Connor at his first Bible Study

Shirley and Tracy took Kate and Connor to their first Bible Study today. That's so important to us, as that's the connection to how we met Tracy. I heard our babies were Angels! Could you expect anything else?

Thanks to all of the ladies who prayed for Kate and Connor while we were pregnant last year.

We're 6 months old... looking back

I called Hugh this morning at 11:35am to remind him that it was exactly 6 months ago that we were in the Northside OR delivering Kate and Connor. I can't believe it was so long ago. On the other hand - it was just yesterday.

I'm remembering the drive home from the hospital on Halloween night on I285 when Hugh and I were both so nervous. We were now parents! We were so thrilled the first week when Kate or Connor would open their eyes for more than 20 seconds to look around. Then, we were so happy when they could (almost) hold their head still without bobbing around. I seem to recall thinking it was a huge deal when they drank 3 FULL ounces of formula (and we finally stopped tracking formula in milliliters and went to ounces). Next, I remember them smiling at us at Christmas. How our hearts melted.

We eventually learned each baby's voice when they were crying, and started to learn their little personalities and what they each need. For example, Connor is perfectly happy being snuggled leaning against your chest, lying on his back in your arms. Even better, sitting in his Daddy's arms watching tennis on TV. Kate, on the other hand, has to sit up, look out and see the world. Leaning back is no good for her. Kate needs to take breaks while she drinks her bottle; Connor is upset if you take the bottle away for even one moment.

They amazed us when figured out how to roll over from back to front, and then front to back. We love it when we go in to the nursery in the morning and they both great us with HUGE smiles and stomping of their feet with glee to see us. They both now grab toys at will and choose what they want to play with. Kate loves anything musical, including her musical fish and little piano. Connor has 2 loose curls starting on the right side of his head (maybe they'll turn in to ringlets like his Dad when he was little).

This past weekend, the twins started scooting backwards a few feet at a time - so they are no longer where we put them down. They have even started pushing up on all fours - so crawling isn't too far off. Both babies have had their first head "boinks." Connor - when he rolled off the quilts on to the hardwood floor, and Kate when she was trying to sit up, but slumped over and did a face-plant on her cheek. Today - on their 6 month birthday - they both have a bottom tooth coming in.

So many memories. So little time has passed, yet so much has happened. I'm humbled with the love and blessings that we have been given by these precious souls being brought in to our lives. I have more faith because of the miracles that they are, and I need more faith because I want to protect them from all harm.

To all parents and loved ones - please join me in a prayer of thanks and praise.

Dress Rehearsal

Tracy tried on our outfits for the upcoming pictures with Miss Amy this weekend. don't we look handsome? Thanks to Karen B. for the precious outfits!

Up on all fours

Both babies are doing a great job scooting around the floor. Mostly - they scoot backwards (3 feet within a minute or two) - so now we have to watch them much closer. I was at the PC in the kitchen today and heard a little thump in the family room. It was Connor who had backed up about 4 feet and was UNDER the glass coffee table.

Connor decided today was the day to show us he could get up on all fours. Kate is trying it too, but I couldn't get the camera in time. Just a matter of time before these kids are really motoring along!

New foods: peas and apples

We tried Gerber's rice and apple cereal this morning... a big hit. Then, I got out the food grinder that Ms. Lael gave me at our baby shower and used it to make fresh pea puree. Better yet - Kate and Connor even seem to like the peas I made (ok, I mixed them with rice cereal to dilute the taste a little).

Staying drool free

Ms. Amy was coming to take our 6 month photos later this morning, so in order to try to stay clean, I kept the babies playing in just their diapers. Yes, you heard me right. We don't have enough photos of these babies, so I've hired Amy to take yet MORE of them.

Since they were Fall/Winter babies, I haven't had much of a chance to see their skin and how cute their little toes are (we always have socks or sleep-n-plays on). And, Kate just loves being naked!

Big bath for the big babies

Today was the first time that I gave Kate and Connor their bath in the BIG bath tub. While they both seemed to love it (and splashed a lot), you wouldn't know it by their expressions! It's hard to make sure the babies are safe AND grab the camera - so we get what we get on these photos.