Well, the day after we came home (Jan 9th), Quinn began sitting up from a laying position. This was the start of many, quick milestones that would unfold. About a week after Quinn, Leyla mastered this feat as well. Around the same time Leyla mastered that, Quinn began crawling. His crawl was slow and uncoordinated but he could definitely get to where he wanted to be. They also began regularly pulling themselves to a stand in their cribs and up on gates. About 2 days before their 9 mo pediatrician appt, Leyla finally broke her 1st teeth--the bottom two. Phew! I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. Now, I really hope her other teeth will not be as painful for her!
At the 9 month appt, which was on Jan 22nd, Leyla weighed 18lbs 1oz and Quinn weighed 19 lbs 15.5ozs (so basically 20 lbs!). Their height was closer. Leyla measured 27.5 inches and Quinn 28 inches. They were each 50% in both categories. We received the green light for giving table food. Since then we have experimented with yogurt, apple sauce, gerber puffs, and gerber cookies. Hopefully we will try more table foods soon. Leyla did test low for iron, so we will have to hold off transitioning her to whole milk a little longer. :0(
Shortly after the appt, Leyla finally figured out how to crawl. I must say she does more of the traditional crawl than Quinn. Now, I think she might even be quicker than him. From their standing at holding things, I would say Leyla has better balance as she is okay to hold on one-handed. She also likes sitting on her knees a lot.
We also bought two bath seats, so now they have their baths in the regular tub. They love it!! They would probably play in the tub an hour if we let them. They also love their tub letters.
Changing them...my mom warned me! They no longer want to sit still for even 5 secs, so changing their diapers and clothes is quite the challenge. I try to distract them with toys, but that often does not work. It's quite the challenge to change them, and unfortunately, we face this challenge multiple times a day.
That is all for now....I promise it won't be so long before the next post!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
5 year anniversary
Well, today is our 5 year anniversary! In some ways, the 5 years has flown. Hard to believe last year this time we had no children. It has been a wonderful 5 years, full of many great memories! We look forward to many awesome years to come full of countless more memories and good times.
Attack of the ants!
Well, unfortunately, it was late when we arrived home on Tues night, so we placed the sleeping babies into their cribs without turning on the light. In hindsight, a big mistake! The next morning we discovered ants all over the crib Leyla was sleeping in. No wonder the poor girl woke up screaming. Since we foggily brought her into our bed to sleep, we did not discover this fact til morning. Unfortunately, it was too late at that time! She already had about 20 bites. She had a miserable 2 days. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she must have been? Today most of the bites have scabbed over. (They were white and puss filled Wed and Thurs. See pic.)
We have a 2 year insect/pest control plan, so they came out Wed morning to remedy the problem.
We have a 2 year insect/pest control plan, so they came out Wed morning to remedy the problem.
Trip to Netherlands
Well, we departed on Thurs, Dec 27th, for the Netherlands. We had a direct flight from Hartford (we were there visiting my parents) to Amsterdam on NWA. It was a hectic start. At first, they said we could not go because we did not have the paper ticket for Leyla showing that we paid the taxes/custom fees on her since she was riding on our lap. After a LONG wait and some calls, they deemed we could pay a $100 lost ticket fee. Since there was no time to argue (now 1 hr til flight departure) we agreed to pay it. The security line was insane. Luckily, Tycho had his crew badge which enable us to go in the crew line (which of course is quicker and really no line). Once on the flight, we discovered the bassinet that we called 3 months in advance to reserve was not on the flight. Since the plane was rolling back from the gate though, we could not do much about it. Leyla slept most of the flight over in the carseat and we made Quinn a creative floor bed (with blankets and pillows) since we had the bulk head row. He too slept well.
During our time in the Netherlands, the babies schedule and sleeping patterns did not work out as well as we had hoped. I think some contributing factors were of course, the time difference, as well as the fact they both caught horrible colds which made them heavily congested. Oh well...
It was an enjoyable time visiting with Tycho's family. For our first five days, all his siblings were staying there with their families too. That made a total of 10 adults and 7 children (4 of them infants). It was busy and a bit noisy to say the least, but very great that we could all spend time together as we do not see them often. Here is a pic of all 17 of us.
New Year's Eve is an important holiday in The Netherlands, and especially to Tycho's family. It was a night FULL of family time, fireworks, drinks, and food. We played some pictionary and Who Wants to be a Millionaire with all the adults. Near midnight the 3 older children were awoken for the festivities. A champagne toast occurred at midnight. Then off to light the fireworks. Many people in Holland buy their own fireworks and set them off in front of their house, so after midnight, it is a sky full of fireworks popping up everywhere. It is fun, but a bit chilly. I stayed outside til 1am. Tycho, his brothers, his Dad, and Bas stayed out there til 2am lighting them off. I will try to include a video clip of it tomorrow for you to see.
