Picture Time

Since the girls are awesome sitters and are really too cute for words, I decided it was time to get their pictures taken again. We went to Sears because we had a coupon. The coupon ended up being very confusing and not a big money saver, but the photographer was really good. She was the manager and had been taking portraits for over 20 years. She also does lots of free lance work and works for National Geographic on the side. Who knew you could get someone so experienced at Sears?! Anyway, she spent over 2 hours with us taking pictures and helping us decide what package to get. I ended up spending more money then I planned on, but because the photographer was so great and spent so much time with us, it was worth it. Thanks Sandy for pitching in so we could get more cute pictures, and thanks mom for buying the CD so we can have all the fun pictures forever!

Church in the Canyon

Every year on the Sunday before Pioneer Day our ward meets outside in one of the members yard at the place known as Cold Creek Camp. It is a large flat area with huge old trees that provide plenty of shade and is close to the creek. This was the last camp site for many coming into the valley. It is a fun change of pace and a nice way to commemorate the pioneers. There are always great talks about pioneers and many former ward members who have moved away and non-member neighbors come, so it is a great social event as well. Marc went to Las Vegas for the week to finish a script he has been working on, so I asked Marc's mom to join me at Church in the Canyon. She readily agreed and Melanie and Ryan decided to come as well. After the meeting we socialized over donuts and juice. A perfect Sacrement Meeting if I have ever been to one! The very first Sunday attended this ward was Church in the Canyon 5 years ago. Marc decided that any ward that meets outside and has refreshments after would be a good ward for him. He was right and we have loved being in the Monument Park 20th Ward ever since.
The last pictures I just had to post because when Melanie got her donut, Claire went straight for the kill and before Melanie knew what was happening, Claire had shoved the donut into her mouth. It was just about the funniest (and cutest) thing she has done.

9 month checkup

As far as preemies go, the girls are progressing well. They are still a bit behind on physical things (they aren't pulling themselves up), but the social and verbal are on target/ahead of where they should be. Claire has slimmed down a bit (as you can tell by comparison photos.) Claire and Alice are still the same height, but in the last 3 months Alice has gained 2 lbs and Claire only gained 1. So Claire is only 1 lb bigger than Alice. What I think is funny is how the lb difference still has them in the same percentile. The doctor isn't worried about Claire's lack of weight gain because her height is progressing well. She is very pleased with Alice's growth since she is catching up with Claire. (After her hospital stay she got way behind and we have been worried). The next time we see the doctor will be for the year checkup. I can't believe how time flies.

The stats are

Alice: 15lbs 12 oz (2%) 27" (19%)

Claire: 16 lbs 10 oz (2%) 27" (19%)

It's about time

After months of teething symptoms. Claire finally has something to show for it, she popped her first tooth today. On the down side, she is no happier or eating any better due to others that are yet to emerge.

Cute videos

I have been trying to get a few of the girl's new tricks on video, but that is obviously not always possible, but I did my best. The first video is of Claire growling.

The next two videos are of the girl's first word. This is not the best example of their abilities, but it's what you get when you try and force anything. Technically their first words were Dada. Of course this meant nothing to them, but I wanted to mention that for Marc's sake. They babble and talk all the time but we recently discovered that they know and understand "Kitty." They can really only make the 'K' sound, but they make that sound whenever they see kitties. Marc would not believe me that they were actually saying it until they were both playing doing other things and they saw the kitty and both went nuts.

The last video is Claire putting her pacifier in herself. This trick has been such a blessing, especially at night when that is all she needs.

Finally, pictures from the 4th

Happy 4th!

I spent the weekend at my parent's house while Marc was in Vernal doing research for his latest script. I decided not to brave the weekend alone. It is amazing how much a pair of extra hands helps. The nights were merciful and the girls got up together. I was dreading that I would be awake all night feeding one after the other. Bright and early the morning of the 4th we went to the neighborhood Independence Day breakfast. For as long as I can remember we have done this and it is the same every year. The Scouts present the American flags through the years and have a little ceremony. After this is over there is a pancake breakfast. So when everything was finished I looked over to where they normally set up the pancake station and all I saw were muffins! Excuse me, but it just isn't the 4th without a pancake breakfast. I went home and made my own. My dad is apparently on my side and may volunteer the High Priests to make pancakes next year. LAME! It was still fun because my friend Su was there from Logan with her husband and little boy and people from the ward that I knew so it was good to chat with them.

We went to church with the family but only made it to Sunday school before the girls were done and ready for a nap. Oh well. I have to mention that a weekend at my parents house wouldn't be complete unless there was some squirrly project and my dad got injured. If you want to learn more about the project, check out my mom's blog. Basically we installed the awning my dad had built to go over the back deck. While sawing something for this project my dad got a huge piece of wood in his eye. I couldn't see it while it was in there, but I helped him irrigate his eye and he was able to get it out. It was the size of a large splinter. He'll live.

Today is Janell's birthday. My baby sister turns 18. She and my mom left early this morning for Europe to go on tour with the Utah Ambassadors of Music. They should have a great time. Conveniently my dad and Lauren also left for Omaha today and I took them to the airport on my way home. All in all it was a fun weekend but I am glad to be home, and I know the girls are too. Claire had a great time and got lots of attention. Alice never really warmed up to anyone, so I had to hold her much of the time. She got to the point where she would smile at people and let them touch her, but no holding. Right as we were getting ready to leave she let Lauren hold her for a bit. I am ready to get back into our routine.

I have pics, but left my camera at my mom's house so check back later and I will add them in.