Seasons Greetings....10 Months Old!!!

On December 11th, our babies turned 10 Month's Old. It's so hard to believe how quickly the time goes by. So many people tell you to take each moment in...and it's so true. It seems like forever since our miracles came to us. This Christmas is so special..and we can't wait to enjoy each moment with them. We will have two of the most precious gifts under our tree...our baby girls.

They love the tree - and our tradition now includes the babies..which makes it even sweeter! Each got to put the angel on the top.

Last week was the first Santa visit - Ava is obsessed with big white beards, so if you have one, please be prepared....and Sienna doesn't mind him holding her for two minutes, but any second beyond that and she is looking for Mom to rescue her.

Today we visited with the Belvidere, NJ Santa at the American Legion - and got the classic 1970's polaroid print! They didn't cry at him either - which was great. Each got to take home a gift bag also - they were a big hit with the Red Hat ladies that came through the Legion hall.

Now we prepare ourselves for a nice holiday season...most of it at home or visiting family.

Until that time, enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends..that's what is most important after all!

A visit with Santa.....for the FIRST time!

Yesterday the girls met Santa for the first time....very interesting. All the way up through the little house he had they were just fine - laughing and giggling...Then shocked and amazed at this jolly man's white beard. All in all Ava was in awe of Santa (left). Sienna was staring at Mom the whole time to make sure it was ok. Once the crazy elves started to try and make them laugh...that's when it was time to tell Santa we would see him later.

Click on the picture and it will be larger... what a classic

9 Months Old...and counting November 2008

It's been a busy month...lots going on and the holidays approaching! Ava has been quite busy CRAWLING...yes we have a crawler amongst us, so watch out. She started to crawl the day after Thanksgiving. I actually caught it on video, albeit the lighting was bad, but I caught it...I just had that feeling because she was so close. Now she scoots all over and is so proud that she can get around. Sienna is still doing her own method of transportation, the half crawl/roll/pull method. She is doing well though and has been adding many words to her vocabulary; Mama, Dadda, Boo, Dog, Baba. Interesting how when one has one strength (physical) the other will excel in another area (verbal) - great to watch. We are so proud of our girls...so proud!

I can't believe 10 Months is around the corner. The girls had fun this past month with a visit to Mrs. Hainzl's house in Morristown (the town they were born in) to see their birthmates, also twins, Gabe and Alexandra who are 2 days older than Sienna and Ava. They played, had lunch and enjoyed...it's nice to get together with other babies and see the interactions... Gabe and Ava really have similar traits, as does Sienna and Alexandra...so cute (see pics).

They had the Brooks Twins over, Tyler and Alex, as well as their big brother Jake. It was great to see their interactions and see how the different ages interact. It's amazing!

They also had a visit from Titi (Aunt Lori) and Aunt Brenda, my lifelong friends. Lots of playing and cuddling...it was great to see them over the entire weekend!

While getting ready for Thanksgiving Day, Gina made Sienna a paper Thanksgiving hat and collar which was really super cute. We also made Ava an Indian headband while she was sleeping, however when she awoke and put it on she ripped it in half..curious child...loving the sound of ripping paper...

Thanksgiving was a great time! We had Uncle Janni and Aunt Margaret sleepover and do some of the cooking, Oma was here with a couple outfits for Christmas, and friends Marie and her son Dylan - Ava especially took a liking to Dylan...very very cute and Ava gave lots of kisses (oh boy, Dylan is 10).

The girls also now fit into the beautiful sweaters that their Great Aunt Susan made for them - and gave to them at their baby shower around this time last year. They look so cute and cuddly in them... very warm...so sweet (see pics).

Now we aim for Christmas. We are so excited to teach the girls our traditions and beliefs. It's a really nice time...

Enjoy the season...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Today is the babies' very first Halloween! Sienna went as a Dragonfly and Ava went as a Peacock. Both looking so pretty in their costumes. They both especially loved their antennas.

October 24 we went to the Mars, Inc. Boo Bash that we attend each year. This year it took place at a farm due to renovation work going on at the National Office. It was a bit cool, but the girls enjoyed the day with Mom, Dad and the Grandma's who drove up for a short visit. The girls even got to pet a pig! The Boo Bash was not as fun as it was in recent years, but the company made their best efforts for all to have a comfortable time. Lots of candy being given out and The Shrek collection on DVD - which was real nice.

Today, the 31st, the girls went around the block trick or treating and then helped hand out candy to the kids. Needless to say, they were a huge hit in Belvidere...

This is the first year in many that I didn't dress up! Leon is working until 2am, so he didn't dress up either. Luckily, he was able to take the day on the 24th and spend time at the Boo Bash.

Happy Halloween!

Fall Fun with Family!!!

Saturday we took a nice drive into PA to a sweet family owned farm with hay mazes for kids, a petting zoo, a milking fake cow and a beautiful pumpkin patch. Sienna took a special liking to the cow, as did the cow to Sienna! Ava was so interested in the kids playing - and looked like she was ready to join them.

Almost 8 Months old...and we enjoy each minute of these girls.

Each got a pumpkin and a large one to take home. The weather was perfect and it was a great day!

7 Months Old! Time just goes by so quickly...

The girls are 7 Months old this month, the 11th. I can't believe how quickly time flys...

Lots of fun stuff this month:

Sienna and Ava sit up...and stay up for long periods of time...

They play together now...we are already working on sharing :)

Ava reached for Daddy and Mommy

Sienna rolled over...and over...and over

They eat solids now...

Last month they started holding their own bottles! we still help of course, but it's a great thing when they show off this skill

and the best...from daddadddadddadda to

"Dadda"

Sienna said Dadda first - right at the 7 month marker

Ava said Dadda one week later....

I have met alot of people lately who have twins. I ran into one couple at Target recently who had twin girls 14 months old. They were both in the cart smiling away and were so curious about Sienna and Ava in our stroller. Chatting with this couple we learned tips on buying diapers and formula - and saving money by buying generic Target brand. They explained that it will just get even more fun now - and they meant it sincerely....which is nice. I don't know, but it seems like twins or multiples are more and more common lately. I imagine that the girls will have a few set of twin friends to grow up with. Alot like their father and uncle and the Salter twins.

It's not just the twins who are learning and growing, it's their parents also. We learn so much - and become more and more brave as time goes by.

It's football season and the girls got dressed up to support Daddy's team, Da Bears! Cindy had gotten the girls their little outfits when they were born. I remember...I thought, when will they fit in these outfits? it seemed so far off..and now look, here we are and the girls are fitting in them perfectly.

Each day is a journey...and such an exciting one. I look at my close friends who I have known for years whose kids are 5 through 9 years old, and think about when those kids were first babies...and realize I have cherish each moment I have with them..they grow up too fast.

4th of July 2008

Just thought I would also post some 4th photos of the tiny tots...

Sienna rocked out in the sunglasses! and loves when Daddy holds her up like an airplane.

Ava enjoyed all the friendly faces and fun.