Exciting Day

Today was a very exciting, action-packed day filled with new experiences.

We started off this morning attending a class at My Gym, a first for Alex and Ari. Mommy has been planning to sign them up for a gym class near us this coming fall, as she was waiting for Ari to get steady on her feet. While Ari is still not quite sure about the whole walking thing, Mommy thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of having an extra set of hands (Aunt Candy) for a trial run. The moment we walked into the gym, Alex and Ari's eyes lit up and they were in toddler heaven. The class consisted of just four or five other toddlers (all in the same age range as Alex and Ari) and a structured circle time (which, by some miracle Alex sat still for the entire time), free play and special activities like a zip line, swings, and a pretend "jungle" experience:

Aunt Candy helps Alex try out the roller coaster

Ari loved the ball pit- we couldn't get her to come out!
Ari rides the zip line "airplane" Mommy with her two kiddos (you can tell they want to escape to play some more)
Alex enjoys bubble time
Alex finds a trampoline just his size

Ari rolls the ball to the instructor
Alex climbed to the top of this ladder while our backs were turned for two seconds!

This afternoon, we took advantage of a break from the typical afternoon storms to take a dip in Aunt Candy and Uncle Jerry's pool. The kids must have liked the extra-warm temperature of the water (it felt like a warm bath!) because once they were in, we couldn't get them out. Aunt Candy bought special floats for the kids to use, and although Ari was tentative at first, once she got used to it she became a true lady of leisure, lounging the day away in the pool:

Alex is ready for the pool (he's even wearing his hat!)

"Ahhhh...this is the life"

Mommy with her two fish

Alex says "I want to give you a kiss, Ari!"

Alex has fun swimming with Aunt Candy

Later in the afternoon, Cousin Jordan brought his girlfriend Brittany (who just got back into town) over to meet his cousins. Ari and Alex had a ball playing with the "big kids." In fact, Ari was particularly smitten with her cousin all week...for a typically shy girl, she took to him very quickly.

Alex and Ari haven't just been having new adventures here in Orlando; they've also been trying lots of new foods, giving Mommy some new ideas for meals when we get back home. One thing we've discovered they love in particular is rotisserie chicken from Costco. They've also had tuna fish salad, Costco cookies (who wouldn't love those?), salmon, Clementine oranges, cheese crackers, and a host of other different foods. We're not sure if it's because they are in a new environment, but for some reason Alex and Ari are much more willing to try new foods and they are eating a lot more than they do at home. Maybe all of the excitement is working up their appetites!

Tomorrow GG will head back to Delray Beach so we'll spend time with her in the morning and then decide what new activity to try in the afternoon. It's hard to believe our visit is half way over- the week is just flying by!

A Bigger and Better Tot Lot

After a very good night's sleep (Alex and Ari slept almost a full hour longer than they do at home on a typical morning), we were all refreshed and ready to explore our new surroundings. Aunt Candy took us to Merrill Park, a nearby park with a big tot lot/playground and luckily lots of shade- it was already very hot and humid at 9:00 a.m.! While there were familiar sights (toddler swings), there was also a host of other equipment for Alex and Ari to explore:After the park and a good, long nap, we spent the afternoon inside because of afternoon storms but it was a perfect opportunity to spend more time with GG and play with all of the new toys. Tomorrow we're planning to have a busy day...stay tuned for more details!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Yesterday we boarded a plane headed to Orlando, Florida for a visit with Alex and Ari's Great Aunt Candy and Uncle Jerry, Cousin Jordan (Cousin Jared was out of town, working in NYC this summer and having a blast in the Big Apple), and Great Grandma ("GG"), who came up from Delray Beach to spend a few days visiting with her great grandchildren.

This was another one of our "take the entire family along on one of Daddy's business trips" vacations, but with a much better outcome than our first business/family trip back in February. However, the trip started off a bit rocky. In retrospect, though, we're trying to look at it as a learning experience full of important lessons.

First, a certain airline failed to assign us seats near each other on the plane. So while Ari and Mommy were in the same aisle, at least, Alex was assigned a seat by himself in the aisle behind us, and Daddy's seat was about five rows in front of us. The gate agent was less than helpful when we explained that having a 15-month old toddler sitting by himself (next to a perfect stranger) wasn't the brightest idea. Her response was "well, it's a full flight so I can't do anything about it." Luckily the flight attendant on board was more helpful, and tried his hardest to rearrange our seats so that at least one parent was with the kids. We finally shuffled enough seats so that in one aisle of seats we had Ari (window), Mommy (middle), and Alex (aisle) but Daddy was still five rows in front of us. When the flight attendant asked the woman on the other side of the aisle from Alex to switch with Daddy (also in an aisle seat, just closer to the front of the plane) so that he could be with his family, the woman refused because she wanted to sit near her friend. Thanks, lady. So the airline moved the lady and her friend to first class to make room for Daddy to sit in our row. Lesson learned: have no sense of humanity and you, too, can ride in First Class.

