3.29.11 ~ 21 months

The girls are really learning at an incredible rate. They understand hot/cold, in/out, on/off, open/close, clean/dirty, up/down, big/little, and I'm sure there are more. They are starting to answer yes/no questions now and actually getting the answer correct. It is still fun to say 'no' to mom and dad, but if they're motivated they'll say yes, too. All the girls are starting to count...maybe to 4, but I heard Avery get 6, 8, 9, 10 the other day on her own! I still can't believe it. They remember the stories we read to them and things that happen outside and are starting to tell us little details. Like playing with snails outside with daddy. They know most all their body parts and enjoy pointing out eyebrows, elbows, armpits, and belly buttons on just about everyone. The hokey pokey continues to be a favorite around here.

Other highlights...they are starting to show empathy and will bring their 'sissy' a toy or blanket if they are upset...or in time out. They can use a spoon and a fork but still prefer to use fingers most of the time. Avery and Camille can jump with their feet clearing the floor but that started awhile ago. The girls are still sleeping in their cribs from about 6:30pm-8:30am with one nap during the day which is anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. They love exploring outside and going for walks when it's not raining here. I ordered them backpacks with a detachable leash so we can walk to the park without the stroller. It took some adjusting for all of us the first few trips out with them! The girls were like little puppies getting all tangled and twisted up in the leashes. Now they're pretty good about staying together and not getting tangled :)  They have access to potty chairs and ask to use them a few times a week, but they don't usually use them. I'm not pushing potty training yet since I'm working a little and they aren't having a lot of success just yet. Maybe this summer.

We're looking forward to nicer weather and trips to the zoo. I think they'll love the animals and actually seeing them in real life. We're also looking at a trip to a petting zoo to play with animals. What other fun things can we do with almost 2 year olds? We're still limiting exposure to groups of kids since we got a cold earlier this month. Camille still has a little bit of a cough but she's back to her happy self for the most part. Nicer weather will help a ton.

3.18.11 ~ Bribery

I'll admit it, I'm a fan of bribery. I bribe the girls all the time. Eat your hot dog and you can have more broccoli (no, I didn't write that backwards), use the potty and you get a mini marshmallow, keep your pants on during naps and you get an M&M. Brelynn and Camille figured out the pants on bribe really fast and they are getting lots of M&M's now. Poor Avery can't seem to figure that one out. She wants M&M's but always takes her pants off during naps and quiet times. And she takes off her one piece footed pajamas sometime before I get them up in the morning, too. She's a clothing Houdini. Such talent. I've resorted to posting a picture by her bed to help remind her to keep her pants on...let's hope it works!

3.2.11 ~ Here Daddy

The other night we were downstairs getting ready to put the girls to bed. Dan and I were changing their diapers and putting jammies on when Brelynn walked up to Dan and handed him something small. As he took it from her she said, "boog boog" and started giggling. Yep, it was a booger! She's such a comedian already!