On the Mend

Nobody is 100% quite yet, but...

Malynn is getting better thanks to various combinations of the following:

Jack is getting better thanks to various combinations of these:

Jack ended up at the doctor Friday since the fever was on day three and going strong. Ear infection was suspected, but his ears were clear. Foot & Mouth was suspected (it's going around), but no signs of that. They took a blood sample ...which, by the way, was so funny. The doctor and nurse said he'd hate the finger prick to prepare us, and then Jack didn't even flinch! He was more upset about the band-aid on his finger afterwards -but he was able to use his He-Man pincher grip and rip it off! ...They found his white counts were up (meaning some sort of infection somewhere) and we walked away with a prescription for an antibiotic. (Not amoxycillin, in hopes of avoiding a hives breakout.) By Saturday morning the fever was gone.

Two Tough Babies

First of all, I'm determined to get back on track with posting to the blog. I've had some set backs for the past few weeks that aren't worth going into -just normal life craziness. I do have some posts and pictures to share that I will catch up on.

For now, I'm jump starting things by letting you all know that it was a rough morning.

Poor Malynn is having diaper irritation issues again. She had problems for over 2 weeks recently and then one night of baby powder cleared it up! We're trying the baby powder again today, so keep your fingers crossed. She was pretty irritated in all sitting positions this morning, so she decided to do lots of morning play standing and walking (still only holding onto things) around. What a tough gal.

Poor Jack is fighting off some mean ol' bug. Two nights ago he wasn't eating, yesterday he spiked a fever of 102.8, and today woke up with 103.4. Children's Advil is helping to manage the fever, but it hasn't broken yet. He's been very sensitive (as you'd expect), but did a great job of just picking up something new to play with to distract himself throughout the morning. What a tough guy.

Happy Birthday Sophie!

We were invited to our friend, Sophie's, 1st birthday party, and we had a great time!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was the theme, and Sophie's mom made these fantastic party hats!

We enjoyed great food, watched Sophie dive into her caterpillar birthday cake, and best of all we had play time with the birthday girl, our friends Annie & Ben, and met a new friend, May.

Thanks, Sophie, for showing us how to turn 1 year old with style and grace!

Lullaby, And Goodnight...

Thank you Amita (Aunt Janelle) for our wonderful initials! Malynn's are decorated with flowers and ladybugs, and Jack's have cute little buttons. She didn't even know that this was something I had wanted for above the cribs from the beginning! It's so nice to have her artistic touch in the room.

Just Bein' Cutie Pies

First, a couple great close-ups.

What a funny grin they both have here!

Malynn has started playing a game we call "pillows." She loves to pull down pillows and flop around on them. The picture doesn't do justice to just how addictively silly she is when she does it.
She has also taken to putting socks in her mouth, because she knows she'll get a laugh out of us when she does. She is turning into quite the goof-ball at times!
Are we sure he's only 10 months old?

Playing Together

Malynn & Jack are playing with each other in all new ways these days. Their ever developing mobility has them curious about new spaces and places. And, the changes seem to happen extra fast because they learn from watching each other!

Jack taught Malynn about making great big noise with the dog bowls.

Malynn taught Jack about using the "cars" as walkers to move around the kitchen.
The cabinet of dishes they are allowed to play with is a favorite to do together.
Jack is becoming more gentle and Malynn is having more patience when they get in each others' space, exemplified by this situation...
...sometimes when Jack gets close he can't help but give his sister a big squeeze...
...which often results in a "take down," but Malynn is loving the attention...
...and all ends in hugs and smiles!
The gate forms a great little corner, which has become a coveted play spot.
Peek-a-boo!
Reading books together -it warms my heart every time.
More lovin'!

Spring has Sprung

Another beautiful afternoon for outside playtime.

I bring toys out for them, but they are always more interested in all things natural, from every little thing on the ground to the wind rustling old leaves and new buds in the branches above.
Malynn was fixated on the tulip magnolia flowers and loved pulling off petals one by one.

Storytime with Papa

Stairs!

We are official stair climbers now! After climbing the stairs a few times for fun we had to set up some guidelines, because Jack and Malynn (in particular) were getting very upset when they decided they wanted to do the stairs and Mommy and Daddy said no. So we do the stairs every time, but only when, it's time to go upstairs for naps or bedtime. Now if someone wants to do the stairs at another time, we can say, "It's not time to go upstairs yet," and they seem to be okay since they know they'll get to do it later. (I love it when a plan actually works! For now at least.)

This was one of our first stair climbing experiences all the way to the top!

Good thing we always have an adult with us!
Jack loves getting to the top first and looking back down at Malynn.
(Thanks for the help Grand!)
They squeal and laugh about it together!
Looking back down from way up high is a sweet reward.

A Little Snooze

Sometimes holding on to a Dr. Seuss book feels just right.

Getting Outside Again

With warmer afternoons, we're getting outside again. Now we're big enough to roam around and explore the great outdoors!

Jack is more willing to venture beyond the security of Mommy's reach.

He just knew that's what he had to do if he was ever going to get all those twigs, acorns, and leaves in his mouth for a little taste. I didn't make it over to him fast enough to prevent him from popping a plug of clay into his mouth (Daddy had aerated recently), and it resulted in quite the mouthful of mud!
Malynn was more content to stay on our blanket and bask in the dappled sunlight with Mommy.

A First Injury

We've had some minor bumps and bruises along the way, but it was scab-worthy when Malynn had a little tangle with the business end of a computer mouse cord.

But after a little hug and kisses, she didn't let it break her stride. She's a tough cookie!