A Sink Bath

Steven's been working nights so it's been 3 nights since the babies had a bath, which I decided was far too long. I ventured out and decided to try to give them a bath in the sink, that way I wouldn't have to go up and down the stairs to the tub and leave one downstairs. It worked out great! The babies loved taking their baths in the sink and of course, were absolutely precious! I wanted to share a couple of cute pictures to bring a smile to your face:)

Nearly 9 months

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The last couple of slides are videos. I'm not sure if the sound is working on this smilebox or not, so forgive me if you have to watch it with no sound.

The babies are learning so rapidly. In the last week alone Meredith has learned to wave, Berkley has gotten his 5th tooth and learned to say da-da. They both say a multitude of syllables now; Meredith is a Da-da, Na-na, and ga-ga girl. They both love blowing raspberries, but I'm trying to teach them not to at the table. Discipline has begun, but nothing major yet. I'm having to teach them not to grab the spoon at meal time. Meredith has done well at understanding no thus far but I don't think Berkley gets it just yet. Meredith is a hoot playing "Where's Meredith," where she covers at least one of her eyes until you say where's Meredith to which she quickly lowers her hand(s). Berkley is scooting and is pushing up on his knees, Meredith is pushing up on her knees but hasn't taken that first push forward just yet. Both babies will give high five, which is precious to watch.

Steven and I feel like we're getting back into the swing of life. Until recently I have felt very much like my life has only been the babies, which has been very secluding. This past week I've been able to get them to church by myself and taken them to meet some of my former coworkers at Beaufort County DSS. It was wonderful to see my old friends at DSS, it's like being home again. Everyone was thrilled to meet the babies and I think they behaved very well overall. Steven's current rotation has been a more predictable one, which has made it possible for us to spend more time with folks in the evenings. Steven's next two rotations (4 wks each) are going to be very difficult ones, so we're trying to take advantage of the time while we can. We continue to be so thankful for family's help. Our in-laws kept the babies for us last night so that we could have a date night...how refreshing to spend time together as a couple! Overall, life is great and we certainly can't complain.

Hope you're not tired of videos

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...and she flies

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Da-Da

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8 months

My babies are already 8 months old. Can you believe that? I certainly can't. I was looking at Berkley as he jumped up and down in the jumper this evening - he's turning into a little boy. They're not going to be babies much longer. They've officially outgrown the bouncy seats that I was using to feed them in the morning and at night when I am by myself. They actually outgrew them awhile back, but I just didn't want to let go. In the last month they've started reaching out to you when they want you to pick them up. They've mastered sitting up and can transfer getting from a sitting up position onto all fours. Berkley has lifted up a few times like he wants to crawl, but no crawling just yet. It's only matter of time before they're both crawling though. I actually bought baby gates today and started safety proofing the house. Meredith is saying Da-Da very well and Berkley says Ma-Ma, but she won't say Ma-Ma and he won't say Da-Da - pretty funny isn't it? They've both gotten colds in the last week, but thankfully no fevers or earaches, only runny noses and sneezing. In the last couple of weeks the babies have tried cottage cheese and avacado, and they didn't like either. They also tried plain yogurt, which they loved. They're enjoying all of their new Christmas toys and it's so fun to see them play together. Meredith tends to steal toys from Berkley and Berkley just goes on about his business. Oh, but the day will come when they'll be fighting over those toys, I'm sure. I'll enjoy it now while I can. I'm definitely trying to enjoy every little moment I have with them. I have to confess, I've kind of enjoyed when they get up during the night since they've been sick. I like that I can cradle them, rock them, and see them look at me so sweet. God has truly opened my eyes to what a blessing it is to have these precious babies to love and care for.