Bedtime Stories

Each night Brooke's bedtime routine includes us reading 2 books.  Mom snuggles under the covers with her as we read, while Dad lays on top with Brooke leaning against him.  Dad's reading of the books is much more animated and fun than Mom's versions, but Brooke still enjoys getting equal nights with both of us.

Pillow Pets!

It's a Pillow.

It's a Pet.

It's a Pillow Pet!

Thanks to Grandma, both the girls are proud owners of a Pillow Pet.  Keira has a unicorn (to be named...soliciting ideas) and Brooke has Lucy the Ladybug. 

(Side note, Mom laughed so hard when these arrived, as we've seen the commerical on Sprout a bazillion times!  Now Brooke points and yells at the TV when the ad airs, as she calls out Keira's unicorn and her "Lucy")

Keira's 4 Months Old

Keira's 4 month check-up went well:

13 pounds, 9 ounces (44%)

24 3/4 inches (64%)

Sleeping through the night is still giving us some challenges (getting up 2-3 times, depending upon your definition of "night").  She started rolling over last week (back to stomach) on Sept. 1st, two days shy of her 4 month birthday.  It's very cute, but she gets on her stomach and gets frustrated when she can't do anything else.  When she rolls over in the middle of that night, it results in some very angry screaming.  Hopefully we move past this phase quickly...

Brooke starts "Preschool"

On Tuesday, Brooke started "preschool" at the gym.  It's 75 minutes twice a week, and gives them a chance to learn songs, letters, numbers, and other socialization and communication skills in a group structured setting.  Here she's sitting down to work on puzzle. (she is the yellow and white striped shirt with her back to us)

Really, the big benefit of this, is that it gives Mom a chance to get to the grocery store with only one kid in tow!!!

Keira tries out the Exersaucer

Dad put together the Exersaucer so Keira could give it a whirl.  She seemed to like it.  I imagine she liked the "independence" of sitting on her own, exercising her legs, while her big sister came by to press the toy's buttons so lights and music continuously went off.

And so far Brooke hasn't tried to crawl in it...just wait...

Kicking Off College Football

Ah, the weather has gotten cool, kids are back in school and it's time for football!  We enjoyed a quiet Labor Day weekend, and hunkered down on Saturday to cheer on the Irish and the Hawkeyes.

Scott and Brooke are showing their Iowa Hawkeye support, while Keira and Jen cheered on Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.

Daddy/Keira Time

I recently read that dads play much more "unexpectedly" with their kids than moms do.  This is a positive as it teaches the child to "cope" with the unexpected, like meeting strangers and adapting to new situations. 

I can understand this, as I often "gasp" as Dad throws Brooke in the air or does something with her that would never enter my mind (often seeming "dangerous").  But I will always encourage Daddy/Daughter bonding!  Sunday night Scott bonded with Keira, drawing out lots of smiles.

Aunt Kiki Visits!

Aunt Kiki visited this past weekend; enjoying lots of bonding time with her nieces.  Here she is imparting words of wisdom to Keira, who was lounging upon her playmat.

Brooke, the Dancing Queen, showed Aunt Kiki some of her moves, as she donned one of her tutus.

Sunday afternoon, as Brooke napped, Kiki had more bonding time with Keira, this time introducing her to Madonna, via music/videos on her iPhone.

It was great having her in for the weekend, though we missed Uncle Matt.  Perhaps next year they'll both come in and we'll road trip up to Niagara Falls!

Hello Heather!

Heather visited us for the weekend, though without Hailey and Molly.  We missed the girls, but loved having Heather in town.  We enjoyed a laid back weekend, and showed her the town from the top of the Dusequene Incline, as well as enjoyed some beers in an old church, used the new fire pit and made a trip to the pool to take in some sun. 

Thanks for visiting!

Bumbo Time

Since tummy time is one of our least favorite activites, we're working on a session or two a day in the Bumbo.  She's still a little small (needs some padding included in the seat) so we don't go too long or expect too much. 

But so far much more positive experiences.

"Hmm, I wonder if I can eat my toes from here?"