly expensive. :( I wouldn't trade it for the world of course, but might just add "Zoo Education Gift Certificates" to the shopping list for this coming holiday season. (Idea #2. You're welcome ;)).

Back to School?

Let me get this right out of the way - we very gladly bought "leashes" for our upcoming vacation. Before I have critical comments, let me just say a few things. Many people opposed to the idea have only one child they would otherwise need to chase after in a crowd and have never had to consider them. Almost everyone I've ever talked with or read who is opposed to them suggests that a parent should instead leave a child strapped in a stroller for hours on end, to which I say THEY are cruel and are also hindering their child(ren)'s exploration and therefore, their development to some extent. To each their own. :)

However, this was not really a post to start a debate, because Kyle and I are just fine in our decision to utilize safety harnesses in order to allow Elise and Avery the freedom to explore WDW "on their own" when the time is appropriate. It was, instead, intended to show off two adorable girls who LOVE their new teddy bear backpacks. Girls who bring them to us repeatedly to put on, and who cry when they have to take them off at night! :-P

(Yes, I'm well aware that they'll hate them when we need to use them. Such is the life of a parent, no?)

Anyway, see how cute?!

Who needs a parrot?

The girls repeat EVERYTHING.  And I don't just mean words...

Months ago, before they were even one I believe, Elise was holding Aunt Cassi's cell phone when it started to ring.  It was silent, so it took us a moment to figure out what was going on, but Elise's eyes lit up and she immediately started buzz buzz buzzing in a low tone, to match the vibration of the cell phone!  Hmm... too bad that isn't nearly as cool a story without the sound effects.  Still, a fun memory.

This week, they added to their repertoire.  When Kyle was applying their sunscreen one afternoon, we began hearing perfect little "tss, tss, tss" noises, to match the sounds the spray bottle was making.

Silly little girls!

Swimmin'

Early, early in the summer, I asked my friend Beth what sort of device(s) she used in their pool last year when her daughter, Addy, was an infant. She told me about these, and even had access to two of them I could borrow for the summer! I was so excited to get them the following week, anxious to use them all summer with my little water bugs!

And then, I found myself in August. We had made and canceled plans several times to go swimming in various places, but had never done it. And my little water bugs had turned into toddlers who develop the most random new fears every morning when they wake up. The first (and only?) time we were able to use those adorable spring floats was not exactly as planned....

Of course we had to stop for a snack, first!

Then play with the dogs...

And finally we were in the water! Neither girl thought it was too great at first, but they were brave --

Elise eventually even relaxed and enjoyed herself a lot!

(Until Mommy dunked her.)

Avery was very content so long as she was firmly attached to a big person :)

...while Elise even mustered a smile as she was floating around the pool in her froggie, though it took a while!

Poor Avery never quite got there. She'd try to crawl out of the ladybug and do a faceplant in the water, over and over again, screaming the whole time. I didn't make her stay long!

Cassi and I had a great time with chariot rides (don't ask) and basketball (sort of). By the end of the afternoon, Nana, Pappy, Aunt Cassi, Mama, Jeff, Sue & Ethan were all hanging out on the Blacks' beautiful porch, enjoying the sunshine. And the mohawks.

And, of course, the snacks (round 2).

I think this confirms my wishes to do "swim lessons" (Water Acclimation, really) at an early age. I wish we would have done them sooner, but that whole money thing gets in the way. Then again, with the way Elise & Avery (and all toddlers) develop and overcome new fears, they might just be fine when we hit the pools at Old Key West next month. Their swimsuits might fit then, too!