Once we were all settled, the kids were happy in their carseats for oh, about ten minutes. The difference between the last time we flew to Chile (when the kids were 11 months old) and now was that now they are much more mobile and not content to be confined to a carseat for the flight. We managed to keep them occupied for most of the flight, but there were a few times they got cranky and fussy, forcing Mommy and Daddy (now fearing they were "those people" on the flight with the screaming children) to head to the back of the plane where the noise from the engine drown out their cries. Snacks and short walks down the aisle (in addition to the nice lady seated in Daddy's row) seemed to help, and somehow we survived the flight. Lesson learned: carseats take up unnecessary room on the plane and are no longer of any use for two squirmy toddlers.

While we all survived the flight in one piece, our (mis)adventure in air travel continued a bit longer once we arrived in Orlando, only to find that Daddy's luggage had been lost. Luckily most of the kids' stuff was in Mommy's luggage, so at least we had their essentials when we finally arrived at Aunt Candy and Uncle Jerry's house at about 7:30, just in time for a quick dinner, bath, and a much-needed bed time after some quick hugs from a doting aunt, uncle, cousin, and GG. Daddy eventually got his luggage returned to him when it was delivered to the house...at 4:00 a.m... without advance warning and by a deliveryman who rang the doorbell. Lesson learned: when the doorbell rings at 4:00 a.m., it doesn't necessarily mean someone has died (although that will always be the first thing going through your head).

The good news is that our trip has been headed uphill after our rocky start, mostly thanks to Aunt Candy's efforts to furnish her entire house (which hasn't seen toddlers in about 14 years) with all of the comforts of home, and more. The kids have cribs, lots of fun toys, booster seats, a swimming pool and pool floats, trampoline, two kitty cat friends, bath toys...and the house is even baby-proofed!

Today we recovered from our trip by relaxing around the house, spending time catching up with all of the relatives before Daddy had to head out to his work conference at the Rosen Shingle Resort (yeah, poor Daddy). Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying their new environment, toys, and adoring relatives:

Alex and Ari explore try out all of their new toys

Cousin Jordan entertains Alex
Alex and Ari play with Aunt Candy and GG
Alex loves Aunt Candy- because she feeds him yummy snacks
Alex jumps on the trampoline with Daddy

We're looking forward to a week of new adventures and new places!

Takin' It Easy

Our week started out on a rough note, with Ari suffering from some sort of virus that gave her a high fever for two days and left her somewhat cranky and clingy for a few more. So, we took it very easy this week, spending a lot of time indoors and just across the street at the tot lot. It meant taking a rain check on a few activities and playdates, but better safe than sorry- Mommy didn't want anyone else to catch what Ari had and also wanted to give Ari plenty of time to fully recover. The good news is that as of today, Ari seems to be back to 100%.

Since we didn't do much aside from play indoors and go to the tot lot this week (although we did meet up with pal Hayden and his mommy for a shopping trip at Target on Wednesday), here are a few pictures from the playground:

Poor Ari

Poor Ari is sick today...but let's start off with happier times this weekend:

Saturday was pretty much a "Daddy Day," as Mommy attended a baby shower for her friend Rachel who, along with her husband Joseph, will be bringing their baby girl home from China in a matter of weeks. Mommy was honored to be part of such a special celebration and we're all looking forward to meeting Jennifer Rose when the family comes home in August. Daddy took Alex and Ari out for a little shopping trip and even ended up coming home with replacement (special) batteries Alex's favorite toy.

To balance out the weekend, Sunday was "Mommy Day" since Daddy had to go to Richmond for the entire day on business (on a Sunday- boo!). Mommy, Ari and Alex kept busy with a visit to the tot lot and to the grocery store for our weekly shopping trip. We contemplated going to the pool, but it was a little too hot for that so we opted to play inside in the late afternoon.

Today started out well enough- although Ari was more clingy than normal and a bit cranky, as soon as we went out to the tot lot for our morning playtime, she was fine and in good spirits. So there was no reason to think we shouldn't head out to the weekly childrens' concert series hosted by our city, where we ended up meeting up with neighborhood friends Darby and Emma and their mom. This week's performer was actually a magician which was neat for the older kids but the concept was probably lost on Ari and Alex (although they did seem very intersted in what was going on up on stage).

