time to head back home

Our visit is drawing to a close. We have enjoyed them all very much.

Last night, Sarah set up a video conference with her parents. We'll have to do more of that to keep in contact with them all. The girls sat in a row as if in the movies and generally paid attention to Grandma or Grandpa G. on the computer monitor. They are quick to recognize a still camera, though, and while I tried to get some candid photos, someone usually spied me.

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Today was dad Greg's birthday, and the girls made him a card at school decorated with footprints.

Playtime after dinner

life in a gated community

The living room has been converted into a baby area with the addition of some containment hardware. It is filled with toys, a changing table, and things to entertain residents of all ages.

boo at the zoo

The Greenville Zoo hosted a trick or treat opportunity at the city zoo called Boo at the Zoo.
The girls attended Tuesday night. They got dressed in costumes, and we wheeled them around the halloween themed section of the zoo. They opted for the no candy option, so they just got to look cute. Next year they may get into the goodies.



Julie has a low growl on occasion, so she was a natural for the lion.







Emma was a turtle.


Rebecca was a monkey (curious George?).

the weekend

Sunday the girls had an appointment at a photo studio for their 9 month portrait. We went along to help with crowd control. The studio was crowded with many families, kids of all ages, etc. The girls took it all in stride probably becuase they're used to lots of kids at day care.




Later that afternoon, Greg, the girls and grandparents went for a walk around the block. The triple stroller is great in that everyone gets a front row seat. (l-r: Julie, Emma, Rebecca)



































Chilling on the front porch. (l-r: Emma, Rebecca, Julie)

daily routine

The next morning we all awoke around 6:30 to start the day. The girls get changed, fed breakfast in a bottle, the spend some time back in their cribs waiting to get dressed for school (day care). Once dressed, they move to the staging area downstairs, get buckled into their carriers in the living room (l-r: Emma, Julie, Rebecca), then get carried to the car. Mom & Dad have their lunches, brief cases, etc. along with a cooler of 12 bottles and 3 servings of solid food for day care.

After work & school, the girls get carried back into the house from the car in their carriers. Anywhere from none to three may be asleep from the ride home. When they wake, they usually head to the exersaucers in the kitchen for some bouncing around and socializing with the grown ups (l-r:Julie, Rebeccca, Emma). If all goes well, they stay there while we have a quick dinner before their next course.

They are fed some solid food, one at a time currently, then cleaned or bathed and put in their pajamas. A while later, they'll get the last bottle of the day, play a bit more, then head off to bed by ~8:30.

Then the adults prepare 3 batches of formula (35 oz. each), fill and label 15 bottles. Three bottles get used for breakfast, 12 go to day care with the expectation that 9 will be used, 3 spares. The spares provide the evening bottle.

Next, either Sarah or Greg heads off to the gym! Whew.

Here is a short video clip of pre-bedtime play. (front to back - Rebecca, Emma, Julie).

Chapter 2

We returned to visit the next two generations after too long an absence. The girls were just shy of 4 months old when we last left them, they're nearly 9 months old when we returned. Needless to say, there were major changes.

We arrived at their home while the girls were at day care and parents at work. When the girls arrived at home, we gave them plenty of space, and they checked us out intently. We'd love to know if there was recognition, either from our earlier stay or from video chats, or if they were just checking out these new faces in their world. After a short time, they warmed to and charmed us just fine.





Emma in the high chair for some solid food. She has a great "I'm checking you out look".













Julie & Grandma. Julie is peeled for her turn at the solid food.












Rebecca & Grandpa practice sitting up.