How precious?
Okay, I'll smile a little bit for the camera but, I lost my baumbie!!
Don't worry about it, I think I've found a way to satisfy the need for a baumbie.
Riggs doesn't need his baumbie right now so I'll use it, okay?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A quick trip to the park with the May Flowers!
I know Nana and PopPop will enjoy these images from earlier this afternoon!!
How precious?
Okay, I'll smile a little bit for the camera but, I lost my baumbie!!
Don't worry about it, I think I've found a way to satisfy the need for a baumbie.
Riggs doesn't need his baumbie right now so I'll use it, okay?
How precious?
Okay, I'll smile a little bit for the camera but, I lost my baumbie!!
Don't worry about it, I think I've found a way to satisfy the need for a baumbie.
Riggs doesn't need his baumbie right now so I'll use it, okay?
Good News!!
Avery and Riggs are now in MDO three days a week! Thursday is added to the Tuesday / Wednesday schedule. Now, Mommie can get all kinds of stuff done around the house AND my Darlings can play with other children for a few hours three days a week. Schedule development is what I see adding to the base schedule Mommie and Daddy have already instituted!!
As exciting as this is, Dearie is left with only Mondays for a lunch run. Oh well, there are still afternoons every day of the week for me to visit with my darlings!!
As exciting as this is, Dearie is left with only Mondays for a lunch run. Oh well, there are still afternoons every day of the week for me to visit with my darlings!!
So, what's with this Dearie's Darlings?
nomenclature: The study of the naming of organisms in the fashion that reflects their evolutionary relationships.
More than a few folks have asked how I came to call myself Dearie (instead of some other name for Grandma) and referring to my precious Avery Kathryn and Riggs Trey as "Darlings." Well, not long after the babies were born, Anne mentioned that I ought to have a blog. Duh, I already had one: Dearie's Darlings! She was somewhat startled and immediately got on the net to see if what I said was true. It was. Then I think she may have actually been excited about it. I didn't have time to explain to her the name in full because the premie twins were requiring all of her time and attention. With others asking now for several months, I figured it was time to tell all . . . So, here goes:
Years ago when Anne first brought Abigail Leigh to my house, a cute little six week old Boston Terrier puppy, I referred to myself as Dearie. At that point in time, I actually imagined that the closest I would ever come to being a grand-anything was to a grandpuppy! Many years before that in conversation with friends who were about to have their first grandchild and discussing what they wanted to be called, I told 'em head up: "I'm going to be Mére Dearie" (Mére got nixed 'cause you'll see later but it just didn't work with the naming pattern.) They were shocked because the eldest of my children at that time was Clair and she was only 14 years old!! And yet, I'd already established a name for myself once I was a grandparent! Getting back to Abigail, I figured that what they say about training . . . can't start too early!! After all, if I ever had grand children, I wanted to be Dearie.
Well, that wasn't the start of it all. As a child, I had a moderate speech impediment and consequently, spent many hours in speech therapy and practicing speaking clearly. By the time I was 9 years old, my mother had enrolled me in eloqution classes (yeah, go figure anyone having to suffer through that today!). As my instructor was working with me, she emphasized that our speech development begins when we are babies and, that the first sounds we make are "d" sounds. That's because babies spend so much time sucking that the tongue's natural "first" location in speech is at the palette and when air moves, the "d" sounds are first. She even had a little anecdote (which I completely forgot!) about why "da da" is spoken before "ma ma." It made sense to me then and somehow, that lesson, more than any other, seemed to stick in my mind.
As with most girls of my era when they get to be 10 and 11 years old, they begin baby sitting (in those days for $.50 an hour!!) and I did just that. Marilyn Moore lived right up the street from our house and she had four little girls ranging in age from brand new baby to 5 years old (the same age as my baby brother who my mother did not pay me to watch!). Mostly I just spent Saturday afternoons watching the girls while Marilyn did her chores around the house. I definitely wasn't alone with the girls until many months later. But as Sarah, the baby, was around 7 or 8 months old, I noticed that everything she said had a "d" sound! Her sisters mostly referred to me as "Lelly" because the "s" sound wasn't quite developed. But, they had no trouble at all saying my last name, Donahue. Curious! hold this thought 'cause now we have to take another little trip down a different memory lane!
My grandfather's sister, my Aunt Belle, was a grand lady from the Garden District in New Orleans. She was the ultimate in refinement and gentility. I loved her so much! Her ways were sorted and rich all the while, her tone was gentle, welcoming, comforting and loving. Every time Mother brought me to visit Aunt Belle was exciting for me! And, she would always greet me from the comfort of her chair in the parlor, arms outstretched, "Darling (pronounced DAHLING with that uptown accent!), do let Aunt Belle hold you! I've been thinking of you all day and I'm so happy to see you! Tell me how wonderful your day has been!" Now think about it, it didn't matter what kind of crappy day I thought I'd had, that wasn't what she wanted to know!! I was her darling and she was happy to see me and she wanted to hold me and hear everything that was wonderful! In that moment of greeting, the transformation of my day happened as I worked diligently to remember all of the good and wonder of the day so I could share it with her! She was one smart cookie and she worked her magic on me!
Aunt Belle died when I was 12 years old. Just a few months before she passed, I had gone to New Orleans with my mother (who had a doctor's appointment in the city) and I asked if I could be dropped off at Aunt Belle's while she was seeing the doctor. Mother complied so far as going to Aunt Belle's for a quick visit and once there, Aunt Belle told Mother that she would love my company for a couple of hours. I was sooo excited! I had Aunt Belle all to myself. She was sitting in her chair in the parlor but not tending her needlework as she usually did on most afternoons. She asked loads of questions and was so sincerely interested in any and everything I said . . . suffice to say, that was one truly memorable afternoon for me.
When Mother arrived to fetch me, I was sad to leave Aunt Belle. Little did I know that would be the last time I'd have with her on this earth. Before leaving with Mother, Aunt Belle hugged me tight and kissed me on the cheek. She then grabbed me by the shoulders and held on tight as she told me, "darling, you've been such a dear, spending the afternoon with an old lady who needed your spirit to lift her own!"
When Mother came into my room few months later to inform me that Aunt Belle had passed away, I cried miserably for a long while. I pulled out my treasure box and I read through the cards she'd sent to me over the years, all addressed "Dearest Darling Leslie;" I realized how truly fortunate I'd been to have this outstandingly splendid lady in my life and just how much she'd meant to me . . . the generous love she'd shared with me over the years would sustain me in times of trouble and give me thousands of reasons to smile when it would be impossible otherwise. Aunt Belle made certain that I knew how special I was to her.
Standing on the playground at school one afternoon, a group of my friends and I were talking about when we got to be really old and have grandchildren, what we would do and what we would call ourselves and you know the game . . . that's when I decided I would be Dearie and my grandchildren would be my Darlings.
My Darlings have a wonderful network of extended and blended family with whom they will share many experiences--some exciting and others quite mundane--throughout their lives. Yet, I hope to give them, to share with them, a relationship that is unique unto itself; moments that don't compete with others, rather complement them; experiences that are gleefully fun and enriching as we create a rich treasure trove that they are able to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Its the "d" ness of the words that I hope Avery and Riggs will pick up on quickly and comfortably but, its the affirmation and connection of love that is their specialness that I hope endures and that they will forever remember fondly.
