SunnyDay

Getting up with the birds has its advantages on beautiful Sunny Days like today.  Especially when you can dress the Girls in some warm weather dresses.  We had a busy day- here is the play-by-play.

 Caroline was first up and spent some quality time in Dad's lap reading the paper.  She sat as happy as a clam, not fidgeting whatsoever.

 Mom dressed the Girls in some summer dresses for our Sunday outings.

 Here are Caroline and Victoria playing together on their mat.  A short video of the Girls playing is below:

After a couple errands, the first stop was in Wheaton at Grandpa's house.  Here is Grandpa Paul with Caroline.  We sat in the backyard and enjoyed the weather.

 Victoria was a champ considering she didn't take a morning nap.  Before leaving Wheaton, she wanted to show off her leg muscles by doing a little standing.

 The next stop was in St. Charles at our friends' Jim & Caroline's (and their daughter, Vivian).  Here is Caroline in a swing that Jim hooked up for her to enjoy while her sister was taking a nap inside.

 And here is Caroline and little Vivie.  She is such a sweetheart, giving Mom a hug.

 Tandem swinging in the front yard.

 Vivian is a Mia Hamm in the making.  Truly, she can dribble a ball already.

 Close-up of Caroline.

Caroline's signature grab.

Gardening Help

Mom and Dad tackled some gardening and outdoor duties today, including Dad's inaugural use of the gas powered leaf-blower; the Girls were very impressed!  For a short while, the little green thumbs played  on their mat while Mom and Dad labored a way.

Week in Review

A visit from Sean and Kristin started the week for Caroline & Victoria.  The week ended with the Girls taking their first "real" bath together in the tub tonight.  They seemed to love the assortment of floating bath toys, many more than they're used to seeing in the old infant pink bathtub. And....Victoria is starting to like the pre-crawl position- she needs some assistance getting her knees under her, but once there she starts to rock back and forth. Exciting to see!

Kristin & her little Cub

The 3 Girls  + Sean

Big Bath time!

 Victoria enjoys bringing her hands up and then down to the floor these days.

 A "10" for the Tears!

 Awhhh.

Victoria in her pre-crawl position.  We can't wait to see her take off.

Kasia's

It was a hot one last night, so Dad took the ladies out for a quick stroll in their onesies.  They seem to like having their legs and feet free for them to look at and grab.  We stopped at Kasia's, the n'hood Polish Deli.  Kasia (probably in her mid 70s was working and was enamored with Caroline & Victoria.  She came around the counter and gave them some little chocolate bars- Mom and Dad will enjoy them!

Mother's Day

The Girls wished Brooke a very special First Mother's Day.

After a pancake breakfast, it was time to get the Girls ready for a picnic at the Zoo with Mom & Dad.

Here is Caroline getting ready to get in her outfit for the day.

 Victoria has definitely found her toes recently.

 Here is a pre-departure pic of Mom and the Girls wearing the rare matching outfits.

The brief, and really only nap for the Girls today, took place while we drove to the Zoo.

Crossing the bridge at the Lincoln Park Zoo (Thanks to Cousin Katie for the hook-up!)

While we were at the Zoo, we ran into the Govoni Family and moments later, the Lopez Family.  Here are all the kids; left to right:  Brendan & Jacob, Jenna and Monika (holding Emily, 3 wks old), Caroline & Victoria, Alex, Bob (standing).

The Girls witnessed their first sea lion spotting- look at those 4 eyes staring at the tank!

After the Zoo, we threw down a blanket and the Pea Pod and had a little picnic.  The Pea Pod was a Carlson Rec and proved helpful today, although we should have brought both, as the Girls are way too close in one, if the objective is nap time!

 Had to photograph the tulip bloom.

While we were picnic'n, Caroline and Victoria were having a laugh-a-thon with each other.  One would giggle a little bit, like Caroline here, and then....

The other would laugh alongside her (like Victoria below).  Mom and Dad were getting a kick out of the bit.

Saturday with Nonnie Jeanne

The Girls greeted us at 5:10 this morning, which is a chore for all of about 5 seconds, until you get in their room and see the little buggers.  Nonnie Jeanne came down later in the morning to spend the day with all of us.  Here are some shots from the day.

Here is Victoria doing a quick check to make sure she is OK with Nonnie Jeanne.  She, in fact, was a great baby today and very comfortable with Nonnie's visit.

 Caroline has been very anxious about anyone holding her (other than Mom & Dad), so we decided to try and ease her into the environment.

S

 Squishhy face!

 This was in the morning when Victoria and Caroline were sitting together playing.  As you can see from this series of photos, Victoria had a brief fascination with her sister.  We are loving the interaction between the two of them.  At bedtime tonight, while Caroline was being changed and Dad was holding Victoria, the two girls had a little baby conversation for a couple minutes.

 Come here Sissy!

Cinco de Mayo con Dos Calabacitas

The Girls have been making sure Mom y Dad put them to bed by 7:30 recently.  They cleverly persuade us w/ their 7pm fussiness and eye-rubbing.  However, we decided to experiment tonight and go for a walk to see if we could stretch the evening out a bit longer.  Dad doesn't get much time with them after work, otherwise. 

 We plopped them in the baby carriers and headed out in the 'hood.  Here is Caroline in a front-facing one; she had a great time checking out all the sights along the way.

 Victoria was also quite content, just not as animated during the walk.

 We ran into the Yarbroughs on Division St., and stopped at Boundary for a beverage.  Here is Chris, Charlie (4 months old today!), Cooper, and Megan.  Walking together, there were (4) adults, (3) babies in carriers, and (1) Wheaton Terrier- quite a procession!

Of course, we had to have a margarita to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Afterward, it got quite chilly, so we hurried home before the rain.

Illini Meets The '60s

2 Sunny days in a row- Nice.  Here is Victoria, waiting for her turn to head up for a morning bath.

 Post-Bath, Carolina jumped into her Illini Get-Up (courtesy of little Johnny Huber)....

 ...And Victoria showed off her tie-dye from Nonnie Jeanne..
 The Girls are quickly becoming entwined with each other and each other's toys!