A few minutes into the performance, it was clear that Ari wasn't herself- she wouldn't eat any snacks or drink her drink, and looked generally lethargic and sad. When Mommy noticed that Ari felt very warm, she decided to pack up and head home a little bit early. Good thing- as soon as we got home, Ari got very sick (we'll spare the details here, but let's just say that the Duke T-shirt she was wearing is now in the laundry...much to Daddy's delight). After a cool bath, some Motrin and Pedialyte, she was off for a three-hour nap. Luckily, when she woke up she was her old self again. Dr. Miri came by for a check-up and declared Ari to have a little virus (the same one Alex may have had this past weekend...although he was just cranky with a very slight fever) and prescribed lots of TLC. Her fever spiked again tonight but after another dose of Motrin, she seemed happy and even ate most of her dinner and enjoyed her bath before turning in for the night. We're hoping she will wake up healthy in the morning!

Mommy did manage a few pictures at the concert today before things headed downhill. It's pretty clear from the second picture that Ari wasn't her usual smiling self today...hopefully tomorrow that trademark grin will be back for good!

Outside Weather

The unbearable heat and humidity finally broke yesterday, so after being confined to air conditioned buildings for the past several days, we have taken advantage of every opportunity to spend time outside!

Yesterday, after a trip to the tot lot, we went to a nearby lake to feed the geese and ducks. Alex only ate about half of the crackers this time- he actually shared some with the geese!


This morning we visited the tot lot again and then had our friend Andrew and his mom over for a play date. The kids seemed more interested in eating snacks (crackers, fruit snacks, drink boxes) then playing with toys, but we still had a good time. After a nap and lunch, we headed out for a run (well, Mommy ran and the kids enjoyed riding in their double jogging stroller) and a visit to the neighborhood pool. The pool was actually very crowded today, probably because everyone was eager to get out in the more mild, somewhat cloudy (but safer) weather. We saw our twin friends Jake and Cole, as well as Mommy's friend Laura's younger sister, who was visiting the pool with her five month old son. On the way home from the pool, we stopped by the tot lot (yet again!) to spend a few minutes playing with Andrew (again!), his big brother Justin, and our other friends Mitchell and Jason. Needless to say, all of the time outdoors must have tired Alex and Ari, as they were pretty cranky through dinner time and crashed quickly after their baths.


Ari continues to progress on the walking front- she's taken about five or six steps at a time and is gaining more and more confidence in her ability to get from Point A to Point B on her own. Alex and Ari have a new favorite snack, too- smoothies made from yogurt, milk, strawberries and bananas. Thanks to our friends Alex and Sydney G. (or, more accurately, their mom) for the suggestion!

Playgroup

Wednesdays are our day for our neighborhood playgroup, so today we met our neighborhood pals out at the tot lot for an outdoor play date. Despite the still-hot temperatures (it's been over 95 degrees with lots of humidity for the past three days!), we had some shade and a slight breeze that made it possible to stay outside for at least a little while. We were all relieved to get out of our houses for a bit.

Justin didn't make it to playgroup- he fell asleep en route, with his hand in his bag of cookies!

Our special guest at playgroup, Coach the doggie, was the center of attention

Darby shares her Cheerios with Ari

Tonight we went to the bris for our new friend Sammy. Alex looked relieved to find out he wasn't the center of attention this time. Actually, all of the boys (and men) in the room except for Sammy seemed glad to be "just guests". When one of the little boys in attendance asked his dad what was going on, his dad accurately explained, "they're going to cut baby Sammy's wee-wee." 'Nuff said.

And Then There Were Two...

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, the long awaited moment arrived: Miss Arielle took her first official steps:

So, at almost 15 1/2 months, three months after her brother, Arielle has now truly earned the title "toddler."

Earlier in the day, we visited Aunt Lori, Uncle Sam, and Cousin Ozzie in their new apartment. Alex and Ari enjoyed a lunch primarily made up of cheese, Pirate Booty, and fruit (they turned their noses up at the turkey burger Aunt Lori so kindly prepared!) The kids had fun playing with their aunt, uncle and canine cousin in their new digs:

So all in all, a very productive, exciting day!

Pictures from Nana and Poppy

Yay-- Nana (with help from Poppy, we suspect) came through and sent us pictures from our day at the marina. Just for the record, Ari had plenty of dunks too...just not in these pictures.
Thanks, Nana and Poppy!

Friends and Family

We've been spending a lot of time with friends and family the past few days...

Thursday we met up with "auntie" Melissa (actually, Melissa and her husband Mark are Alex and Ari's kvatterin, loosely translated as "godparents" in Jewish tradition) for lunch. Melissa was on her own, without Alex and Ari's pals (big) Alex, Vivi, and Zach, as they are in summer camp until early afternoon. It was at lunch that Alex started exhibiting the same "Mommy Only" attitude as typically displayed by Ari. When Melissa went to get Alex out of the car (so that Mommy would have to carry only one child and wouldn't need to schlep the stroller into the restaurant), Alex threw a fit and cried for "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" until Mommy had both Alex and Ari (because of course, Ari won't go to anyone other than Mommy or Daddy) in her arms. Luckily once inside the restaurant, Ari was happy to wait with Melissa while Mommy and Alex went up to the counter to order lunch. At the end of lunch, Ari insisted she wanted a "cook, cook, cook" (translation: cookie) and, being a sucker, Mommy treated everyone to a big chocolate chip cookie. Ari is certainly her mother's daughter.