Everything has a reason and this is mine . . . mine for being Dearie, mine for calling my grandchildren Darling(s) and mine for naming this blog Dearie's Darlings. After all, this blog is for Avery Kathryn and Riggs Trey--their proof positive that I really did think about them each and every day, that I am always happy to see them, that I want to know how wonderful their day has been . . . added only that on most of those days, I took a little time to write about how special the shared moments with them have brightened my own life. Dear, dearest, dearie and the darlings. Plain and simple: That's my reason!
More than a few folks have asked how I came to call myself Dearie (instead of some other name for Grandma) and referring to my precious Avery Kathryn and Riggs Trey as "Darlings." Well, not long after the babies were born, Anne mentioned that I ought to have a blog. Duh, I already had one: Dearie's Darlings! She was somewhat startled and immediately got on the net to see if what I said was true. It was. Then I think she may have actually been excited about it. I didn't have time to explain to her the name in full because the premie twins were requiring all of her time and attention. With others asking now for several months, I figured it was time to tell all . . . So, here goes:
Years ago when Anne first brought Abigail Leigh to my house, a cute little six week old Boston Terrier puppy, I referred to myself as Dearie. At that point in time, I actually imagined that the closest I would ever come to being a grand-anything was to a grandpuppy! Many years before that in conversation with friends who were about to have their first grandchild and discussing what they wanted to be called, I told 'em head up: "I'm going to be Mére Dearie" (Mére got nixed 'cause you'll see later but it just didn't work with the naming pattern.) They were shocked because the eldest of my children at that time was Clair and she was only 14 years old!! And yet, I'd already established a name for myself once I was a grandparent! Getting back to Abigail, I figured that what they say about training . . . can't start too early!! After all, if I ever had grand children, I wanted to be Dearie.
Well, that wasn't the start of it all. As a child, I had a moderate speech impediment and consequently, spent many hours in speech therapy and practicing speaking clearly. By the time I was 9 years old, my mother had enrolled me in eloqution classes (yeah, go figure anyone having to suffer through that today!). As my instructor was working with me, she emphasized that our speech development begins when we are babies and, that the first sounds we make are "d" sounds. That's because babies spend so much time sucking that the tongue's natural "first" location in speech is at the palette and when air moves, the "d" sounds are first. She even had a little anecdote (which I completely forgot!) about why "da da" is spoken before "ma ma." It made sense to me then and somehow, that lesson, more than any other, seemed to stick in my mind.
As with most girls of my era when they get to be 10 and 11 years old, they begin baby sitting (in those days for $.50 an hour!!) and I did just that. Marilyn Moore lived right up the street from our house and she had four little girls ranging in age from brand new baby to 5 years old (the same age as my baby brother who my mother did not pay me to watch!). Mostly I just spent Saturday afternoons watching the girls while Marilyn did her chores around the house. I definitely wasn't alone with the girls until many months later. But as Sarah, the baby, was around 7 or 8 months old, I noticed that everything she said had a "d" sound! Her sisters mostly referred to me as "Lelly" because the "s" sound wasn't quite developed. But, they had no trouble at all saying my last name, Donahue. Curious! hold this thought 'cause now we have to take another little trip down a different memory lane!
My grandfather's sister, my Aunt Belle, was a grand lady from the Garden District in New Orleans. She was the ultimate in refinement and gentility. I loved her so much! Her ways were sorted and rich all the while, her tone was gentle, welcoming, comforting and loving. Every time Mother brought me to visit Aunt Belle was exciting for me! And, she would always greet me from the comfort of her chair in the parlor, arms outstretched, "Darling (pronounced DAHLING with that uptown accent!), do let Aunt Belle hold you! I've been thinking of you all day and I'm so happy to see you! Tell me how wonderful your day has been!" Now think about it, it didn't matter what kind of crappy day I thought I'd had, that wasn't what she wanted to know!! I was her darling and she was happy to see me and she wanted to hold me and hear everything that was wonderful! In that moment of greeting, the transformation of my day happened as I worked diligently to remember all of the good and wonder of the day so I could share it with her! She was one smart cookie and she worked her magic on me!
Aunt Belle died when I was 12 years old. Just a few months before she passed, I had gone to New Orleans with my mother (who had a doctor's appointment in the city) and I asked if I could be dropped off at Aunt Belle's while she was seeing the doctor. Mother complied so far as going to Aunt Belle's for a quick visit and once there, Aunt Belle told Mother that she would love my company for a couple of hours. I was sooo excited! I had Aunt Belle all to myself. She was sitting in her chair in the parlor but not tending her needlework as she usually did on most afternoons. She asked loads of questions and was so sincerely interested in any and everything I said . . . suffice to say, that was one truly memorable afternoon for me.
When Mother arrived to fetch me, I was sad to leave Aunt Belle. Little did I know that would be the last time I'd have with her on this earth. Before leaving with Mother, Aunt Belle hugged me tight and kissed me on the cheek. She then grabbed me by the shoulders and held on tight as she told me, "darling, you've been such a dear, spending the afternoon with an old lady who needed your spirit to lift her own!"
When Mother came into my room few months later to inform me that Aunt Belle had passed away, I cried miserably for a long while. I pulled out my treasure box and I read through the cards she'd sent to me over the years, all addressed "Dearest Darling Leslie;" I realized how truly fortunate I'd been to have this outstandingly splendid lady in my life and just how much she'd meant to me . . . the generous love she'd shared with me over the years would sustain me in times of trouble and give me thousands of reasons to smile when it would be impossible otherwise. Aunt Belle made certain that I knew how special I was to her.
Standing on the playground at school one afternoon, a group of my friends and I were talking about when we got to be really old and have grandchildren, what we would do and what we would call ourselves and you know the game . . . that's when I decided I would be Dearie and my grandchildren would be my Darlings.
My Darlings have a wonderful network of extended and blended family with whom they will share many experiences--some exciting and others quite mundane--throughout their lives. Yet, I hope to give them, to share with them, a relationship that is unique unto itself; moments that don't compete with others, rather complement them; experiences that are gleefully fun and enriching as we create a rich treasure trove that they are able to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Its the "d" ness of the words that I hope Avery and Riggs will pick up on quickly and comfortably but, its the affirmation and connection of love that is their specialness that I hope endures and that they will forever remember fondly.
Everything has a reason and this is mine . . . mine for being Dearie, mine for calling my grandchildren Darling(s) and mine for naming this blog Dearie's Darlings. After all, this blog is for Avery Kathryn and Riggs Trey--their proof positive that I really did think about them each and every day, that I am always happy to see them, that I want to know how wonderful their day has been . . . added only that on most of those days, I took a little time to write about how special the shared moments with them have brightened my own life. Dear, dearest, dearie and the darlings. Plain and simple: That's my reason!
Something new every day in every way
On my way home from the office, you guessed it, I just had to stop in to see my darlings. Well, Mommie had a load of baby laundry, fresh out of the dryer, for me to fold while Avery and Riggs napped. But before I got moving on the folding, I checked out the new nursery (formerly Daddy's office but now transformed into a wonderful, closed area for the darlings!! The aroma in the house was that of gumbo and really, with this great weather, there's nothing more perfect for dinner than a bowl of gumbo!! The Bailey girls, Miia and Emma, would soon be over to play with my darlings and Mommie was still pulling things together for dinner.
