15 months!

Things are going great. We are both walking and have been for awhile now. We are still eating really well but not too fond of the soy milk that we're given. It's much better on our tummies than whole milk but it's still nasty. Mom keeps us up on calcium with cheese and yogurt and we really like that. We've had a great summer. Trips to the pool, playgroups at playplaces, playing outside. You name it, we've done it this summer! We start back at Mrs. Sherry's full time on Wednesday. Mom is sad about it but we'll have fun regardless. AND we'll be sleeping on nap mats! Wish Mrs. Sherry luck!

From Samantha- I'm still a fiesty little thing. I like to take things away from my sisters and I SCREAM anytime Raegan comes close to me. I'm not sure if she's going to pick me up or knock me over so I must scream regardless. I'm talking alot lately. The words I use most are: maaaaaa, mal, shoe, snack, water, bathtub, nana, grandpa (he likes this one), and several others. I'm really using words in context and mom is happy about this. Here are my stats:
30.25 inches- 43rd %tile
21 pounds- 21st %tile
48 in head- 94th %tile LMAO!

From Mallory- I'm still quiet a good majority of the time. But I have a quick fuse. When my sister takes things from me, I tend to try and bite her. I have a good bite! I am still a momma's girl and really want to be around her when she is in the vicinity. I like to follow her around whining until she picks me up. She doesn't think it's much fun but I do! I'm also using some words but tend to jibber jabber like I'm talking in complete sentences. You just can't understand me! Some of my words include: momma (of course), bathtub, shoes, nana, and a few others that I can't remember right now. Here are my stats:
31.75 inches- 85th %tile
24 pounds 9 ounces- 75th %tile
47 in head- 80th %tile (even the nurse double checked their measurements. haha!)

And just a quick video. They LOVE sitting on chairs and couches these days!

RIP Uncle Wally 7-1-51 to 7-25-09

My uncle passed away this weekend at the young age of 58. He lived the life of a rockstar for far too many years but has recently gotten his life together and really enjoyed living with his wife Sherry. Wally had a passion for sports and a love for animals. He will be missed by many.

We will head to Iowa, probably for the last time, in September. A memorial will be planned for that time. Uncle Wally was a donor and his long bones and skin were able to be donated after his death.

Surgery for BOTH Ellies and some pictures

Well I was wrong on Ellie the dog. She didn't injure the same leg that had surgery earlier, she injured the other one! Nice! So some arguments happened at my house. I've canceled my housecleaner. Bryan bought a car (to fix and sell). And I've scheduled surgery for Ellie's ACL after much conversation and compromise. I am taking her to another vet though. I found someone that will do it much cheaper than Dr. Greg. While it makes me sad not to use him for the surgery, I have to save money on this thing! The consultation with Dr. Gieb is scheduled for Monday morning and they will most likely operate that afternoon. I'm not looking forward to the kenneling and leash walking but I can't stand to see her limping around.

As for Ellie from the Bellie, she also is having surgery. Ever since being born, she has been a noisy little thing. A month ago they discovered that she has an extra flap of skin somewhere in her throat. I don't know where people. Sorry. Anyway, they are concerned that it's not getting better and also concerned about her airway. They suggested surgery to cut the flap of skin off. It is scheduled for August 4th. Poor little princess. I'm hoping that Aaron and Noreen allow me to be there and I plan on leaving the babies at the sitter. Luckily this is the day before I head back to work. I'm nervous for Ellie but know that the surgery will go fine. She will spend one night in the NICU as a precaution. :(

This is the Pink Bandits indoor soccer team that Raegan is playing on right now. They have had a great season. They have one more game this coming week and then they will start Summer II!

The Twincesses had their first playdate. Raegan was in art camp in the morning, along with Taylor and Madeline. So we got the little girls together for a playday. It was fun! Can't wait until these 4 are playing soccer together like their big sisters!

Schlitterbahn. It was so much fun and we are going to make it an annual trip!





The Twincesses got these cute robes from my friend Erin. They wore them for the first time a week or so ago. And Raegan got hers for Christmas. They looked so cute in them!

Ellie (not Ellie from the Belly)

Well since my niece was born in May, we now have 2 Ellie's. My Ellie is a stray dog named after my grandmother, Eleanor, shortly after she died. Ellie from the Belly is also named after Eleanor. Anyway, had to explain that one. We've not been successful in calling Ellie Bellie "Bells" like we had hoped. So for now we have 2 Ellies in the family.

Back to Ellie Bellie. She had her ACL repaired in April to the tune of $1500 and some change. Add 8 weeks of kennel time, leash walking, and just miserableness altogether. All was healed well. So when we got home from Schlitterbahn on Wednesday, Elle Bells was limping. SAME LEG! It's Saturday and she still is not using the leg. I know she has torn the artificial ACL that replaced hers. I feel sorry for her. But I just can't bring myself to fix her leg for a second time. If this has happened twice already, who's to say that it won't happen a third time. Ugh.

Anyway, I am going to take her to Dr. Greg to see what he says about it. Maybe she just pulled a muscle? But I seriously doubt it. So in the meantime, here she sits on my couch. Poor thing.



On another note, I'm happy to report that Ellie from the Belly had a great first week at Karyn's house as Noreen went back to work this week. Unfortunately, Karyn can't watch her on Wednesday because her daughter is having oral surgery. So I get to watch her! YAY! It will be challenging but I'm looking forward to a day with a baby!

Fun Times!

Just some pictures from the events this week. We've been playing in the driveway, bowling with the boys, and going to a Splash Park in Forney for Drew's birthday. Another great week had by all!

Wordless Wednesday

and a video. My baby is walking! Proud momma!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

4th of July Fun!

We had a fun 4th of July this year! Sandy had a great idea to have Raegan's soccer team be in the parade. The Shooting Stars had a fabulous time throwing candy and being part of the parade. Coach Jack, Coach Jaime, and Bryan monitored the candy throwing and Sandy and I rode in the truck with the little girls (in the AC). It was fun for all and Mallory drove the truck most of the time because she was screaming so much! We then headed to the community pool to swim. We stayed for 3 hours and the babies were worn out! Then we napped, ate dinner, and headed over to Heidi's house to watch the fireworks and hang out with good friends. Sloane went with us as well. It was a great day! The babies did not watch the fireworks. We decided to bring pack and plays and put them to bed. Best idea ever! We relaxed and watched the fireworks with the kids and friends. Fun time had by all! Here are some pictures from the day.

Misc. fun from the week!

Um yeah. I bought a little slide and the girls now only want to go up the big slide.

In birth order...

Sammie has a fascination with sitting on people. She prefers to sit on heads.

Playing with dad after breakfast.

Dallas World Aquarium

Raegan and Madeline

The gang...

Paradise Pond for Kolden's 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Kolden!



Cannon Spray Park with playgroup. Raegan was at soccer camp.

NO MORE HIGHCHAIRS (taking up space in my kitchen). Woohooo!