Finding their voices!

At almost 5 months, Annie and Vanessa are starting to find their voices.

Annie giggles so cute and she mainly exercises her voice in being demanding. Although, she loves being sung to and sometimes tries out a note or two. She gets a kick out of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!

Nessa is going to be the chatterbox! She just started playing with inflections like she's talking. She often has long sessions of talking, even if it's to herself. Vanessa is a bit more chilled out than Annie. She rarely fusses unless something is really bothering her.

We continue to be rockstars everywhere we go. Chris enjoys the attention a bit because he can show off his little girls but sometimes it would be nice not to explain that they are two girls, they are not identical, and yes, there are twins on both sides of the family. Although I'd like to cut down on the notoriety, we have come upon some lovely people. Today at dinner, this older gentleman starts talking to Annie because Chris has taken her out of her carseat because she was crying. He had the most beautiful, friendly spirit. He chatted with us about how much love one has for their children. He and his wife's children are adults so I had the feeling that he's ready to be a grandfather.

Speaking of grandparents, I cannot say enough about how helpful it is for my parents to be around. They primarily take care of the girls when I'm at work. They also help a lot by washing bottles and doing the girls' laundry. Moving into our own house will be a transition. I'm hoping they won't leave for a visit to the Philippines any time soon.

A New Home on the horizon

Something that started out on a whim is becoming something very real! My mom had been making not-so-subtle comments about hoping that we can take advantage of good mortgage rates right now and buy a house. Chris and I started going to open houses around the area that we were interested in when his parents said they would help with the down payment. In a round about way, we met Shannon, a very cheery and helpful real estate agent. After discussing a possibility of one home, she took us on a tour of new construction in the Renton Highlands. We found a home that practically has everything I was looking for in a house. It's a bit scary how fast this has gone but we do want to have a place to call our own for the girls.

The girls just had their 4-month check up and they are thriving. Maybe it's being formula-fed but they are above the 60th percentile in weight for their age. They are on the short side and the heads are on the small side, though. They did pretty awesome until the shots. Chris and I both got teary at hearing them scream. They were so upset and I felt so torn. Annie needed some Tylenol that night, too. These girls mean so much to me. I love staring into their beautiful eyes. My heart melts each time they acknowledge me with a smile. I so wish I could verbally communicate with them now but I am totally enjoying the age they are at. Thank you, Lord!

4 months old today!

I think they are lengthening out so I'm a little sad that they are starting to seem like "big babies" but they are still small. I want to capture how much I love this stage with them. They are definitely sounding like they are talking with you and not just gurgling. I am so captivated by them when they are looking directly into your eyes and speaking their language.

We've been trying to get to this 12-hr sleep but I am preferring that I dream feed them at 11 so I can sleep through the wee hours of the morning. Waking up hungry isn't fun for either them or I.

Almost 4 months!

I can't believe that these girls are almost 4 months old! They seem to be growing so fast that it breaks my heart a little when I'm putting away the small clothes. They are now wearing 3-6 month clothes which makes sense but for some reason, I still want them to wear 3 month clothing!

They are getting so interactive that it is getting more fun. To see and hear them giggle and squeal with excitement makes my day so much brighter. They start to smile when they recognize people that it is so amazing how they have so much power over us. You find yourself wanting to be the one who makes them laugh or smile. Such simple joy is so addictive.

They are sleeping a little longer...we get a 5/6-hour gap and sometimes more. We are hoping to eventually feed at 8pm and then not again until 8am. We are finding that if we are out all day and they don't sleep TOO much, then they sleep longer at night but that isn't always the case.