Bye Bye Plugs

Time to say farewell to the pacifiers. The girls are teething & can't hold onto them, so Ian and I have decided to take advantage of the natural transition. It's going to be rough for a while until they get the hang of it. It is good for all of us though. They will learn how to self pacify and I will not have to get up 6 times a night to replug them. In the "Juggling Twins" book I have, they recommend getting rid of them no later than 4 months old, otherwise they become a crutch for them and a constant hassle for you. Well, the girls have enjoyed the comfort of them for 7 months and now it is time to let them go. I know that some would not agree with this decision, but every child is different and this is what's best for Karis & Kelsie. We would appreciate your prayers, as we are in for a pretty difficult road.

Thankful

This month has gotten away from me. I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner. I have been counting my blessings in hopes of developing a lasting spirit of Thankfulness. Karis & Kelsie daily bring me such indescribable joy! They just started making pattern sounds, "Mamamamama" & Dadadadada". They don't know what they're saying, but it is sweet jibber jabber!

They are:
7 months old in 3 days!
not crawling yet
just learning how to sit by themselves
teething
drinking out of a cup & sipping through a straw
responding to their names
finally enjoying being on their tummies
discovering what fun bath time can be
still enjoying their saucers
fascinated watching Baby Einstein
getting too big for bouncers & swings
like to be sung & read to
quickly growing out of their car seats...lengthwise.
are in 9 month clothing & 12 month jammies
starting to reach for us with open arms
used to car rides & usually sleep when we're out & about
always excited to see/play with Ali & Wrigley
developing their own precious personalities
in size 3 diapers
always anxious to giggle
a little stranger shy
developing a liking for different foods (mainly sweet)
strolling around in their walkers at Nana's
enjoying growing up with a constant companion. They love each other!
grabbing faces...especially Daddy's
BEAUTIFUL & I can't get enough of them!!

Ian continues to be a wonderful husband & father; a source of protection & strength! Amidst the stresses of his job, he manages to come home & shower all 3 of his girls with love. He is more than a hero to us and we are blessed knowing he is out there keeping us safe from harm.

For these things and many more, Lord, I am thankful to you!

We went to the Doc for the girls 6 month check up. Karis is 15.2 lbs/27" and Kelsie is 15.10 lbs./27". They are in the 90th percentile for height! Amazing! Dr. T says they are healthy girls! We are blessed! They aren't crawling yet. Just barely sitting up by themselves. They are wanting to be mobile and get so frustrated when they can't quite reach something or get somewhere. It won't be long now. I have had to pack away swings & bouncers and start baby proofing. They're in #3 diapers...getting SO big! I would say that this is the hardest stage for me so far because they are becoming more aware of their surroundings, developing their own personalities, likes & dislikes...and despite my efforts to keep them on the same schedule, sometimes that doesn't always happen. I anticipate it getting even more challenging when they become mobile. God grows Mommy's too, right along with babies. We're all learning & adjusting. It has been a fun adventure and I'm grateful...tired, but grateful! ;)

Food, Glorious Food!

We started the girls on solid food on September 6th and they have been eating like champs ever since. I have really been enjoying making baby food! It's so easy & much more cost effective to buy the fresh produce, steam cook it & freeze the food cubes!!

So far, aside from the rice & oat cereal, we have had apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, peas, avocado, pears, and yellow squash. Next on the list is peaches & chicken...not together. Naturally, they have a sweet tooth and seem to enjoy fruits over veggies. So sometimes I mix them to fool their taste buds...Shhhh! ;)

 

Halloween/GBC Country Fair

So, I am a little late posting this, but we had some fun over Halloween. We all dressed up (even Ali & Wrig), carved our pumpkin, and went to the Country Fair! And since a picture is worth a thousand words, that's all I'm gonna say. ;)

 Our Precious Punkins

 Daddy loves this load!

Carving an owl sitting on the moon. Wrigley's outfit says "My other costume is much scarier" and Ali's was a t-shirt that said "Hello, my name is DOG"

 Feet up simultaneously. It's like they're reading each other's minds ;)

 Kelsie

 Karis 

 Kare Bear was Junior Mints, Kels Sugar Babies, and Mommy was a Trick or Treat Bag