Looking...

In the morning, the kids and I hang out in the kitchen before they eat breakfast. I do a few "household" things, they watch, play and crawl around. During this time, Bob is getting ready for work. When he is ready, he heads to the kitchen for coffee, a quick breakfast for the car and a goodbye! The kids know he is headed toward the kitchen because they can hear his shoes on the wood floor! They perk up when they know he is headed their way! They follow him when he walks around the kitchen, gets coffee etc. Well, then he says "bye-bye" and heads off to work. He is sure to shut the door so the kids stay in the kitchen with me. Both kids always look confused as to where he has gone. I always say "da da went bye-bye to work, he will be back later!"

We went to the school I used to teach at today to say hello to people as well as drop off a couple of things. It was a hoot! The kids seemed to really like looking around at all the people and "chatting."

All in all, we had a wonderful day together. They did new things, smiled and laughed a lot. Could it get any better?

So much exploring to do and someone to share it with!

Let's just say there was not a bit of fussing or crying when Madison and Riley went to bed tonight. They were EXHAUSTED! They are finding out this crawling, pulling yourself up and climbing stairs is hard work!! (but, oh, so fun!!!!!!!!!!!) They are finding new places to sneak into and realizing they can do so much more and experience their world in new ways. Like I mentioned it before, it is neat because they really look for each other to show what they have found or done! They are beginning to follow each other or if they hear or see something cool their sibling is doing, they are there in a flash!

They do, however, still have the desire to explore things on their own...

Part of our exploring today was an adventure to our favorite store...Target! HA! It is actually a fun place for us to go, sad as it may be! Lots for the the kids and me to look at! Honestly, I try and take the kids somewhere every day. It is good for them to get out, breathe fresh air and see the world around them. It is good for me for those same reasons!

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Goofballs!

Honestly, taking care of Madison and Riley is a true joy, but I am not going to lie to you, it is really hard work! Both kids are on the move and totally into everything! (Especially the things you wish they would leave alone!) Oftentimes, in the middle of my frustration, because I have rerouted (as Bob calls it) them several times, I will look up and break into pure laughter. Yes, these kids are everywhere and are a handful, but, wow, do they enjoy life. This photo says it all...

I mentioned yesterday that the were going to be adding a lot more "real" food to their daily menu and today was a big day! They had mac and cheese for lunch and pancakes with butter for dinner! (Supplemented with baby food as well as bottles after of course!) Both were a major hit! Look at these "cheesy" faces!

Finally, a nice day!!!

Ahhhh, FINALLY a nice Spring day! It was about 65 degrees and sunny today! So, of course, outside we went! The kids LOVE being outside! It was so sweet to see them taking it all in, the breeze, the sun, as well as the new things to feel and explore.

I spoke with the kids doctor today and we had a chat about what to feed the kids now that they are 9 1/2 months old and really seem to be wanting more "people" food. She said they should be eating any of the food that we eat! So, look out! There will be new information about trying new things like fish, mac and cheese and even breakfast sausage! :)

Riley is "talking" up a storm! It is so much fun to hear all the new sounds coming out of his mouth! Ba! Ga! Ba Ba Ga Ga!

Madison is a fast crawler already! Wow! She catches on fast! Get this, she has moved on already to pulling herself. Her brother has been showing her how to move from one end of something to the other! Cool and yikes!

Finally, I must say I had an "awww cute" moment today with the kids. They were sitting next to each other in their high chairs this afternoon for dinner and they caught each others eye. They both reached out a hand to each other and held hands for a minute. Can you say "melt your momma's heart?"

Is the weekend over already?

Some days it seems as if the time passes so slowly, then other times, it flies! I know, that was nothing profound, but I am really noticing that with the kids. Some nights when my head hits the pillow, what we did earlier in the day seems like weeks ago! But now, as I look back at the weekend, it went by really quickly!

Madison is crawling up a storm and Riley is a master stair climber and can pull his little body up anywhere! It is kinda fun to watch people so small do amazing things!

"The family" (the 4 of us) went out on Saturday to go to a few stores. We hit the clothing store, Bob hit the guitar store! The kids wore shoes for the first time! (Again, it is the little things!) They looked very leery of the new things hooked onto their feet...

Grandma bought them some other shoes this weekend (the cute leather kind with the elastic back) so we will give those a whirl this week!

Madison had another WONDERFUL day at swimming class on Sunday. She loves the water now. There was a lot of kicking and splashing to say the least! Riley enjoyed some daddy son time and even got to walk around the house with daddy in the baby bjorn for a bit!

As the kids eat more and more finger food, they also drop more and more food onto the floor. Well, guess who has caught onto this very quickly...Brewsky! He is not ever really been given "people food" but now it is dropped to the floor on a regular basis and her is thrilled! I am posting a picture of him "waiting" for his next treat!

Starting to get a little "sneaky!"

Can you believe it? It was ANOTHER rainy, cold day here. I do not know if we can take much more of this "Spring" weather! ICK! It would be so nice just to have the option to go on a walk or "play" outside for a little bit during the day. I love taking the kids out on errands and stuff like that, but when it is puring rain, it is tough! (With two babies, one always has to be chillin' in the stroller while I get the other one out of the car...when it is pouring, not a fun nor dry task!)

Anyway, the foul weather makes for a lot of inside playtime. The kids really do love toys and do a great job playing with each other and on their own. Yes, we even broke out the pots, pans and wooden spoons today for entertainment! Now that the kids are much more mobile, however, they also seem to be getting themselves into more "sticky" situations.

Here is a photo of Madison and Brewsky. It is like they are saying "we didn't do it!"

Miss Innocent! Riley has found a new potential hiding spot!

When I was able to "catch" them both, I gave them a new finger food treat. Mini blueberry muffins! I think it will be a do over!

Another day of "firsts!"

WOW! Madison and Riley BOTH made some major accomplishments today. It was so much fun to watch them and see the joy and their faces. I hope they saw the joy on mine!

Madison is in motion! Forward this time! HA! YAHOO! She can cover some serious distance now! The best part is she half laughs when she is doing it out of pure joy! (The other noises are scream type noises cuz I think it is hard work!!) Look out Riley, she is after ya!

Riley has learned to wave "bye-bye" when you say it to someone who is leaving. It is the cutest thing! He uses his whole stiff arm to do it. Awwww.....

They are still loving hanging out with each other, but in this case, Madison was getting a little bit mad at Riley because he was pushing her int he walker and she wanted to do it herself!

Finally, I had to post this picture of Riley in his guitar shirt looking at one of his Dad's guitars...Dad is hoping the kids will want to be in "his band!"