Max's Finds His Thumb Works as well as a Soother.

Max has started to suck his thumb (and index finger). We tried soothers but they were never popular. Artemis on the other hand, LOVES her soother. Once (and only once) I left the house without one, not smart...

We got the results of the nitrate test back. Out of a "safe" 10 mg/L (you wouldn’t want young children to drink anything with more than 4), we got a rating of <.10. In other words, there were no nitrates present. It is safer for our kids to drink our tap water (<.10) than bottled water (which generally has a rating of 2.8, check out the value for NO3).

  Besos, The Zoo

When The Kids Don't Sleep Neither Do We.

With all the toys hanging off of their cribs (at night I remove the ones IN their crib), we're lucky that the kids sleep at all. Speaking of which, neither of them had a nap ALL DAY today. Not only that but Artemis was really fussy and wanted to be held or entertained the whole day. When they don't sleep, we don't sleep.

  Besos, The Zoo

An Update on The Kids (6 Months Old) and My Crafting Mojo.

For those of you that don't remember (or I haven't told you), here are some general updates on the kids;

1. They've been sleeping through the night (9-10pm to 6-7am) since 4 months of age (actual).
2. As of today they are 6.5 months old (actual) and 4.5 months old (adjusted).
3. We use their adjusted age for major milestones (development, feeding, giving milk) until they are one year old (adjusted, February 16, 2011, they were REALLY born December 11, 2009).
4. Both can roll over (front to back and back to front). Artemis has recently gotten up on all fours.
5. Both talk alot, love to smile and "interact" with each other (talk, smile, touch).
6. They are really happy babies and hardly ever fuss (they were bad with the "witching hour" for the first few months that we had them home).
7. They've been home almost 5 months (Max came home on January 23 and Artemis on February 5).
8. They are on exclusive breast milk, take 5-6 bottles a day and eat seven (Max) and five (Artemis) ounces per bottle.
9. Max weighs 16 lbs and Artemis weighs 12 lbs.

Before I got pregnant, I took up knitting. I LOVE KNITTING. However, since October, I haven't taken up a pair of needles (no need to explain why). Today I got back into the swing of things and decided to make Max and/or Artemis a scarf (the only thing that I actually can knit). Here is a picture of it in progress.

  Besos, The Zoo

The Engagement

On Thursday June 24, my cousin Jonathan became engaged to his girlfriend Carrie. We look forward to meeting her and welcoming her into the family.

Congratulations!

New Fridge

What a Day!

We left the house before 8am and got home around 4pm. The change in routine threw the kids for a loop and they were really off (read fussy) tonight.

We dropped off a water sample at the lab (the province doesn't cover it) to test for nitrates (which are bad for babies). We get the results back in 1 week.

We came home with a new fridge (the exact same one as we had, hopefully it was just that fridge and not the model that has problems). We have to wait 24 hours for the refrigerant to settle (we had the fridge on its side) before we plug it in. I can handle 24 more hours...

On All Fours

Since there's never enough going on at The Zoo (I'm being facetious), our fridge died today. Dead, done, kaput. Luckily we have one of those coolers that you can plug into the car lighter and/or into a wall plug so we'll get by. A BIG thanks to Eric "The Sheriff" (our neighbour) for putting a load of stuff in his freezer.

Well, it's not pretty but Artemis can get up (by herself) on all fours. She can stay up for a good 5 seconds and then usually does a face plant (forward). Like I said, it's not pretty. Thankfully, Max is happy lying on his back, watching the world go by. I'll hold off on having two crawling at the same time for as long as possible!

I've tried to get some pictures, but I'm sure that you can imagine, it's not an easy feat. This is as good as it gets (she's also having a hissy fit, makes for twice the fun)!



Here are a couple more cute ones (taken post hissy fit).

Pre-Pregnancy Jeans

I can't believe it, today I tried on my pre-pregnancy jeans and they fit. They don’t look quite like they did before I got pregnant (and they might never) but Ed gave me the stamp of approval so I wore them out in public! No pictures yet (they don’t look THAT good).

The kids, dogs and I went on another power walk. I think that the last of my weight is going to be the hardest to get rid of.

Nanna Leaves, Chaos Arrives

Today, our only break from non-stop crying was when The Zoo (minus the cat) went on a 3 km power walk (the kids slept in the zoo-mobile). When you're out of shape, that's not much of a "break".

