July Update Part 2

Yesterday we got back from a trip to Charlotte, NC to visit Kenny's parents and brothers.  The girls love seeing their Anne' and Papa!  With one stop, it's about a 5 1/2 hour drive.  The girls did great in the car.  They love looking at their books and playing with toys.  Still being rear-facing, it's hard for me to pass them things.  We put a box of toys and books between their car seats and they're able to get something to keep them happy! 
They had fun going to the pool, playing on the slide that Anne' got for them, playing piano, and exploring a new house!  They were so cute with Wolfie, the schnoodle.  Jenna was a little scared of him but would walk up to him and say "hi".  Rachel liked when he came up to sniff her.  Wolfie loved following them around and was so good with them.  

 Playing duets on the piano.

Building with Papa.

"Cheese!"

Unfortunately, Jenna got sick while we were there.  She had a fever which turned into a rash.  Luckily she was still pretty happy! I was able to call the doctor's office on our way home and make an appointment for her.  The pediatrician examined her and said it looked like she had Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (which both girls had in June) and a bacterial skin infection.  He thought she may even have a yeast infection/diaper rash.  She's been playing and eating like the rash isn't bothering her.  I'm wondering if Rachel will wake up with the rash one morning.  They seem to pass sickness back and forth to each other!  Oh well, we'll have to stay away from other kids for the rest of this week.  

July Update Part 1

It's July 31st and I never sat down to write a blog this month.  It's probably because I'm now chasing around 2 toddlers! We had a fun, busy month.  At the end of June the girls had their 18 month checkup and continue to be just about 2 lbs apart.  Jenna was 25lb, 3 oz and Rachel was 23lb, 3oz.  Jenna was about 3/4 in. taller.  Their pediatrician was very pleased with their growth and milestones.  When we went for the appointment, Rachel had a high fever so they didn't get any vaccinations.  We'll schedule to have them soon. It turns out Rachel's fever was because of a UTI.  Luckily after a short course of antibiotics, she was feeling much better.  
My mom and dad came on July 4th and spent several days with us.  The girls love say "ba ba" and "bop pa" for Grandma and Grandpa.  They love the extra attention they get when visitors are here.  We had fun going to the park, feeding ducks, playing at the play ground, and going in the swimming pool.  It was SO hot when they were here, we all sat around with our feet in the wading pool!

Mom and Dad brought a child-sized picnic table that my sister, brothers, and I used when we were little.  It was perfect size for Jenna and Rachel.  Kenny and I went to Home Depot and bought some new primer and paint so that we could refinish it.  Kenny sanded it down.  There were many layers of paint!  Then we painted 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint.  I decided to stick with a sunny yellow because that's how I remember it.  The girls love it!  They sit there and color and eat snack there. 

Rachel likes to use my nursing cover as a cape!

A few more pictures from July.

I told Jenna to smile. 

Here I said "Say cheese!"

Rachel's saying "cheese"! 

Jenna loves her blocks and building towers. 

Videos!

I was looking through the blog and realized the last time I posted videos of the girls was in January.  Since then, both girls are walking, talking and have changed from babies to toddlers.  Tonight I was having so much fun looking through the videos I took and seeing them grow and change before my eyes.  I thought I'd post a few here.  

January 16, 2012: Laughing in the curtains!

March 8, 2012: Jenna learning to walk. 

March 14, 2012: Being silly in the kitchen 

 May 30, 2012: Jenna wearing Mommy's shoes

June 21, 2012: Rachel's walking!

 July 14, 2012: Saying letters with Daddy

July 18, 2012: Coloring at the picnic table