Napping's not going so well on MDO days. I had just finished folding the clothes when I heard this "nyaaaah" sound rushing out of the nursery. You guessed it, Avery had finished her 15 minute power nap and wanted out of the bed right now!
I scooped her up and we quickly went into the living room so as not to disturb Riggs (who was really napping). Almost by slight of hand, I had her in clean, dry panties (pampers) and we were sitting on the sofa talking, giggling, smooching and squealing while Mommie put away the laudry. What an absolute delight this baby girl is!! Well, Mommie returned with an almost-out-of-the-box toy laptop!! Avery dove into play with it while I tried to free it from the cardboard (packing on this was more difficult to remove than on a real laptop!). She loved the toy and those little pointer fingers were just moving across every key, every light . . . and when it made a new sound, she would turn to look at me? I guess she wanted to get my take on the new sounds??
We had all of four or five minutes with the toy when Riggs woke. Mommie brought him into the living room so he could have his britches changed. It is amazing how those almost featherweight pampers can turn into three pound balls in a little less than an hour! Simply amazing how much babies wee-wee!
With dry bottoms, my darlings and I headed for the nursery for play time. For all readers who have reared your babies, I ask: do you remember the "mine" experience? With both Avery and Riggs sitting (somewhat facing each other), Avery had the toy laptop and Riggs had three or four other lighted making sounds toys in front of him. HE HAD NEVER SEEN THE LAPTOP before because it was new. He reached across his legs and Avery's and pulled the laptop to himself and proud as you please, started pumching the buittons with delight. Avery, meanwhile, has a look of shock and total disbelief on her face! She turned to me as if to say, "Dearie, that's my toy get it back for me!"
When I didn't respond quickly enough, Avery reached across and pulled the toy back into her lap and started playing with it as she had before. An attitude of, "its mine and I get to play with it!" It wasn't a full minute before Riggs pulled the laptop away from Avery again!! She, in turn, pulled it away from Riggs!! I called Mommie into the room so she could see this little tug-of-war going on. We both laughed!
After all, Riggs is the sweet one who is always reaching out to hold Avery's hand and here he was pulling the toy away from her . . . WITH INTENT! Maybe this is what they are learning at school?? I'm sure hoping that this isn't the beginning of that awful stage in child development where my darlings cease sharing their toys!!
With playtime over (had to stop because the tugging as escalating!) Avery and Riggs were strapped into their respective high chairs, bibbed and given puffs for appetizers. The Bailey girls arrived with Auntie and the darlings were thrilled to have little people around. Mommie got the darlings dinner in the bowls and Dearie had to take leave.
It was gumbo weather! I came home and made my own pot of gumbo. My darlings are moving through their little life experiences at a remarkable pace and one filled with wonder and so much love! I just adore having the privilege of seeing them regularly and taking a moment every now and again to blog the experience . . . one day, I sure hope those precious little darlings of mine will know just how special they are to me!
Napping's not going so well on MDO days. I had just finished folding the clothes when I heard this "nyaaaah" sound rushing out of the nursery. You guessed it, Avery had finished her 15 minute power nap and wanted out of the bed right now!
I scooped her up and we quickly went into the living room so as not to disturb Riggs (who was really napping). Almost by slight of hand, I had her in clean, dry panties (pampers) and we were sitting on the sofa talking, giggling, smooching and squealing while Mommie put away the laudry. What an absolute delight this baby girl is!! Well, Mommie returned with an almost-out-of-the-box toy laptop!! Avery dove into play with it while I tried to free it from the cardboard (packing on this was more difficult to remove than on a real laptop!). She loved the toy and those little pointer fingers were just moving across every key, every light . . . and when it made a new sound, she would turn to look at me? I guess she wanted to get my take on the new sounds??
We had all of four or five minutes with the toy when Riggs woke. Mommie brought him into the living room so he could have his britches changed. It is amazing how those almost featherweight pampers can turn into three pound balls in a little less than an hour! Simply amazing how much babies wee-wee!
With dry bottoms, my darlings and I headed for the nursery for play time. For all readers who have reared your babies, I ask: do you remember the "mine" experience? With both Avery and Riggs sitting (somewhat facing each other), Avery had the toy laptop and Riggs had three or four other lighted making sounds toys in front of him. HE HAD NEVER SEEN THE LAPTOP before because it was new. He reached across his legs and Avery's and pulled the laptop to himself and proud as you please, started pumching the buittons with delight. Avery, meanwhile, has a look of shock and total disbelief on her face! She turned to me as if to say, "Dearie, that's my toy get it back for me!"
When I didn't respond quickly enough, Avery reached across and pulled the toy back into her lap and started playing with it as she had before. An attitude of, "its mine and I get to play with it!" It wasn't a full minute before Riggs pulled the laptop away from Avery again!! She, in turn, pulled it away from Riggs!! I called Mommie into the room so she could see this little tug-of-war going on. We both laughed!
After all, Riggs is the sweet one who is always reaching out to hold Avery's hand and here he was pulling the toy away from her . . . WITH INTENT! Maybe this is what they are learning at school?? I'm sure hoping that this isn't the beginning of that awful stage in child development where my darlings cease sharing their toys!!
With playtime over (had to stop because the tugging as escalating!) Avery and Riggs were strapped into their respective high chairs, bibbed and given puffs for appetizers. The Bailey girls arrived with Auntie and the darlings were thrilled to have little people around. Mommie got the darlings dinner in the bowls and Dearie had to take leave.
It was gumbo weather! I came home and made my own pot of gumbo. My darlings are moving through their little life experiences at a remarkable pace and one filled with wonder and so much love! I just adore having the privilege of seeing them regularly and taking a moment every now and again to blog the experience . . . one day, I sure hope those precious little darlings of mine will know just how special they are to me!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday's entertainment . . . not all of it was fun!
Birthday parties for Frannie and Jacob took up most of the afternoon. In advance of the fun, Dearie dressed her darlings (almost begrudgingly) in their respective LSU outfits 'cause the day would end with the tigers' game at the Mays home. I did as asked. Avery in her cheerleader outfit and Riggs in his purple polo onsie.
Well, clearly my Darlings aren't quite ready for prime-time football yelling, i.e., it must scare them 'cause this is what was snapped as Aunt B's brother was cheering his team on:
This is not a happy fella . . . not happy at all!! Notice that Daddy is still into the game as though he's immune to the crying.
Check out the real tear rolling down her cheek!! If you look carefully you will see that as Mommie focuses on Avery, she has a smile on her face. Clearly Avery doesn't find any pleasure in crying though!
From Aunt B's explanation, the game was a very tight match. Maybe my Darlings are just sad that the Tigers were having to work so hard?? I don't think so!
Hopefully Riggs and Avery will develop / acquire / muster the strength to get through these Tiger football moments! I can only imagine the cacophony of sounds with adults hollering at the game, children knocking out cheers and my Darlings just trying to express displeasure with it all!!! This wouldn't happen if there were a small television with a DVD player providing their specific entertainment . . . Baby Einstein Baby Monet!! There's a clue for the next football viewing party!!
