Power-less

Last weekend we got hit with a bad snow storm that left us power less for a week. Yes, a snowstorm at the end of October. Go figure. Thankfully, our good friends hosted us for the entire week. It was tiring having to go back and forth from their house to daycare, to work, and to ours to get more clothes etc. But we're thankful for such great friendships, that all we went through was some displacement and lost power with no damage or injuries, and all in all it really was a great time spent with friends. Naomi had a blast with the older kids, and even had "sleepovers" with them, refusing to sleep with Austin, Mikaela and I. We had home cooked meals every night after work, and good company and drinks after the kids all went to sleep.

Naomi and Mikaela ended up getting to celebrate Halloween 3 times. Once at daycare, once in our friends town, and once in Nutley, since our town was in a state of emergency, they postponed all Halloween festivities until November 4th. So on Friday, Austin and I booked it home so we could take the girls trick or treating, Naomi made out like a bandit, and everyone thought poor Mikaela was a boy (it didn't help that we had her dressed up as Stitch from Disney's Lilo and stitch, and that after awhle, we stopped correcting people).

We had a blast, spent this weekend recuperating and catching up on laundry, and restocking our now empty fridge. It was and exciting week, but we are definitely glad to be home.

PIctures to come from our triple halloween fest!

Naomi-isms

Naomi and Austin were trying to get a movie started using Austin's Apple TV. Something wasn't loading right, so Austin was fiddling around with the TV.

Naomi: "I KNOW Daddy. Maybe Jesus can help us turn on the TV".

(note: she did just learn about Jesus and the parting of the red sea earlier in sunday school....with Jesus ALL things are indeed possible....she did get to watch her movie afterall).

Baby Steps

I came home from work yesterday to find that Mikaela has figured out how to climb up the steps leading to our kitchen. She's still a bit unstable, but kept getting better each time she did it. She does get stuck in a half standing position every once in awhile, and since she had socks on, every once in awhile she'd end up slipping and doing the splits. Thankfully she didn't get hurt, and it provided a few good laughs =)

Naomi-ism's (3yrs 4mths)

At dinner last night we were talking about writing Santa a letter for what gifts Naomi would like if she was a good girl.

Naomi: "Wait wait wait. I KNOW!!! I want an iPad....because I don't have my own."

Mikaela 9 months

Mikaela turned 9 months two weeks ago. We've had some major milestones recently. She can pull herself up to a standing position in lighting speed, she can take a few steps while holding on to something (like our couch). She's getting more vocal. She's eating solids 3 times a day, she can drink from a straw.
She always wants to play with whatever Naomi is playing with. She has a stubborn streak and will get frustrated when she doesn't get what she wants. Her 3rd tooth is coming in, (her first top tooth). She laughs all the time, and has the cutest smile. She can clap her hands on command, and is starting to learn to throw her hands up in the air when we scream "touch down". She can wave bye bye.
She still has a little stranger anxiety, some days it seems worse than others, but overall it seems like she gets over it pretty fast and warms up to people.
She's down to 2 solid naps a day.

Here are her 9mth stats from the pediatrician.
Weight: 15 lbs (5% range)
Height: 26 inches (2% range)
Head: 44cm (50% range)

Storytime

Naomi loves pretending to be a teacher while Austin and I get to be her students. While we were in Mexico, we had "circle time" like she does at daycare, then she told us a story. Ok yes, she's obviously princess obsessed, and clearly places high priority in beauty...but it's cute regardless.

Cabo

We have been in Cabo for the last week. It's our last day, and while we've had a blast, I think it's safe to say we are all definitely ready to head home tomorrow. It is hot hot hot here in Cabo, and we spend a lot of time trying to make sure the girls get enough time indoors and under shade. As much fun as it has been, I have to say, sand, sunscreen, baby fat folds and sticky fingers really don't make a good combo. Our villa makes for the most kid friendly stay, we have 3 bedrooms, plus a private infinity pool as well as an outdoor hot tub (which every time Austin uses, has to make some sort of Hot Tub Time Machine reference). Having so much space is great for the girls, and for us, to not feel so cooped up, and having our own pool is a huge perk. We don't have to worry about lugging tons of stuff back and forth to a hotel pool, we literally just open up the patio door, and voila, infinity pool anyone? Plus when the girls are napping or down for the night, Austin and I can hop in for a quick swim. It has definitely been the low key, relaxing vacation that we all needed. Here are some shots we had taken down at the beach yesterday evening.