The rest of the week consisted of some family time, lots of time spent playing the Wii (very fun!), some shopping, and for me, some work. :0(
We flew home on Tues, Jan 8th. We first returned to Hartford and meet my family briefly as we had a 4 hr wait between flights. We ate at Ruby Tuesday's with them which is down the street from the airport. It was great to see them all again, even if it was only briefly. Then we flew from Hartford to Tampa. Luckily that flight was basically empty so we brought on both carseats (yeah!) and each had an extra seat too. :0) We all slept a chunk of that flight. Unfortunately, I forgot which way to go on the 275 (I blame it on being tired!) and we headed to St. Pete before turning around and heading home. We arrived home around 11:30 and put the babies immediately to bed. It was a long night as they both woke up a few times!
During our time in the Netherlands, the babies schedule and sleeping patterns did not work out as well as we had hoped. I think some contributing factors were of course, the time difference, as well as the fact they both caught horrible colds which made them heavily congested. Oh well...
It was an enjoyable time visiting with Tycho's family. For our first five days, all his siblings were staying there with their families too. That made a total of 10 adults and 7 children (4 of them infants). It was busy and a bit noisy to say the least, but very great that we could all spend time together as we do not see them often. Here is a pic of all 17 of us.
New Year's Eve is an important holiday in The Netherlands, and especially to Tycho's family. It was a night FULL of family time, fireworks, drinks, and food. We played some pictionary and Who Wants to be a Millionaire with all the adults. Near midnight the 3 older children were awoken for the festivities. A champagne toast occurred at midnight. Then off to light the fireworks. Many people in Holland buy their own fireworks and set them off in front of their house, so after midnight, it is a sky full of fireworks popping up everywhere. It is fun, but a bit chilly. I stayed outside til 1am. Tycho, his brothers, his Dad, and Bas stayed out there til 2am lighting them off. I will try to include a video clip of it tomorrow for you to see.
The rest of the week consisted of some family time, lots of time spent playing the Wii (very fun!), some shopping, and for me, some work. :0(
We flew home on Tues, Jan 8th. We first returned to Hartford and meet my family briefly as we had a 4 hr wait between flights. We ate at Ruby Tuesday's with them which is down the street from the airport. It was great to see them all again, even if it was only briefly. Then we flew from Hartford to Tampa. Luckily that flight was basically empty so we brought on both carseats (yeah!) and each had an extra seat too. :0) We all slept a chunk of that flight. Unfortunately, I forgot which way to go on the 275 (I blame it on being tired!) and we headed to St. Pete before turning around and heading home. We arrived home around 11:30 and put the babies immediately to bed. It was a long night as they both woke up a few times!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Trip to Connecticut for Christmas 07
Well, on Dec 19th, the babies and I flew to CT to spend some time with my family for Christmas. The flight was fairly good, especially as there was an extra seat, which means I could bring on both carseats!
It definitely has been cold up here, but that was to be expected. My parents bought another little heater so we had one for our room (with the babies) which really made it pleasantly warm.
The first few days were full of Christmas shopping, which I was able to do baby free. :0) Then on Christmas Eve, Tycho flew in to meet us since he finished work that day. He arrived about 7pm and we had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
On Christmas morning, the babies woke up around 7am as usual. We had the babies open their gifts (well we helped them of course) that morning so they would be awake and not fussy. After opening their gifts, we began getting ready to go to my Aunt Donna's house. Surprisingly, we (meaning Tycho, I, and the babies) were ready quicker than anticipated, so we actually arrived early.
All was going well until we decided to give them a quick bottle before the meal. It was then Tycho discovered that I forgot to pack the bottles. Yikes! Since my aunt lives approx. 30 mins away, it was not beneficial to go back home. Luckily, a CVS (local pharmacy kind of store) was open, so Tycho and I drove their to pick up 2 bottles. By the time we arrived back at my aunt's, everyone was almost done eating. So we ate while some family members feed them their bottles. Then we had our gift exchange which is more a long the lines of a grab bag where you can steal a gift from someone ahead of you or pick a gift that is left. It was fun. After we enjoyed an array of mouth watering desserts. Shortly after that, we journeyed home.
Once home, all of my family still had to wrap the gifts for our family members. This made things a bit crazy because everyone was tired and didn't really want to do it. However, it did get done and we opened our gifts.
The 26th and 27th were full of more shopping, family visits, and packing. Then on the afternoon of the 27th, we headed to the airport around 3:30pm to travel to Holland to see Tycho's family.
It definitely has been cold up here, but that was to be expected. My parents bought another little heater so we had one for our room (with the babies) which really made it pleasantly warm.
The first few days were full of Christmas shopping, which I was able to do baby free. :0) Then on Christmas Eve, Tycho flew in to meet us since he finished work that day. He arrived about 7pm and we had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.
On Christmas morning, the babies woke up around 7am as usual. We had the babies open their gifts (well we helped them of course) that morning so they would be awake and not fussy. After opening their gifts, we began getting ready to go to my Aunt Donna's house. Surprisingly, we (meaning Tycho, I, and the babies) were ready quicker than anticipated, so we actually arrived early.
All was going well until we decided to give them a quick bottle before the meal. It was then Tycho discovered that I forgot to pack the bottles. Yikes! Since my aunt lives approx. 30 mins away, it was not beneficial to go back home. Luckily, a CVS (local pharmacy kind of store) was open, so Tycho and I drove their to pick up 2 bottles. By the time we arrived back at my aunt's, everyone was almost done eating. So we ate while some family members feed them their bottles. Then we had our gift exchange which is more a long the lines of a grab bag where you can steal a gift from someone ahead of you or pick a gift that is left. It was fun. After we enjoyed an array of mouth watering desserts. Shortly after that, we journeyed home.
Once home, all of my family still had to wrap the gifts for our family members. This made things a bit crazy because everyone was tired and didn't really want to do it. However, it did get done and we opened our gifts.
The 26th and 27th were full of more shopping, family visits, and packing. Then on the afternoon of the 27th, we headed to the airport around 3:30pm to travel to Holland to see Tycho's family.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
I forgot to post important news. Quinn has 2 teeth now. Leyla still does not; although, she seems to be teething again as she constantly is sucking her thumb. She stopped this for awhile. She really only seems to do when her gums are bothering her. Interesting note--they both suck the fingers/thumb on their left hand. Wonder if this means they will be lefties. I find it highly unlikely that both of us being right-handed would have two left-handed children. We will see though.
Leyla still is not crawling yet. Still rocks on all fours quite often; however, she has yet to put it together. Secretly, I am rejoicing over this fact! I hope she does not start crawling til after our holiday travels. Probably unlikely, but this is the season of hope, so I am hoping. :0) My worst nightmare is that she discovers this new talent one of the three days before we are flying...I don't want to think about how pleasant our flight would be then.
For those that do not know, we are heading out next week for a few weeks. I leave on Wed with the babies in tow and head for the cold tundra of CT. Did you see that had 12" of snow this week?! Meanwhile, here in FL, I am relaxing in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Snow is always pretty at the holidays though, and since I get to see it briefly, and take off, I guess it is a pleasant arrival. Tycho flies into CT (hopefully) on Christmas Eve. Then, the four of us fly out of Hartford on the 27th and head to Holland to see Tycho's family. We will be there til Jan 8th. Then we head back to FL. We will keep you posted on that LONG overseas flight. Can you tell we are worried about it?
Leyla still is not crawling yet. Still rocks on all fours quite often; however, she has yet to put it together. Secretly, I am rejoicing over this fact! I hope she does not start crawling til after our holiday travels. Probably unlikely, but this is the season of hope, so I am hoping. :0) My worst nightmare is that she discovers this new talent one of the three days before we are flying...I don't want to think about how pleasant our flight would be then.
For those that do not know, we are heading out next week for a few weeks. I leave on Wed with the babies in tow and head for the cold tundra of CT. Did you see that had 12" of snow this week?! Meanwhile, here in FL, I am relaxing in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Snow is always pretty at the holidays though, and since I get to see it briefly, and take off, I guess it is a pleasant arrival. Tycho flies into CT (hopefully) on Christmas Eve. Then, the four of us fly out of Hartford on the 27th and head to Holland to see Tycho's family. We will be there til Jan 8th. Then we head back to FL. We will keep you posted on that LONG overseas flight. Can you tell we are worried about it?
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I can't believe it's Dec 6th! This month always flies by. In less than 2 weeks, I will be off to visit my family in CT, and in 3 weeks, to the Netherlands, to visit Tycho's family.
Well, Leyla and Quinn have been sick; however, since getting meds on Monday, they seem to be improving. Hopefully it goes away completely (and stays away!) for a long time.
