Sign Language

We started trying sign language with the babies when they were about 6 months old.  We weren't consistent with it, though, and we eventually stopped altogether.

Recently, I noticed that Vivienne can copy us very well, so I tried sign language again.  This time, she picked it up immediately.  She can say "more" and "all done."  She not only uses these words when eating (which is very useful), but also in other situations, like when she is getting her diaper changed.  She will sign "all done" to me over and over... more like "Mommy, PLEASE RELEASE ME!!!"  Needless to say, neither of our babes is very enthralled by diaper changes these days.  Miles flips around on the changing table like a fish out of water.

Vivienne and Miles can both show us where their heads are.  We'll ask,"Where is your head?" and they will put both of their hands on their heads.  This morning, I was asking Vivienne to point to her feet and her belly, and she was able to do both.  We just taught her "foot" a few days ago.  I think we should start trying to teach them more words for body parts.  I can't wait to sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" with them.

Another Diaper Fail

Last week while my mom was here, she put a diaper on Miles.  She may not have fastened the velcro well enough.  The babies were playing in the tupperware cabinet when we discovered this:

"Mommy!!  Miles is showing his bottom again!"

"I'm cute even with my bootie hanging out."

Duke Gardens

This morning, we all went to Duke Gardens to soak up some of the natural beauty.  It was a perfect day, and Miles and Vivienne really enjoyed playing in the dirt and climbing the stone steps by the pond.

"Forget the plants.  I want to play in the gravel path!"

Grandma teaches Miles to go down the stairs backwards.

He is all boy.

Miles' eyes are like the sea.

Park with Grandma and Grandpa (Fox)

Grandma and Grandpa (Fox) are visiting us this week. Yesterday, we went across the street to the park to play. Miles and Vivienne had a great time exploring the park and getting dirty.

I think that's the wrong way, guys!

Running Complications

Well, it looks as if I will not be running a half marathon next month.  I've started having some minor problems with my left foot.  I think it might be plantar fasciitis, but I'm not sure.  I also have some discomfort in my right foot, but it's fairly minimal.  I took a couple extra rest days last week to let it heal a bit.  Then I ran 6 miles Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  I took yesterday off and plan to hit the road again today when the kids wake up from their nap.  My foot seems to be getting better.

However, my sister-in-law, who was going to do the race with us, now has a torn meniscus in her knee.  It's going to require surgery to fix it.  No fun at all.  So, she is definitely out of that race.  None of us had registered yet, so I think I'll wait and find another half marathon to do. 

There is another half here in town in a couple weeks, but I feel like that is too soon with my foot injury.  The next big one in town isn't until March of 2012, which seems like such a long way away.  Maybe I'll just do my own little half marathon and have Jason cheering at the "end" for me with the babies and a fake medal.

Eerily Quiet

I knew it was a little too quiet in there.

There is a time and place to garden, honey.  The living room with the white carpet right beside the baby grand is NOT that place.

Hill Ridge Farms

On Sunday, we played hookie from church to visit Hill Ridge Farms in Youngsville.  It was another gorgeous, Fall day. 

We started by measuring the kids' heights.  They were just over 2 feet.  It will be interesting to see how much they grow by next year.

Next, we took a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins.  This was the babies' first hayride.

Viv rode in Daddy's lap on the hayride.

Miles rode with Grandma.

After picking pumpkins, we ate a little lunch together.  Then, we hit the corn pit.  Miles was hesitant at first, but he quickly got his bearings and began relishing in the corn fun.

Lastly, we went to the hay jumping barn.  This was a great place to take pictures.

The entire day was great fun.  I think we'll be back next year!

NC State Fair

My parents have been here visiting for about the past week.  Last Friday, they treated me, Miles and Vivienne on our first trip together to the North Carolina State Fair.  We had an absolute blast.  The weather was divine - mid seventies, blue skies and white, puffy clouds.

We ate.

We gave due respect to the large produce.

Vivienne in front of a 528 lb pumpkin.

We petted lots of animals - llamas (Is your momma a llamma?), zebras, horses, donkeys, chicks, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, yaks, camels, bunnies... and I'm sure I'm leaving a few out.  The petting zoo was the hit of the day.

My two sweet peas tried on some flower petals and butterfly wings.

My little man looked absolutely perfect in his OshKosh B'Gosh overalls.  Most appropriate for an urban cowboy.

It was a fabulous time at the State Fair.  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for a memorable day!