Moving forward...

So, the girls turned 9 months old and it seems that suddenly, a switch has been flipped. They seem to grasp concepts that had previously eluded their comprehension.

Their routine examinations revealed them being in the 25th% for weight & the 90th% for height. Karis being 17 lbs 6 oz./ 28 and 1/4" L; and Kels being 17 lbs. 11oz./29" L. Doc says they're very healthy girls, growing right on track. You can imagine what a sweet blessing it is to hear that!

Karis, you are my little love!! You are patient and kind. If you see an empty lap, you fill it and are happy to sit quietly. You are content but also curious. You are full of wonder and thrive on new discoveries; like finding out what a certain sound is and where it's coming from. You find your hands and toes very fascinating. You are very tolerant of your sister's volume & enthusiasm. You rarely complain. You enjoy playing with all sorts of toys and you really like books. Outside of the playroom, you enjoy playing with doorstops & turning light switches on & off (when being held). You are a picky eater and like to take your time, talking about each bite. I have yet to find a food that you are crazy about. If you could, you'd be happy to suck everything through a bottle. You like being fed your snack rather than picking it up & bringing it to your mouth. You are very good at sucking through a straw. You like car rides and rarely make a peep when we're driving. You're never overly excited about bath time, but you don't complain. You like people and rarely care who's holding you (although you prefer Daddy). You do not like being dirty and you are quick to let me know when you've made a diaper pie for me. You are a great sleeper and really like napping, but sometimes your efforts in reaching REM sleep are thwarted by a sister who's thrilled to have you only a few crib rails away; and yet despite your tired state, she's glad you're also within hearing distance for yet another one of her stories. You LOVE your sister and are always holding her hand or allowing her to snuggle!!

Kelsie, you are my sweet stimulant!! You are a very happy girl! You enjoy making and creating noise. You like banging toys together. You have many friends, your favorite one being your coyote stuffed animal (he always gets a big smile). You get frustrated when you can't figure something out, but once you learn it, all further performances of the task are done so with ease. You like water and really enjoy splashin' around in your bath! You happily assist Karis in learning how to patiently tolerate your vivaciousness and sharpen her sharing techniques...meaning, you like stealing whatever toy she has and constantly being in her personal bubble. :)  You are a little leery of strangers and often give folks a furrowed brow if your unfamiliar with a face. You enjoy eating and do a great job grabbing your snack & feeding yourself. You prefer sweet foods, but aren't picky as long as you're tank gets full. You drink through a straw very well. You like pulling on things...handles, necklaces, cords, nobs, ears, noses, anything that sticks out. You fight sleep and think that a 15 min. nap is more than enough. You always wake up with a smile and an eager spirit! You, like your sister, enjoy car rides and rarely make any noise unless you see something out the window that needs a "talkin' to". You don't like boundaries and are quick to invade familiar people's space (it's usually welcomed & adored).  You LOVE your sister and enjoy being close to her in every way.

Though identical, I am in awe at how perfectly God designed them to be such different individuals! Both girls are a constant joy to their Father & I.  We have yet to go through a day without smiles & laughter. We are counting our blessings. God is SO good! His mercies are new every morning and each day brings a new adventure!

(Side note: Karis now has 3 teeth; her first top tooth poked through yesterday. And Kelsie has learned how to pull herself up to a standing position by grasping onto furniture. Seemed to have happened overnight. Simply Amazing!)