christmas 2009

We finally got a big snowfall the other day, so Ben and I bundled everyone up and headed out in the front yard! That's the good thing about babies who wake up at 6:30am- Ben is still here, and we can have family bonding moments before the sun even comes up.
Anyhow- the babes LOVED it. They were so funny- Violet kept getting her little legs caught in the high snow, and Oliver kept tasting the snow- he'd shiver, then taste it again. Too cute.

Our days are pretty busy right now, I'm in the midst of a busy rehearsal schedule with Turandot, and am so lucky to have a very patient husband, very generous mom and very travel-friendly mother-in-law! Peanut's biting seems to have subsided a bit (knock on wood...). Oliver has started to hit a little bit- not in an angry or upset way, but a progression from his love of shaking things. Maracas, spices, vitamin bottles, ANYTHING that might possibly make a noise. He realized that shaking things ON something- a chair, the floor, a table made even MORE noise, so occasionally he'll try out shaking things on his sister. Usually her head. She sobs, and I'm not sure how to discipline it, because I truly believe it's unintentional, but it still hurts! Everyday a new challenge, right?




A couple of new and cute things:

* Oliver is now into tickling people- mostly Violet. He says "tickle tickle tickle" and scrunches his fingers up on her belly. She doesn't laugh, though...

*Ollie now loves corn dogs (turkey corn dogs, that is) with ketchup and peas!

*Both babies now like 'swimming' in the tub- they get on their bellies and kick. Too sweet.

*While Violet has always loved all animals, she has a thing lately for horses. She grabs the horse puzzle pieces or finds horses in a book, and says "horsie! horsie!"

*Violet can now feed herself with a spoon. I've had some trouble getting fruit and veggies in her- she'll pick up anything and feed herself except those- so I've been continuing baby food or pureed veggies and fruit with her, feeding her myself. One day I tried giving her a bowl with a tiny amount of applesauce in it and a spoon- she got the hang of it immediately! Big girl. Makes meals MUCH messier, but a nice break to not have to hover and coax the spoon into her mouth.

and...exhale!

the only thing better than playing in the ball pit, is playing under the ball pit??

telling secrets. I love these babies so much.

snuggle time with daddy

the first snowfall! not quite enough to play in, but we brought some in and filled the water table. they loved it!

sweet baby puppy.

I am finally back on planet Earth now, after a full week of a terrible flu. Thank GOD I opted to get the babies the flu shots this year! Next year, Ben and I will be getting them too. The timing really could not have been worse- I had just started rehearsals for Turandot (and I make it a point to NEVER have a sick day!!), my Pop Pop's funeral was Wednesday, and my mom was occupied with that, and Ben was under an enormous deadline at work, working twelve-hour days all week. Luckily, the babies were very could, and content to watch many Baby Einstein videos when mommy was laying on the floor.
Anyhow- I am feeling SO much better. I am back to rehearsals tonight, with much catching-up to do, my Pop Pop's funeral was emotional, but gave the twins the chance to meet the WHOLE Pilgermayer clan (almost), and Ben finds out today if he makes "Super Starter" at work (thus the deadline- please keep your fingers crossed!).
We're still working on the biting issues, and have started using a "time out" chair. So far, Peanut sits in the chair and hangs out, and then Oliver stops crying and goes and sits with her...

As a non-twin note, but one very important to our babies' future, we are so proud to be American today. Congratulations, President Obama!!