Days Fly By, Almost New Year's

The old saying time flies by used to annoy me, but now I have realized how much truth it holds. I wish I had more time to write here and document incredible moments with the girls.

Like last Saturday when the girls were playing "night, night" with my husband's father and Zoe put a blanket over him and then proceeded to sing him "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." She had the hand gestures memorized. I teared up.

Today the girls helped feed their younger cousin lunch and were proud as can be. It made me remember how small they used to be, and that they aren't really babies anymore, even though I still refer to them as such.

Or when Izzy hung up with my father on the phone the other day and then went to the window to look for him. They had a game when the weather was warmer in the Fall, where Poppy would go outside and give Izzy kisses though the window. Izzy said, "Where's Poppy," and pushed her little nose up to the glass.

Now the girls recognize places along the roadside, I have to be more strategic about my routes. I can't drive by the Sherwood Diner in Westport without being asked about 100 times to go eat there, even if we've just exited the parking lot. Their favorite ice cream place has a life size cow fake cow outside that they sat on for a photo this summer and whenever they pass it they say "mooooooooooo, ice cream?????" no matter what time of day.

Yesterday, the girls helped me make cookies for their class snack. I didn't realize how much I could allow them to help. I let them help mix and pour ingredients into the bowls once I had measured them out. It was such a joy to see them become excited with the process of baking a cookie from start to finish and then enjoy it together.

I used to sing to the girls when we had to drive in the car and now they sing to me. It's a good thing they learned because I am no American Idol. I just did it to get a laugh or a smile.

One new little habit that is amusing, yet often annoying, is the girls direct me when I am driving. They say "this way," or "that way" and get very upset if I don't follow their command.

Anyway, I guess I am saying that I regret not documenting more of these moments so I am going to make a better effort in 2011.

We are 1!

The first birthday party went really well and the Miffy theme was in full effect. We lucked out and got a gorgeous day after a monsoon of a summer so far.

My babies are taking first steps and growing into little girls right before my eyes. Still, no one has said "ma-ma" and I must say it 100 times a day. One of the girls says "da-da" and several other baby babbles and the other has started as well. They like to mimic us. If we stick out tongue out, they will to. They love to play hit the table and will copy you as you slap the table. One is also trying to clap but it looks more like she is wiping her hands clean of a mess. Still it's all very cute.

My husband got them the most adorable bear for their birthday. One of the girls really loves the bear and cuddles with him every moment she gets. It's like she forgets he's there and catches sight of him out of the corner of her eye and then crawls toward and attacks with hugs. It's pretty much the most adorable thing ever.

First Babbles

The girls have been making sounds for several months but one has finally started to make more familiar sounds. The other day she woke up from her nap saying da-da-da-da and blah-blah-blah. Of course, there is no ma-ma or mommy, but I am not giving up hope.

First Steps

Last Thursday at The Little Gym, one of my girls took her first steps. I stood her up on the mat and motioned her to come to me as I had done many times before but this time she actually felt confident enough to try three steps. Last night she took nine steps without any encouragement at all. Soon she will probably be running around the house. I can't believe this time last year she was still in my belly with her sister. Life is just amazing.