Standing Tall

What a sight - seeing all three stand up on their own. Charlotte has taken a odd step back. She was the first to crawl and was standing not long after that, but here recently she has preferred to kneel instead of stand. Ellie has gone from barely crawling (Christmas time) to pulling herself up on anything she can get her hands on. Evan is more careful with his standing but his calculated moves pay off and he usually flashes a big grin to announce his accomplishment. Ellie and Evan are in competition to see who will walk first. They both will navigate around whatever they are standing against with little side steps. I have caught Ellie letting go but usually only for a second or two. Here are some more pictures of the babies standing for attention.


Remember the "construction zone" they were getting into in the last post? I still have not finished the project and look what I get - two more tattle tails. Thanks for getting me in trouble Ellie and Charlotte!

What does "NO" mean to a baby?

Since being in our home they heard us constantly telling Zona (our problem child/dog) No!!! We were certain that "No Zona" would be their first words. Well, since going on the move, they are hearing NO more often. They are into everything. Most of the things they attempt to get into are things we would like for them to stay away from. I still have not completely baby proofed the house and I think they know it. Last night Evan learned what "NO" means and the result was interesting. Evan attempted several times to enter into a "construction zone" (I have built some doors for a built-in to keep the babies out and have not finished.) We would call "Evan - NO" he would stop turn to us and laugh and change direction. A little later he was off to attempt it again. Once again we would say "Evan - NO" he would stop, turn, and grin. This went on for about 4 attempts and then he was just too overcome with curiosity. He got to the NO NO area and I told him NO and pulled him away. What happened next will be documented in his baby book as the "1st fit he ever pitched". He rolled to his back, kicked, cried, and looked like a 2 year old in a toy store. The good news is it only lasted a couple minutes. Charlotte has gotten some "NOs" when attempting to crawl out of the room. She will usually stop at the sound of her name and turn back - no fits yet. Ellie has went from crawling to standing up at every chance she can get. We have given her some "NOs" when trying to stop her from pulling up on things that she could fall and get hurt on. We are trying our best to use more encouraging words and less "NOs" - that's what we learned from watching Super Nanny. But, NO will be used and hopefully understood with limited Fits Pitched.

Here's some pictures of them getting into trouble.

JENN IS NOT TRYING TO TEACH THEM TO PUT UP THE DISHES - THEY ARE TRYING TO LEARN FOR THEMSELVES. - NO NO = LAUGH LAUGH

WHERE YOU GOING EVAN?

BUSTED!!!

BUT HOW CAN YOU GET MAD AT BABIES THAT ARE THIS CUTE!

11 months old

The count down is on - less than a month until they are one! Where has the time gone? They are all doing great. The challenge of mobile babies has not gotten out of hand - yet. We have enjoyed their ability to find their own entertainment. It is still confusing for us to judge their development - are they 11 months old or are they 8 months old? They have some accomplishments that are right on track and some that are not. Like - where are their teeth? I check every night for that first tooth to show, but I have not seen anything yet. I guess they will come with time. They have changed some eating habits. Evan has become the hardest to feed - real fussy. Ellie has no issues and Charlotte has gotten a little easier. We reported last month that the attempted puff tasting was not very successful. Now they love them. Ellie and Evan have learned to take them from our hands and feed themselves. Charlotte just wants to play with it while we put one in her mouth. We have also introduced "4th meal". They get a snack around 8 pm and they love it. It has helped Charlotte sleep better at night. They enjoy pulling up and exploring things. The news report last night said we would have good weather today and Granddaddy said he would come take the babies for a choo choo ride. He made good on his promise and here's a picture from today.

We have experienced one new challenge with mobile babies - taking pictures. Here's an example of several attempts to produce the usual monthly tracking picture on the couch.

We always take several pictures but usually they produce several good options. I guess we will have to either learn to photo shop or just be satisfied with a not-so-perfect picture.

Ellie on the move!!!

As anticipated, Ellie is crawling! She is tired of seeing Charlotte move around and getting all the good toys. She still likes to take some breaks on her journey, but she has gotten the hang of getting around the room. Today Charlotte and Ellie teamed up on Evan. He interfered in a little party they were having and the girls made him pay for it. He was pinned down, poked, pulled and I think I saw a little eye gouging. That will teach him to get in the middle of the girls play time. I'm sure this will not be the last time they attack him. Now that all three are on the move we are waiting to see who walks first. I would put money on Evan. He is by far the most active in the walker. Only Time will Tell - enjoy the footage of Ellie on the move.

Snow Day

Here is a peek at the snow we got last night.

Don't worry, the babies are in 3 layers and it took me longer to get them dressed than to take their pictures.

Charlotte don't fall over

Yes those are socks on Evan's hands

Ellie looks like a sumo wrestler

The horses waiting on some carrots

We are sad that Daddy (Matthew) had to go to work today. Maybe we will have a big snow and he can stay home with us!!!!