PS just so no one will imagine that my darlings were miserable the entire day, here are a couple of pre-game shots:
Riggs getting big huggin' from Aunt B!
Avery loving Mommie's help with the cheer!
Though here, Avery doesn't seem quite as excited as Joycelyn!!
Well, clearly my Darlings aren't quite ready for prime-time football yelling, i.e., it must scare them 'cause this is what was snapped as Aunt B's brother was cheering his team on:
This is not a happy fella . . . not happy at all!! Notice that Daddy is still into the game as though he's immune to the crying.
Check out the real tear rolling down her cheek!! If you look carefully you will see that as Mommie focuses on Avery, she has a smile on her face. Clearly Avery doesn't find any pleasure in crying though!
From Aunt B's explanation, the game was a very tight match. Maybe my Darlings are just sad that the Tigers were having to work so hard?? I don't think so!
Hopefully Riggs and Avery will develop / acquire / muster the strength to get through these Tiger football moments! I can only imagine the cacophony of sounds with adults hollering at the game, children knocking out cheers and my Darlings just trying to express displeasure with it all!!! This wouldn't happen if there were a small television with a DVD player providing their specific entertainment . . . Baby Einstein Baby Monet!! There's a clue for the next football viewing party!!
PS just so no one will imagine that my darlings were miserable the entire day, here are a couple of pre-game shots:
Riggs getting big huggin' from Aunt B!
Avery loving Mommie's help with the cheer!
Though here, Avery doesn't seem quite as excited as Joycelyn!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Daddy's home and Riggs has a surprise for him!!
You know the routine, after work, I had to run over to see my Darlings and help out with dinner time feeding . . . tonight was not any different except, we were awaiting Daddy's return!!
First, Dearie fed Abigail Leigh! Then, it was clear that Avery was ready for dinner because she was in her high chair and slapping hands on the tray as she smiled and squealed; all the while Riggs was sound asleep in his bucket. Chatting and eating, Avery was enjoying her "alone" time with Dearie while Mommie tended a few tasks in and around the kitchen. At "all done" she started squealing again . . . sufficiently loud enough to wake Riggs!! He was not at all happy to be awakened by the noise and promptly let everyone know his displeasure!!
Dearie scooped him out of the bucket and he latched on to me like a little monkey . . . arms around my neck and shoulder and legs trying to wrap my mid-section! He's just so darned cute!! Once he was secure in his high chair, it was time for him to be fed his dinner. Now, my experience with Riggs and eating is of two sorts . . . he either is not interested OR, he will eat very well. Tonight, he ate very well and cleaned his little bowl!!
I talk to the babies constantly when I am with them. Generally, their responses are in the form of random sounds and fully expressive little faces! The phone rang when Riggs' feeding was nearing conclusion and it was Daddy! Mommie talked just a minute. I told Riggs that Daddy was on his way home. Normally he is very focused on the task at hand, eating. But this time his response: "dah, dah, da. dah, dah, da!" The connection!!!
The more I made over his string of "dahs," the more he uttered 'em and, with emphasis!! Daddy arrived dressed in his suit and everyone was tickled to see him and get his kisses and loving!! Riggs was first and the look on his face when Daddy walked over to the high chair was priceless . . . his eyes fixed and growing more open with every step Daddy took toward him until he got his kiss and was scooped out of the high chair for big hugs. We heard sounds from the suit pocket and decided it must be the lenses in Daddy's glasses popping out from the pressure of the hugs. No dah, dah though, just beaming face and wonderment.
Dearie took the Riggs hand-off as Daddy went straight to the baby girl. Avery was on the palette in the living room and somewhat engrossed in play when Daddy came up behind her for his welcome home loving! Cher little thing squealed with delight!! And then, back to play.
Daddy must have really missed the evening routine because in less than 10 minutes from his arrival, he'd replaced the suit with cammo shorts and a t-shirt and was drawing the first tub of water for bath time! Avery was first for the bath. While waiting his turn, Riggs just sat and played with one of his toys. Dearie asked Mommie to get the video camera 'cause he was being too cute:
When Daddy came out of the bathroom, Mommie was showing off her little fella's talking. What disappoints Deaire? There was no picture recorded of Daddy's face . . . it was the same thrilled-to-pieces look he had on the afternoon of January 6 as he led the cart with his two babies down the hospital hallway, a jubilant smile reflecting a really happy heart!
It was time for Dearie to get home to tackle a few chores of her own (and get this post done!!). As I sit here trying to express what transpired I was taken with a mind full of nearly nine months of memory. Avery and Riggs were so tiny at birth yet now they seem to be performing at age . . . those babies are truly a miracle and continue to be the delight of my life. For all the time and love I shared with my babies all those years ago, I love Avery and Riggs that much! And, they are such darlings . . . Dearie's Darlings!
First, Dearie fed Abigail Leigh! Then, it was clear that Avery was ready for dinner because she was in her high chair and slapping hands on the tray as she smiled and squealed; all the while Riggs was sound asleep in his bucket. Chatting and eating, Avery was enjoying her "alone" time with Dearie while Mommie tended a few tasks in and around the kitchen. At "all done" she started squealing again . . . sufficiently loud enough to wake Riggs!! He was not at all happy to be awakened by the noise and promptly let everyone know his displeasure!!
Dearie scooped him out of the bucket and he latched on to me like a little monkey . . . arms around my neck and shoulder and legs trying to wrap my mid-section! He's just so darned cute!! Once he was secure in his high chair, it was time for him to be fed his dinner. Now, my experience with Riggs and eating is of two sorts . . . he either is not interested OR, he will eat very well. Tonight, he ate very well and cleaned his little bowl!!
I talk to the babies constantly when I am with them. Generally, their responses are in the form of random sounds and fully expressive little faces! The phone rang when Riggs' feeding was nearing conclusion and it was Daddy! Mommie talked just a minute. I told Riggs that Daddy was on his way home. Normally he is very focused on the task at hand, eating. But this time his response: "dah, dah, da. dah, dah, da!" The connection!!!
The more I made over his string of "dahs," the more he uttered 'em and, with emphasis!! Daddy arrived dressed in his suit and everyone was tickled to see him and get his kisses and loving!! Riggs was first and the look on his face when Daddy walked over to the high chair was priceless . . . his eyes fixed and growing more open with every step Daddy took toward him until he got his kiss and was scooped out of the high chair for big hugs. We heard sounds from the suit pocket and decided it must be the lenses in Daddy's glasses popping out from the pressure of the hugs. No dah, dah though, just beaming face and wonderment.
Dearie took the Riggs hand-off as Daddy went straight to the baby girl. Avery was on the palette in the living room and somewhat engrossed in play when Daddy came up behind her for his welcome home loving! Cher little thing squealed with delight!! And then, back to play.