Friday we took an outing to the neighborhood pool and met up with fellow neighborhood twins Jake and Cole and their mom, grandma and aunt. There are actually three sets of young twins in our neighborhood and at least two sets of older twins that we know of- so lots of twin company for Alex and Ari. Between all of these twins and the twins from our multiples playgroups, we joke that Alex and Ari are going to ask everyone they meet, "where is your twin?"

Saturday we went to visit Nana and Poppy Jack at the boat. Alex and Ari took a while to get used to the idea of going in the big pool at the marina (as opposed to the kiddie pool like we have in the neighborhood) but once they discovered the basketball net on the side of the pool, and learned how to "dunk" a basketball (with Mommy and Daddy's help, of course), we couldn't get them out of the pool. When we did finally get out of the pool, Alex was intent on running around saying "hi" to all of the other pool guests. He's turning out to be quite the politician. Pictures of our budding basketball players will be forthcoming, if Nana ever figures out how to email the pictures she took on her new camera :)

Today we got a lot of chores done (mowed the lawn, did grocery shopping and laundry, etc.) during the day and then met up with friends for dinner at the very family-friendly Red Robin restaurant. These friends are actually "new friends found again," as the mommy of the family and Daddy graduated high school together and she's also the Director of Alex and Ari's new nursery school! While Mommy had met her when she toured the school a few months ago, Daddy hadn't seen his old friend since they graduated high school many, many (many, many) years ago. We enjoyed meeting her family, especially her two very sweet daughters, one of whom is only a little older than Alex and Ari. We're looking forward to spending more time with the entire family, especially since they live in the neighborhood just across the street from us. Alex and Ari (Alex in particular) really liked the restaurant- they devoured their cheese and chicken quesadilla and fries, and each got a balloon on their way out.

Since we don't have many pictures from this weekend (until Nana sends us some...hint, hint!) here are some pictures of Alex and Ari mastering their new skill- using forks! It seems to make them more excited to eat their food- Alex actually ate all of his sweet potato fries at lunch. As long as it's on a fork, it's yummy!

Happy Birthday, America! (and 15-month stats!)

Before we get to a recap of today's festivities, here is the scoop from Alex and Ari's 15-month appointment with their pediatrician:

Ari measured in at 32 1/8 inches (92nd percentile) and 19 pounds, 12 ounces (24th percentile), so she's continuing her reputation for being tall and thin! Alex weighed 24 pounds, 7 ounces (50th percentile) and measured 33 inches (95th percentile). Looks like we might have two basketball players on our hands...luckily, Mommy and Daddy picked up a toddler basketball net today from another member of our multiples club, so they can start practicing right away.

The pediatrician was very impressed with their development, noting that a lot of their skills, such as naming the parts of their bodies and and making the appropriate animal sounds (moo for cow, quack for duck, baa for sheep, etc.) are all skills not typically mastered until 18 months old. So we guess they will be smart basketball players!

We were a little worried that the kids may have had strep throat (their aunt, uncle and cousins had it this past weekend and Mommy was under the weather on Monday), but a culture led to a clean bill of health and much relief for Mommy. Since everyone was perfectly healthy, Alex and Ari had the pleasure of getting one vaccination this time. They were true champs- Ari cried for just a second and Alex didn't even cry at all. Some goldfish crackers, stickers, and dinosaur toys later, we were all on the way out of the doctor's office with smiles on our faces.

Today we celebrated Independence Day the neighborhood "parade" on Miri and Opa's street. The parade consists of all of the neighborhood children (including grandchildren of current residents/children of the kids who grew up on the street) rolling down the street by bicycle, tricycle, stroller, wagon, etc. It's quite a sight and fun to see the changes from year to year. Last year Alex and Ari were half asleep in a double stroller that was too big for them. This year they eagerly participated in their Radio Flyer wagon. Nana and Poppy Jack came to join in the festivities this year, and after the parade we all went to the neighborhood pot luck lunch:

Ari in her patriotic outfit

Alex in his red, white and blue
Alex meets a puppy along the parade route
All of the kids lined up at the start of the parade
Nana and Poppy Jack with Ari and Alex

After Alex got out of the wagon, he was a bundle of energy...running all over the place, challenging Mommy and Daddy to keep up with him. He enjoyed running around to all of the neighbors and guests, waving "hi" and stealing food (of course he wouldn't eat the food on his own plate...typical!)

One last cute picture for the day...Ari and her furry friends: