Caroline and Annabel

First snow of 2012!

2012-01-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

Snow angel!

Hot chocolate for the snow bunnies

More great pics from Miss Katie

2012-01-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

Miss Katie does it again! Captures the best pictures of the girls. Here are (more than a) few of my favorites from right before Christmas and using her new umbrellas and screens she got from Santa.

Merry Christmas!

2012-01-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

Still not on his lap...

2011-12-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

but we're getting closer every year!

First ballet recital

2011-12-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

Annabel made her debut on Saturday as a doll in "Wee Dance in the Land of Sweets!" She did great! Mommy and Daddy were so proud watching our little girl. We even wept a little - it was our first time in the audience with one of our babies on stage!

Some shots before - we couldn't take pictures during the performance. :(

More December Cuteness

2011-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

December cuteness

2011-12-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Spectacular!

2011-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

The girls went to their first big city event- the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Before we saw the Rockettes and Santa, we walked around Grandpa W's old workplace and saw Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Dora, nutcrackers, big trees with sparkly presents in office building lobbies, giant ornaments, and lots of chickens (or pigeons). Kathie Lee and Hoda even waved to the girls in between sips of champagne. Annabel's favorite part of the show was the ballerina in the Nutcracker, and Caroline's was Elmo.

Lots and lots of leaf pictures

2011-11-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Two part Halloween

2011-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Trick or treating happened twice this year! Our town postponed trick-or-treating until Friday, but two little girls in costume weren't playing by those rules. So we headed to my old neighborhood for some day-of trick-or-treating, and then back out again Friday for the second candy collection!

The first Halloween

and Take Two!

First Snow - Before Halloween!

2011-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

The girls and dad were well on their way to making an October snowman...

When the branches started falling in our driveway

and on the other side of our yard, and the neighbor's roof.

We'll wait until December for our first complete snowman of the season.

Bear Mountain

2011-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa's Fall Visit

2011-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

Hard at work with the pumpkins

The Mrs Potato Heads - Halloween Style!

Fall shots by Miss Katie

2011-10-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

While Mommy was working, Miss Katie took the girls out for pizza and pictures. Click here for more of Miss Katie's fabulous photos.

It's almost Fall

2011-09-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's beautiful here - in the 60s - 70s and sunny. The girls hit two playgrounds on Friday with different groups of friends.

A year ago I would have been freaking out at Caroline's daring maneuver.

Annabel went to Marin's dentist on Friday for the first time. I swear that that's what they're talking about.

First ballet class!

2011-09-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Annabel started a new ballet class this week. She loved it!

First day of school

2011-09-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

The girls moved to a new daycare after July 4. To ease in the transition, we called it "Summer Camp." And right after vacation on September 6, they started their new school year, so now they go to "School" three days a week. They're happy there and are learning all sorts of new songs, new games, and sign language and making new friends.

Outer Banks

2011-09-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Take that Hurricane Irene!

We got a late start to our vacation, but Irene couldn't keep us from having a great time. The weather was beautiful, the house was fantastic, and the water was nice and warm. Most of all, the company was the best!

Both of the girls loved the beach - Annabel more the water, and Caroline more the sand.

Fun times inside!

Zachary and Peyton

Zachary is Annabel's new best buddy!

Hanging out in the hole dug by Jackson

Is this an optical illusion?

Bubbles!

Our home base

Jackson

Sean and Zachary

Annabel and her Godmother Sharalyn

Who knew Sean was a sand artist?

Olivia and Zachary, with Sean and Peyton

Jen (Caroline's godmother) and Gary

Miscellaneous Summer Pictures

2011-07-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

We've spent a lot of time in the pool this summer - I think every non rainy weekend so far. And we've been to a local lake twice for our Wednesday playgroup. Since cameras and water don't always mix, there aren't a lot of pictures, but here are a few from summer fun.

The Fourth of July parade with Grandma.

Annabel's first day at her new school - known as Summer Camp. Caroline is at Summer Camp too, but wouldn't look at the camera :(

First pony ride

Happy Fathers' Day

2011-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

to our wonderful Daddy who we love so much! and to our Grandpas who we love so much! Our Mommy and Daddy also want to wish their daddies Happy Father's Day!

Here we are in photos taken by Miss Katie at the end of May. We love Miss Katie and say thanks for taking pretty pictures of us!

Uncle Evan visits!

2011-06-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ev came to visit from Denver and the girls had a great time with him. They were disappointed that Uncle Stu couldn't play too, but as you can see by the videos, Uncle Stu taught Uncle Ev everything he needed to know about playing in Central Park. Video 1, Video 2 We all had a great time!

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Bounce, bounce, bounce

2011-05-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

The girls had a great time in their birthday present from Grandpa W. Hooray for a beautiful weekend!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Be careful what you wish for! We didn't get rid of the rain, but today it was 85 degrees! Today we enjoyed an Easter egg hunt in PJs, a beautiful church service, another Easter egg hunt hosted by the 7-year old Easter bunny across the street, and a nice Easter ham with Grandpa W.

A very long winter

2011-04-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry that there have been no pictures lately, but we've been doing the same thing week in and week out. Which is mostly hoping for no rain and warm weather and willing away the three rounds of stomach virus that's hit our house. There are a few fun pictures from the last two months. We've been spending a lot of time at indoor gyms!

And a few pictures from Grandma and Grandpa's visit in early April. Uncle Stu helps the girls with new playground skills and soccer.

And Miss Katie took some fun shots of Annabel at the elementary school while a sick Caroline stayed home and snuggled with Mommy.

Hope for sunshine and a chance to get outside again!!

Happy Birthday Babies!

2011-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it's been three years since Annabel joined our lives and made us parents and two years since Caroline made us a family of four. We love our little girls.

Tumbling!

2011-02-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:29:00.001-08:00

Stir crazy little girls

2011-02-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

With 2 feet of snow still on the ground, the girls have been playing a lot of indoor princess, ballerina, gymnast and track star. And Annabel's working on her Spanish.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

2011 Starts with a Bang!

2011-01-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

To the back of Caroline's head, that is! But a ride in the ambulance and five staples later, she's back to her daredevil self. Scott had money on Annabel being the first in the ER for a head injury, but I was pretty sure it would be our mischievous imp.

(I wanted to get a picture of her on the gurney as she was being wheeled in, but I didn't think the EMTs or ER staff would think much of me memorializing my child's traumatic moment, so I waited until she was happy.)

The first officer on the bloody scene remembered being here last Christmas Day for my thumb mutilation by mandolin. He told us that we should be sure to be careful next Thanksgiving, as he's scheduled to be off.

Sleds and Snowballs

2010-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Pa rum pum pum pum

2010-12-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! We enjoyed Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Stute, and Grandpa W. As you can tell, it was a musical Christmas!

It wasn't a white Christmas, but the next day brought more than enough snow to last us for awhile. We're lucky that Grandma and Grandpa made it out before Blizzard 2010 was in full force. We can't wait to see them again soon in the warmer weather.

All Decked Out

2010-12-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Playing on Thanksgiving morning

2010-12-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Photos by Miss Katie

2010-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Miss Katie (Kate) is Annabel's and Caroline's (and Sophie's) favorite babysitter. And she's mommy and daddy's favorite babysitter and photographer. She took them out to play last weekend and got some great shots. Thanks Miss Katie for sharing your work!

Leaves, Leaves, and More Leaves

2010-11-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

Boo!

2010-10-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

Fall visit from Grandma and Grandpa

2010-10-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Feeding the animals at DePiero's

Hay maze. If you get stuck - just climb over the top!

Running around the pumpkin patch!

More good times at Abma's

Fall fun!

2010-10-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

The kids have been having lots of fun lately, and they've been wearing mommy out! I'm way behind on pictures, but here are a few shots to show what we've been up to this Fall.

Caroline has learned from her sister and is daring on every part of the playground. No baby swings for either of them anymore. Mommy needs to start packing a first aid kit in the minivan, because I'm pretty sure we're not far from our first playground incident.

At the park with Annabel's friends from school. When we ask what she did at school that day, she simply says, "Marin and Dylan" as if that explains it all.

At Ramsey Day - inflatables are always the best part!

At Abma's farm. Both kids think tomatoes are a hand fruit. Wonder when they'll figure out they also have donuts there!

At Bear Mountain for Oktoberfest. Mommy and Daddy chased after the girls while trying not to spill beer from the steins.

Fun times with Uncle Stu!

2010-09-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a gorgeous day - sunny skies and low humidity. We headed to Central Park to hang with Uncle Stute (as Annabel calls him). Stu's friend Dina joined us while we listened to the shirtless Guitar Man by the lake. The girls even dipped their toes into the suspiciously bright green and murky lake while they watched the rowboats.

Then we headed up to the Great Lawn where Uncle Stu played the swing ride.

They also had some serious conversation.

They had a really fun time with their Uncle. We love you Uncle Stute!

Colorado - Family pictures and painting flowerpots

2010-08-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Scott played official family photographer and took several combinations of family photos.

On Sunday, we squeezed in one more activity before we left - painting Grandma's flower pots. Grandma has a green thumb, so we know they'll have pretty flowers in them soon.

and then, back to NJ! What a great trip!

Colorado - Swimming and Keystone

2010-08-18T13:01:00.003-07:00

Sometime during the week, we went swimming - I can't remember exactly when. Wyatt and Georgia went several times, but Annabel and Caroline just braved the cool air temps with bathwater pool temps once. Annabel shows off her "big jump" to Aunt Shannon and Caroline does her scoot and flop in to Daddy. Grandpa can't seem to shake the Wyatt fungus off his back.

On Friday and Saturday, we went to Keystone. Friday, after we hit the Dillon Farmers' Market, Grandma took the girls to see a rock and roll version of Rapunzel in the ampitheater. Saturday, we returned for KidzFest with everyone but Uncle Stu and Uncle Ev who were off doing a 10 mile, 7 hour hike to a 14,000 foot peak.

We saw a juggling show, got caricatures (he nailed the cheeks), watched the bubble machine, got balloon animals, laughed at a guy on stilts, played in a playhouse, and most importantly, jumped in the bouncy houses!

Colorado - Boys and their guns

2010-08-18T13:01:00.002-07:00

'nuff said!

Colorado - ATVs and more playground

2010-08-18T13:01:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, Uncle Ev, Aunt Shannon, Wyatt and Georgia went back to Denver so that Wyatt could start his first day of first grade at the school of languages where he'll be learning everything in Spanish!

Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Stu went on an ATV tour near the highest town in Colorado - Leadville. It was a big mining area in the late 1800s/early 1900s. A fun ride and beautiful views!

Thursday was kind of rainy, but we did get in a trip to a third playground and a stream in Frisco. Caroline is very daring on the big slide!

Colorado - Flying and boating

2010-08-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we went to the Breckenridge Fun Park. Annabel had her first ski lift ride and alpine slide run. She said she was flying! Wyatt and Georgia had fun on their runs too!

Annabel and Grandma show their stamps on their hands.

On Tuesday, we rented a pontoon boat and toured around Lake Dillon. Wyatt, Georgia, Uncle Stu and Uncle Ev fished too.

Colorado - First weekend

2010-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Caroline took her first plane flight ever on Friday 8/6. Both of the girls were pretty good on the plane - thanks to their bag of toys. The most popular items by far were the magnadoodles - parents get one (or more) for your plane ride with a toddler! We were up in the mountains by the afternoon to see Grandma and Grandpa. Uncle Stu, Uncle Evan, Aunt Shannon, Wyatt and Georgia joined us in the early evening. We unpacked and relaxed that night so we could get busy in the morning!

First, we hit the playground

Then we spent the afternoon at a BBQ festival - yummy! Later that evening, we packed a picnic and went to the lake. The girls played in the sandbox and on the playground with their cousins.

Then we went to a chilly outdoor jazz concert.

On Sunday, we went to an art festival in Frisco and then fellow Coloradans cousin Brooke, hubby Gary, and kids Kaitlin, Cambry, and Avery, and cousin Tanis came over for lunch and to play. It was great to see everyone again.

Summer fun with friends

2010-07-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our third annual trip to Long Island to Jen and Gary's family retreat. It was hot, hot, hot, and we spent most of the time in the pool.

Here we are inside insanely large basketball hoop that Sharalyn and Sean brought!

Caroline dropped her puppy in the pool, but that didn't slow down her fun.

Annabel shows off her "big jumps" into the pool, and Annabel and Caroline douse Mommy with water

Jackson and Olivia have fun in the pool, and Zachary and Peyton play on the beach with their daddy.

Caroline loved running into the waves and getting knocked down (no pictures of that since Mommy was holding on tight!) Annabel liked the safety of the beach.

Can't wait 'til next summer in the Outer Banks with our favorite families!

Courtney comes to play!

2010-07-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Courtney came to play with us today and it was great! It rained all day so we mostly played inside, but we had fun!

Here, we're doing the splits

And I'm climbing Courtney

Finally outside after the rain! I jumped in all the puddles too but Mommy couldn't get it on camera.

Caroline rode in my car

and finished the day all messy. Good thing it was bath day!

Thanks for playing with us Courtney! You're the best!

All done outside!

2010-07-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Ridgewood's Fourth of July parade. We saw men in high feathery hats, baton twirlers, antique cars, lots of firetrucks, and a tall Uncle Sam. We even saw Shriners riding around in tiny cars (like Mommy's grandpa used to do). Annabel's favorite parts were the drummers in the marching bands and the abundance of "big trucks." Caroline liked dancing to the teenage rock band and the guy that was selling stuffed animals.

It was so hot - 102 was the high today - that on the way home, Annabel exclaimed "All done outside!"

Fourth of July Fun

2010-07-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

On the playground at Van Saun park on the last day of June - a beautiful 80 degree day.

We also went to the zoo and saw monkeys, anteaters, and bison.

