Twenty fingers & Twenty toes...: NINE months

Oh baby loves...

You grew inside my tummy for just a little over 9 months. And, now, you have been out of my tummy for 9 whole months. It seems impossible. When you were tucked inside me it felt like forever and ever until we could meet you. We felt so blessed on the day you made your earthly debut. You are both such unique, amazing little people. We continue to notice your similarities and your differences and appreciate them all. You truly make our lives worth living!!

This has been a big month for both of you!! There have been quite a few "firsts" which has been so exciting for us to watch.

Shared Firsts:
** Splashed in your kiddie pool during your first pool party!!
** Enjoyed ice cream (dairy queen)
** Took a trip to the MN zoo
** Strolled along Lake Calhoun
** Started saying "Da-da"
** Enjoy new swings outside

Ms. K...daddy and I just adore your easy going nature these days. You have really come out of your shell lately, too. Everyone is noticing that you SMILE all the time and it brings us all so much joy. You are genuinely just happy most of the time. You seem more comfortable around people you don't know and will even flash them a smile when they talk to you. Daddy and I don't want to forget the little noises you make (ah ah ah). And, then, you want us to mimic the noises back to you. You even have your sister doing it now!! It's so precious. Here are some of your milestones this month:

** Started "crawling" backward
** Rocking on all 4's and LOVING it!
** You have started to put your hands up in the air when you don't like a particular food I give you. It's almost like you are saying "stop right there, mama, I don't want sweet potatoes!"
** You got your first tooth! (bottom right)!!
** You say da-da or daddy quite a bit.
** You really enjoy our daily walks and often talk softly to yourself all the way along our path.
** You are getting VERY close to crawling forward - any day now!!
** You have taken some nasty falls and when you do you get really sad.
** When you get your feelings hurt you cry so hard it seems like you have stopped breathing... :(
** You are my snuggler. You almost always give me some snuggles when you wake up from your nap, which I love.
** My favorite color on you right now is light blue because it makes your eyes sparkle!!
** You love to swing outside in your new swing from Grandma and Grandpa G. And, it's a good thing because we swing morning, noon and night!
** You are a great napper. You fall asleep right on cue and sleep for as long as mama wants you to almost every day!!

Ms. R....daddy and I are so proud of you because you have accomplished so much this past month!! You continue to want to move, move, move and now you are actually able to do so!! We are noticing that you have a very strong will and when you put your mind to something there is no stopping you!! You remind me of your daddy! You recently have become very attached to me. You would prefer to be smack dab in the middle of my lap much of the day. It does present challenges, but I am trying to enjoy it as I know it won't last forever. Here are some of your milestones this month:

** You've started to crawl in every direction!
** You can pull yourself up on anything and everything!
** You LOVE to crawl out to the kitchen and look at your reflection in the stove door - so cute watching you giggle at yourself!
** You seem coordinated with doing more than one thing at a time
** You are a super, duper eater. You eat anything I give you.
** Some of those new foods include: mashed potatoes, pancakes, banana bread, Cheerios, turkey noodle hot dish, roast beef, and green beans.
** You also say da-da
** Sometimes it sounds like you are saying your own name over and over again.
** You love to swing outside in your new swing from Grandma and Grandpa G. And, it's a good thing because we swing morning, noon and night!
** My favorite color on you right now is yellow because it looks good next to your skin which is starting to get a tan from being outside.
** You don't like going to bed for naps or bedtime and will sometimes chew on your crib in protest.
** Changing you has become quite difficult as all you want to do is roll over and right off the changing table!!
** You have 3 teeth now. Chomp, chomp, chomp!

Whew!! What a month!! Summer is in full swing and we have a pretty good daily routine going on if the weather cooperates. We usually spend as much time outside as we can because it tires you out!! We take a walk everyday and we often stop and talk to friends and neighbors which mommy really enjoys. We also spend quite a bit of time swinging as you both seem to absolutely love it.

We were supposed to have your 9 month check today, but had to cancel due to daddy's schedule. But when we go in for that appointment I will update with your height and weight. As always you are growing like little weeds in the garden.

I have a few pictures to share, but both girls are getting harder to capture as they are "on the move".