Day 31 - Morning tea

What a hot day it was today. We decided to escape some of the early heat by going shopping with mum, dad and Jenny this morning in Woden.

Before we started on our shopping expedition, we went and had a coffee.

I thought today was a great day to give the girls their own babyccino.

Well it wasn't so successful. Ava thought it was great fun to end up with froth all over her face and arms or hanging out her mouth. She finally got a taste for it, but only really had 2 mouthfuls of fun froth. Olivia enjoyed the banana bread far too much to worry about even trying her babyccino.

Oh well, maybe next time...

Day 30 - Happy Birthday Luke

We went into Queanbeyan Park for a BBQ for Luke's birthday today. It was a lovely relaxing get together. Kids played together, we ate, we talked, we laughed, sung happy birthday, ate cake... all the usual things.

I have heard it is good luck for a bird to Poop on you, so I wonder who will get this luck. Monique, because it is her chair, Meagan, because she sat in the chair, or Luke because really it was his party. Anyway, it was a memorable day!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Day 29 - New Foods

Giving the girls different food is always an entertaining prospect. We are blessed that they aren't too fussy, just yet!

Tonight we had Tacos. I put the meat, lettuce, cheese and tomato on their plate with a bit of tortilla for them to enjoy. Instead they wanted our wrapped taco. Needless to say, they loved every little bit of it.

Now to decide what to try next.

Day 28 - Evidence

I thought today was going to be a nice quiet day at home..... until my nephews Austin and Andrew came over for a play with the girls today. They all had a great time. Playing together, building blocks, cuddling, sitting on them, having lunch, throw in a nap and some musical instruments and what a well rounded full day they had.

I told the boys to make sure they cleaned up before they left and to take everything home. Well they left behind some evidence that they were here, their thongs. So I guess they'll hope that I will remember to return these to them... otherwise, they will be here until the next time they come for a visit. Lucky they didn't leave their ugly Crocs behind, I might have "accidentally" thrown them out!

Thank you boys for keeping the girls entertained for most of the day.... next time, maybe leave your really loud voices at home.

Day 27 - A long day

After another fun and long day at Stepping Stones, the girls are usually either really tired or they are really excited. Today was a nice mix of both. The girls got a rare treat of Apple and Blackcurrant juice and a scone while waiting for Shane to finish work.

They sat on the lounge, and with a little bit of prompting, they had a little cuddle... well maybe more of a lean, but a close sisterly moment all the same.

Day 26 - Australia Day

While getting ready for the bath tonight, the girls decided to raid my shoe cupboard.

I discovered Ava walking around with my slipper. Certainly a 37 degree day would be too hot for a winter slipper.

 I am sure they are going to raid this cupboard more and more as they get older, I best put my good shoes out of reach now.

Day 25 - Is it love?

Ava and Henry

Ava has showers a lot of love on Henry whenever she sees him.

From kisses, cuddles to foot rubs.

They keep us very entertained at our afternoon catch ups. I look forward to seeing who makes the next move. My money is on Ava.

Day 24 - Who Am I?

Who am I?

My post today is quite simple. The photo is probably not the best, but it serves its purpose.

Ever since the girls were born people have always asked "Who is who?" "How do you tell them apart?" "They are obviously identical? Are you sure?"

The girls are fraternal twins, they have different blood types, so definately not identical. As they are growing up and getting bigger, the similarities are becoming more common. When they were little they were so easy to tell apart because Olivia was always that fraction smaller and had darker skin than Ava. But once you get to know the girls and you see them regularly, you know who is who.

I took this photo of one of the girls purely by chance today. When I asked Shane who he thought it was, he even got it wrong. Amazing!

So, who do you think it is? I'll be interested to see your responses.

Day 23 - Swimming

We took the girls swimming at Lakeside Leisure Centre, Tuggeranong today. The girls seemed to like it. Olivia just wanted to keep walking around the pool, pity we couldn't really let her because she was heading for the deep end!

While we were there we decided to look into swimming lessons there. We had talked about it earlier and thought we'd wait until they were a little older. Well I guess they are a little older now and we are about to enroll them! It makes it a little tricky because we have to get into the water with them, so if one of us can't do it we are going to have to organise back up swimmers to come along with us.

So now, to fill out the forms and get them started. Should be fun.... I hope!

Day 22 - A day at home

Ava

After what seems to have been a really busy week, it was nice to have a relaxing day at home. The girls just cruised around playing with their toys, cuddling each other, spinning in circles, dancing and reading books.

My mum bought the girls a set of nursery rhyme books. The girls have obviously heard these books so often and associated the colour with the nursery rhyme that lately they have been picking up the books and doing the actions which is very cute. Here Ava is reading Pat-a-Cake.

Certainly, they are their mother's daughters with their love of reading.

Day 21 - A food throwing evening.

Dinner last night was at Wasabi Teppanyaki Restaurant in Manuka with my friends. I was grateful to have been to teppanyaki before so I knew what to expect. Bowl passing, egg tossing and throwing food at customers would normally be frowned upon at a restaurant, but it seems to be the norm for Teppanyaki Restaurants.

It is always a little daunting when you think about what would happen if you missed the egg in the bowl, the fried rice down the front of you, or the shame of having egg on your face.

It was definately a night filled with plenty of laughs and lots of chatter. I enjoy these monthly get togethers. I am already looking forward to the next one.

Day 20 - Pleasant Distractions!

Cohen - a pleasant distraction!

I planned myself a very busy day today. I needed to keep myself occupied while the girls had their first full day of daycare. I missed Olivia and Ava like crazy.

