9 Month check-up

Even though it's one day early, we took Luke and Olivia for their 9 month check up today. I can't believe our babies are already 9 mths old!

Dr. Colyer said both of our cuties are progressing very well. I asked her what I needed to be doing with them developmentally since I stay home with them and they don't have exposure daily to other babies, and she said to keep doing what I'm doing-talking with them lots, reading, playing, and singing. They seem to especially love to help me with the laundry. Their favorite thing to do is pull all of their clothes out of the basket and play peek-a-boo with each and every item. It's the cutest thing! Tasks seem to take much longer now, but they are never boring!

Here are the measurements from today's visit:

Luke
20.7 pounds; 50-75%
28.5" long; 50-75%
Head circumference: 45cm 50-75%

Olivia
16.9 pounds; 10-25%
26.25" long; 10-25%
Head circumference: 42cm 3%

We hopefully won't return to see Dr. Colyer until they turn one year old. She said at that visit they will get 4 shots and one finger stick, so we'll probably wait until after their birthday before we make them endure that torture! In the meantime, we are enjoying seeing them continue to learn new things everyday. Dan has recently taught Luke how to "throw" a soft baseball (with each hand, no less!) and I am teaching them to give hugs and kisses. Olivia has almost mastered clapping and Luke is working on waving hello and bye-bye. They laugh a lot each day, and talk with each other in their own special language. It's quite amazing to see what a close relationship they share with one another, and we hope it's one that endures their lifetime. Happy 9 month birthday to our precious little babies!

Grandma' 85th Surprise Party

My grandma (dad's mom) that lives in FL has been visiting for the past couple of weeks, and her time here just happened to coincide with her 85th birthday. We decided it would be great to throw her a surprise party, and surprised she was! It was wonderful to have my sister's kids and our twins all together so she could spend time with everyone. Hope you enjoy a few pics from the day:

Olivia's first tooth

For the past few weeks, we have really thought Luke or Olivia would have a tooth coming in soon. This past weekend, I was checking gums (as I do every morning!), and I felt something sharp on Olivia's bottom gums. Sure enough, she has a tooth on its way. Finally! =) We feel sure Luke's aren't far behind, and hope that is why he has been a little more fussier than his usual chill self. I will be sure to post a pic once her little tooth finally makes its full appearance!

A tough decision

This past Friday Dan was presented with a great opportunity at work, and a very tough decision for our family. His company mentioned a few months ago that there is a new project starting up in Japan, and they may want him to be involved with the project. We decided we wouldn't really worry about it until or unless it became a definite reality. On Friday, it became a definite reality.

They gave him through the weekend to decide, and we talked a lot about the pros and cons. Obviously the most difficult thing is our family being separated for such a long time. But thankfully we now have video chat, email and phone calls to make things a little easier. And it really is too good of an opportunity for Dan to pass up. So he will be in Japan for 3 wks, home for 3 wks, and back to Japan for 4 wks. Luckily the timing is such he won't miss any major events (anniversaries or birthdays) except for Luke and Olivia's first Halloween, but we are still having to rearrange our schedules some. For example, I have to reschedule my trip to visit Lara in Texas and we have to find a new date to take 9 month pics. But everything is workable, and at least this trip isn't happening when Luke and Olivia are just born or when I was on bedrest. It won't be easy, but I think I can handle being both mom and dad for 7 weeks. The toughest part will be Dan missing out on Luke and Olivia day to day. Wish us luck!

Role Reversal

Since Dan's foot is in a boot, we are having to switch roles for a few weeks. He plays with and entertains Luke and Olivia while I get to cut the grass and take out the trash. The last time I cut grass was, well...never! We grew up on an acre lot of trees, so it took me until half way through the yard to figure out the lawn mower was self propelled. Things went a lot faster after that! I am definitely looking forward to Dan's foot healing very soon!

3 babies

I thought that would get everyone's attention! =) Nope...not another bun in the oven, but Dan is now my 3rd baby since he has a broken bone in his left foot. We aren't really sure how it happened, although we think it was when we were out for a run a few weeks ago. His foot has been bothering him ever since and he decided to get it x-rayed today. He has to wear a boot for 4-6 weeks and then have it re-examined to determine if everything is healing properly. Luke and Olivia are very intrigued by his boot and the funny noises the velcro makes when opened. It should be an interesting few weeks all around!