Our first library book

We had a very fun morning by walking along the road then taking a detour through a trail in the woods. Our sojourn ended at the library. Unfortunately it was still 15 minutes until it opened. But luckily there's a beautiful garden surrounding the library and we were able to easily pass our time. Our patience was rewarded with entry to an empty library. We spent some time looking at the big fish tank, pointing out the clown fish and the blue tang, before wandering over to the puzzle area. After making a mess and politely cleaning it up, we found some books and sat on the couch to read. Though there were many good options, the girls decided on one book to take home. On the quarter mile walk home, we were able to observe large construction equipment. The girls were very brave even though we were only feet away from loud work. We made it home, ate a snack and read our new book 3 times before taking a nap. Talk about a fine morning!

Stats for the Babes

We went to the doctor's for their one year check up. Everyone at the front desk were impressed to see our girls walk into the office, say 'Hi' to everyone, then went to play with the toys. The waiting room was full of people that could not take their eyes off of them. The fact that they are identical is becoming more apparent to strangers.

The both received A+'s on their health and development. Dr. Monk was impressed by how much they could do and said to keep on what we have been doing since it is obviously working well. Definitely the praise a stay at home mom wants to hear from the doctor!

Unfortunately, they did have to get shots; 2 in each thigh for each girl. Ouch! They were even brave after the first shot. It was the second one that made them both cry. Ches and I learned that there is a Chicken Pox vaccine! Whoa! That made me feel really old, especially since he said it has been required from the school system for a long time. I guess the end of high school was 10 years ago for me now. In fact, the reunion is this summer, but I doubt we will be able to make the sojourn back to Florida then.

Here are the stats for the babes:

ALINA
Weight: 22 lbs (50th-75th Percentile)
Length: 29.75 in (75th Percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.2 cm (95th% Percentile)

AVERY
Weight: 21 lbs 12 oz (50th Percentile)
Length: 29.5 in (50th-75th Percentile)
Head Circumference: 47.1 cm (90th-95th Percentile)

Another First

Our big girl, Lina-bug, went pee pee in her training potty! I do not even think she needed the massive amount of praise (often in dance form) I showered her with, as she was already wearing her mega happy, open-mouthed expression that she often has when jamming to music. Granted, she probably didn't even make the association that we should pee pee in potties rather than diapers, but you have to start somewhere!

One Year Old...Whoa!

The girls have hit and passed their one year of life mark. Though momentous for them, it is also a celebration of a year of parenthood for me and Ches. It has been an indescribable experience to watch the growth and development of these two precious girls. Here are some pictures from their birthday night and their birthday party that following weekend. Videos of cake destruction are to follow!

Family Trip to the Aquarium

We had a wonderful outing today to enjoy the Seattle Aquarium. Mimi and Papou surprised us with an annual family pass! Works out since I think the girls are now hooked on fish. They smiled the whole time. Can't wait to go back again!

Training

So apparently Avery is training for the first ever baby iron woman competition. Being the dutiful, loving sister, Alina has decided to help her out via assistance with weight training. Note the awesome music in the background. No, we did not edit this to add the music; it is a Pandora station Ches has created with hours of effort to focus only on sport montage music. This has been a great aid in her training. No babies were harmed in the making of this movie.

Again, this is also a PSA to show the importance of remaining seated in a moving vessel.

Bottle Feeding

I am typing this post with my new found moments of free time. Yes, after eleven months, the girls have learned how to hold their own bottles. They have even come near to perfecting the tilt to get the last drop. Well, almost perfect...Alina did have a nasty fall this morning when trying to drink her close-to-empty bottle while standing. She just tipped her massive head back so far that she could no longer hold her balance. But we are very close, nevertheless. Think of all the Facebook time I can squeeze in...oh, I mean Accounting and Finance studying...or dishes....