So, against my wishes, the girls continue to age. I now have one-year olds and it freaks. me. out. How is this even possible? They went in for their one-year well check and are both happy and healthy. They're both still very small weighing in at the 5th percentile. But the doctor is not concerned as they're in line with what they've been since birth. I guess they're just petite babies! They had three shots yesterday (one was the flu) and handled them like champs. I'm so proud and amazed by them!
The girls' birthday was Thursday, so we got up (and let Daddy sleep in) and I cooked the girls pancakes, eggs and their usual banana and they ate every morsel. They were such good girls, they sat still and let me take pictures of them in ridiculous birthday hats. Once Chris finally woke up (le sigh), it was time for naps.
Later that day, we ran a couple errands and then took the girls to the zoo. It was actually the best zoo experience I can remember bc animals were actually out. One Polar Bear was playing in the water and tossing a ball in the air with his feet and catching it on his head. It was amazing. It also scared me to pieces thinking there was just a thin layer of plexi separating this giant animal from my family. We moved on to the Brown Bears who were also putting on a show for us- what can I say- the world loves C & E (wink). The two Brown Bears were actually playing and wrestling with one another. It was so cool to watch. Later that evening, the grandparents came home and had dinner with us and gave the girls their gifts. Then we gave the girls their cakes. It. was. epic. These girls are hilarious! Charlotte was taking cake by the fists full and couldn't get them to her mouth fast enough. Ellie wasn't far behind and eventually skipped the middle man (her hands) and went face first into the cake. Classic! It really was a perfect day.
The entire day (and following days), I sat reminiscing about the day they were born. I don't think there will ever be a day in my life I want to re-live more than that day. I actually ache for that day again. It was so incredible and perfect and such a dream. It's hard to think about it without getting emotional.
The big birthday bash was Saturday and could not have gone any better. The day was a bit of a whirlwind, so it's nice now to sit back and look at pictures... and just... sit back. The weather started out iffy. I was getting a bit nervous but knew we'd make it work. Then the clouds parted and the blue sky appeared and it was gorgeous. It was slightly windy so we kept the pavilion doors closed for the party, but it was just fine. So many wonderful friends and family came to celebrate with the girls. We are so lucky. The decorations turned out exactly as I'd hoped and the candy buffet seemed to be a hit. The park was perfect because there was a playground for the little ones and a giant grassy area for Frisbee and football throwing. The girls made out big time with all of their gifts, and the cakes turned out adorable! And once again, the girls were hysterical eating them. They had icing everywhere and had everyone in stitches. Great job, ladies!
To cap things off, Chris and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary on Sunday. He's such an amazing dad, and husband, and person. How could I be so lucky?
All in all, it was a banner week. Life is good!
How old are babies: 12 months
How much do they weigh: E is 20 lbs, 13 oz; C is 17 lbs, 12 oz.
How long are they: E is 27 1/2 inches; C is 29 1/2 inches
Clothes: The 9 months clothes are making their exit. We're now in big-kid jammies (aka. two-piece sets). They look like grown ups in these PJs!
Diapers: Still size 3. They are getting a bit snug on Ellie though.
What are they eating: We got clearance from the pedi to finish up our formula and not buy any more. It doesn't even seem real. What will it be like to wash those bottles for the last time? What will it be like to put our drying racks away and get rid of the pink pail we wash them in?? I can't think about it.
How are they sleeping: We told the Dr. that they rarely sleep through the night, so she told us what I knew she'd tell us but dreaded hearing..... it's time to let them cry it out (CIO). So, we tried it last night. Ellie woke up first around 5:30, so we turned the monitor down and let her cry.........and cry.............and cry................and cry. Until finally...........she woke Charlotte who cried..............and cried...........and cried. It was my hell. I finally said, that's it, I'm throwing in the towel- my babies need me. I walked upstairs and put my hand on the door knob and heard.... nothing. It had worked, they'd fallen asleep. So, I lay back down and turn to Chris and say, what if they were strangled by their blankets and that's why I don't hear them (see post regarding my strange blanket paranoia). So Chris suggests I go and check on them. Need I say more? Okay, fine. I'll say more. So I head upstairs and open the door. They are both on their bellies, butts in the air, fast asleep. And then Charlotte lifts her head, spots me and begins wailing. So I get the hell out of dodge. Head back down to bed, curse Chris for his advice, and tell him to go get her. He tells me to calm down and give it a second, and then the crying stops, and she falls back to sleep. I lay back down for a solid 3.5 minutes, and have to get up to get ready for work. I'd call that a good start to our CIO transition.
Milestones: Both girls are masters at standing on their own and cruising around things. Ellie will even let go from time to time. They both have teeth galore. Charlotte is rocking four on top and four on bottom and Ellie just cut her two top ones in addition to the bottom two she already has. They both point at things and signal when they want picked up or held by someone else. And the most important milestone so far- more important than sitting, crawling, standing, first word.... any of them- they actually KISS each other now! We say "Give Sissy kisses" and each one leans in toward the other. Nothing makes my heart melt faster.
What they love: Right now they love their blocks. Specifically, they like to knock them down after we stand them up. They also love their two stuffed animals: Rico The Raccoon and Michael J. The Fox. They're just the right size to hold and carry around and they love sleeping with them under their arms.
Major events: Well, I think this answer is pretty obvious... They kiss each other now. Kidding. (kind of) They are big kids now and before long we'll be driving them to college (obviously by driving I mean flying in our car) and setting up their dorm room (and by setting up, I mean asking their robot to set it up- this is the future, people. Get used to it!)
Appearances: I look at my girls now and they look so grown up to me. I can only imagine how they'll look when they have a full head of long hair. They're so beautiful.
Personalities: It's so fun to watch them get smarter and funnier as they age. I can't believe how much like little people they are now. They are just amazing.
Mom and Dad update: Work is still busy. I'm coordinating a board meeting in Sonoma, CA for early November and kind of don't know what the heck I'm doing, so that's a bit stressful. I've also got several other projects in the works. Chris is nearing the end of budget season, so hopefully he'll gain a little more sanity in his day. Finally, our Key West trip is right around the corner and I don't feel prepared at all. I need to find out what the weather is like down there and figure out what to pack.
Next doctor visit: October 22nd for a booster flu shot.
