One Lucky Dog

Since Layla and Jenna entered the world, Toby has undergone a few life adjustments.  He's a bit of a quirky dog (and by quirky I mean temperamental, pushy, and set in his ways).  We were a little worried as to how he would behave around the girls, but I must admit, he has surpassed all of my expectations.  Of course, life isn't as grand for him as it used to be, but I have no doubt that he loves his sisters and wouldn't trade them for all the dog bones in the world.  I mean, what guy wouldn't love having two girls doting on him all day long?  Toby is definitely one lucky dog!   

"Big Brother Toby, you're so soft!"

Layla has been practicing her 'gentle' petting.

What a nice hug, Jenna!

Toby: "Gotcha, LJ!"

Toby: "That's the spot, Jenzi!"

I told you he loves his sisters!  Love is a two-way street and, with the girls, the feeling is absolutely mutual!   

18 Month WCC

Layla and Jenna recently celebrated their half birthday, which means it's time for their 18 month well child checkup with Dr. Stacy.  I hear that at some point around this age, children dread going to the doctor because they remember it as the place they get shots.  We're not at that point yet...as you can see they were in fabulous moods this morning and happy to go!  

Come on sis, let's go see Dr. Stacy!

Once we checked in, we had only a short wait.  The girls didn't mind since there are lots of fun things to do in the waiting area.

Layla: "Hey, sis!  Come check out the tree!"

Jenna: "Sorry, I can't.  I'm busy talking to the fish."

Layla: "Hey, Mr. Alligator, how do I get all that money out of your belly?"

Jenna: "Maybe you just have to give him a good shake."

Layla: "Ooh, look at the shiny rocks!"

Jenna: "Okay, I'm starting to get a little bit nervous."

It's okay, Jenna.  We're only taking measurements right now.  Jenna measured at 33.25" long (88%) and had a head circumference of 18.25" (52%)

Layla measured at 32.75" long (77%) and had a head circumference of 17.5" (9%).

Jenna: "Is it bad?"  No, Jenna...it's VERY healthy!  She weighed in at 26 pounds and 4 ounces (89%)!

Layla: "What's it say, what's it say?!?!"  Layla weighed in at 21 pounds and 8 ounces (37%).  

Now for their favorite part...paper and mirror time!

Notice how Daddy had to take down the picture that was hanging on the wall...sometimes we get a little too curious!

Overall, Layla and Jenna's checkup was perfect.  They are growing like weeds and right on track developmentally.  The girls each got two shots and shed only a few tears.  We aren't due back to visit Dr. Stacy again until they are 2 years old!  I can't believe they are going to let me take them home without checking on me for 6 whole months!  I'm sure the time will fly!

Stroller Derby

One of Layla and Jenna's favorite pastimes these days is to play stroller derby.  They both post up behind a stroller and race around the house as fast as they can.  Most times, they race with something strapped into the strollers...sometimes it's Elmo, other times it's their sippy cup.  When they hit a dead end or when they crash into each other they just laugh and laugh, which is seriously about the most awesome sound one can hear.

Here they are getting all geared up for the derby.  

For this round, they are loading a graham cracker into each of their seats.

And they're off!  Whoa...way to pop a wheelie right off the bat, Layla!

Uh oh, looks like Jenna lost her cracker...she's losing time trying to pick it up!

Layla has turned the corner and is making her way back!

 I'm not sure who made it to the finish line first, but it looks like they're both taking their victory lap with a graham cracker as their prize.

 With graham crackers still in hand, here they are trying to tell Daddy, who is outside, who won the race.  Those silly girls!

Cleveland County Fair

Last weekend was a busy one, but the Cleveland County Fair was in session and we just HAD to go. We could only stay for a short amount of time and we didn't get to do everything we wanted to, but Layla and Jenna still had a blast!  I guess that's all the more reason to look forward to going next year!

Hey, girls, take a look at that goat! (At least I think that's a goat.)

Layla: "Smell my foot, Mr. Goat!"

What do you girls think of the baby chick?

Jenna: "You want me to do what with that chick?"

That's right, Layla, be very gentle.

Jenna needed a little help being gentle.  

Check out my John Deere girls!

Jenna: "Hey, sis, you wanna drive this thing or shall I?"

We'll be back next year!

Oh, I just have to post this pic for good measure.  Trey was in charge of the camera at this time and couldn't help but capture this one!

Diaper Day

I'm sure you can imagine that our little family goes through our fair share of diapers!  Conveniently, we are set up on a diaper delivery program and receive them right on our front door step every few weeks.  Layla and Jenna love when it's Diaper Day because once I get them unpacked from the box, they get to play with the packages and it's so much fun!    

Jenna, that package is just about as big as you are!

Jenna: "Take a seat, sis!"

Ride 'em, cowgirl!

Saddle up, Jenna!

The girls love straddling the packages and scooting them across the floor with their feet...such a fun ride!

Layla: "Oops, hit a dead end!"

Layla: "Let's see...what shall I do now?"

Layla: "I know, I'll just take a little snooze."

Jenna: "Where do you want these, Mommy?"

Diaper Day comes twice a month because Layla's size is delivered on a different day than Jenna's.  I've considered calling and getting the deliveries coordinated to fall on the same day, but then that would mean fewer Diaper Days for the girls...I just couldn't do that to them!

First Day of MDO 2011

Layla and Jenna have just finished up their first two weeks of Mother's Day Out for the 2011-12 school year.  I guess our little preview of the summer program paid off because they have been absolute rockstars at drop-off and have had no issues getting into the swing of things.  Here are a few pictures of their first day.  I wasn't able to get very many, as it is a little tricky lugging around two backpacks, two lunch boxes, two nap mats, and two toddlers while trying to get from the car to the building without losing something or someone along the way!   

They were a little serious on the first day.

Okay, girls, can you act like you at least know each other?

Much better!

Jenna: "Can we go to our room already?"

Layla: "Ooh, this looks fun."

Jenna: "Yeah, I think I'm gonna like it here."

They walked right in and never looked back.  I guess I should have been happy that they had such a seamless transition, but I have to admit, I was a little sad that they weren't sad to see me go.  On the other hand, it was such a nice feeling to leave the building, get in my car, and know that they were okay.  It's going to be a great year at MDO!