Valerie's Turn to Show Off!

What an exciting week it has been! Miss Vanessa got her first tooth last Saturday the 13th and the following Thursday (18th), Miss Valerie stood up on her own! She has been pulling up and sitting on her knees for quite some time now. However, this was the first time she got on her legs! Ryan was able to witness this milestone while I was at work- He leaves me a written note recapping the night's events. He was changing Vanessa's diaper and he looked over at Val (already in her crib) and she had pulled herself up! Ryan said she started fussing because she didn't know how to sit back down. He sat her down and she pulled herself up again! It's hard not to compare the girls' development with where Zac was at their age. I have to keep reminding myself that they were preemies, born at 33 weeks. So instead of being on the verge of walking, I am excited that they are finally putting weight on their legs! We'll see how long it takes Vanessa to do the same. Saturday I woke up to my son screaming "MOMMYYYY! MOMMYYYYY!" Ryan had gotten up early and went to the grocery store. Supposedly Zac was sleeping when he left, otherwise Ryan would have taken him. This was not the wake up call I wanted after only 6 hours of sleep! Needless to say, I was up for the day. Later that afternoon, my Mom and I went Easter dress shopping for the girls. Shopping for twin girls is always a fun task: there is always a huge selection, but then finding TWO outfits in the same size can be a challenge. We found 2 coordinating dresses and can't wait for Easter! Ryan and I took advantage of the $10 pizzas Papa John's is offering and called it a night. The weather, lack of sleep, and shopping had taken its toll on me. Sunday I took the girls to get their 1st birthday pictures taken. My friend Melissa was nice enough and offered to help me. We did a birthday and Easter background. The girls did pretty well, considering. At first, they both had their fingers in their mouths- due to teething. Then Val was all smiles sitting in a rocking chair. We got 2 decent poses, which I am happy about. I was aiming for one! It's impossible at this age to get these girls to cooperate! The girls took a good nap on the way home.

Valerie pulled herself for me the following morning! Splits!

Practice makes perfect.

Zac crawled in the dog tent with Freddie!

Zac's peg leg, the shape-sorter container!

Zac climbed into Nessie's highchair!

He saw the bowl of Cheerios on the tray and pulled up my chair to climb in!

Welcome Spring!

Seriously?!

This can't be comfortable!

Putting his sisters' bows into a pile...

Now he put them around each of his legs!

The one decent birthday pose- no fingers in their mouths! Val- Left

Nessie

Valerie Happy Easter! (these are the dresses Granny B bought for them) I had brought pink shoes for their bday dresses, but didn't think about shoes for these outfits, oh well! Nessie- Left

Happy St. Patrick's Day Kids!

This year is the girls' 1st St. Patrick's Day. We don't do anything to celebrate. I just took a few shots of the kids wearing their green colors. I bought the girls shamrock sunglasses, but they were too big. They kept sliding off their faces. This was the best my children would do for me! Now I'm caught up on this blogging thing... until next weekend!

Miss Vanessa

The shades fit Zac though!

Miss Valerie

1st Tooth and More!

On Saturday, March 13, 2010 I noticed something inside Vanessa's mouth. She was flicking her tongue around and I thought a saw a tooth! Then I thought, "No, it's probably a piece of Cheerio." So I put my finger inside her mouth and rubbed her gums... it was a tooth!! How exciting!! Afterwards, I checked Valerie's mouth. No teeth yet, but her gums are swollen, so it will be soon! I'm also adding in other random photos from the week that didn't fall into one of the "titles"! This shot of Nessie's mouth is the only one she's let me take since then- glad I got this one at least!

Miss Vanessa Marie's 1st Tooth!!

One of Zac's favorite hiding spots- he even closes the door!

Val-L and Nessie playing in their brother's room- HE made the mess though!

Val practicing on standing up.

Zac wearing Daddy's shirt. He reminds me of E.T.!

Sleeping on the couch.

Fun Day with Zac

Zac has started getting jealous of the girls. Combined with being cooped up in the house since winter, Ryan and I wanted to spend some one-on-one time with him. My brother-in-law's girlfriend watched the girls for us, thank you Melissa!! We ate lunch at Applebee's, I was craving their chicken tenders and honey mustard sauce! Ryan was worried about taking him inside a restaurant to eat, due to his crazy mood swings, i.e. TERRIBLE TWOS! Zac did fine though, he was a little impatient while we waited on our food. Then we took him to Tunnel Town in Lee's Summit. We hadn't been there since his 2nd birthday party. He had a BLAST! I climbed inside the tunnels with him at first. Then I realized I was getting too old- they should provide you with knee pads! I'm apparently somewhat claustrophobic too! I'd crawl halfway through and would tell Zac that we needed to find a slide and get out! Ryan took over from there. Afterwards we headed over to the "kiddie section" He had a better time there since it was on a smaller scale, he could climb inside the tunnels by himself. And bang on the drums, and jump into the ball pit, and ride the plastic toys... I can't wait to bring the girls there next time!

Zac & Daddy coloring until our food arrived.

He's ready for some fun!

Waving at Mommy!

Hi Zac!

He LOVED banging on the drums!

Wee! He's a little too big for this toy!

Jumping into the ball pit.

Big boy climbing up the wall.

Scootin' across the tunnel.

Dad & Son are both making the same silly face (as we were leaving).

Burr Oak Woods

Ryan and I decided to once again take advantage of the nice weather and take the kiddos to Burr Oak Woods. I'm glad we did too, the weather after Wednesday went downhill!

We're ready to roll! Zac's hair looks a lot lighter when the sun shines on it!

Zac thought he was Mr. Big Shot climbing on the log.

My ABSOLUTE favorite pose!!

Zac was saying bye to the grass.

Zac did NOT want to leave!

Overdue Updates!

I finally have the time to add some updates. I've been meaning to, it's just difficult to get a few moments to sit down and do it! Last week was a great week- Zac and I were on "spring break" from school so Ryan decided to take the week off also. It was a family fun-filled week. I'll break the week up into separate posts, so it won't be a mile long! Last weekend we took advantage of the nice weather and spent a few hours in the backyard. Ryan has been itching to do some yard work (I know, he's crazy!) We found an area up against the house we want to landscape and incorporate our porch swing. We took the playpen out with us and put the girls inside. They did NOT like being cooped up! So then we let them have the run of the backyard.

Zac likes playing in the dogs' pop-up cage!

Only Valerie would be smiling after smacking her face against the desk leg.

Zac is relaxing and eating an ice cream cone.

Ryan & His Girls- Va on left. They both have funny faces.

They love looking in the backyard, Val-L

Zac has it made!

Mr. Squirrel eating the bird food- sunflower seeds.

Val snoozin' in her highchair.

Nessie wearing Daddy's hat.

Work those leg muscles, Val!

Nessie is like, "Get me out of here!"

Val playing with the ball.

Zac is enjoying the warm weather.

Hi Sammy!

The girls are now free! Val-L

Work in progress- of course it rained the next day!

Zac is thirsty after helping Dad dig dirt. No, the bottle was already empty!

Hi Girls! Nessie-L

Nessie sticking her tongue out!

Val helping me do the dishes!

Now Nessie joins in.