Short post

This is a short post. The girls are more toddlers than babies now...temper tantrums and all. :) It's a fun and exciting time. Both of us have a hard time tearing ourselves away from them to go to work. Most people I talk to say they find this stage to be the most fun...and I can see why!

Lucy

Just an update on Lucy, she had another echo cardiogram this past Thursday and she is doing awesome. The pressure in her heart has not increased in the past 6 months and there is no leakage from the angioplasty she had as a baby. Overall the Dr. was very impressed, therefore so are we! She is not gaining any weight though (she still weighs just under 18lbs...it's been the same for over 3 months) but she's still growing (she's grown a few inches in that time...so really stretching out!). The weight thing is not an issue though as she's still within normal range and she's otherwise healthy and eating fine.

Both girls are mostly walking now, although funnily enough Kate is walking more than Lucy. Things are changing all the time!

New Wall and Walking

So the girls have decided to walk. A week after their first birthday, well, Lucy decided to walk first, then a few days later Kate. They still don't walk as a rule but will take a few steps here and there to get what they want. :)
They have also shot up in the past month or so. I can't believe how tall they are now. It's all pretty wild.

In other news Chris and I have undertaken the building of a wall in front of our house to pretty it up a bit. I've also moved some herbs and the rhododendron from the front, and moved another one in from a different location. It took 2 weekends and help here and there from lots of people...especially Chris' parents but all we have to do now it lay the sod. I'll post a few pictures in the album if anyone would like to see.

I also plan on adding a couple of pictures of the girls playing in the playhouse with Lucy next door. Cute!

Long Time

It has been a long time since either of us posted last. I don't know if I can remember all that has happened in the last few months but I'll give it a shot.

Chris has been getting lots of fieldwork locally which has been nice. I started work just a few days a week. I technically started at the beginning of July but am only starting a bit more regularly this month.
In the past few months we started a weekly game night with a couple of our friends and are enjoying that. One of our friends, Rich, introduced us to a game called Zug Um Zug (or Ticket to Ride). It's Railroad game and quite fun.
Chris went camping on the Island this past week with some friends and had himself an adventure. I went with the girls and my mom camping at a friends place, and another friend also camped with us which was hectic but fun...more about that later.
I can't think of anything else new with us.

The girls have been growing, Kate has 5 teeth now with 3 coming in, Lucy has 8. Lucy is still only 17.5 lbs and Kate is up to 19. It's kind of funny because cousin Soleil is now heavier than Lucy (by a hair) but only 7 months old!
They have also been learning lots of new things. By mid June the girls were both pulling up to standing and Lucy was pulling herself around on her stomach, by the end of the month both were crawling. Lucy started around mid-June and Kate a week or so later. Since learning to crawl the girls have been getting into everything and trying to walk holding onto everything they can. On July 24th they were introduced to walking with one of those little push toys on wheels. Their friend Reece who is 2 months older came over for a play date and ran the toy all over so that evening the girls tried it out for themselves. We got a cute video of them pushing one another around on it (it has a seat in front). Kate's little screeches were quite funny...when she gets excited she has short bursts of screech...reminds me a bit of mom's and my screeches when we are startled. haha. The girls are both waving at people and learning to play peek-a-boo, or holding their heads in their hands. They seem to do that more when stressed or frustrated which is amusing. Lucy also throws her head back and howls when she doesn't get her way...too bad for her I think it's funny...she's not going to get her way that way!

Near the end of June my friend Shannon and I had the girls out on the patio playing and Kate somehow managed to sneak a snail into her mouth. I discovered it some time after we'd come inside...half chewed but still alive. Kate managed to swallow a bit of shell but also some grass which made her gag and spit it all out. Ugh, it was so gross. I felt bad for the poor snail...but Kate made me worry because I didn't know how much she'd eaten. She was fine though. :)

The girls both had trouble with ear aches through June and July but fingers crossed they seem to have cleared up now. Kate got a Urinary Tract Infection and we had to take her in to emergency because she got a high fever and was shaking and vomiting...they did many tests and found the infection. We had to take her in for IV antibiotics for 3 nights, then had to do an Ultrasound and DMSA scan (don't know what it stands for but it is like an MRI of her kidneys). I guess babies get Kidney infections 80% of the time when they have UTI's. She was fine after the first dose of antibiotic though.

My mom arrived for a month visit on July 31st and we took the girls to Iona Beach the same day. They loved the sand. I will post some pictures. Then this past weekend we went to my friend Sue's house to camp out in her backyard and see how the girls handle tenting. They had trouble going to sleep but otherwise did okay. They loved being outside the whole time. Lucy discovered the Adirondack chairs and a love of climbing. That girl is determined and no matter how much she falls and how many scratches and bumps she gets she is going to climb. Kate is not convinced that Lucy's way is the best...a bit more tentative that one. :) We also went to the Lake and they enjoyed that as well. Kate decided she likes the way sand feels between her teeth. Ugh. She will get lots more of that though as when Dad arrives for his visit next week we are going to take the following weekend and go family camping in the interior. Looking forward to that...it will be tiring, but fun.

