High Five

It never ceases to amaze me on what children pick up or how they even learn things. This example of self-learning and is a good reminder that we are always being watched and that children do pay attention to the TV they are viewing, even at a very young age.

A couple weeks ago we took a day trip to Anderson, SC to do some "Tax Free Shopping". Sorry GA retailers - blame Sonny for taking away our tax free weekend. We hit the mall and stopped at the food court to eat. The babies like Chick-Fil-A (of course they do - we don't have one in Habersham!!!). About half way through lunch we saw Ellie offer a HIGH FIVE to Charlotte. She immediately laughed and responded with a hand in the air. Ellie then turns to Evan and without hesitation he slaps her hand and laughs. This set off about a 5 min high five session. We all were laughing and slapping hands. Others around us would just turn look and smile. It was fun but it left Jennifer and I with one strange question -Who taught them to High Five? Neither of us have made a big deal about it. Uncle Joe has tried to give Evan one but there was no response. It was puzzling, but we got over it pretty fast. Then a couple of days later the babies showed us where they got it from. Imagination Movers! It is a show on Disney and they love it. Several times in the show they do high fives. I was sitting on the couch watching them play while the Movers gave each other high fives - the babies on cue started giving each other fives as if they had been doing it all along. Here's some pictures from our lunch in Anderson.

18 month stats

Another 3 months behind us and another doctors visit for a checkup. Generally speaking everything is great with the babies health. It's hard to believe that three lives that started so weak and full of struggles is now filled with new adventures and a lot of laughter. They all were the same height = 32 1/2 inches which is the 75 percentile for an eighteen month old. This means they are tall for their age since they technically should be on a fifteen month old chart. Their weight followed the usual pattern. Evan was the biggest - 20lbs even. Charlotte was next - 19lb 9oz. And Ellie is still the smallest - 18lb 3oz. Their weight is the only concern. Ellie and Evan were not even on the chart and Charlotte barely made it to 3 percentile. So how do we get them fattened up? We tried some biscuit and gravy but they were not a fan. We are also giving them Boost to add some calories. Any suggestions?

Here they are enjoying some watermelon on their new picnic table.

What a Mess!

At 2:48pm yesterday I got this message emailed to me at work.
"Look at the mess you get to clean up when you get home and they keep pulling out more!!"
I did make it home and yes it was still there for me to pickup. I did some CSI work and found this to be the case.
#1. EVAN started the clinging and clanging. Diving into the only cabinets that I have not child proofed. Pulling out anything and everything he could get his hands on.
#2. CHARLOTTE peeks around the corner to see what Evan had gotten into.

She immediately joins into the destruction.

#3. ELLIE wanting to not feel left out comes from across the room, neglects her TV show, and helps the others destroy the kitchen. Case should be easy to solve - right? Three obvious culprits.

But who was charged with this crime?

According to the Judge and Jury that would be ME. Guilty of not completing the task of baby proofing the kitchen cabinets. I was released on good behavior and did not even have to clean up the mess - Jennifer did it for me. I did have to finish the cabinets late last night after the babies went to bed.

Here's more evidence that was thrown out of court for being too cute!!!

Babies Go to Work

I have been waiting for the day when Jennifer could bring the babies to my work. I don't work right around the corner from the house, so getting them to my office is a small trip. A couple weeks ago she brought them by. It was just what I expected. Three little sprinters headed in three different directions. They were good - I don't think they broke or stole anything. My co-workers got to see the little guys for the first time. They have seen pictures, read my blog stories, and have had to hear me brag endlessly about my wonderful family. Now they got to see the real deal. Mrs Sharon even got to help give Charlotte a bottle. Jennifer was able to capture only a small portion of the trip with pictures, I think she was scared they might get hurt playing with the construction supplies. She also did not find my office an acceptable place for the kids. She found paper clips and push pins on the floor - inviting themselves to be choking devices. I have since cleaned my office. It might not be baby proof but it is much better.

Our attempt to get a group picture in front of our sign

A Corn Tribute

The babies have found a new summer favorite from the garden - corn on the cob. Their love of corn on the cob is solid proof of their Smith bloodline. My dad loved corn on the cob. He died nine years ago today. Dad loved to eat and he did it really well. Food was not a priority when he was sick but Jennifer and I do remember the day before he went into coma and his final meal. You guessed it Corn on the Cob. He savored every last bite of that sweet golden fresh hot buttered Corn on the Cob. We did not count but we know he ate at least 3 full size ears. In honor of him, here are his little angels getting their fill on one of "Gammpa's" favorites.

Brush, Brush, Brush . . .

The babies have been picking up on the different things that have been routine. They wave bye-bye, they blow kisses, and do new things just about everyday. They love to play with brushes and combs. Check out this video.