Leyla has been on her hands and knees and rocking back 'n forth for 2 days now. I have a feeling she will put it all together and crawl any day now. Quinn still likes his surfer dude motion, so I think she will crawl before him.
I found out Tues that our sitter will be unable to watch them next semester for us due to her incredibly busy schedule (the life of a college student). So now I am back to the drawing board. Hoping we find the right person by Jan!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Wow! Hard to believe it is the first week of December already. I remember at the beginning of the 2007, when I was placed on bedrest, I thought that this year would drag on. Looking back though, it has flown by! I think having kids makes you even more aware of time and age, especially when they are young and constantly changing.
This week we set up our Christmas decorations, partly because we need to enjoy them before we leave and partly to create our Christmas card pics. I do not think Quinn & Leyla enjoyed it much, but at least we have a few decent ones.
Today is my grandfather's 87th birthday. It's amazing! I believe my family in CT is going to visit him for a lunch today.
Unfortunately, I think Quinn & Leyla are both getting their first cold. Their nose has been quite running, which I thought was due to teething; however, today a cough has started, so I am thinking it's a cold. I hope tomorrow to get into the ped's office to have them checked out.
Yesterday and today Quinn sat up for 20+ mins at a time, so it seems like he really can sit and play now. Leyla does not seem very interested in it though. She will sit for a few secs and then fling herself backwards.
This week we set up our Christmas decorations, partly because we need to enjoy them before we leave and partly to create our Christmas card pics. I do not think Quinn & Leyla enjoyed it much, but at least we have a few decent ones.
Today is my grandfather's 87th birthday. It's amazing! I believe my family in CT is going to visit him for a lunch today.
Unfortunately, I think Quinn & Leyla are both getting their first cold. Their nose has been quite running, which I thought was due to teething; however, today a cough has started, so I am thinking it's a cold. I hope tomorrow to get into the ped's office to have them checked out.
Yesterday and today Quinn sat up for 20+ mins at a time, so it seems like he really can sit and play now. Leyla does not seem very interested in it though. She will sit for a few secs and then fling herself backwards.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thanksgiving 2007
Well, I flew up to CT to see family for Thanksgiving on Mon 11/19. The flight up proved a little difficult. Leyla was uncomfortable no matter whether I set her in the carseat or in my arms. I do not know if it is because she is teething, wanting to move around, or something else. Hopefully the flight to Holland at the end of Dec will not prove too difficult; although, I am a little worried now.
The weather fluctuated quite a bit while we were there. It snowed on Tues. Snow is fun and pretty especially when it is light snow as this was (maybe 2"). Then Thanksgiving day was in the high 50's. Very pleasant. We even took a walk that day. Then the rest of the week was freezing cold again. Brr!
It was great seeing the family. Everyone, of course, was amazed at much bigger and more interactive they are. It is shocking how quickly they grow and change. My brothers are becoming a bit more helpful with them; however, they have a ways to go before they have their own kids, I think. ;) My cousin, Heather, and her husband Karl watched them Friday while we went shopping.
Thanksgiving day was the typical festivities. Lots of great food, family time, etc. A very enjoyable day. Leyla and Quinn did better than I anticipated, especially since it was later in the day, which is normally their worst time.
On Sun night, we watched the Patriots close game with Eagles. Luckily, the Pats prevailed. I am sure that is because we dressed Leyla and Quinn in Pats outfits earlier that day. ;)
Mon 11/26 we returned home to FL. It's definitely nice to sleep in my own bed and be in the warm weather. A few short weeks and we will be back up there again though.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
6 month pedi appt
We had our 6 mo (really 6.5 mo) appt yesterday (11/6) w/ the new pediatrician. We really liked the office and her. The office was beautifully decorated and we only waited about 5 mins to get in. :0) In addition, the dr was really informative and spent prob 20-25 mins just talking about their development, growth, and what to expect in the next few months. They had 3 immunization shots too. Leyla weighed in at 15lb 10oz, 26.5 inches long, and 16.75 inches head circum. Quinn weighed in at 18lbs, 27.25 inches, and 17 3/8 head circum. They both fell into the 50% for weight, 75% for length, and 50% for head circum, since boys and girls have different growth scales/charts. They are definitely teething and the teeth could come threw any day now; however, she said they may trick us and be another 2 months. We'll see. We really hope they do not crawl soon, but I am getting worried. They both do a face down (army) crawl of sorts. In addition, Leyla rolls ACROSS the room (literally) in about 1 min or less. Can't leave her on the floor unattended anymore.
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