Fun in the scorching sun on Fourth of July

No Fourth of July would be complete without watermelon

and fireworks! We watched them on the golf course again this year, and the girls loved their glow sticks and playing with the other kids.

Hello summer!

2010-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Splashing with the neighborhood kids

Caroline keeps herself hydrated in the heat

mmm, icepops!

at the park with Max

Hangin' in the backyard

"I wa go outsiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!"

2010-06-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Along with "Annabel blow bubbles", "where's Mete?" (Pete, the boy across the street), and "no whining, baby!", Annabel says "I wa go outside" many times a day. Daddy built the girls a new play area on the side of the house where they can play in the shade and away from incoming golf balls. Mommy mostly built the new house, and Mete had already given us another one. We're still working on Sophie proofiing it, but it's already proven to be a popular area to eat sand and play with the neighbors. Now, bring on the sun!

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Remembering those who served our country to preserve our freedom.

Now I know there's a reason...

2010-05-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

that the manufacturer includes age and weight limits on baby gear. When your 33 pound, 27 month old toddler wants to sit in her sister's bath ring, I should consider consulting the sticker that displays the 26 pound weight limit and 16 month age limit before helping her get in.

She, of course, got "thuck". After a lot of attempts to get Annabel out with bending and pulling and analyzing angles and thigh size, the Daddy Rescue Squad had to be employed. Using a bath towel to shield us from the flying plastic bits, a book on counting strawberries and fingers and ducks as a buffer between the indestructible plastic and my sweet baby's body, and a small electric tool that served as a circular saw, Daddy cut Annabel out of her chair. She didn't cry (or tinkle) once during the 45 minute ordeal.

She's reenacted the event several times this morning, including placing the buffer book on her back and telling the story of being stuck. She didn't sing the song we sang during her rescue of "Annabel is stuck, stuck, stuck, stuck in the tub, tub, tub, tub." I guess Mommy has a ways to go before she can seek employment as a children's song writer.

Mommy's really glad she didn't pull this stunt while Daddy was at work since she would have likely had to call the real Rescue Squad. Do you think they'd start charging after two dumb, preventable incidents within a year?

Here are other cute pictures from the last few weeks.

First time feeding herself yogurt.

Cooking in the kitchen

Chillaxing with Sophie

Happy Birthday Grandpa! (in two takes)

2010-05-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

We love you!

Messing around

2010-05-05T16:42:00.001-07:00

Look how high Caroline goes! And Annabel helps push too.

First stop on Grandma and Grandpa's Grandkid tour of Spring 2010

2010-05-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa visited at the end of April for almost a week. It's too bad they couldn't bring the bluebonnets with them. It was great to have them here and SO great that they could come a day early to help take care of our sick babies. Annabel had trip #2 to the ER with croup and pneumonia, and Caroline had a pesky ear infection. As you can see, it didn't keep them down for long.

Annabel making brownies with Grandma

Grandpa taught Annabel how to hold her own mask

The Masters

2010-05-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Mommy spent her first nights alone with the girls without Daddy while he went to the practice rounds of the Masters in Augusta, GA with Grandpa, Uncle Evan, and Uncle Stu.

Phil Mickelson, the 2010 (and 2006) winner

The great Arnold Palmer, 4 time winner of the Masters

Phil and Freddy Couples, winner in 1992

Playing with the neighbors

2010-05-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

We're so lucky to have lots of kids in the neighborhood. Last Saturday morning, the boy from across the street rang the bell to ask if the girls could play outside with him. That was a fun milestone! Annabel's very obsessed with playing outside with the "boys." From what we can tell, the definition of "boys" is kids playing, preferably with balls. At least that's what Daddy's telling himself!

Here are some pics of the girls playing with the next-door neighbors.

and a pic of our comedian with watermelon on her head

Blessed Easter

2010-04-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous day! With his backpack stuffed with fuzzy and chocolate bunnies, Uncle Stu rode his new bike out from the city and joined us for a beautiful mass. Grandpa W came over with more candy and toys and helped Daddy build a basketball hoop for the girls. It was a great day!

Hunting Eggs and Bouncing Balls

2010-04-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

Holy Saturday was a gorgeous day, and we were lucky to spend most of it outside. We started the day at church on the playground, then hunted eggs, and then back to the playground.

Since two little girls can never have too many balls, we added two more to our collection. A real little kid soccer ball and a slightly mishapen bouncy ball masquerading as a basketball.
Taking a moment out for a hug. Awww!

Sunny day!

2010-03-24T15:25:00.001-07:00

The girls enjoy the first warm sunny days of spring!

Caroline can almost climb all the way UP the slide, and also enjoys eating the mulch.

Watch Caroline walk!

Caroline can...