Daddy must have really missed the evening routine because in less than 10 minutes from his arrival, he'd replaced the suit with cammo shorts and a t-shirt and was drawing the first tub of water for bath time! Avery was first for the bath. While waiting his turn, Riggs just sat and played with one of his toys. Dearie asked Mommie to get the video camera 'cause he was being too cute:
When Daddy came out of the bathroom, Mommie was showing off her little fella's talking. What disappoints Deaire? There was no picture recorded of Daddy's face . . . it was the same thrilled-to-pieces look he had on the afternoon of January 6 as he led the cart with his two babies down the hospital hallway, a jubilant smile reflecting a really happy heart!
It was time for Dearie to get home to tackle a few chores of her own (and get this post done!!). As I sit here trying to express what transpired I was taken with a mind full of nearly nine months of memory. Avery and Riggs were so tiny at birth yet now they seem to be performing at age . . . those babies are truly a miracle and continue to be the delight of my life. For all the time and love I shared with my babies all those years ago, I love Avery and Riggs that much! And, they are such darlings . . . Dearie's Darlings!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Touring through Tinsel and Treasures
I hadn't seen Avery and Riggs since last Friday. This was my first day back at the office and to top off a relatively long day with even a glimpse of my darlings was just fabulous!Stroller day at T & T was today from 3-8 and we were there to enjoy a couple hours of it! Mommie and my Darlings were set with the snap-n-go stroller and ready for the tour of a bajillion merchants (some local but most from out-of-state!) in hopes of nabbing those wonderful one-of-a-kind goodies for the upcoming holiday season. We didn't find much of anything EXCEPT everyone who got close to the stroller was compelled to ask, "are they twins?" The next words were always, "they are soooo cute!"
Motoring the stroller through folks in narrow passages requires some serious skill. Riggs loves it but Avery would off and on attempt to sit up and get out! She was a little fussy but made the premier training event . . . Mommie has to teach the darlings how to shop!! Avery would prefer to be held so that she could see everything and those little hands were always trying to grasp whatever was in front of her eyes!! And, because of the later hour of our tour, we had to take a "dinner" break. Riggs did the "hold you" move so that he could get out of the bucket (which Avery had long since been freed from!). He is such a patient, kind little fella . . . smiles for everyone and just basically content with life! Surprisingly, both Avery and Riggs ate very well (you know, not sitting in their high chairs).
Dearie was plum tired and came straight home after the adventure. I'd have loved to go home with the gang and help out but I just didn't have the energy!! Friday evening I'll go over to be with my precious darlings so that IF Mommie needs some unfettered time to get a few things done, she'll have it!!
Purchases were definitely minimal. Avery and Riggs' holiday outfit (perfect for pictures!) and oil cloth bibs (soooo cute AND monogramed on the spot!) constituted the Big Buys. What a great couple of hours! Its soo hard to imagine that Avery and Riggs will be nine months old in just about a week and a half!! What blessings they have been! Such darlings, Dearie's Darlings!!
too much time taken with the flu
So here's a little jolly moment I created (cause I missed it in real time!) with The Irish Ryans!
Now really, I didn't do this clip 'cause I had an idea it would be funny . . . I did it so that Aunt B would know that it could be done!! She is going to share Frannie's rendition of itsy bitsy spider and since that is Riggs' all time favorite . . . I wanna make sure Aunt B can get it to the blog for sharing!!
Ryans? The Louisville Ryans . . . did you all make it home safe and sound?? Bring a little Louisiana flair back home with ya?? Geez, I sure hope not!! Don't forget to bring the rock from Egypt! I need that for my collection! Have a grand time!
Now really, I didn't do this clip 'cause I had an idea it would be funny . . . I did it so that Aunt B would know that it could be done!! She is going to share Frannie's rendition of itsy bitsy spider and since that is Riggs' all time favorite . . . I wanna make sure Aunt B can get it to the blog for sharing!!
Ryans? The Louisville Ryans . . . did you all make it home safe and sound?? Bring a little Louisiana flair back home with ya?? Geez, I sure hope not!! Don't forget to bring the rock from Egypt! I need that for my collection! Have a grand time!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Mommie, Daddy and Dearie . . . all sick with something!
An awful thing has happened, we all have something that resembles the flu . . . hopefully, it isn't the flu.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A really big day
The morning began with Riggs spitting up. Not once or twice, but four times! Clearly a reason to check with Dr. Bailey . . . more on that later!
Mommie phoned me at the office to find out whether it was a good time to bring my Darlings to school! My response? Come on!! I ran downstairs to swipe her into Griffin's parking lot and helped load the darlings' Buddha buckets into the push cart (its some kind of stroller). Up the elevator to the 2nd floor and he oohs and aahs began! The English department was our first stop. Everyone wanted to get a close look at Avery and Riggs and as usual, they were absolutely perfect babies. Riggs smiling at everyone who spoke and Avery, kicking those legs and knowing that they all wanted to see her!
By the time we got to the Humanities Resource Center (Dearie's domain), my friend, Carol Clark, rushed down from her office to get her visit with the twins in. Carol and I are first time grandmothers one month apart (her grandson, Oliver was born in February but unfortunately, doesn't live in Lafayette.) After the little visit, Carol agreed that I didn't boast beyond reality . . . Avery and Riggs are wonderful grandbabies!!
Following Anne's inspection of the new lab I'm bulding, we went downstairs to load the buckets in the car and the gang was off to a really full day! They strolled through Jefferson Street market then, had lunch at Antler's (Daddy met them there!). As Mommie described their first hour in the restaurant AND showed off the digisnaps, well, clearly the three Ryans were lunch time entertainment for the other parons there. Next, off to the library so that Avery and Riggs (who have now completed two days of play school!) could get their library cards so they could rent a copy of Baby Einstein's Baby Monet (gone from reality since their return from Tahoe!).
Finally, it was time for the visit with Dr. Bailey. Riggs ear infection hadn't cleared up yet so he got a shot. A two for one visit, Avery was examined by Dr. Bailey . . . ear infection also, in both ears!! Avery's sense of competition is really quite amazing and it doesn't seem to bother her to go to whatever length necessary to best Riggs! (Could this be problematic in the future? I'm wondering . . . . )
By the time I arrived at 107 after work, my Darlings were sitting on their palette watching--you guessed it--Baby Monet! Avery was somewhat social but Riggs was engrossed in the reconnecting with his favorite video! (BTW, seems that this wasn't a check-out from the library, Aunt B happened to have a copy of Baby Einstein in her car and Mommie swiped it to view until the one that is on order arrives!! Hard to imagine but, there isn't a copy of the video for sale anywhere in Lafayette!!!)
Sometime during the day, Mommie squeezed in a little shopping: got Frances May's birthday gift (soooo cute!) and bought Avery her first LSU cheerleader outfit!! With the big game Saturday, UL vs LSU (well, maybe not a game more like a sacrificial offering at Death Valley?) perhaps the twins will support one or the other of the teams because Mommie actually bought UL and LSU outfits. Actually, there are two LSU outfits and only one UL outfit . . . we'll see how that goes! I feel sure Avery will wear her cheerleader outfit!
Once the pampers were changed, it was time for dinner. And, Riggs was the winner there! They were having mixed dinners for the first time and he ate all of his. Avery? Not so much. She ate and ate about as Riggs normally does but no where close to how she usually eats. I guess double earache can curb a baby girl's appetite!
