Abigail and Jacquelyn are just over 18 months now, and they're FANTASTIC. Still small, but they've hit each and every milestone, so hopefully growing will start to come too. Both girls sign a ton, speak some, and in general run around and are into absolutely everything. They can throw things (this is good and bad!), kick a ball, get off the couch, spin in circles without falling over, and they are extremely gentle with other babies and toddlers. Neither baby enjoys us feeding them anymore, so we're almost exclusively finger food graduated. We still make almost all of it (Kraft mac n cheese is an exception), we just don't puree everything. If it IS pureed, we make sure to add enough grains that it'll stick to their spoon. We've discovered quinoa, so we make sure the girls get that quite a bit, since it's a fantastic source of protein.
Abigail has only two teeth, but eats everything Jacquelyn does, so it doesn't seem to be phasing her at all! She refuses to eat the skins of anything, however, and we find blueberry, cherry, and nectarine skins all over if we haven't peeled them first. She is exceptionally giving, and will share absolutely everything she has, until she has no more for herself! She's starting to be a bit shy around new people, but still has such an easy time warming up to them that it's hardly a change at all.
Jacquelyn has 11 teeth, and eats everything! She doesn't share as much as her sister, but she's learning how to kiss properly (no more "mwa" sound), and she's starting to more freely give out those kisses. She's still very much a "mama's girl" and will always come to me when she meets new people. Jacquelyn wouldn't hold our hands when walking at first, but seems to realize that there are times when it's a good idea (middle of the street, for instance).
Both girls love to walk around, and they have really started to enjoy the stroller, too. Eddie and I've started running a bit, and of course, we can't just leave the girls alone, so they get to go too. They don't generally fall asleep while we're out, and love to call at me if I get ahead of them. I LOVE hearing "Mmooommma" while I'm out!
They were absolutely awesome at STP and Warrior Dash, and I can't believe they're so calm when they're stuck in the stroller for so long! They still are easily spooked by dogs, but as long as the dogs can't get close to them (definitely not able to touch them), then they think they're the coolest things ever. Jacquelyn gets courageous, and will pat a dog after a while, but if that dog looks at her, the resulting scream is what I'd imagine hearing if she got her arm cut off or something. NOT a pleasant sound for anyone to hear!
They are the best babies ever, and I still maintain they are easier than any singleton I've met yet! I really don't want them to grow up, and it just kills me to see commercials like the one where the blond preschooler is in the driver's seat, and her daddy's sending her out on her first solo drive (don't worry-she's 16 in the scene where she actually gets the keys, etc.). I can't imagine the girls as they grow up! So, for now, I just keep them super close, and give them lots of love. Which...we've actually taught the girls how to sign, so they can give each other and us "love."
Until I remember about the blog and decide to post again....
The Smiddy's
Eddie's Flickr with thepictures he takes. He doesn't get too much time for editing, and we all know Eddie loves pictures too much to just post them, but as he gets time, this is where the good, non-iphone pictures will end up!