October

Vern in the Park 

September was so rainy, but October made up for it. We had so much fun this month I really have not had time to write. Things are still really busy but great. The girls are learning to run and talk. Addy has so many bruises. But while Morgan lead the motor skills charge, Addy is leading the way on talking. Both girls can say Mama and Dada but in the last few days Addy has added ut-oh and dog to her vocab. Dare I say we have finally got sleeping under control and are getting some good rest. But of all the time I spend with the girls, the time I enjoy most is when all six of us make it out for a day at the park. October has made parks days awesome. The weather has been warm, sunny, and dry. Here are some highlights of October.

Addy Baye loving the leaves 

Really loving the leaves

Miss Morgan 

Morgie in the grass

The girls and I went with some great moms to the pumpkin patch. They also sell tress in December. Addy found one she really liked.

"Can we get this one?"

 The DuPre girls at Stoney Ridge Farm

 So we set out looking for a pumpkin . . . 

The girls on the lookout for a good one 

Still looking

Morgan picked out two - one for Scout and a 28lber now on our doorstep 

I carried the heavy one and Morgan carried Scouts

I have always loved Halloween and the pumpkin patch was so much fun. Both girls were in a great mood and loved the wheelbarrow ride. At one point Addy was the lookout directing me and Morgie was holding on to the pumpkin for dear life It was so cute. Stay tuned for the Halloween pictures coming soon.

First Birthday

A summer full of picnics is over but things great. The girls are one, they are both walking, and they are so fun to be with. Below are some more recent pictures.

 The girls and I at the park by the bay

So tickelish

 Love Cherrios !!

Addy and the kites of summer 

Addy and Daddy 

Freyja slept over and read Addy a bedtime story

Morgie opening her birthday present 

The girls and their Daddy on their first birthday 

Miss Addy 

 Their first taste of chocolate

Very interesting 

So cute 

Reading with Nana 

And more reading with Grandma (Addy loves books)

The only thing the girls like better then pushing their carts is being pushed in the carts

Big girls wear cords

And know how to climb up the stairs.

We look forward to sharing another year with you!!!

 

From Babies to Toddlers

In one week my daughters will be one. Crazy! What an amazing year it has been. I have learned so much, they have learned even more, and we are all so happy. Most recently I have learned the difference between a baby (which I used to have) and a toddler (of which I am the proud parent of two).They toddle. Morgan is walking, although she has a very stiff Frankenstein style at the moment. Addy took her first steps Wednesday and is not far behind. And these girls can eat. Today we were out so I packed a lunch. After a zip lock of carrots, string cheese, a container of soy yogurt, a bag of cheerios, and a ton of strawberries and blueberries the girls looked at me as if they were starving. Both downed 6oz of milk when we got home. That was just lunch not to mention to other meals and two other snacks. I think they are beefing up for the big weigh in next week at the doctor.

We had a great time with my uncle Steven and Patti this past weekend. There were so helpful and really had a good time with the girls. If only we lived closer. But having my cousin Alex on the west coast will be a nice incentive for them to return. We are gearing up for my mom and mother-in-law to visit next week for their birthday. Below are a few picture highlights.

 Patti hangin with Miss Addy Baye 

Steven reading to Morgie

The girls playing 

And then a birthday present came. I told them not open it before their birthday but. . . 

It turned out to be a great gift from their Grandma's

 Addy pushes her toys around

Morgan pushes her friend Frejya around 

(who is coming for a sleep over tomorrow- we are very excited)

 

And now they are getting older we have put them to work: 

Sleepy eyed Morgan making french toast

(do not worry Mom there is adult right next to the counter)

Addy made meatballs

and she did the wash 

They are too much fun. We are in a really great phase now.

The Lean

After getting a C in judo fourteen years ago I decided to fill my one remaining gym credit at the University of Vermont with yoga. It is a practice I am grateful to have. I have turned to yoga almost consistently over the last decade. Leavening for months at time and then returning to my mat, as if going home after a long journey. Whether scared (knowing I was leaving Vermont), confused (while living in Mass after college), falling in love (in Winston while at Wake), heartbroken (in New Jersey before going to Iowa), reading and writing (while in Iowa), or starting my first real job (in Washington)—yoga has always been there for me. I practiced while pregnant until I was put on bedrest and returned shortly after giving birth. It was 5 weeks to be exact. My aunt Donna helped me bring my babies to baby and me class. At the time I was heavy in both body and heart but the practice helped me through the transition to motherhood. Yoga has never turned me away nor giving me anything for free. My mat has received me whether in tears or in strength. I have always returned knowing it is what both my body and mind needs.

Last Monday night, after a very challenging day with a sick baby (Morgan- who is doing a lot better now) and a VERY active baby (Addy has decided to come out of her shell) the thought crossed my mind to go to a night yoga class. But I was tired and how could I leave Justin (who had worked all day) with the girls knowing Morgan might not sleep. I filled my mind with plenty of reasonable reasons not to go to yoga and sat down in the rocking chair with Addy. Justin walked over took Addy out of my arms and told me—it was a clear demand—to go to yoga. I changed and ran out the door. Five minutes late and with a nod of approval from the teacher my mat welcomed me. Knowing I was tired I did not push my body too hard. I even leaned against the wall once or try (I know better and should practice in the middle of the room). Yet when I least expected it I got sweep up in the practice. With fifteen minutes left in the class I realized why I was there—because Justin loves me enough to know exactly what I need.

Children are a lot like yoga—when you are in it you can do little else. Balance is the key and sometimes it is pure bliss while other times it takes all you have to practice slow patient breathing. Yet I am lucky enough to have a partner to lean on when things get hard and they often do. Together we share the joys and there are so many. Too many to capture on film and remember though I try to document each phase in my heart and mind with great care because it is easy to get sweep up when you least expect it and then in a flash it is over.  We take care of each other. When I see him slipping or frustrated I instinctually feel stronger. When I am tired and fed up he puts me to bed or, in the more recent case, sends me to yoga.  There is little more I could ask for then two healthy daughters, two great dogs, and a man who truly loves me.

The End of Summer

The  girls really love the water:

And Hovander Park is always a big hit: