So Sweet

Jack and Annabelle are really starting to enjoy each other.  They hold hands in the stroller and laugh and laugh at each other.  The other day, Annabelle was holding Jack's foot while we walked in the stroller.  He could not contain his laughter.  Perhaps he was being tickled?  They also like to give, what look like open mouth kisses.  They basically lean into or fall on top of each other with their mouths wide open.  Knock on wood, there is no biting yet!  They are clearly sharing a tender moment with their hands around each other and their mouths open wide, all while laughing and laughing and laughing.  I know these days will not last forever, but I hope they do for a while! 

Fall - well a version of it

Jeremy is a wonderful father and I am so thankful he is the father of my children.  Every now and then he does something to or with the kids and it is so sweet it practically brings tears to my eyes.  Yesterday, we had one of those moments.  We decided to appreciate the 90 degree weather (as opposed to the 100 degree weather) and walk to the park with the kids yesterday afternoon when Jeremy got home from work.  We went to a small park by our house.  There is a huge Live Oak tree there with the fun branches that go to the ground and then back up into the air.  It is big enough you can go under the branches and practically feel like you are in your own secret fort or hide out.  It was a great place to play because it was nice and shady.  90 degrees is still hot!  Anyway, Jeremy and the kids were running around and playing hide-n-seek.  Then, Jeremy grabbed handfuls of leaves that had fallen to the ground and threw them up into the air.  They fluttered to the ground and Annabelle and Jack laughed and laughed.  Jeremy continued to throw leaves into the air and watch them flutter down.  Annabelle also threw some leaves into the air (along with a stick or two) and was very proud of herself.  All three of them were having a wonderful time doing something so simple.  It was really a precious moment for our family.  And, it was fun to see the leaves fall and hope we will someday have "fall" weather.

Road Trip

I'm not sure if our trip over Labor Day weekend counts as the baby's first road trip, since we did drive to Port Aransas when they were three months old.  That drive was 3-4 hours.  Our trip to Arkansas was more like 8-10.  The babies and I went with my mom, Granna.  Jeremy had to work.  I thought it would be best to drive at night, since Annabelle does not seem to enjoy riding in the car.  We left on Thursday afternoon and stopped north of Waco at Luby's for dinner for the kids.  Granna said they would have vegetables and it would be a quick stop.  They did have vegetables, covered in butter and bacon grease.  We got the food fast, but there was nothing quick about the stop.  After running around Luby's and entertaining all of the senior citizens enjoying their 5:00 dinner, I put the kids in PJs, gave them their milk, and hit the road.  We made several stops and I did not end up making it to my dad's house in Fayetteville, Arkansas, until 2:00 AM.  Annabelle fussed off and on for the last few hours and when we arrived at my dad's house, she was ready to party.  She finally fell asleep in bed with me about 4:00 AM.  Jack, who had slept wonderfully for the entire ride, was up at his usual 6:30 AM.  It was a rough day for me!  We saw lots of friends including, Ashley, Emily and her kids, Marissa and her kids, Rhonda and her kids, Misty and her family, Becky and Terry, Carolyn, Sara, and Justin and Katy.  We got to spend a good amount of time with Jasmine and Kaitlyn and hopefully got some cute cousin's pictures.  We went to the park and the farmer's market.  Saturday was the Hog's first football game and the town was quite spirited - GO HOGS!  We went to Jasmine's birthday party on Sunday and Annabelle had fun jumping in the bounce house with Kaitlyn.  Jack had fun walking and walking and walking and walking.  Luckily, on Sunday and Monday, the weather was much cooler.  It was a nice change from the 100+ weather we have been having all summer.  We headed home on Monday, stopping in Ft. Smith for dinner.  We were able to see Mackie, Harris, Maggie, and Parker.  The ride home was not as difficult as the ride there.  Probably in part because there are things to see between Dallas and Austin.  On the way there, once you get past Dallas, there is really nothing to see at night.  During the day, there are beautiful trees and mountains, but at night, there is nothing.  Overall, we had a wonderful, jam-packed, weekend.  We were able to see lots of people whom we have not seen in quite a while.  And, of course, I was able to show the babies my home town.  We love our friends and family in Arkansas and look forward to another visit.   