The installation of the wood floors upstairs was finished. Nana and PopPop had a problem with their flight (so they will be in Friday morning instead of tonight). It will be a wonderful weekend for all of the Ryans! Fun, fun and more fun!!
Mommie phoned me at the office to find out whether it was a good time to bring my Darlings to school! My response? Come on!! I ran downstairs to swipe her into Griffin's parking lot and helped load the darlings' Buddha buckets into the push cart (its some kind of stroller). Up the elevator to the 2nd floor and he oohs and aahs began! The English department was our first stop. Everyone wanted to get a close look at Avery and Riggs and as usual, they were absolutely perfect babies. Riggs smiling at everyone who spoke and Avery, kicking those legs and knowing that they all wanted to see her!
By the time we got to the Humanities Resource Center (Dearie's domain), my friend, Carol Clark, rushed down from her office to get her visit with the twins in. Carol and I are first time grandmothers one month apart (her grandson, Oliver was born in February but unfortunately, doesn't live in Lafayette.) After the little visit, Carol agreed that I didn't boast beyond reality . . . Avery and Riggs are wonderful grandbabies!!
Following Anne's inspection of the new lab I'm bulding, we went downstairs to load the buckets in the car and the gang was off to a really full day! They strolled through Jefferson Street market then, had lunch at Antler's (Daddy met them there!). As Mommie described their first hour in the restaurant AND showed off the digisnaps, well, clearly the three Ryans were lunch time entertainment for the other parons there. Next, off to the library so that Avery and Riggs (who have now completed two days of play school!) could get their library cards so they could rent a copy of Baby Einstein's Baby Monet (gone from reality since their return from Tahoe!).
Finally, it was time for the visit with Dr. Bailey. Riggs ear infection hadn't cleared up yet so he got a shot. A two for one visit, Avery was examined by Dr. Bailey . . . ear infection also, in both ears!! Avery's sense of competition is really quite amazing and it doesn't seem to bother her to go to whatever length necessary to best Riggs! (Could this be problematic in the future? I'm wondering . . . . )
By the time I arrived at 107 after work, my Darlings were sitting on their palette watching--you guessed it--Baby Monet! Avery was somewhat social but Riggs was engrossed in the reconnecting with his favorite video! (BTW, seems that this wasn't a check-out from the library, Aunt B happened to have a copy of Baby Einstein in her car and Mommie swiped it to view until the one that is on order arrives!! Hard to imagine but, there isn't a copy of the video for sale anywhere in Lafayette!!!)
Sometime during the day, Mommie squeezed in a little shopping: got Frances May's birthday gift (soooo cute!) and bought Avery her first LSU cheerleader outfit!! With the big game Saturday, UL vs LSU (well, maybe not a game more like a sacrificial offering at Death Valley?) perhaps the twins will support one or the other of the teams because Mommie actually bought UL and LSU outfits. Actually, there are two LSU outfits and only one UL outfit . . . we'll see how that goes! I feel sure Avery will wear her cheerleader outfit!
Once the pampers were changed, it was time for dinner. And, Riggs was the winner there! They were having mixed dinners for the first time and he ate all of his. Avery? Not so much. She ate and ate about as Riggs normally does but no where close to how she usually eats. I guess double earache can curb a baby girl's appetite!
The installation of the wood floors upstairs was finished. Nana and PopPop had a problem with their flight (so they will be in Friday morning instead of tonight). It will be a wonderful weekend for all of the Ryans! Fun, fun and more fun!!
Just stopped by . . .
Mommie needed some cd-r discs so she could burn the bajillion digisnaps she'd transferred to her computer. On the way home, I stopped by to drop them off. Its always terrific arriving just when Riggs and Avery are waking from their afternoon naps and yesterday was no different except . . .
Mommie had a tummy ache, a really bad tummy ache! Daddy had Riggs in his arms and Avery hadn't yet awakened. That meant I had Riggs for a while by myself and he's such a dear, sweet little snuggler when he wakes up. The second day of MDO hadn't improved Riggs' idea of fun. While enjoing every moment of our quiet time, Avery woke. That was the cue for changing bottoms and getting ready for dinner. While I did the changing routine, Daddy prepped the Darlings' dinner. Then, feeding time.
Daddy fed Avery who is fully established as a good eater. I got to feed Riggs. In the last week he's become so comfortable with eating that I imagine it won't be long before he's as good as Avery. He's definitely quit using his hands as a food pusher following each bite! And, as long as the veggie is green (preferably peas!), he eats most everything in his bowl!! Daddy fed Avery and when we got to "all done," Riggs tried to do the hand signing (with one hand, of course) and Avery just smiled (no Bronx cheers!).
Before leaving, I ran upstairs to check out the new wood flooring Mommie and Daddy had installed upstairs. Looks good! Soon, Daddy will move his office upstairs so the twins can have his downstairs office as their playroom! Exciting!!
And, more excitement is that Nana and PopPop will arrive later this evening. The twins still haven't caught on to the "smoochie coochie" pucker and smacking noise but there's every reason to believe that Avery may be crawling for them this weekend!! Riggs' bottom teeth are visible through the gum and may pop out very soon!
The twins' weekend will be one filled with extra loads of loving and fun with Nana and PopPop! How exciting for my Darlings!! How exciting for everyone!!
Mommie had a tummy ache, a really bad tummy ache! Daddy had Riggs in his arms and Avery hadn't yet awakened. That meant I had Riggs for a while by myself and he's such a dear, sweet little snuggler when he wakes up. The second day of MDO hadn't improved Riggs' idea of fun. While enjoing every moment of our quiet time, Avery woke. That was the cue for changing bottoms and getting ready for dinner. While I did the changing routine, Daddy prepped the Darlings' dinner. Then, feeding time.
Daddy fed Avery who is fully established as a good eater. I got to feed Riggs. In the last week he's become so comfortable with eating that I imagine it won't be long before he's as good as Avery. He's definitely quit using his hands as a food pusher following each bite! And, as long as the veggie is green (preferably peas!), he eats most everything in his bowl!! Daddy fed Avery and when we got to "all done," Riggs tried to do the hand signing (with one hand, of course) and Avery just smiled (no Bronx cheers!).
Before leaving, I ran upstairs to check out the new wood flooring Mommie and Daddy had installed upstairs. Looks good! Soon, Daddy will move his office upstairs so the twins can have his downstairs office as their playroom! Exciting!!
And, more excitement is that Nana and PopPop will arrive later this evening. The twins still haven't caught on to the "smoochie coochie" pucker and smacking noise but there's every reason to believe that Avery may be crawling for them this weekend!! Riggs' bottom teeth are visible through the gum and may pop out very soon!
The twins' weekend will be one filled with extra loads of loving and fun with Nana and PopPop! How exciting for my Darlings!! How exciting for everyone!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Their first day of school . . . and more!
After work, I stopped by the house but discovered only Daddy!! Mommie had loaded the Darlings up and taken to the streets for afternoon errands. I met up with them at Babies-R-Us. No new Baby Einstein Monet to be found. Exchange of giraffe costumes from 9 mo to 12 mo. Purchase of two boxes of diapers and two bags of food. Added bonus, checking out the new car seats that the Darlings will be in need of very soon! That was the list but oh my, pushing the Darlings around the store, I had almost as much fun as we normally have at home!!
