June

Well, the girls have been alive longer on the outside than the inside at this point. They're doing really well. They still haven't really been sick, to speak of. Just a day here or there of a runny nose.

Uncle Michael with Maddie and Jazz on the couch

These last couple weeks have been a whirlwind at our house. First Mel was traveling for work for four days (California and Nebraska), then we had a lovely weekend visit from Uncle Michael (my brother), and then I was gone to India for five days (3 days in India, 2 days traveling). It was tough to be away from them for so long. I brought them back cute little baby saris.

Today we had our first tots swim class. Mel and I each took a baby and got in the pool. We mostly sang songs and played little activities to get comfortable in the water. The favorite was the "Washing Machine" song, which included "agititate" (twist the baby side to side) "spin cycle" (spin in a circle holding the baby away from you) and "air dry" (spin and lift the baby out of the water). Before class we took some pictures of their new swim suits of course.

Just got their new suits!

Waiting outside for swim class

Jazz continues to practice saying "mama" and "dada". Madeleine is laughing a lot these days -- or giggling, really. It's neat to see the pure joyous abandon on her face :) Both girls tend to take spills these days, as they push their limits of standing up and pulling themselves up. That part's a little tougher, but they're resilient kids!

9 months old

The girls turned 3/4 of a year old last Thursday. They surely are getting older! The changes are gradual, but pretty fast, nonetheless. Jasmine continues to be the leader in reaching new milestones. This week she has been saying 'mama' and 'dada' in ways that imply that she knows what they mean... She likes looking at pictures of us. Both girls clearly understand some things that we say -- for example, they turn and look at the "kitty cat" when we talk about him. Today they were both chattering up a storm. Jasmine said "dada" and "tata" a bunch, while Madeleine was digging "papa" and "baba". When I said either of those things back to her, she thought it was hilarious!

They are both delightful. I continue to think of Jasmine as more outwardly focused. She loves looking at interesting things and faces, and tries to get reactions out of the people around her. She was focused on a little boy at the park the other day. Madeleine is more inwardly focused. Often when she gets something that she's been reaching for, she gets a little private smile on her face. She's happier to play by herself without looking up for reassurance as often. They are both super-sweet -- they enjoy hugs and sitting on laps more than they used to, which is wonderful for me! I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

Jazz is now officially crawling. It's exciting but also scary of course. Anything within 6 feet of her that she shouldn't pick up is guaranteed to be in her hands within 30 seconds. I suppose she's teaching me how to baby-proof. I'm hearing the word "no" start to come out of my mouth occasionally which is a little strange. Maddie is happy on her stomach, and will pivot around her midpoint a full 360 degrees, but no inclination to move as yet.

Their 9-month checkup went great. They are both very healthy, and also huge. Maddie is 28 in. tall and almost 20 lbs. That's 75th percentile for both. Her head circumference (47 cm) is 95th percentile. Jasmine is 29 in and 26 lbs. That's 95th percentile and 'way off the charts' respectively. Her head is 1.5 cm bigger than Maddie's -- also off the charts.

These pictures are just a peek into what they've been up to lately!

almost bathtime

Maddie standing with the stroller at the park

At the park - J has succeeded in removing her hat.

playing at home

Jasmine has already played with that trail of toys.

two favorite things: playing and standing

The new "music table" toy

Memorial Day

Mel and I got married on Memorial Day three years ago -- and this year, my folks came out to babysit so we could get away for a long weekend! It was so nice. Here are some pics from their visit (and one pic of what Mel & I were up to).

I think it looks like they had a pretty good time! They were happy campers and didn't throw any tantrums for the grandparents -- which is great, because the grandparents say they'll be willing to do it again!

Mel and I are definitely willing to do it again...