It's now 9:30pm and I'm typing this with one hand (Artemis is helping...). Max has just gone to sleep and, believe it or not, I'm going to wake him up in an hour (for his final feed). I know, let a sleeping baby lie, however, if I don't, he'll get up at 3-5am.

To be fair, Artemis should be given credit for being the ringleader. While both kids are teething, I think that today was just a case of being overly tired. That or it's a full moon!?

Happy Father's Day!

Today was Ed's first Father's Day (for the third time). He spent the day as follows; Breakfast of bacon and eggs with his favourite cinnamon bun (from Sherri's). Afterwards, we all hung out in the garage and watched Ed tinker with his lawnmower. In the afternoon, it was a beautiful day again so we had beverages out on the West Terrace. Below are the pictures that I promised. In the evening, we let Ed cook pork tenderloin on the BBQ. All in all, a great day.

We hope that everyones day was special.

Nap Time

Today we had a picnic on the "West Terrace". Artemis got to play in the grass (and dirt) for the first time (Max has previously had the pleasure). Pictures next time.

It was really hot here today (hopefully a sign of things to come). Daddy and Artemis enjoyed a nap together in the sunroom (like Father, like Daughter)

Internet Problems

For those of you who don't know, our phone system is "Voice Over IP" (Vonage), our internet service is "RipNET" (a small local company, Bell and Rogers don't offer support) and our cell phone doesn't work at the house. In other words, when we lose the internet, we're in deep "trouble" Arkansas. Usually we lose the server once a month (yes, that often) and today was such a day. It's funny how much we rely on the internet (and don't even realize it) until it's gone.

Not that it matters much as I don't have much time for phones and computers anymore. Although, I do look forward to and am challenged by trying to come up with a post concept each day, for all my fans...

To get caught up...

Nanna Hood arrived yesterday.

The kids went to the doctor for their 6-month check-up. Luckily (for them, not me!) the nurse wasn't in so we have to go back in two weeks for their shots. Don't they realize that it takes me two weeks to plan for such an excursion. In addition, I won't have my mother to help me. Such is life.

Here is a picture of them at the doctors office.


Zombie Child #3


Max and his Toys

Happy Birthday Nanna (2010)!

Below is a picture of Max and his new toy. If anyone knows how to work it, we'd appreciate some assistance. You need to be a kid to figure them out...

Today, for the first time in a while, both kids were hungry at the same time. Trying to feed two of them at the same time makes for pulled muscles (for me) and milk everywhere. I just try to give one of them enough milk so they'll be happy long enough for me to finish feeding the other one. Max was the patient one today. Normally, you can't separate him from food (is it any surprise given the size of his belly).

The "Swings of Neglect" are still our best friend and the kids are starting to spend more time in their "Circles of Neglect" (a.k.a. exersaucer).

Today is Nanna's Birthday and the kids can't wait to give her a kiss when she comes for a visit (tomorrow or Friday). Well not really a kiss, Max tries to eat your face. Adorable!

BBQ with "Uncle" Eric The Sheriff

Today was not a very nice day (although the evening was nice), regardless, we had Eric over for a BBQ and what a feast it was. The menu consisted of; sausages, chicken, pork tenderloin, potatoes and carrots and for dessert, fresh fruit salad with ice cream and homemade peanut butter cookies (my favourite, thanks Eric). Not one to consciously miss a photo op, we snapped a picture of “Uncle" Eric the Sheriff and Artemis. Note the newly painted walls in the background.

The North Terrace

Artemis has started to take hold of her bottle (not totally by herself but enough) to pull it in and out and in and out and in and out (you get the drift) during her feed. It makes for a longer feed but it keeps her happy, busy and feeling like she’s really accomplishing something.

Today was such a nice day that we decided to have a BBQ on the “North Terrace” (that's Ed's name for it, I call it the “Front Deck, smile). The kids put on their sun gear (more to protect them from the mosquitos) and we thought that they looked like “Indiana Jones” and “Wilhelmina” from the “Temple of Doom” (drool and all).

Max and Artemis Just Hanging Out and Chewing Their Cud.

Today Ed painted the Diningroom/Hallway. I'll post before and after pictures when we're done (still need to install edging around our new sliding door, replace the light switches and install our new ceiling fan).

The kids had a great day and before bed we had a chance to "hang out". Here's a picture that I took while holding Artemis, it's not too great (a regular theme with my picture taking lately).

In case you didn't know, if you click on the picture it displays a larger image.

  Besos, The Zoo

6-Months Old!

Time flies when you're having fun!