Riggs was totally content, coohing and smiling, grabbing his little feet and generally having a pleasant time! Avery? Well the little lady was heavy into practicing her Bronx cheers AND making, at times very noisy, bubble butt! Such delights!!! All the while, Mommie is telling of their day at school. Riggs wasn't very sure of it all but Avery must have thought this was a good thing because she didn't have any problem at all! Such a darling little lady she is!!
Mommie took pictures of the twins before school but I don't have any to post here!! Maybe she will send me one or two for me to add!!
Riggs was totally content, coohing and smiling, grabbing his little feet and generally having a pleasant time! Avery? Well the little lady was heavy into practicing her Bronx cheers AND making, at times very noisy, bubble butt! Such delights!!! All the while, Mommie is telling of their day at school. Riggs wasn't very sure of it all but Avery must have thought this was a good thing because she didn't have any problem at all! Such a darling little lady she is!!
Mommie took pictures of the twins before school but I don't have any to post here!! Maybe she will send me one or two for me to add!!
This is the twins' week!
Today is the first day of school (Mother's day out) for the twins! And, Nana and PopPop are coming in this weekend for a visit with the Darlings! Yipee!!
On my way home from the office yesterday, I stopped by 107. As is usually the case when I arrive, it was just about dinner time so I was fortunate enough to get to feed Avery (the good eater) and Riggs must have caught on because now, he has turned into quite the "good eater." When the plates were clean (scraped completely) and the "all done" given, Avery looked at me, and then, looked at Mommie . . . her expression was "no, not all done!" Mommie divided up another tub of goodies and the babies ate it all! Amazing . . . this time "all done" actually meant they were finished!! With their tummies filled, play time in the high chairs began anew.
Avery has developed (and is perfecting) several new "faces." Each one has a meaning, I'm sure, but our task is to figure out what they mean!! And, if one isn't quick enough about it, she will punctuate the expression with a Bronx cheer!! Haven't seen those in a few weeks but she's definitely got the cheer down pat! Riggs, on the other hand, is quite content with whatever toy is on his tray. First grasping it and then, shoving it in his mouth for chewing or slobbering or whatever he's in the mood for! And, as engrossed as he may be in the endeavor, when his name is called, he stops . . . looks at you and then his beautiful smile covers his face. He is such a sweet little fella!
Resting after dinner finished, it was time for Riggs to get some dry underbritches on. He stays on the changing table (though strapped on securely) and is just so happy to have his bottom cleaned. Avery is a wiggle worm and trying to get her into some clean, dry panties requires strength and talent! While Mommie put away the day's laundry, Dearie was able to play with her darlings in the nursery. When I told them that Nana and PopPop were coming to see them, Riggs would smile and Avery would make a round mouth with a pleasant sound!! I'm still trying to teach them the "smoochie" mouth and hope so much that they will be able to do it when Nana and PopPop get here!!
Then, to everyone's delight, Daddy came in asking had they read their book for the day! I know, for a fact, those precious babies have no idea "what" Daddy asked but the excitement of Daddy sitting on the floor to read a book tickled both Riggs and Avery. Daddy gives each one the opportunity to touch the word!! And, oddly enough, they seem to be respectful of the other's turn!!!
Almost two hours later, Dearie had to get home but was thankful for the time with the Darlings!
I'd like to see them off on their first day of school . . . but if I don't, I sure hope Mommie can fill me in on how it goes!!
On my way home from the office yesterday, I stopped by 107. As is usually the case when I arrive, it was just about dinner time so I was fortunate enough to get to feed Avery (the good eater) and Riggs must have caught on because now, he has turned into quite the "good eater." When the plates were clean (scraped completely) and the "all done" given, Avery looked at me, and then, looked at Mommie . . . her expression was "no, not all done!" Mommie divided up another tub of goodies and the babies ate it all! Amazing . . . this time "all done" actually meant they were finished!! With their tummies filled, play time in the high chairs began anew.
Avery has developed (and is perfecting) several new "faces." Each one has a meaning, I'm sure, but our task is to figure out what they mean!! And, if one isn't quick enough about it, she will punctuate the expression with a Bronx cheer!! Haven't seen those in a few weeks but she's definitely got the cheer down pat! Riggs, on the other hand, is quite content with whatever toy is on his tray. First grasping it and then, shoving it in his mouth for chewing or slobbering or whatever he's in the mood for! And, as engrossed as he may be in the endeavor, when his name is called, he stops . . . looks at you and then his beautiful smile covers his face. He is such a sweet little fella!
Resting after dinner finished, it was time for Riggs to get some dry underbritches on. He stays on the changing table (though strapped on securely) and is just so happy to have his bottom cleaned. Avery is a wiggle worm and trying to get her into some clean, dry panties requires strength and talent! While Mommie put away the day's laundry, Dearie was able to play with her darlings in the nursery. When I told them that Nana and PopPop were coming to see them, Riggs would smile and Avery would make a round mouth with a pleasant sound!! I'm still trying to teach them the "smoochie" mouth and hope so much that they will be able to do it when Nana and PopPop get here!!
Then, to everyone's delight, Daddy came in asking had they read their book for the day! I know, for a fact, those precious babies have no idea "what" Daddy asked but the excitement of Daddy sitting on the floor to read a book tickled both Riggs and Avery. Daddy gives each one the opportunity to touch the word!! And, oddly enough, they seem to be respectful of the other's turn!!!
Almost two hours later, Dearie had to get home but was thankful for the time with the Darlings!
I'd like to see them off on their first day of school . . . but if I don't, I sure hope Mommie can fill me in on how it goes!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Again, no pix!! But that's okay!
This morning, just a few minutes before 7, Mommie called asking for Dearie time with the Darlings while she ran to the Doc-in-a-box (she's still got sinus and chest infection going on!). Now really, can a Dearie say "no?" I don't think so!! I grabbed my things for the office and took out to tend my Darlings for a while!
They are into a new Baby Einstein . . . symphonies!! How they seem to love this one!! Singing (well, not so much singing but making noises with the music!) and mesmerized by the lights, critters and other spinning objets des arts on the screen!! Comfy, still in their jammies and plopped square on their respective boppies . . . two precious little, laid-back babies!
What's new with the Darlings?? Avery, who was previously very loud with her utterances, is now developing a set of sweet sounds . . . not so much coohs as distinctly articulated sounds that she repeats! I know they mean something but I haven't yet established her little dictionary so it may take a little more time for me to discern just what it is that she is expressing!!!
Riggs, on the other hand, is growing a wonderfully pleasant (and very much active) personality! He is delighted to play with whatever is handed him but, once he's found no more interest in it, he places it at his side, stares you square in the eye (until he knows for sure he's got your attention) and then, with that famous smile across his face, he thrusts his little arms upward as if to say "hold you" and if one is not quick enough in the response, added is the perfect a-440 squeal that follows!! A squeal that, were it not in perfect pitch, would be deafening to the listener!!