Ozzie and Harriet

I'm not quite sure how we got ourselves into this situation.  Jack was sick and we needed an air conditioned place without a bunch of kids where we could kill some time.  Silly me, suggested the pet store.  Jack and Jeremy actually sat in the car - Jack seemed content which equalled sucess and there was no reason to chance unsucess.  As Annabelle and I were going into the store, two girls were coming out with two puppies they just adopted.  I thought the puppies were sweet and the girls insane.  Little did I know... Once inside, Annabelle and I looked at kittens, fish, turtles, and guinea pigs.  I tried to steer clear of the mice and rats.  It was a great time killer.  We went outside to see the dogs.  There were quite a few and we loved on all of them, including Ozzie and Harriet.  They are "Leroy" dogs.  Basically, I fell in love.  I did not really think it through, when I asked Jeremy if we could have one, as I was sure Jeremy would say no.  Surprisingly, he said yes.  They are boy girl twins and we did not want to separate them.  Initially, we thought we would adopt one for ourselves and one for my mom (who has been saying she wants a dog).  But, now that we have them, I think we will have to keep them both together.  Because having boy girl thirteen month old twins isn't enough to keep me busy, I decided we should have dogs!?!?!?

We brought them home last night.  I was taking the kids in through the front and Jeremy was taking the dogs into the backyard.  We thought it might be nice to get the kids fed and a few things situated before bringing Ozzie and Harriet into their new home.  But, as I was on the front porch with one of the kids, I saw one of the dogs sprint by.  About a nano second later, I saw the other one.  They are both super fast!  Apparently they can fit through our fence - something that will have to be fixed immediately!  Luckily, they respond to their names and both came to me (in the neighbor's yard by this time) after a short sprint around the surrounding yards.  We were able to get them inside without any craziness.

The first night went well.  Harriet wanted to sleep in our bed, but after being kicked out a couple times, she finally settled into the dog pillow at the foot of our bed.  Leroy's old bed is big enough for Ozzie and Harriet to snuggle together.  Everyone was happy, except for me, who had anxiety all night long and thought this probably was not the best decision.  Oh well!  Unfortunately, the babies decided to start the morning around 5:00 AM.  By 6:15, we were all out for a family jog!

Overall, it is going to be a fun and wild ride.  The kids aren't sure what to think and neither are the dogs.  Annabelle loves animals and usually is happy to see them.  Jack has not felt well and would probably prefer to be left alone.  The dogs are still trying to figure out their new home.  Eventually, we will get it all worked out.  Welcome to our family Ozzie and Harriet!  We are excited to have you!

Shoes

Annabelle has discovered shoes!  She got a pair of Pink Sparkle Toms from a dear friend for her birthday and then Granjan bought her two more pairs while she was visiting.  Whenever Annabelle sees the shoes, she brings them to me, one at a time so she can shake her other hand, and says "eh, eh, eh, eh" which translated means, "put the shoes on now, please".  The "please" is actually my own addition, as her "eh, eh, eh, eh" is a demand.  She does not care if she has on footed pajams, is getting ready for a nap, or even has another pair of shoes on.  We had a three year old boy visiting and she, with some assistance, put his crocs on over her own shoes and was walking around the house.  Silly girl!  She will also bring me Jeremy's shoes and say the same, "eh, eh, eh, eh".  I put them on my feet and she seems satisfied enough.  She does not seem quite big enough to wear her shoes and his shoes.  A little more practice walking and I am sure she will be ready.  Jeremy is concerned about Annabelle's shoe obsession and is hoping it is just a phase and not something he has to fund for the next 17 years!

Just an update

I do not think I am writing nearly enough, but it is hard for me to come up with topics.  So, this will just be an update.  The kids are almost 13 months.  They are walking all over and practically running at times.  The steps are no match for them.  Jack will just walk in circles in his room.  Walking is his new favorite trick and he is just trying to make up for the months before he was able to walk.  Annabelle enjoys having stories read to her and continues to be very social, needing lots of attention.  She likes to play chase and hide-n-seek with her daddy and it is cute to watch her get so excited.  Jack continues to be laid back and entertains himself easily.  Both have 2 top teeth all the way in with another one or two on the way.  It is so hot, we have spent much more time indoors.  We do enjoy having our friends over to swim in the pool or play with our splash table.  But, I am excited for the weather to cool off, so we can get back to walking. 

GranJan was here until the 27th.  It was wonderful to have her and our bellies have been happy and full!  We went on playdates, went to the children's museum, went out to lunch, went shopping, and played on the playground.  We miss her already and are ready for her to come back in the fall!

Peter Pan

Jack has discovered his shadow!  He loves to play near the window where the sun is shining through.  He will make his version of shadow puppets on the ground and watch his hands and fingers on the tile or the carpet.  He will also give his shadow "high fives".  He has also discovered his shadow outside.  While at the splash pad, he likes to walk on the sidewalk and look at his shadow.  He thought my tall shadow was pretty neat too.  I'm glad he is so easily entertained!