There's an especially fun ritual in the Keeling household each evening. The kids get undressed down to their diapers and then have awhile to play before they have to get their pj's on and head off to bed. It's always a happy time -- and on their birthday Emmett was really celebrating! Maggie was taking a few steps too.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Dancing
Both Maggie and Emmett love to dance when there's any type of music playing. This started when they were very young; Heather played music for them and "danced" with them. Emmett was more enthusiastic than Maggie and he just loved dancing with his Mom. Now they both start moving the minute they hear music.
Maggie doesn't always want to go to the trouble of standing when she dances; she has her own version of the activity while she is sitting. Yesterday while they were visiting G'ma and G'pa she started dancing and I was able to catch just a bit of her moves. She was quite upset when the music stopped; she wanted it to start again immediately.
Later in the day Emmett showed us his new move -- completely turning circles out on the patio. He had his arms out wide, looking just like a ballet dancer. Of course by the time I got my camera, he was on to new things. I'm sure we will see it many times in the future. What a guy!
Maggie doesn't always want to go to the trouble of standing when she dances; she has her own version of the activity while she is sitting. Yesterday while they were visiting G'ma and G'pa she started dancing and I was able to catch just a bit of her moves. She was quite upset when the music stopped; she wanted it to start again immediately.
Later in the day Emmett showed us his new move -- completely turning circles out on the patio. He had his arms out wide, looking just like a ballet dancer. Of course by the time I got my camera, he was on to new things. I'm sure we will see it many times in the future. What a guy!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Birthday Party in the Park
Yesterday was the big "1" birthday party. And what a party it was! If Emmett didn't walk a mile, I would be very surprised. I don't remember him off his feet for more than a couple of minutes the whole day. With no gates, doors, or other obstacles in his way, he was off and running. And of course Magnolia had her own idea of enjoyment -- why do all that running around on a hot day when she could just be held by one of the four grandparents in attendance! She did get down to play now and then, just to let everyone know she was there (and admire her little yellow dress).
The park was SO nice -- there were huge cooling shade trees to put our chairs and blankets under; parking was not too far away, and hardly anyone else ventured into our section of the park. Adults and children alike arrived not only in autos, but on bicycles too! (It's Seattle, folks.) D&R brought their large mat like the one we use when we go camping, and we put them together on the ground so parents could sit with their little ones. Heather brought a "tunnel" and a beach ball and there were other toys too, so there was plenty of activity all afternoon.
Of course there was food! And beverages. Flowers and balloons. Denise brought out the cupcakes with candles to celebrate the birthdays and everyone joined in on the traditional song. Neither Em nor Mags had any interest in the little fluffy white cakes; they were not sure at all that cupcakes really were something to eat!
People came and went all afternoon as their schedules dictated, and it was 5:30 or so before the party ended. There were some VERY tired children at that point. They were asleep just a few minutes after they left the parking lot.
Here are a few scenes from the picnic:
The park was SO nice -- there were huge cooling shade trees to put our chairs and blankets under; parking was not too far away, and hardly anyone else ventured into our section of the park. Adults and children alike arrived not only in autos, but on bicycles too! (It's Seattle, folks.) D&R brought their large mat like the one we use when we go camping, and we put them together on the ground so parents could sit with their little ones. Heather brought a "tunnel" and a beach ball and there were other toys too, so there was plenty of activity all afternoon.
Of course there was food! And beverages. Flowers and balloons. Denise brought out the cupcakes with candles to celebrate the birthdays and everyone joined in on the traditional song. Neither Em nor Mags had any interest in the little fluffy white cakes; they were not sure at all that cupcakes really were something to eat!
People came and went all afternoon as their schedules dictated, and it was 5:30 or so before the party ended. There were some VERY tired children at that point. They were asleep just a few minutes after they left the parking lot.
Here are a few scenes from the picnic:
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Emmett and Magnolia
Emmett tries to get Maggie's bow
One year old...
One day old.We can't believe what miracles take place in the growth and development of a baby during that first year. It's hard to imagine that those two little bundles who just slept and ate (and did that one "other thing" often!) could now be walking and talking, eating and playing with toys (and still doing that "other thing" often!) To get a photo history of their first 12 months, check out Heather's blog (there's a link at the top-right of this page).