Anyway, an hour and a half into it, Mommie returned . . . without seeing the doctor because the line was too long (and she didn't want Dearie to be late!!). I didn't know the twins hadn't already had breakfast (though I should have guessed it since they were just finishing their baumbies when I arrived!). I had asked avery at least ten times if she was ready to dress for school! OOPS! I stayed long enough for breakfast, first trying to feed Riggs (who is very slow and deliberative when he eats!) and then, taking over for Avery (who is a really good eater!!). Once the "all done" signs were given and accepted, time to load 'em into their sleep sacs for morning naps!
No school for the Darlings today. I think they are still getting over their little colds. Perhaps tomorrow . . . in which case, Dearie will have to be there to photograph the Darlings going off on their first day of school!! It is simply amazing how much I love those two! What delights they have been this past year!!
BTW, time to start planning the big "1" birthday!! Goodness knows, with the holidays beginning at Thanksgiving, there will be so much going on between then and January 6! Can't waste too much time . . . gotta get ready!
They are into a new Baby Einstein . . . symphonies!! How they seem to love this one!! Singing (well, not so much singing but making noises with the music!) and mesmerized by the lights, critters and other spinning objets des arts on the screen!! Comfy, still in their jammies and plopped square on their respective boppies . . . two precious little, laid-back babies!
What's new with the Darlings?? Avery, who was previously very loud with her utterances, is now developing a set of sweet sounds . . . not so much coohs as distinctly articulated sounds that she repeats! I know they mean something but I haven't yet established her little dictionary so it may take a little more time for me to discern just what it is that she is expressing!!!
Riggs, on the other hand, is growing a wonderfully pleasant (and very much active) personality! He is delighted to play with whatever is handed him but, once he's found no more interest in it, he places it at his side, stares you square in the eye (until he knows for sure he's got your attention) and then, with that famous smile across his face, he thrusts his little arms upward as if to say "hold you" and if one is not quick enough in the response, added is the perfect a-440 squeal that follows!! A squeal that, were it not in perfect pitch, would be deafening to the listener!!
Anyway, an hour and a half into it, Mommie returned . . . without seeing the doctor because the line was too long (and she didn't want Dearie to be late!!). I didn't know the twins hadn't already had breakfast (though I should have guessed it since they were just finishing their baumbies when I arrived!). I had asked avery at least ten times if she was ready to dress for school! OOPS! I stayed long enough for breakfast, first trying to feed Riggs (who is very slow and deliberative when he eats!) and then, taking over for Avery (who is a really good eater!!). Once the "all done" signs were given and accepted, time to load 'em into their sleep sacs for morning naps!
No school for the Darlings today. I think they are still getting over their little colds. Perhaps tomorrow . . . in which case, Dearie will have to be there to photograph the Darlings going off on their first day of school!! It is simply amazing how much I love those two! What delights they have been this past year!!
BTW, time to start planning the big "1" birthday!! Goodness knows, with the holidays beginning at Thanksgiving, there will be so much going on between then and January 6! Can't waste too much time . . . gotta get ready!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
How exciting . . . the Darlings have returned!!
Puppy sitting Abigail Leigh for two weeks was pleasant enough, I suppose but, having the opportunity to be with Avery and Riggs is the absolute best!! Sunday morning, armed with doughnuts from Meche's, all the Ryans were glad to see Dearie! I still feel like I need to bring something for Mommie and Daddy so they can occupy themselves while I play with my Darlings!
Mommie and Avery were in the living room while Daddy was changing the under britches on Riggs. I was somewhat concerned that over the course of two weeks that the babies may have forgotten who Dearie was!! WRONG! As soon as I sat down on the sofa and called "Avery" she turned, looked and then smiled from ear to ear!! Her little arms outstretched for Dearie!!! Kisses and hugs, laughs and squeals . . . absolutely wonderful!! Then, Daddy rounds the corner with Riggs in his arms. When I called "Riggs," he turned his head and smiled. Arms outreached (obviously they have learned this trick really well!!!) and I took him from Daddy's arms. Repeat of kisses and hugs, laughs and squeas . . . one thing was different than before! Riggs has learned that he can squeal really loud AND high up on the scale!! Delightful on Sunday morning but I'm thinking there may be times when his quiet little ways may be missed!!
No pictures . . . only two hours of fun and frolic on their eight month birthday! (I can hardly believe that its been eight months since they arrived in our lives!!!) Far from the tiny little babies I first held in January, the Darlings are definitely healthy little wiggle worms now. Flip-flopping on their palette and getting into the froggie swim mode (though Avery can get up on her knees, hiney in the air, and rocking like she wants to crawl). Oh my, as quick as she flip-flops across the living room floor, once she gets moving on those hands and knees Mommie and Daddy will have to keep eyes on her at all times!!
The bottom teeth still haven't emerged. I thnk they are saving that excitement for when Nana and PopPop come to visit!!
No word on how they like having the beds lowered. I'll have to remember to ask Mommie later today!!
Mommie and Avery were in the living room while Daddy was changing the under britches on Riggs. I was somewhat concerned that over the course of two weeks that the babies may have forgotten who Dearie was!! WRONG! As soon as I sat down on the sofa and called "Avery" she turned, looked and then smiled from ear to ear!! Her little arms outstretched for Dearie!!! Kisses and hugs, laughs and squeals . . . absolutely wonderful!! Then, Daddy rounds the corner with Riggs in his arms. When I called "Riggs," he turned his head and smiled. Arms outreached (obviously they have learned this trick really well!!!) and I took him from Daddy's arms. Repeat of kisses and hugs, laughs and squeas . . . one thing was different than before! Riggs has learned that he can squeal really loud AND high up on the scale!! Delightful on Sunday morning but I'm thinking there may be times when his quiet little ways may be missed!!
No pictures . . . only two hours of fun and frolic on their eight month birthday! (I can hardly believe that its been eight months since they arrived in our lives!!!) Far from the tiny little babies I first held in January, the Darlings are definitely healthy little wiggle worms now. Flip-flopping on their palette and getting into the froggie swim mode (though Avery can get up on her knees, hiney in the air, and rocking like she wants to crawl). Oh my, as quick as she flip-flops across the living room floor, once she gets moving on those hands and knees Mommie and Daddy will have to keep eyes on her at all times!!
The bottom teeth still haven't emerged. I thnk they are saving that excitement for when Nana and PopPop come to visit!!
No word on how they like having the beds lowered. I'll have to remember to ask Mommie later today!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
and then,
missing my darlings! Well, not soooo fast!
I have it from a reliable source that both Avery and Riggs have a tummy virus which has caused multiple diaper events! OH NO!! Will get updates later today!!
In the meantime, those of you who know (and love) Abigail Leigh will be pleased to know that her cherry eye is totally gone! It disappeared last Tuesday!!
Wonder how long after the Ryans return that we will see that old cherry eye!! Abi stresses so much about being the "perfect" big sister . . . poor dear, she ought to just give into the madness of little ones!!
I have it from a reliable source that both Avery and Riggs have a tummy virus which has caused multiple diaper events! OH NO!! Will get updates later today!!
In the meantime, those of you who know (and love) Abigail Leigh will be pleased to know that her cherry eye is totally gone! It disappeared last Tuesday!!
Wonder how long after the Ryans return that we will see that old cherry eye!! Abi stresses so much about being the "perfect" big sister . . . poor dear, she ought to just give into the madness of little ones!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