In celebration of the kids 6-month birthday, we thought that we would re-create their birth in all it's naked glory. Well, almost. We protected their modesty and took pictures after bathtime. The following pictures will be shown at their wedding (smile).

Max is looking at me in the mirror (he loves mirrors), taking a picture of him. His dialogue is something like this...

Max: Hey good looking!
Artemis: You're talking to yourself.
Max: Oh, got a soother.



As you can see, Artemis is starting to get some "wrist rolls".

The Kids Learn How to Put Things in Their Mouth!

We were supposed to go to a picnic today (at Mooney’s Bay in Ottawa) with our friends from "The Friday Night Auction" but we got rained out. Unfortunately, a really good photo opportunity was missed.

There are only so many cute pictures of the babies doing nothing that one can take without the fear of alienating readers but… today Artemis learned how to take an item and successfully put it into her mouth (without hitting her eye, ear, nose and anything else along the way). So we needed a picture of that!


Max has been practicing grabbing (a moving target hanging from his tummy mat) with both hands. Although in this picture he is demonstrating “Swinging in his Chair” (literally, smile).

  Besos, The Zoo

Baptism Invitations

Today I'm posting twice (to make up for yesterday). I didn't post because I was busy doing whatever it is that I do and writing the Baptism Invitations.

The invitations were purchased in Mexico (by Ed's Mother, Rosina) and are in Spanish (as you can see). We think that this is such a nice touch, incorporating their Spanish heritage into this special event. Gracias Abuela!

Here is a picture of the invitation (thanks Eric!). For those of you that will be attending, expect to find one in your (physical) mailbox "shortly". For those of you unable to attend, let me know if you'd like one as a keepsake as I have some extras.

The Kids Get Weighed at Their First BabyTalk Visit.

Today we went to "Baby Talk". This is a weekly event put on by Community Health Services where we meet with "Arla" (our nurse) and she tracks the kids progress and answers any questions (I have her phone number on speed dial, smile). It's also an opportunity for me to meet and mingle with other Moms in the area.

The kids haven't been weighed for 4 weeks and they didn't disappoint. Artemis went from 10 lbs 7oz to 11 lbs 6.5oz. Ed and I both thought that she'd be closer to 13 lbs. Regardless, she's in the ideal weight gain for her age (4-8oz a week) so we're happy with that. As for "Max the Tank", he went from 13 lbs 12 oz to 15 lbs 11 oz. Almost 16 pounds and a 2 pound gain! Apparently their growth will slow down now (1.5-3oz a week).

Arla and I chatted a lot about baby food as I'm getting myself psyched up for when they start eating. That won't happen until August 16 (6 months adjusted, from their due date of February 16) but there is so much to know and so many myths.

  Besos, The Zoo

The Before Picture Isn't Anything Like the After One.

Okay, there isn't a "before picture" but you guys have been around long enough to know that the "after picture" isn't anything like how it started out.

The kids spent the better part of 30 minutes tiring themselves out by playing with their Tiny Love Noah's Ark Play Mat. I was pleased that they played with it for so long as they usually only like to be on the ground for 10-15 minutes at the most.

Note Artemis's discarded bib in the top right corner. It reads "cuddle me, I'm cute".

It's kind of cute how it ended up...

  Besos, The Zoo

Winter in June

We've had to turn the heat back on. The house was 66 degrees when we woke up. Outside it's rainy and overcast. While the house was warming up, the kids sported some toques. Max is wearing a custom-made one knitted by Aunt Sally's friend Kathy. Today's bib reads "Handsome Prince".

Sorry for the poorly taken pictures. I blame it on the camera!?

Friday Night Auction

Last night Ed and I went to our usual Friday Night Auction except we got to enjoy it without kids (thanks for babysitting Nanna). Today Nanna had to go home. After saying our goodbyes, we went to our first daytime auction (as a family) and it went pretty well. They were tired after the day outside.

A Whole Lot of Nothing

Lots has been going on since Nanna arrived, however, nothing really "picture worthy" unless of course you're their parent or Nanna.

Today we caught a few special moments. Artemis was trying to call her Abuela with the new phone she gave her


and Max was showing Artemis his chubby belly which Artemis enjoyed licking. Note that Max's bib reads "I Love My Grandma"! They're now wearing bibs during the waking hours as they drool, A LOT.

Nanna Hood Arrives for a Visit.

Nanna Hood arrived today for a visit.

In order to try and keep up with our "picture a day" challenge, we're posting a picture of the new zoo-mobile that was taken on our walk yesterday (we're kind of cheating).