Beach, Teeth, and Discipline

This past week has been a little difficult. Addison and Emma have been cutting their canines, and if you read this blog you already know that teething for them is a difficult process. At the beginning of the week Emma was running a low grade fever and by the end of the week Addison was running one too. By Sun. everyone seemed to be feeling better so we headed to the beach to enjoy the awesome weather.

Here are a few pics of the girls. Addison is wearing green and Emma is wearing pink. Some of the photos were taken at our house before we left. Addison's new toy is my old recess whistle. She loves blowing it loud. Addison's new favorite word is flower. She picked one out of a pot and tried to eat it. 

And, here I am in the top corner catching some rays and reading a book. YEAH RIGHT! First of all, I'm not that thin and never will be. Second, I don't have time to read on the beach. :) But it was fun to daydream! 

I wish I could say that today is going as well as yesterday. I took the girls to the mall with me because I am out of make-up. They did okay for a little while and then crying began. I know other people in this world have children and understand that these things happen. However, it seems to me that everyone feels the need to stare when the girls cry, which forces me straight to the door to leave. Both of them were pitiful the entire ride home, through lunch, until naptime. So I’ll be praying for a better afternoon.

Brian and I bought a book to read on how to discipline toddlers. I am pretty sure the girls understand what no means. However, they both look at us and laugh when we say the words, “No”, “Stop”, “Ðon’t”, etc. I’m not convinced that spanking is the answer either. It just doesn’t feel right to me to spank such young children. They can’t fully communicate yet so it’s hard to know what to do.

15 Months

Most days I just want to freeze time so my girls stay this precious age. Although toddlers are demanding, they are so much fun! Here’s what the girls have been up to lately.

Addison:

My little “Bear” (as we like to call her) is such a little headstrong, but loving big sister. Her nickname, “Bear”, started a while back. She’s always loved to snuggle, so I would call her Snuggie Bear. It just shortened to Bear from then on. Addison loves to explore. She is very into figuring out how things work. She also loves to bring us books and point out where all the balls are located. Addison can find other things in books, that’s just her favorite object right now. She really enjoys throwing, kicking, and rolling balls around. Addison can follow pretty much any direction you give her (if she wants to). Have I mentioned she is a slight bit stubborn? Since about 3 months of age she has been a mama’s girl, but that has recently changed to wanting “dada”.  Addison has started saying more words lately. A few things she says include: mama, dada, sister, diaper, blueberry, bye-bye, ball, and book. Physically, Addi is a little bigger than Emma. She is about 1 inch taller and weighs about 1 pound more. Both girls are still below 25%tile in height and weight. Addison’s eyes are still blue and her hair is sandy blonde and out of control.

Emma:

Emma is our little social butterfly. She likes to talk and enjoys meeting new people. Most of the time she’s not shy with strangers. For example, if we go to the grocery store she spends most of the trip saying, “Hi, Hi, Hi…” to everyone we pass. I like to call Emma our little Houdini. The minute she is placed in some sort of constraining position such as anything that requires a seatbelt she begins to work her way out. Typically this process involves some yelling as well. Emma loves to clap, sing, and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Emma tries to repeat many words daily. But right now her favorite words are: “Uh Oh, Sister (sounds like tister), Thank you, ball, mama, dada, milk-milk, wawa (water), Ayaya (Layla), Cross (Anna Cross), BaBa (their paci), turtle, cracker, and cookie. Both Emma and Addison have 12 teeth and are just waiting on the canines and the second set of molars. Emma also has blue eyes, but her hair is a little less crazy than her sisters. 

We still haven't located our camera batter charger. Brian took these pics. with his phone. 

Addison in the girls' new swing.

 Below Addison has the tennis shoes on. Emma is missing a shoe. She absolutely refuses to keep shoes or socks on.

San Diego

We had such an awesome time visiting Aunt KK, Uncle BoBo, and Cousin AC. Emma and Addison loved having another playmate. We went to Seaworld, to La Jolla to see seals, visited a couple of playgrounds, and had dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town. The girls did great on the plane ride there and back home. We were a little worried about changing from East Coast time to West Coast time, but they really hardly noticed. Anna Cross is 4 months older than Addi and Emma. It’s so fun to see their interactions. Anna Cross is going to be a great big sister one day. She is very calm, sweet, and has great verbal skills. Emma and Anna Cross liked to hold hands when we traveled in the car and give each other kisses. Addison and Anna Cross enjoyed playing Ring Around the Rosie. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to spend time together. San Diego is a beautiful city. We miss you all! Here are some photos from the trip in no particular order.

Anna Cross, Emma, Addison 

Notice their lovely ponytails!

Below are pics from La Jolla

Addison, Anna Cross, Emma

Seaworld

Emma and AC

Addison

Not sure if that is Addi or Emma in the front

The girls love to run now. It's so cute!

Emma

Would anyone like some juice? Emma in blue, Addison in orange, AC in pink

Emma playing during our layover. This baggage checker was tons of fun!

Can't wait to see you all again!