Up Chuck & Dookie Bottom

It's official, we've been inducted into the next stage of parenthood . . . the 24 hr. stomach virus.  Of course for us, it's been the 96 hr. stomach virus/ear infection bonanza.

Lady Belle had a not-so-ladylike experience on Friday, followed by Finn on Sunday night.  By Monday afternoon we were at the doctor's office with a feverish Finn and a grease lightening Belle.  Finn won the 'competition' with a nasty left ear infection.

Today we washed everything that didn't require batteries.  Belle had 4 costume changes, 3 naps and one bath.  Finn also had 4 costume changes, 5 naps, an impromptu morning bath and mid-afternoon sponge bath.

We're exhausted and ready for spring--yet somehow we managed to do a mini photo session.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

We've reached a new era in parenthood . . . the convertible car seat. Last week we realized our above average children (in height . . . for now) reached the maximum height requirements for their infant car seats.

To celebrate this new milestone we got drunk (kidding Grandma) and surfed the Internet looking for the cheapest, safest and coolest car seats with free shipping. We got lucky and scored some Euro-chic (i.e. compact and colorful) car seats with a high safety rating from Consumer Reports for 50% off the original price (one can only hope this is not a 'pre-mass-recall' discount).

Here's a video documenting the installation of our new car seats. It's short. Requires sound. Enjoy.

Time To Baby Proof

Finn crawled through a million toys strewn across the living room floor in order to reach the ONE potentially hazardous item . . .

He too must be dazzled by bright shiny objects.

In other news, we're moving closer to homemade baby food--meaning I've done a lot of talking and thinking, internet scouring and organic grocery shopping.  Maybe one day I'll actual cook something (don't worry Husband, that large grocery bill will not go to waste this time--I promise).

By the way, that screaming you heard yesterday was Finn cutting his second tooth.  He's back on the mend and happy to show off his mega chompers to anyone interested.  Mirabelle is probably right behind him, we're hoping she'll show more refinement and grace than her brother (insert sigh).

Surprise Visitors!

We got awesome news Saturday morning.  My folks decided to come for a quick visit to see the babies and let Dave and I go the movies.  We know for a fact Finn and Belle loved seeing Omama and Poopy mainly because they kept waking up while Dave and I were at the movies.

Folks, our babies regularly sleep through the night (barring any ear infections, colds, tummy troubles, teething, new milestones accomplished, etc.).  The fact they woke up ONLY while we were at the movies is a clear sign they were excited Omama and Poopy were in the house (of course, one can only assume it was the grandbabies doing the waking up and not the grandparents deviantly sneaking extra cuddle time).

In case you're wondering, Dave and I attempted to see Avatar in 3D (along with the rest of the population).  Apparently waiting three weeks after the premier is not long enough to avoid 'sold out' mayhem.  We saw Sherlock Holmes instead (great movies).

Thanks Omama and Poopy for coming to visit and offering us free babysitting.  We really enjoyed your visit!!

Learning To Swim

We retired the baby bath tub this week and started bath time in the big tub.  The babies LOVE it.  'Someone' thinks we should increase the bath water each night until the tub is full--in an effort to teach the babies to swim by Spring . . . I'll let this 'Someone' test the theory on her own children first.

Keeping true to her fascination with bright, shiny objects, Lady Belle was dazzled by the chrome drain and faucet (NOTE TO FUTURE SUITORS:  Mirabelle was born this way.  As her parents, we take no responsibility for her love of all things bright and shiny).

By the way, big tub bath time is way better than infant tub time.  For starters, we can bathe both babies at the same time and let them play with bath toys.  Once they are sitting with better control we'll consider introducing bubbles (I know, let's not get too crazy).