Everyone's getting bigger

It's hard to believe that 14 months ago today I was staring down at these incredibly small babies. They were so tine it seemed like I could hold them in one hand. But, as they often do, my babies have grown and grown.

Ella continues to lead the pack in the development department, most notably in walking — but she is also ahead in the tooth count. I've lost track of how many she has now, but its got to be at least 8 and she can really tear into stuff now. She has even figured out how to use her bottom teeth as a sort of bottle opener to pry the lid off the baby snacks we buy.


(Look at those chompers)

Saxon still prefers to crawl, but with some help from big sister Amanda, he is taking a few tentative steps. We're (Callie and I) aren't in any big hurry for him to walk though. We figure he'll do it when he's ready and we enjoy having our baby boy be little for a while longer.


(Doesn't he look happy?)

One area where Saxon is ahead of Ella is in hair growth. As you can see in the picture above his hair had grown so much it was getting into his eyes. This led to Saxon's first hair cutting experience. It was quick and painless, Callie just did a few snips across the front to keep things out of his eyes. I think it makes him look even less like a baby and more like a little boy. Where does the time go?

Although she is about eight months early for it, Ella has already begun to figure out the terrible twos temper tantrum. If I am too busy to pick her up she will remind me of what is most important by laying on the floor, arching her back and screaming until she is red in the face. It is VERY LOUD and mostly heartbreaking because I know all she really wants is to be held. I am, however, having scary visions of my future where I will be in an aisle at Wal-Mart with her doing the same thing.

Fortunately, my babies are still very happy for the most part. Callie and I have worked hard as parents to make these babies — and all of our children — feel loved. I think it shows in their attitudes.


(More often then not, our babies look like this)

And it's not just the babies who are growing up before my eyes. Nick and Amanda are flourishing. We are homeschooling this year and it has been an adventure for everyone. But the kids are learning lots of new things and are doing it without any of the drama that comes along with middle school. It is so incredibly nice to have to hear about fights in the halls and who is "dating" who. We are able to focus on our studies and give them each the attention they need where they need it.

And the best part for Nick and Amanda? They get to play with Saxon and Ella on their recess! Okay, maybe they wouldn't say its the best, but the twinfants certainly enjoy it.


(Here we are in Concordia waiting for the fall festival parade to start.)

Summertime summertime

How time flies. After getting into the habit of posting weekly, I've let another month slip by and what an eventful month it has been.

On an epically tragic note, we mourned the loss of baby Brooklynn, one of Saxon and Ella's nieces. Her three months were far too short and her death has left a mark on us that will not soon fade.

But life is for the living, and with the twinfants there is no time to wallow in sorrow. One of the biggest developments in the last month is that Ella has become a walker.


(Ella is off and moving on "two wheels")

Although Saxon was the first to crawl, Ella has moved ahead. Although she isn't the most graceful creature, she certainly has gotten the hang of bipedalism lately. She is also tipping the scales at more than 21 pounds.

At his 1-year check up Saxon was a tad over 16 pounds and the nurse practitioner wanted to see him again six weeks later for another weigh in. They wanted him to gain about 8 ounces in that time. I am pleased to report that when we went back he was up to 17 pounds 11.5 ounces, a gain of well over a pound!

He's still a lightweight, but he's got a good appetite and is generally healthy and happy.

With summer drawing to a close, we made our way to the lake once more for an adventure filled weekend. We got a late start, arrived in a downpour and discovered our campsite was flooded. After we changed campgrounds, we parked the trailer in the dark and tried to dry out.


(Saxon and Nick are both anxious to drive dad's van.)

We awoke to a sunny day and headed even further south for a glorious day of Gospel music at Silver Dollar City. Although there was a brief shower that soaked my boots, the weather was pretty mild and a good time was had by nearly all. (Amanda wanted to spend more time on rides and less hearing music.)

I believe Saxon may become an evangelical minister. Whenever the music would play he would get into it with his entire body. He pumped his arms, kicked his legs and sang along at the top of his voice. -- And those who have heard the little man know that this is quite loud.


(How many coin op cars do they have at the dam? A lot!)

Sunday was spent shopping and playing on the Bagnell Dam strip. Ice cream, skee ball and Lake of the Ozarks T-shirts; what more do you need?

The return trip proved to be just as exciting as about a dozen deer took turns trying to be hit by our van. One did succeed in colliding with our trailer, leaving a nice dent in the front corner. Fortunately, the damage is cosmetic and not structural.

So how did you spend you summer vacation?