2010-03-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

Walk all by herself! She walked a few steps several times this afternoon and evening! She's very pleased with herself, and mommy and daddy and big sis are very proud!

Happy Birthday times Two!

2010-02-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we officially celebrated both of the girls' birthdays with Uncle Stu and Grandpa W. We've had unofficial celebrations since Annabel's birthday on the 19th with lots of presents from generouse friends and family.

Here's what Annabel likes to do, now that she's TWO!

· I like to dance. Any kind of music, but I’m mostly a Top 40, Nick Jr kind of girl.
· I know most of the words to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes. I’m also pretty good at the Wonder Pets song and the ABC song.
· I can count to 10, loudly.
· I’m teaching Caroline how to walk.
· I taught Caroline how to escape from the high chair.
· I love to play ring-around-the-rosey and patty cake.
· I love to “big jump.” And then I give kisses afterwards.
· I hate wearing clothes.
· I’m a good helper. I put away laundry, help hang up clothes, dust, sweep, unload the dishwasher, and pick up balls from the ball pit.
· I’m also a good destroyer, and it’s a lot more fun.
· I like to climb on everything, especially tables and counters that have hard surfaces underneath.
· I like to stack things.
· I like to play hide-and-seek and chase. Sometimes I don’t wear clothes for these games.
· I’m a pretty good piano player.
· I love my dollies and like to put them down for night-night.
· I like to color, preferably with mommy’s pens, but also with crayons. The world is my canvas.
· I like to walk like Caroline and talk like her. I like to throw and kick balls to Daddy.

And Caroline wants to tell you this.

I'm one! and:
· I can stand by myself for quite awhile. I don’t even need to pull up on anything. I can also go from that position straight to my bottom or to mommy’s arms.
· I’m very fast on the stairs, and I’m pretty good at escaping from mom and dad with my pivot move.
· I love to eat. No more baby food for me, but they still try to give it to me sometimes. I love bananas, grapes, pancakes, pizza, turkey, pasta, and cheese. I’m not a big fan of carrots.
· I like my baba. They keep trying to give me other cups, but I don’t get it. If it ain’t broke…
· I’m a great escape artist. I can get out of my highchair, even while strapped in, by doing an over-the-side lunge.
· I love to play peek-a-boo with Annabel around our play kitchen.
· I like to read, especially books that Annabel’s reading.
· I like Annabel’s trike.
· I love Sophie and her dog food.
· I love taking baths with my sister!

Let it snow!

2010-02-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

and snow and snow and snow. It snowed almost all day on Thursday and Friday - to the tune of about 18"! There were even people snowmobiling on the golf course behind the house! New Jersey was pretty much shut down on Friday, and the girls missed their 1 yr and 2 yr checkup. But they said they'd rather play in the snow than get shots!

Caroline enjoys her new sportscar!

While Annabel has fun on her new tricycle!

Random cute inside picture!

I'm louder.. No, I'm louder

2010-02-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Claire!

2010-01-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

Annabel and Caroline celebrated Claire's 2nd birthday with her and friends at Gymboree on Saturday. Annabel was out of sorts and even passed up a cupcake, but after an hour of warming up to the place, she finally started having fun jumping and climbing. Thanks to the other mommies for helping us out. And Happy Birthday Claire!!

See you soon Grandma!!

2010-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Grandma was here for ten days helping out mommy and daddy and taking good care of us. We had lots of fun with her and already miss her very much. We miss Grandpa too. We love you!!

I'm 11 months old!

2010-01-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

And I'm soooooo big! I know I said it last month, but now I can show you.

This is just one of my many recent accomplishments, or as mommy and daddy say, "tricks." I'm also doing all this stuff:

I love to splash, splash, splash. In between baths, I play in Sophie's bowl. And I grab a little snack while I'm in the area.
One of my top teeth is finally poking through. The other one is really close!!
I can walk behind my riding toy, my baskets, my toy piano, and some of Annabel's toys too. I can also walk with Annabel holding one hand and mommy holding the other.
I'm still a very good sleeper, and when I wake up, I like to read a book or play with a toy in my crib. My parents have asked me to teach this to my sister, but she really doesn't listen to me.
I'm training to be a gymnast. Right now, I just practicing my flips on the changing table until I can get into a gym. If that doesn't work out, I'm pretty sure I could be a wrestler. Right now I'm getting pinned more than I want, but my sister *is* in a different weight class.

1-2-3 Cheese!

2010-01-16T17:47:00.001-08:00

Playdate with Gracie, Kingsley and Claire

Everyone's getting so big!

More Merry Christmas!

2010-01-04T04:45:00.000-08:00

Two days after Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa B arrived from Denver after having Christmas with Uncle Ev, Aunt Shannon, Wyatt and Georgia. Uncle Stu came out to the burbs from the city, and we celebrated all over again.