Rusty is the same as always...getting older but still lots of energy! Sadly he lost his friend Cedar to Wisconsin...she moved to help Meridith with her PhD. She will be coming back for visits but he will miss the days at Trout Lake.

Well, I can't think of anything else at the moment. I will attempt to be more regular with this...but I seem to be spending less time at the computer...not more. I can't believe the girls will be 1 on the 26th!!!!

New pictures

I added a new album to the photo albums. The pictures are all organized from oldest to newest, but none are very old. Enjoy.

Summer dresses

New Stuff

Well, the girls continue to grow gangbusters. Okay, so they aren't 'growing' a huge amount, they are still only 16lbs (Lucy) and 17.5 (Kate)...but they are changing constantly! They still aren't crawling and I don't know if they will bother as they get around just fine rolling or 'commando' crawling. They get up on the knees and look like they will crawl but then slide down to their bellies...I guess that is just easier. Lucy hyperactivity caused her to decide to stand today though. She was sitting on the couch and saw something she wanted behind the couch so she stood, took her a bit of effort but after that it was pretty much a breeze for her...how quickly she got how to pull herself up though has made me a bit nervous for the future. I think she will be a little hellion. We thought Kate might want to try it after seeing Lucy but she doesn't care, she's bigger so she can reach things without the pulling up. haha.
The girls are playing together a lot more, and also getting very snatchy, I guess sharing hasn't sunk in yet. Thankfully they are starting to get less cranky when toys are 'stolen'.
It has been quite hot here lately, today was at least 26 Celsius. I think that's hot anyway. It was Chris' sister Jannis' birthday today so the family came over for a bit, the girls dressed up in thier 'sort of' matching summer dresses. They looked pretty cute. I got pictures I took a few days ago when wearing those dresses and will post those.
Oscar is visiting until next Wednesday, he is my friends, Nathalie and Phil's, beagle. Rusty certainly enjoys the company of his best friend. We went to the park today with the dogs, as usual, and met up with another of my friends, Meridith, who also has a dog, Cedar, who we call Rusty's 'girlfriend'. I think Rusty didn't know who to play with so he ignored them and Oscar and Cedar competed over ball fetching as to who with get Rusty's affections. I think Oscar lost due to his short legs...but he won anyway, as he gets to 'live' with Rusty for a few days. Poor Cedar.
Chris is away for work for a week so it will be the longest I have been on my own with the girls so far. I'm sure it will be fine. Not much different than being on my own during the day anyway...just no breaks until they go to sleep. Good thing Oscar behaves when being babysat so he's no more work than one dog.

More Hats!!!

BBQ

A few weeks ago we got a BBQ. FINALLY. We've been making good use of it, every day it's not raining we've been cooking. Thankfully there has been rain less than 1/2 the time. We've been making some old favourites such as Bourbon brined pork chops and Beer can chicken, and trying lots of new veggie recipes. So far we've loved everything we've tried...not that surprising really.
Last night was rather amusing. We'd decided to have a couple friends over for dinner and share some of our various vegetables and we'd decided to do beer can chicken due to it's ease of preparation and it needing relatively little attention while cooking...but I'd decided to do two chickens as I couldn't find a larger one in my particular area... So, all went well and they seemed to be cooking well until Chris saw flames. Hahaa, Silly me. Usually I light only half the grill and cook the chicken over the non-lit half. This time we'd lit both sides but didn't think perhaps we should turn the heat down and in the end lit our chickens on fire. It was rather funny and in the end we had steak instead...but I learned my lesson. Pay Attention! haha

new photos...

I've added a bunch of photo's along the same theme as the pic's I've just posted to the album...check it out through the link at the top of this page..

some pics

Lucy and Kate

Crappiness and stupid Facebook

Well, The rest of us didn't escape. Emily, Lucy and I all got sick. I think little Soleil is the only one who didn't catch this bloody bug. Ick. I am mostly better though, this bug seems to run our of steam around day 4. Monday was horrid though. Ugh.

We've been sucked into this stupid Facebook thing that's going round. It's annoying because it's just one more thing to keep up with, and yet another chat stylie thing, but on a positive note, strangely enough, it has got me in touch with people I haven't heard from in years and years. Kind of neat that way. I always like hearing from people I've lost touch with...

In less exciting news...

EVERYONE in the Dodd (extended) family is sick. Well, everyone except for Emily, myself, Lucy and Soleil. Cross our fingers we don't get sick!!! Ugh, colds. Blech!

News!! New Baby

Hello World. I would like to announce the birth of my 1st nephew.
(My little sister Megan's first baby!).
Devlin Donaher, 7lbs 7ozs, born at 4:56pm April 12th. He's a cutie!

Shots etc.

I hate shots, not for myself, but for the girls. They got their 6 month inoculations on Tuesday and not only did they not enjoy the experience (obviously) but they have been a bit sick the past few days...today was better but I don't like shots. I also don't know why I do it seeing as I won't for Rusty (due to all the stuff I've read and experiences I've had with inoculations). I don't know if I have a choice for Lucy though. Sigh.
The girls are both doing well and getting big. Kate is 16lbs 3 oz and Lucy is 14lbs 15oz. Only 1lb and 4 oz apart now. She's SLOWLY catching up. They are both 26 inches long (well Kate is 1cm longer).
I don't think I updated this after Lucy's last echo cardiogram and ECG. She is doing great. She is still at "50%" which is what she was after she stabilized after her angioplasty 4 months ago. Soo that means she's doing great. She doesn't have to go back for 6 months now. Yay!
They make me laugh every day. I think they do it on purpose. They are pretty funny with a somewhat foolish sense of humour, which is not surprising with Chris and I as parents. It's fun.
Chris has been away most of this week for fieldwork, so it's been the most I've been alone with the girls but I haven't really been alone all week as Chris' parents and sister came over on Tuesday and we went to visit them today.
I'm sure there is more to update but I can't think right now.
Oh, those interested in wine. Two wines that are very yummy: Garry Oaks Winery-Labyrinth (Saltspring Island) and Bonapart Bend Winery-Black Currant Wine (Cache Creek).

Catan!!

A month or so ago Chris and I purchased the game "Settlers of Catan" after hearing good reviews from both of my brothers. When we bought it we saw different expansion packs available and figured we'd eventually buy them if we liked the game. Well, after several hours straight of game playing (after the initial purchase) then daily playing as long as people would play with us we decided we definitely wanted the expansion games. So, Today was the day. We bought the first expansion game "Seafarers of Catan". We quite like it. It certainly adds a new dimension to the game!! We were also suckers and got the computer version of the game. I like that I can play a short game (when I get the chance) and pause it often (which I have to do when looking after the twins on my own!) Anyway, just wanted to comment on our new fun entertainment.

new picture

The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker...

Soleil, Lucy and Kate are all set to go to sea.

Hats

Diaper duty and various other things

It's been awhile since either of us posted it seems. We played with colour and fonts a bit and then just forgot about the blog. It's been a bit of a busy month.

Chris went up north again to work for a few weeks, good timing as mom is here visiting for this month. I've finally got back to the gym on a regular basis. Lots of the usual running around for mom and I and also lots of staying home and relaxing. Chris's Dad Bill came home from his 3 week mission trip to Brazil. I guess he had a blast.

The girls have been growing like weeds, as usual. Lucy now grabs her toes on a regular basis, Kate prefers to lift her head and shoulders and look around. She always wants to be sitting or standing. They are both getting more demanding and are sometimes already whine for mom. They have also become 'strange' or 'shy' with new people sometimes. They are VERY giggly and find Rusty particularly amusing lately. That's rather fun.

Something I am especially excited about is that I finally managed to buy the Baby Bjorn Little Potty's for the girls....AND I have switched them to cloth diapers (except at night). I like the Bummies brand unbleached cloth diapers. I have found that I prefer the regular fold ones rather than the fitted ones. The fold ones make the whole cloth diaper less bulky...although they are still way bulkier than disposable. Because the girls are around 13-14 lbs they are almost into the larger size but not quite so I was having a bit of leaking issues, but I have found another outer pant by "Mother-Ease" that I really like and it fits quite well. I was quite excited because it's going to be way cheaper and I found a shop called "Discount Diapers" out near UBC and it is WAY cheaper than the other shops selling these diapers around here. Oh, A note to other Little Potty shoppers. Babies-R-Us is cheapest if they have them in stock but Boomers and Echos in North Van is next cheapest. I got mine at Hip Baby which is NOT a cheap store. :( Anyway, The girls have been great about going poo in their potty's if I catch them, which I do most of the time. It's awesome not having to change dirty diapers. I've been having them 'go' in the toilet with my help for several weeks now so it's great having something they can sit on themselves. They are so cute!

I guess the only other really new thing is Lucy cut her first tooth on the 13th...chewing on my knuckle. Ouch. Pretty cool, except they are so restless with the teething, poor things.

We start Baby Sign Language at the community center here on Monday. Pretty excited about that too! Hurrah for fun new things!

Update

Finally got a minute to update the blog a bit...enjoy.

Rusty The Rebel!

Well, Rusty has finally had enough of being third fiddle to the girls and has decided to show his rebellious spirit.

What a punk!

Our Sunny Girl, Soleil

Introducing........Soleil. Kate and Lucy are no longer the new kids on the block, but they don't seem to mind.

Our first niece...we'll have another niece or nephew from Liv's side of the family in April (looking forward to it Megan!!)

Thanks, new birth and new pic

Hi, So, something was up with the blogger and I didn't get any comments until today, when I checked it out...so thanks to all of you who posted, it was nice to hear from you all.

Also wanted to let everyone know that the new Dodd-Vien family member (Chris' sister and her husband) was born on Dec. 31 at 3:33pm. She was named Soleil Emily Dodd Vien. Denise and Steph are pleased to finally have her here.

Finally, our latest favourite photo of the girls...