She Walks!

Here is a clip of Madeline taking a few steps. She's only taken a few at a time so far, but it's a good start! And, yes, she woke up with some crazy hair this morning.

Fun-Filled Saturday

Madeline and Eli had a very busy Saturday. After breakfast, we headed downtown to the farmer's market at Pepper Place. We had never been before and decided to take advantage of the absolutely gorgeous weather we are experiencing here in Alabama (mid 80s and no humidity) to make our first appearance there. M&E rode around in the wagon and people-watched, while Daddy and I sipped our coffee and checked out all the stands. We ended up buying some delicious Chilton County peaches, a cinnamon roll and a sausage biscuit. I know, we were a little pathetic with our produce purchases, but we just couldn't decide what to get. As an added bonus, there was a band playing so Madeline got some dancing in. We definitely plan to go back in a couple of weeks - it was the perfect family outing for a Saturday morning.

After the farmer's market, M&E took their morning nap, and after that, we headed to Laura's parents' house to swim in the pool. We had a great visit with friends and got some good swimming in. Needless to say, our little ones were pooped Saturday night, but what a fun and beautiful day!

***Madeline took two steps today!! Will post video when and if she does it again and I am able to get it on film.***

Stats and Hags

Madeline and Eli had their 12-month check up today. Yes, we're a little late with it because we switched pediatricians and are so-far very pleased with the change. As usual, both children breezed through the appointment with flying colors. We are so blessed to have such healthy children! Madeline weighed in at a respectable 19 lbs., placing her in the 25th percentile for weight and I can't remember the actual length measurements but she is just below 50th percentile for length. She continues to be our little bitty girl (even though she's so big now!). Eli weighed in at 23 lbs., just above 50th percentile and is in the 75th percentile for length. He places above 100th percentile for sweetness though! Both children have hit all the crucial developmental milestones, and we celebrated a new one today...

M&E are facing forward in the car now! Yay!! Much more comfortable!

We ended our Friday with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, where Brandon and I had to laugh when two old ladies refused to sit near "the children" and made the hostess sit them elsewhere. Honestly, we get comments from our waitresses all the time about how well-behaved our children are at restaurants. For goodness sake, they're my children - give them some food and they'll be happy and quiet. This was M&E's second sour run-in with old ladies. When they were really young, mom and I had them out shopping and they were getting hungry and starting to fuss, so some cranky old lady told mom that "When they're crying like that, it's time for you to take them home!" Seriously, no need for the grouchiness, senior citizens! Just smile at the babies and enjoy your discounted movie tickets. Ugh!

While the twins are away, Mommy will play.

Today, I had my first day off in over a year. Brandon took Madeline and Eli to Newnan this morning and I was left not quite knowing what to do with myself. Well, I knew a few things to do... My day started off with a trip to Starbucks for a light mocha frappuccino and a slice of cinnamon swirl coffee cake - some rare treats. My breakfast was followed up with a massage. Brandon got me a gift card for Christmas and I just now found the time to redeem it. Later, I enjoyed a tasty lunch from Olexa's complete with a slice of vanilla cake - my favorite. Following lunch, I sat in the sun at the pool for an hour, which has also become a very rare treat. The rest of the day I spent reading my In Touch magazine all about how poor Angelina Jolie is so exhausted from nursing twins and changing their diapers and how the poor woman ONLY has 4 nannies and Brad's parents there to help her - bless her heart - gag me.

Brandon returned home with his car full of precious cargo tonight after braving some awful storms to get here, and I could not have been happier to see that car pull into the driveway. I always look forward to our weekends full of family time with all four of us together, and I missed my little busy bodies today!

"Bad Dog!"

Our dog Ally has had a dramatic change in her quality of life over the past year. She was our baby before we had babies. She's not anymore. I am constantly frustrated with her hair that I am constantly sweeping and vacuuming up every day, so lately she's been spending a lot of time cooped up on our porch. Used to roaming the house, she doesn't take this very lightly and does a lot of whining out there. Madeline and Eli love to sit at the french doors and watch her. Recently I taught them to say "Bad Dog" when she whines. Eli really took to this and even has the hand motions down. He shakes his finger and says "Ba Da", sometimes pronounced "Da Da" - at everything now. We passed a big stuffed bear in a toy store at the mall the other day and it was "Ba Da".

M is for Madeline the Monkey

Madeline is climbing on everything lately. This was all within an hour...

Brusha Brusha Brusha

Madeline and Eli brushed their teeth for the first time last night. Madeline got the spinach from dinner out of her teeth, and they both enjoyed brushing so much that they cried when I took away the toothbrushes. Let's hope they continue their love of good oral hygiene.