Annabel enjoyed her dress up clothes from her Denver cousins and also liked dressing down with Grandma's rollers and cell phone.

The girls had fun playing on Annabel's new big girl bed put together by Grandpa and Daddy. Maybe Mommy and Daddy will get a good night's sleep now!

The girls say bye-bye and kisses to Grandma and Grandpa. We love you!

10 Months (and one day) old!

2009-12-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

I'm getting soooo big! I can pull up on everthing and cruise around anything, even Sophie. I am a very fast crawler and I can climb over all sorts of obstacles. I am involved in everything my big sister does - if she reads, I read, if she plays with her dolly, I play with her dolly. She taught me two new words - Mine and No!

I hid this from Mommy and Daddy for awhile - I can climb stairs. I probably shouldn't have hidden it since I can't stay on stairs that well, and I got my first bloody nose. Now there are more gates than ever!

I'm still happy as ever, and hungry as ever. I've started eating bananas, goldfish, noodles, and puffed rice in addition to my yogurt, cereal, and baby food. Sometimes I'm so hungry I can't even wait until morning to eat. I still only have two teeth, but one of my top ones is getting close to poking out. Hope it's here soon!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, we went to a beautiful service at church with Scott's dad. I was so happy to sing loudly all of my favorite carols. The girls did lots of clapping. Afterwards, we came home and had a nice meal. Before she went to bed, Annabel blew kisses to our 12' inflatable front-yard Santa.

Next year, I think Annabel (and maybe Caroline?) will be able to understand more of the Christmas' true meaning, and I'm looking forward to continuing a tradition I grew up with where we read Luke's account of Jesus' birth.

Christmas morning was fun! Annabel loved tearing open the packages, and Caroline loved eating the wrapping paper. They had great fun with their new piano and blocks.

Christmas took an unexpected turn around 11am. Scott was making waffles, and I was cutting potatoes into 1/4" slices when I remembered I had a mandolin. It was sure to make the job easier. It was also sure to slice off the side of my thumb and top of my index finger. Scott wrapped my wounds in a burp cloth, and I sat on the steps outside the kitchen since I felt woozy. Next thing I know I'm waking up under the Christmas tree with my head in the trash can as Scott's finishing up a frantic call to 911. Since I lost consciousness, I was taken to the ER in style, complete with oxygen in the ambulance and and in the waiting room. The nurse told me I was the third mandolin-related incident that morning.

The Ramsey PD, the Allendale Ambulance Corps, and the Valley Hospital staff and doctors were all great and I was back at home in my new Snuggy before 2pm.

I always wondered who it was eating Chinese food on Christmas evening, and now I know.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

First snow!

2009-12-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

I'm 9 months old!

2009-11-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm 9 months old today! I'm getting very speedy at crawling, and I'm pretty good at pulling up and standing up. I can say all sorts of things - mamamama, babababa, dadadada. Mommy and Daddy call it babbling, but I know what I'm saying! And speaking of mom and dad, I'm not sure what they think makes a good birthday celebration, but I don't think a trip to the doctor and an H1N1 shot would make most baby's lists. At least I had fun crunching up the exam table paper!

My sister likes to take her shirt off and show off her belly. She didn't wear a shirt all afternoon! Then, tonight, she wanted to put on all sorts of clothes - clothes that are supposed to be mine now. She put on a dress, 4 pairs of socks, and bloomers and shorts over her leggings. Crazy!

Boo!

2009-11-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Caroline's first Halloween was a rainy one, but she still had fun being a pretty flower.

On Friday, we Trunk or Treated at church. Ladybug Annabel liked the cider donuts more than the candy, and she managed to hold onto it while playing on the playground.

On Saturday, the girls braved the rain in a search for candy. After a few houses, they came back inside to play. Annabel likes Junior Mints, M&Ms and lollipops the best.

On Sunday, we went to a local farm for a hayride. The girls also saw a tiny horse, a calf, a ram, some goats, and some pigs (they bite!)

Guess who's crawling?

2009-10-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Motivated by her desire for the Blackberry (the electronic device, not the fruit), Caroline crawled her first three consecutive steps - and repeated it several times. Imagine what she would do for an iPhone!

Eight months old!

2009-10-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect fall day - crisp but not cold, and sunny. And last week's cold snap brought the leaves to their peak colors. Caroline planned to celebrate her 8 month old birthday jamming to some accordian music, noshing on a bratwurst, and leaf peeping at Bear Mountain for Oktoberfest. But apparently all the other infants and toddlers in NY and NJ had the same idea, and we couldn't get close to it or the any of the other Bear Mountain attractions. The drive was beautiful though, and we stopped to enjoy a local nursery's petting zoo instead.

Hi Grandma and Grandpa

2009-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Brooks came for a visit this week. We played a lot and had lots of fun. We sure will miss them, but we'll see them in just 2 months for Christmas!

I love ice cream, and even more when I share it with Grandpa!

Leaf peeping

2009-10-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we trekked to Vermont to look at the leaves and enjoy the fall weather. It was brrr cold, but we had a great time. Caroline went to her first Oktoberfest, and Annabel ran through her first corn maze.

On the way up, we stopped at Marcella's and Roger's to meet baby Max. He's 10 months old!

In other news, Caroline got her first tooth about two weeks ago. She's scooching backwards, and has the crawling position down. Now if she could just get those knees to move. Annabel is talking up a storm and finds new things to climb every day. She scaled a toy storage unit at Ikea this weekend.

Grandma and Grandpa have been visiting since Wednesday. Pray for good weather so they can enjoy their last few days with the girls.

Happy 7 month birthday!

2009-09-27T02:42:00.000-07:00

Starting 'em young

2009-09-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the Giants' second game, and the girls got in the spirit by donning their jerseys.

After a week of everyone in the family being sick, it was nice to get out to go "hiking" at the Ramapo Reservation. It was Caroline's first hike up the beginning of the mountain and around the lake. In the category of not so fun, Caroline's other firsts for the week were first ear infection and first nebulizer treatment.

Saturday in the park

2009-09-07T04:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a beautiful day, and we packed up our stuff and headed to Central Park. We started out listening to the guitarman by the lake for a few hours. We sat under a big tree right behind a newly married couple and their wedding guests.

Annabel enjoyed dancing to the tunes and trying to feed doggies her Goldfish and apples. She didn't participate in the skipping song, but we had to leave something for next time. Caroline enjoyed chilling and had her typical big smile on her face, and Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a bootleg beer wrapped in newspaper purchased from a guy with a big backpack.

Mommy's friend Katie came to listen to music too, and later we all relocated and met Uncle Stu and his friends near a woman with an impressive hula hoop act.

Annabel loved blowing bubbles with Uncle Stu and playing with Champ, another doggie. She also met a 2yo girl named Annabel and pushed her doll's stroller around for awhile. I guess they didn't bond that well over their shared name because our Annabel rejected new Annabel's attempt at a good-bye hug with a shove.

I think Caroline enjoyed her first time in the city!

Sunny day on the playground

2009-08-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

The girls had a fun time on the playground this afternoon at their future elementary school.

Thanks for leaving a day early, Hurricane Danny!

I'm 6 months old

2009-08-26T08:58:00.001-07:00

Happy half-birthday to me! Here's what's happening in my world:

*I'm still a little wobbly when I sit, but I can stay up without falling for a long time now!

*I've made it through all of the cereals, and I'm now eating sweet potatoes.

*Mommy and Daddy say I'm a chatterer. I do like to squeal and let everyone know that I'm here.

*I just discovered how much fun it is to splash in the tub.

*I can put my binky in my mouth by myself.

*I can pull Annabel's hair now too. I also like to pull Mommy's and Daddy's lips, ears, cheeks, - whatever I can grab.

*I love my exersaucer. I also love to pull on the things hanging from my activity mat.

*I'm strong! I can sit in my bumbo seat and scoot across the room by pushing up on my legs.

*I still pretty much only cry when I'm hungry (or Annabel sits on me!)

First day of school

2009-08-26T06:48:00.001-07:00

Monday was Mom's first day back to work, and the girls first day at school! Caroline liked it from the get go, and the report from her teacher is that she spent the afternoon smiling and sleeping.

Annabel, however, did not like it nearly as much as her first day of school last year. The drop-off was hard on Mom as Annabel cried real tears and screamed "Momma, Momma" while reaching out for me. I could hear her wailing as I got Caroline settled in her room far down the hallway. I made the mistake of returning to the scene of the abandonment and the wailing intensified. When Scott picked her up, she was having a great time in the gym with the gigantic exercise balls. When I dropped her off yesterday, she immediately started climbing on the playhouse and slide, and then stole a chicken nugget from another kid's lunch bin in the fridge. Completely back to being Annabel! So here's a second day of school picture.

I'm One and a Half!

2009-08-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

I decided to update my sister's and my blog today because as you can see below, I'm pretty good with the computer.
Here's a quick update on all the things I can do, now that I'm One and a Half.

I know these parts of my body: Nose (inside and out), Head, Ears, Tummy, Knee, and Toes. And sometimes Eyes and Elbow.

I can say lots of words if mommy or daddy or someone else says them first, but here are the ones I say all by myself: baby, book, bottle, binky, doggie, uh-oh, yes, no, weeeee!, ball, Sophie, Mamma, Dadda, cookie, knee, banana, water. There are a lot of other things I say, but mommy and daddy seem to just nod their heads and smile when I say them.

I'm pretty good at these things: dancing, running, wrestling with/straddling/pulling on/loving on Caroline, Sophie, Oscar, and Lucy, giving big hugs and kisses complete with sound effects of aaahhh and mwah, reading, gathering sticks, climbing, pretending to go down the stairs frontways, swinging, sliding, paddling in the pool, throwing balls, licking rocks. I could go on forever, because as mommy and daddy always say, I'm very "busy."
(Me looking to get into trouble at the walking path next to the lake at Bear Mountain)

Caroline's first haircut

2009-08-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

Caroline had her first haircut one week ago! She didn't didn't cry, but she didn't love her first beauty treatment that much either. I think Mommy likes the Before hairdo better, but at least I'm not washing the cereal out of her hair after every meal anymore!

Love from Grandma and Grandpa

2009-08-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just like her sister, Caroline now has a beautiful dollhouse bookcase lovingly built by Grandpa B and painted by Grandma B. They built the bookcase in Grandpa's shop in Marble Falls, TX and shipped it in pieces to NJ. It included special assembly instructions for Daddy and his first assistant (Mommy) and even included jobs for the 2nd assistant (Annabel) and 3rd assistant (Caroline). We think the instructions should be amended to hire a 4th assistant (babysitter) so that Daddy and Mommy can get it put together in the estimated assembly time provided by Grandpa of 12 minutes.

Thanks for such a special gift, Grandma and Grandpa. We love you!

New toys

2009-08-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

The girls are very lucky to have a big boy neighbor across the street (he's 5!). He's given them lots of great toys, but the biggest surprise was the slide and playhouse. It has an ATM, a grocery, a tunnel, a gas pump, chalkboard, and a soccer goal and basketball net. Annabel retrieved the basketball from the pool to practice her jump shot.

Taking a dip

2009-08-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Friday was the perfect summer day - low 80s and no humidity, and one family offered to host playgroup at their neighborhood lake. Mommy forgot her camera but managed to take a few with the cellphone. It looks like she also forgot Annabel's bathing suit, but she went running for the lake before she could change her. In her typical "no fear" manner, Annabel quickly dunked her face in and then made a beeline for the slide. Maybe next time, she'll take the kayak out. Thanks to the other mommies who helped take care of Caroline while Annabel was splashing about.

Caroline's sits down for dinner

2009-08-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

Caroline had her first meal of rice cereal last night! As you can see, she enjoyed herself. Maybe now my formerly good little sleeper will go back to sleeping through the night instead of demanding a 3 am bottle!

Big sister Annabel was jealous and threw a little tantrum, so we had to put some mashed potatoes in a bowl and feed her like a baby. She soon took over with the spoon herself though, so hopefully she'll remember she's a big girl now.

Swimming with Dad

2009-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sister time

2009-07-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

It rained a few days again this week, so the girls kept busy hanging out with each other inside.

Caroline loves being on her tummy and is really getting good at keeping her head up for long periods of time. She's been practicing sitting but is still a little wobbly.

Annabel is sporting her first bloody lip after knocking heads with Daddy. As you can see, it wasn't too traumatic!

Five Months Old!

2009-07-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Caroline is all smiles about turning five months old yesterday!

More Monday Fun

2009-07-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

Neighbors and babysitters Kate and Caroline came over to play with the girls. They gave Caroline and Annabel new hairdos and snapped a bunch of pics of their makeovers.

No guts, no glory

2009-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

While Caroline napped, Annabel and mom played outside. Since she's not allowed to play in the street, her ball soon lost its appeal as she ran to the back gate for the pool.

"Hey mom, the diving board is bouncy! And look, a leaf!"

After watching the big kids in Long Island navigate the stairs, Annabel tries a new method. Look for a future blog entry titled "Live from the ER."

The girls are entertained by Jack Black on Yo Gabba Gabba while Mommy perfects her Disco Roll. "Up down, up down, up down, up down and roll and back and roll and back"

It's Official!

2009-07-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today we finalized Caroline's adoption.

In a very short hearing, the Judge Colin swore us in, and our lawyer Amy made sure we were officially who we said we were with the help of our notary, Kristen. Amy then asked us a few questions, the judge asked a few more, and then he said "Congratulations!"

We are now, in the eyes of the government, a family of four. Of course we've been a family of four for almost 5 months now. Mommy and Daddy love you, Caroline and Annabel.

The judge and Amy on the phoneThe picture the judge had of us

After finalization with Kristen, our notary