Happy Half Birthday

Yeah, we made it!  Justin and I have recalled many times that when we found out we were having twins, we knew it would be challenging. We would continuously say, "we just need to get through the first 6 months," because we knew those would be the most difficult.  Well, we did it and it went by so fast! 

We also remember how much fun Alena was when she turned 6 months and the amount of change that happens from 6-12 months.  Hard to believe we will soon have THREE mobile children!  It will be interesting to see how big sister Alena reacts when the babies can get into her things...

Lauren:  Sweet miss Lauren!  You continue to be much more laid back than I thought you were going to be (you were so active in utero!).  You are nearly 3 pounds smaller than your brother but I've just decided that you are going to grow at your own pace.  You continue to be difficult to feed bottles to because all you want to do is look around!  So far, you really have no interest in learning how to hold your own bottle and I think you're pretty happy when each feeding is over so you can watch what is going on without distractions!  We love seeing your ear to ear smile every day and love how excited you get when you see one of us.  You particularly love your big sister and give her the most smiles and laughs!  We are still using up some size 1 diapers (thankfully there are only a few left) and I dressed you in 3 month clothes again today although you are starting to fit in most of your 6 month clothes.  You are getting a little long for some 6 month pajamas though.  This month of sleep has been a little rough.  You and your brother have taken turns getting up in the middle of the night-and lately you have both been up.  Mom and dad are really hoping this changes soon!

Lauren and Cousin Billy

Caleb:  We are starting to figure out what makes you giggle and it's so much fun!  You love when daddy rubs his head on your chest or we tickle you under your arms.  You love to stand and have such strong legs!  You can sit for short periods of time by yourself without tipping over.  You've also mastered reaching for toys and bringing them to your mouth.  You finish your bottles so quickly and can hold your own bottle.  You are more than ready to start solids. 

Caleb and Cousin Danielle

 



Alena loves having you at her daycare and she comes to visit you two a few times a week.  It's a lot dropping off and picking up three children and often times Justin does this by himself.  The other day I hear Alena talking to her brother and sister.  "I love you so much."  "You're so cute."  It pretty much melted my heart.  We are so lucky that she has adjusted as well as she has and wants to be such a big helper.  She is anxious to help feed her brother and sister.  I know it will be messy but having an extra hand will be helpful!

 Alena enjoying swim lessons with Miss Flo

 

Visit from Cousins Addie and Kelsey

My brother and his family were in town for an extended weekend the last weekend of February.  Unfortunately our time with them was limited due to Kelsey and Addie both being sick.  The big girls had fun at Kids Fest:



The girls wanted their faces painted.  Alena asked for a cat (which turned out looking horrible!).  Addies butterfly was cute though...

                                                         They loved meeting Dora! 

We are planning a roadtrip to Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend.  Their most recent visit here was much too short so we're looking forward to spending some quality time with everyone in a couple months (and hoping the weather is nice!). 

Daycare!

Whew, what a busy week it has been in the Schaack household!  Monday the twins started daycare at Principal.  Alena was so excited to have her brother and sister at her daycare.  Twice during the week, her teacher took her down to the infant room for a little visit.  She is a big helper when it comes to dropping them off and picking them up.  We get a lot of glances from parents as we bring in THREE children to the daycare!

Heading to School

The twin's teacher is Pinky and she is from India. She has been with the daycare from the day it opened so we are hopeful she will be with the twins until they turn one. That has been our only downfall with the center-lots of turnover!  Our email was showered with photos of the twins on their first day.  I think they had a great time and Caleb especially enjoyed the buggy ride.  They ended their first week with a fun art project.  Did I mention we love our daycare?!

Saturday, Alena had her first swimming lesson.  When I told her I had signed up her for swimming lessons she wasn't too excited.  So every week we've been talking about it to help her get over her fears.  Unfortunately the day before her first lesson, I realized I had signed her up for a more advanced class.  This is the kid who just recently stopped crying when I would wash her hair so we wanted her in the most basic class.  Justin took her to the class anyway to see if they could switch her to a different one.  Her teacher, Miss Flo, decided to go ahead and teach her, along with another little girl (who was much too advanced for the class).  Alena ended up having a good time so maybe it will work out after all.  Because I didn't expect her to actually swim, I didn't go and we didn't get any photos-guess we'll do that next weekend. 

Last Trip to Grundy

Justin's parents are moving from Grundy Center to Riverside this weekend.  We wanted to spend one last weekend in his childhood home so we went back the weekend of February 23rd and had a good time. We will miss visiting this little town, but do hope to get back for the annual Felix Grundy Days.  The conveniences are numerous, including a recently renovated swimming pool a couple blocks from their home, a local grocery store a block from their house and a couple cute stores downtown, (one with yummy cupcakes).  Hopefully we'll be able to make some fun new memories when we visit Riverside.