Emma and Mia are 1!!

The girls hold court at the front of their room. (Pre-cupcakes)

Mia dives into the cupcake!

Emma trades her goldfish crackers for something better.

The birthday girls model their birthday tutus from Grandma & Grandpa Lund, while playing with their new toy.

More photos and stories coming soon! Experiencing technical difficulties.

Lions and Gorillas and Flamingoes, Oh My!

Emma and Mia check out the flamingoes at the zoo.

A couple of monkeys and a gorilla.

In celebration of Matt's birthday earlier this week and Valentine's Day, we took our first family trip to the Woodland Park Zoo.  We got a membership (thanks Grandma & Grandpa Lund!) so now we can go whenever we want.  It's conveniently located about 5 min way, and a great place to meet friends to walk around.  It was definitely the place to be with kids, as their were strollers everywhere. 

It was a colder day outside than expected, but the girls were all bundled up and cozy in their stroller. Many animals were sleeping or in their barns, keeping warm, but we did get to see some amazing animals.  Our favorites were the lion, the jaguar and the gorillas and monkeys.  Megan also liked the flamingoes, a childhood favorite. We didn't make it over to the bears this time which disappointed Mia as she does a great bear impression. But we'll check them out next time. The girls were entertained as there was so much to look at. But unless the animals were moving around, I think it was hard for them to see them.

Can't you see the excitement on their little faces?

The majestic lion 

Once Matt and I were sufficiently frozen and the girls were getting restless, we left and went out for a late brunch at Patty's Eggnest. The girls were a big hit at the restaurant.  The staff and customers kept the girls entertained so we could eat - they even brought them toys. We'll definitely make this a regular spot for meals out with the girls. 

Emma reaches for the coffee mug while Mia enjoys some Cheerios.

The girls patiently wait for breakfast to arrive.

Love is in the Air

Whether in the form of a heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's (for Matt and me) or a sparkling diamond engagement ring (in the case of my sister...Congrats Courtney and Kevin!!!), this Valentine's Day was full of love. 

After the girls went to bed, Matt and I enjoyed our thematic pizza while playing with his recent birthday gift - Rock Band 2.  I'd never played before and it is not easy, especially when you don't know that you're supposed to strum AND play the notes.  Matt seems to be a pro so far, although he's only on the easy level.  He told me playing bass might be easier - not so.  Once I figured out there were practice opportunities and "warm-up" songs, I did a bit better. Our band name is Ballardz. Guest musicians are welcome - come on over!

What says "I love you" more than a heart-shaped pizza?

Our Funny Valentines

Emma and Mia watch Dad assemble a new toy from Grandma and Grandpa. 

 

Mia is still hungry and wants Emma's bottle. 

Matt and I have had some great Valentine's Days together over the years - a trip to Paris, shopping for an engagement ring, eating take out at Swedish Hospital one year ago, waiting for our girls to arrive. But this year, it was extra special to have all four of us together. 

The girls thoroughly enjoyed their cards (paper is fun!) from all their grandparents, Great Grandma Rose and Mom and Dad for their first Valentine's Day.  They enjoyed many games of peek-a-boo, some new foods, and a trip to Best Buy to pick up Daddy's birthday present, Rock Band 2. 

Emma and Mia take a look at their new "I Love You" book - a Valentine from Daddy.

The girls love playing musical instruments.  Nanny Janny got them these great tamborine-like toys.  as with all rattles, they hold them in both hands up in the air and shake them lke crazy.  Here's Emma showing off.

Mia likes to shake it too. 

Dad shakes his maraca, just like the girls. 

Emma thinks Dad is her own personal Jumperoo. Bounce, bounce, more, more!

Mia checks the Husky game score online while watching the game on TV.  Is she a Daddy's girl or what?

Em & M at 11 months

Mia and Emma at 11 months. Think they're teething?

We're nearing the one-year mark! Lots of changes this month. The girls are becoming more and more active, and so are we, as we have to chase them around now!

Getting them dressed and changing their diapers these days is an aerobic workout; they're constantly trying to crawl away. They love chasing each other around the house and playing games with each other.

They babble constantly. They both have tooth #2, and are still teething and chewing on everything in sight.

We're preparing for some significant changes in the girls' routine at daycare next month, as they'll transition to the Toddler Room after their birthday. They're down from two naps to one at day care, but they're tired on the weekends so they still take two to catch up. They're practicing drinking with sippy cups, as that's what toddlers do apparently. They need to be able to feed themselves, so we're not doing jar food anymore; just practicing with finger foods. It's a lot of change for all of us, and is probably harder on Matt and me than them. They're troopers.

Here's what's happening with the girls:

Emma
What's new: crawling!! (you can tell she feels completely liberated now that she can catch Mia), pulling up on furniture

Likes: yogurt, pears, Cheerios, crackers of any kind, finger painting, playing the maracas and tamborine

Dislikes: shoes and socks



Mia
What's new: pulling up on furniture and sitting back down (with only one hand!)
Likes: peaches, Cherrios, crackers of any kind, dancing and bopping her head to the music, playing the maracas and tamborine
Dislikes: finger painting

Mia's First Tooth!

After a week of relative fussiness and not feeling so hot, we finally realized the culprit of Mia's uneasiness this morning.  Mia has her first tooth coming in!  Same one as her sister - bottom front right.  It's so exciting to see the girls reach these milestones!

Speaking of milestones, Emma took her first forward crawling steps today.  She's been going backward and has a tough time reaching forward, but she's getting there.  Great progress today! 

We had a fun day all around today. Great Aunt Janis (aka Nanny Janny) came up to visit from Olympia, which is always fun.  Matt went to the Husky basketball game (Go Dawgs - Pac-10 #1!) so the girls relaxed at home and then ventured out to do a little shopping.  Nanny Janny got the girls some early birthday gifts they already adore!  They got a toy cell phone and keys since they love Mom and Dad's sets so much. And some musical instruments which they love to play.  They love to shake their hands and bob their heads to the beat - it's so cute!

We all met back at home for a nice dinner of smokin' Pete's BBQ.  After a long week, it was nice to have a relatively carefree Saturday.  

Flu Outbreak

The girls have been sick all week.  Emma came down with the flu last Saturday, and then Mia on Monday.   Both had lingering symptoms all week which kept them home and out of daycare.  It's been a bit of a juggling game, but we survived and they both seem to be feeling better.  Here's to a healthy weekend an upcoming week!