Yesterday was the "one-year-old" photo shoot. Good thing Heather is a professional photographer -- no trips to a photo studio (I remember those nightmares!). There were actually two photo shoots; the first one was inside -- and while Maggie was her usual quiet, sit-still-and-smile self, Emmett was not about to sit still -- that would mean doing nothing for more than a few seconds -- that's not his MO. Heather wisely decided to have the second photo shoot outside; it was much more successful. They were both wondering why they were all dressed up (in the dress and shirt that I made for them) and sitting on a blanket out on the lawn. But before they figured out it would be okay to get off the blanket, we had clicked our shutters numerous times.
Saturday is the big birthday party at a park here in Seattle. Denise is making the cupcakes for the occasion (just as good, if not better than the ones here that cost $3+ apiece!) and there will be lots of little munchkins around to celebrate with E and M. Watch for more photos after the party.
Yesterday was the "one-year-old" photo shoot. Good thing Heather is a professional photographer -- no trips to a photo studio (I remember those nightmares!). There were actually two photo shoots; the first one was inside -- and while Maggie was her usual quiet, sit-still-and-smile self, Emmett was not about to sit still -- that would mean doing nothing for more than a few seconds -- that's not his MO. Heather wisely decided to have the second photo shoot outside; it was much more successful. They were both wondering why they were all dressed up (in the dress and shirt that I made for them) and sitting on a blanket out on the lawn. But before they figured out it would be okay to get off the blanket, we had clicked our shutters numerous times.
Saturday is the big birthday party at a park here in Seattle. Denise is making the cupcakes for the occasion (just as good, if not better than the ones here that cost $3+ apiece!) and there will be lots of little munchkins around to celebrate with E and M. Watch for more photos after the party.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Flying Solo
What's on my head?
Why is everyone laughing?Greg planned a "surprise" weekend for Heather in San Francisco this past weekend to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary, so G'ma and G'pa stayed at their house with Maggie and Emmett. It was quite the adventure for us. It was the first time we had stayed with them over night and experienced "a day in the life" of a 1-year old (they will be 1 on the 22nd.)
Luckily, Heather printed us their daily schedule and a list of what to feed them for meals, so we had a handy reference as the days unfolded. Mags and Em are used to us being around, as we have seen them often in that last few weeks, so they were quite cooperative with having the "novices" provide their care. Actually, I think they were already "on to us" and knew they could get by with a few more things than with Mom and Dad. (no, I won't give any details here -- G&H read this blog - ha!)
They are very adept at feeding themselves all sorts of finger foods, such as cheerios, cut-up fruit, veggies, pasta, sweet potato fries, and their favorite -- little tiny cubes of cheese. (G&H don't buy baby food -- they prepare all their food from fresh organic fruits and veggies, etc.) Emmett is always hungry at mealtime so he uses a very efficient method of eating -- take as much food from his tray as he can get in his fat little hand, and stuff it into his mouth; chew it as little as possible, swallow it, repeat. Maggie is much more delicate in her approach (and a lot quieter at mealtime too) as she carefully picks up each little piece of food by pinching it between her index finger and her thumb and carefully placing it in her mouth; she actually chews her food before swallowing.
In addition to finger foods, the babies get applesauce, yogurt, cereal, etc. Sometimes the person feeding via the spoon method must "persuade" the recipient that he/she really DOES want to eat that food. Emmett's method of not accepting the food is usually to refuse to open his mouth. The way around that tactic is to get him to smile (which is VERY easy to do) and then quickly put the spoon into his mouth. Maggie, again, is much more elegant -- she merely shakes her head "no" (and she does it very quickly, and many times in succession). Heather always says "no thank you" to her when she does that. It's so cute, I have to refrain from laughing out loud. The way around her tactic is to just wait a bit and offer it to her again, and USUALLY she will give it another try.
When Emmett is finished eating, he lets us know; and he does it very loudly. There is no doubt in our minds that he is FINISHED! And he wants down right NOW. Maggie just sits there quietly eating the rest of her meal. Even if she is finished eating, she just sits there quietly and waits for her hands and face to be washed, and then she gets to get down.
I am sure you have figured out already, that these two couldn't be any different. And it is the same with everything they do, whether it's playing, walking, talking, going to sleep, getting up, riding in the car, getting dressed or undressed, or taking a bath. It's just so much fun watching them. Hardly an hour (or less!) goes by that we are not laughing at their antics.
Seattle weather turned HOT on Saturday when Denise and Roger came over to help us babysit. So in the afternoon, we decided to all pack up and go to their house, as they have A/C. We didn't take any toys along, as we remembered that Tupperware actually IS a good toy. And the kids agreed and had great fun playing with Denise's stash of containers. Emmett (always the noisy one) got two pieces (a big bowl and a smaller bowl) and commenced to walk the length of the house banging them together; Maggie sat quietly putting smaller pieces inside larger pieces, looking each piece over in very serious, thoughtful expressions.
Suffice it to say that we had a great weekend. I didn't even mind one bit getting up in the night to find a "binky" or a "silkie" for one of them, or waking up early when they were ready to get up (always by 6am) because it was just so great to spend time with them. We always knew we would love to have grandkids, but we had no idea it would be this much fun!
Luckily, Heather printed us their daily schedule and a list of what to feed them for meals, so we had a handy reference as the days unfolded. Mags and Em are used to us being around, as we have seen them often in that last few weeks, so they were quite cooperative with having the "novices" provide their care. Actually, I think they were already "on to us" and knew they could get by with a few more things than with Mom and Dad. (no, I won't give any details here -- G&H read this blog - ha!)
They are very adept at feeding themselves all sorts of finger foods, such as cheerios, cut-up fruit, veggies, pasta, sweet potato fries, and their favorite -- little tiny cubes of cheese. (G&H don't buy baby food -- they prepare all their food from fresh organic fruits and veggies, etc.) Emmett is always hungry at mealtime so he uses a very efficient method of eating -- take as much food from his tray as he can get in his fat little hand, and stuff it into his mouth; chew it as little as possible, swallow it, repeat. Maggie is much more delicate in her approach (and a lot quieter at mealtime too) as she carefully picks up each little piece of food by pinching it between her index finger and her thumb and carefully placing it in her mouth; she actually chews her food before swallowing.
In addition to finger foods, the babies get applesauce, yogurt, cereal, etc. Sometimes the person feeding via the spoon method must "persuade" the recipient that he/she really DOES want to eat that food. Emmett's method of not accepting the food is usually to refuse to open his mouth. The way around that tactic is to get him to smile (which is VERY easy to do) and then quickly put the spoon into his mouth. Maggie, again, is much more elegant -- she merely shakes her head "no" (and she does it very quickly, and many times in succession). Heather always says "no thank you" to her when she does that. It's so cute, I have to refrain from laughing out loud. The way around her tactic is to just wait a bit and offer it to her again, and USUALLY she will give it another try.
When Emmett is finished eating, he lets us know; and he does it very loudly. There is no doubt in our minds that he is FINISHED! And he wants down right NOW. Maggie just sits there quietly eating the rest of her meal. Even if she is finished eating, she just sits there quietly and waits for her hands and face to be washed, and then she gets to get down.
I am sure you have figured out already, that these two couldn't be any different. And it is the same with everything they do, whether it's playing, walking, talking, going to sleep, getting up, riding in the car, getting dressed or undressed, or taking a bath. It's just so much fun watching them. Hardly an hour (or less!) goes by that we are not laughing at their antics.
Seattle weather turned HOT on Saturday when Denise and Roger came over to help us babysit. So in the afternoon, we decided to all pack up and go to their house, as they have A/C. We didn't take any toys along, as we remembered that Tupperware actually IS a good toy. And the kids agreed and had great fun playing with Denise's stash of containers. Emmett (always the noisy one) got two pieces (a big bowl and a smaller bowl) and commenced to walk the length of the house banging them together; Maggie sat quietly putting smaller pieces inside larger pieces, looking each piece over in very serious, thoughtful expressions.
Suffice it to say that we had a great weekend. I didn't even mind one bit getting up in the night to find a "binky" or a "silkie" for one of them, or waking up early when they were ready to get up (always by 6am) because it was just so great to spend time with them. We always knew we would love to have grandkids, but we had no idea it would be this much fun!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Camano Island
View of Saratoga Passage
Large kitchen
We loved all the windows
Our "magnetic bed" in the master suite
The deck was our favorite -- we ate all our meals out here
We saw this bald eagle two days in a row
Deer in our drivewayWhen we realized Denise and Roger had an extra day off (Denise actually had an extra TWO days off) we started looking for a house to rent somewhere with a view of the water. Luckily, we found one just a few days before the 4th of July weekend. It was on Camano (ka-MAY-no) Island -- northwest of Seattle.
