BFFs

ahh...nice scalp massage during the nightly baba..

um, wait...WHAT'S in my hair?

hee hee! Sissy did it!

A quick update here- the babies are feeling much better! I finally took them to the pediatrician on Thursday - BY MYSELF!! YAY mommy!- and they were both diagnosed with ear infections. POOR babies!!! Anyhow, they were actually very good at the appointment (mostly due to the ridiculous bag o' treats I brought with me; by the time the doctor came into the room, the floor was covered in play dough, cheese curls and the contents of my purse). The hard part was letting the doctor look into their ears, nose and mouth. Here's where the BFF (best friends forever) part comes in.
First, I held Violet while the pedi looked at her ears; Oliver stood watching her sob her little heart out, as if the doctor was removing her ears instead of examining them. Then, I consoled her with more cheese puffs and the special yogurt drink I brought for post- exam. She calmed down, and I held Ollie while he was examined. He, of course, immediately cried hysterically as well. Violet dropped her hard-earned sippy cup, started crying again and reached both hands out to Oliver on my lap, trying to hug and help him! He grabbed her hands, as if aiding her to get him down!
UNREAL!!
The doctor (who has triplets!) and I were both struck by the cuteness. And really, she has no idea of Violet's usual demeanor of nonchalance. So, even with two wailing, ear-infected babies, my heart was bursting with love for them and their beautiful sibling bond. So, so lucky!!

18 month well visit!

just hanging out under the picnic table...

Ollie really loves his buddy Ezra!

Oliver's new robe!

Status updates for the babes at 18 months:

Oliver: 28 lbs 12 oz
33 3/4"

Violet: 22 lbs
31 1/4"

The visit was a nightmare, I'm sorry to say. I'm so glad my mom comes with me, not only because I simply would be UNABLE to go without an extra pair of hands, but also because someone can vouch for me that it truly is as difficult as it seems.
I start my prep work the day before our appointment. I pack a toy bag with four *new* books that I know they will love, along with Bun-Buns (Peanut's bunny) and Ollie's favorite truck. I pack a food bag, with two sippy cups of milk and all and any of their favorite snacks. I choose outfits for them that will be easy to get in and out of, and that they can have mostly on when they get their shots. I pack diapers, wipes and hand sanitizer in every bag. I have a list of questions for the doctors and a XL coffee drink for myself. I put on a necklace to appease whichever baby I'm holding. I truly do think these visits through.
NONE of it matters.
By the end of the visit, my mom and I are sitting alone in the exam room with two sobbing babies. Toys, books, sippy cups, socks and shoes are strewn everywhere. My purse has been turned upside-down so Violet can chew on my wallet and Oliver play with the hand sanitizer. My cell phone is missing. My list of questions is in shreds on the floor. Oliver's pacifier has dropped twice and been stuck back in his mouth, dirty (my worst nightmare, esp in the pediatrician's office!). I am * literally* a ball of sweat, and my mom is randomly shoving things in bags. We leave the office, in 40 degree weather, with the babies wearing coats, but pants still unsnapped, no socks or shoes; just to get OUT of there and in the car!

Thank goodness we have six more months until our next well visit!

peanut is walking!

O and V both greeting the giant bear at The Treehouse

Violet, scaling her way in to the magic house

Ollie had a REALLY good time!

Oliver and Grandpa

Violet LOVES the slide! She slides down on her own, over and over, feet first on her belly!



snuggling with Grammy before bed. [Yes, Oliver is wearing girl jammies. He has outgrown his summer pj's, but it's too warm for the winter ones, so he's wearing his sister's jammies. For next year.]

A lot is new here in the Sheaffer household! First, Violet is walking! On her own! Hooray! It was so random. We've been walking with her- holding her hands, letting her push a toy for a good month now, and at her 15 month check up, the doctor said we might want to think about calling Early Intervention. This was at our 11 am appointment. That afternoon, Ben and I found Violet, quiet and alone in the dining room, squatting on the oriental rug, and pulling herself to a standing position. She then...took three steps! The three of us (Ollie, too!) cheered for her, and she was VERY proud of herself! She worked and worked on it, never getting frustrated when she toppled over, each time taking a few more steps. Isn't it amazing? It's like she heard the doctor, and went off on her own to make it happen. Now she doesn't even want to crawl!

A few more details about the "well" visit- it turned quickly into a sick visit, when both babies were diagnosed with DOUBLE EAR INFECTIONS. I felt horrible! They had had colds for a few days, and been terribly cranky, but the fevers were gone, so I assumed all was ok. Ugh. Anyhow- they were weighed- big O is 26 lbs- yes, no typo there. Peanut is pushing 20 lbs. That's a full newborn-oliver-weight difference between them! Too funny. Both are growing beautifully on their own patterns, and the doctor seemed pleased.

Grampa visited us this weekend! What a big difference since the last time he saw the babies (at their 1 year birthday). Both walked to him, snuggled him and played and had a great time. We all went out to eat, we spent time at The Treehouse, went for walks. Even with their ear infections, both O and V had a great time playing with Grampa! We can't wait for him to come back, this time with Popi!

All for now- enjoy the video and photos!