So we headed out of town Friday morning (along with a few thousand other families) and arrived at the house about noon. Denise and Roger were about 10 minutes behind us and Roger's niece (Kendra) and her boyfriend (Nick) arrived a little later.
Nick and Kendra provided us a delicious meal Friday evening -- fresh halibut, salad, green beans, artisan bread, new potatoes, and fancy desserts. Wow -- a nice way to start the weekend and we enjoyed it out on the deck on a nice large picnic table. We ate all our meals there the entire weekend. What a view!
Saturday morning we saw a deer in the yard right next door to us, and then on Sunday morning Nick told me to get my camera, as he had spotted a couple of deer walking right by our driveway. We also got to see a bald eagle -- we could see him really well with our binoculars but he was a bit too far away for me to get a good photo with my camera. I must have taken about 50 digital pics and this one was the best of them all. (Perhaps the photographer needs more experience?) There were humming birds and huge dragon flies buzzing around all the time too.
Oh, yes, the magnetic bed... there was a little sign on the bedside table touting the fact that we were about to sleep on the best magnetic mattress ever made, and that it had healing properties, or some such statements. I thought all this magnetic stuff was gone years ago, but I noticed on the internet that they are still around. Well, I am definitely not convinced. First of all, it was so hard, I might have been just as comfortable throwing a sheet on the FLOOR. Chuck said he slept pretty good on it, and I did sleep, but getting to sleep was a challenge. AND, I did not feel any miraculous healing when I awoke in the morning; but my back didn't hurt either, so I guess it was okay.
We had a relaxing weekend in this house, watched the fireworks from the island on the other side of the water -- nothing huge, just local residents sending them off, but still pretty entertaining. Other than that, and a few trips "just down the road a ways" to the grocery store we just relaxed (and ate a lot of good food).
So we headed out of town Friday morning (along with a few thousand other families) and arrived at the house about noon. Denise and Roger were about 10 minutes behind us and Roger's niece (Kendra) and her boyfriend (Nick) arrived a little later.
Nick and Kendra provided us a delicious meal Friday evening -- fresh halibut, salad, green beans, artisan bread, new potatoes, and fancy desserts. Wow -- a nice way to start the weekend and we enjoyed it out on the deck on a nice large picnic table. We ate all our meals there the entire weekend. What a view!
Saturday morning we saw a deer in the yard right next door to us, and then on Sunday morning Nick told me to get my camera, as he had spotted a couple of deer walking right by our driveway. We also got to see a bald eagle -- we could see him really well with our binoculars but he was a bit too far away for me to get a good photo with my camera. I must have taken about 50 digital pics and this one was the best of them all. (Perhaps the photographer needs more experience?) There were humming birds and huge dragon flies buzzing around all the time too.
Oh, yes, the magnetic bed... there was a little sign on the bedside table touting the fact that we were about to sleep on the best magnetic mattress ever made, and that it had healing properties, or some such statements. I thought all this magnetic stuff was gone years ago, but I noticed on the internet that they are still around. Well, I am definitely not convinced. First of all, it was so hard, I might have been just as comfortable throwing a sheet on the FLOOR. Chuck said he slept pretty good on it, and I did sleep, but getting to sleep was a challenge. AND, I did not feel any miraculous healing when I awoke in the morning; but my back didn't hurt either, so I guess it was okay.
We had a relaxing weekend in this house, watched the fireworks from the island on the other side of the water -- nothing huge, just local residents sending them off, but still pretty entertaining. Other than that, and a few trips "just down the road a ways" to the grocery store we just relaxed (and ate a lot of good food).
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Waking up HAPPY!
It's so much fun to see the twins right when they wake up after a nap.... usually. Sometimes not so much -- occasionally they wake up crying. Those aren't the times I run for my camera.
But today it was fun times again. when they both woke up happy. Maggie woke up first and when Emmett woke up we went into the bedroom and he was standing up in his bed. I plopped Maggie down beside him and then the fun began. They were both laughing and jumping on the mattress. I went and got my camera and by then they had settled down a bit, but they were still happy babies.
But today it was fun times again. when they both woke up happy. Maggie woke up first and when Emmett woke up we went into the bedroom and he was standing up in his bed. I plopped Maggie down beside him and then the fun began. They were both laughing and jumping on the mattress. I went and got my camera and by then they had settled down a bit, but they were still happy babies.
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