A very pleasant distraction was Cohen. He is so cute, I just want to eat him up! Jodi and Julie were there too.... and were also a pleasant distraction while Cohen slept!

Thanks ladies for the coffee and cake, and thanks to all those other pleasant distractions today, it made the day pass really quickly.

Day 19 - Favourite Places

Olivia in her favourite place

Over time the girls have discovered many favourite places, but there has always one place Olivia loved the most. Daddy's arms.

This afternoon she curled up in Shane's arms and watched a little bit of Play School or stared out the window. I caught this peaceful moment of her staring out the window.

Day 18 - Entertainer or Entertained?

Henry

It is amazing when you watch a baby grow up to see them change and become little people. 

Henry is doing just that. 

This cute little munchkin used to just snuggle and maybe sleep during our afternoon catch ups. He certainly isn't just a snuggler or sleeper anymore, he is our entertainment... or maybe we are his entertainment. Henry laughed and giggled at us all this afternoon it was gorgeous.

In my weakest moments, it is the cute moments like this, I think about another one... But then that thought passes by very quickly!

Day 17 - One down, many more to go!

I am an avid reader and have been all my life. I seem to collect books thinking they'll be great to read but I don't always get around to reading them before another new one is top of the pile. In my pile, I have some books I have already read and just want to reread for the fun of it. But I don't think they should be the top of the pile, even though it might just work out that way.

I just finished reading 'Those Faraday Girls' by Monica McInerney. So now I need a new book to become the top of my new reading list. Too many to choose from.

Day 16 - Swimming

Summer has finally decided to grace us with some hot weather! So we thought today would be a great day to take them to the pool.

They seemed to enjoy it, albeit, they were a little cold. I think Ava shivered most of the time we were actually in the water and if you look closely, Olivia has a slight purple tinge on her lips.

I thought it was hard enough to get photos of my 2 girls, add to the mix Jenny's kids, what a challenge! This is the best one!

Day 15 - Easter in January?

Upon noticing the arrival of Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns on our Supermarket shelves, I began to wonder just how many people would consider an Easter in January.

Some celebrate Christmas in July, so why not Easter in January! The eggs are starting to line our Supermarket shelves, and the smell of Hot Cross Buns cooking have hit the Bakeries.

Why not I say!

Granted I have resisted the urge to buy any eggs so far. However, I have indulged in a couple of Hot Cross Buns a little early, but what is the harm in that!

Happy Easter in January Everybody!

Day 14 - Hot Chocolate

Met Belinda for a coffee today, well a hot chocolate in my case, and a piece of lemon cheesecake which of course I had to share with the girls. Food does not pass my lips without them having to have a taste or 10.

Meeting people for coffee has become a little treat for me since being home with the girls, a nice way to catch up with some great friends over some delicious hot chocolates or coffees. Today we met at Aroma Cafe in the Canberra Centre. It was a very nice hot chocolate which came with little chocolate rocks. I wasn't sure if I was meant to put them into my hot chocolate or just eat them.

The girls loved chatting to Henry. I think he is going to have a spot in the girls hearts as they grow older if the smiles and laughter today were anything to go by. They are all just too cute!

Day 13 - Safe and Sound

A bit cheeky today taking a photo of a photo! M&M

My gorgeous Aunty and Uncle.

They live in Karalee, Queensland which is a part of the major flooding at the moment. They had evacuated their house before anything major happened and took their fur pets with them.

They have been in my thoughts since the moment they told me they had to evacuate.

Found out this afternoon even though they cannot go home for many days to come, their house is doing ok. How very lucky they/we are.

It has been a very sad few days watching the news about all the water, damage and loss of life.

Click here to donate.

Day 12 - Bravery is relative

It was a big leap of bravery for me today. 18 month old needles today (a little late I know, but so be it.)

Usually I make Shane come and hold the girls for their immunisation needles, but I had to do it by myself, well mostly by myself! My mum came along for a helping hand.... the helping hand included reading to the girls while we were waiting and walking the girls out while the other was getting their shot.

Bless her, I don't know what I would have done without Nanny's help today.

Day 11 - Talking to Babies

I do wonder quite often if anyone knows what Ava talks about. She says some random words here and there but quite often it is nothing but gibberish. Shane and I often joke that she could call and order us the best chinese meal in town.

Today we had a visit from Mrs J and her beautiful granddaughter. Well the girls were in love, as they usually are with most babies. They cuddled her, patted her on the head, surprisingly didn't play with her feet (obviously they only really like Henry's feet) and most of all they talked to her.

I am wondering though if the baby knew exactly what Ava was telling her.

I guess that is something we will never know.

Day 10 - Food means Peace.

Starting the girls on their first solids was a challenging step for me. At the time it was one of the most stressful things I had to do. Will they like it? What to do if they choke? How much food is enough? These were just some of the questions I asked frequently.

Now nearly 14 months on I haven't answered all of these questions but I do think feeding time is great!

It is like a bit of a zoo at times with all the noise and commotion while the food is being prepared, but mostly it brings me a little bit of peace. Which is a good thing considering one shouldn't talk with their mouth full.

Today I captured them eating one of their favourite yet messiest foods - yoghurt. I am sure if they could work it out how, they would lick the tub clean.

Here is some of the parenting advice I have heard about food: Food means Peace; Don't force them, they will eat if they are hungry and they will say no when they are full.

Olivia

Day 9 - Sweet Tooth

I have been known to have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Since I had the girls I have had more time to bake sweet things while at home. I have found this never fail Rocky Road recipe that is very decadent and is nut free!

Simply delicious, one I had to share... well share a photo of, not the recipe for.

Day 8 - A promise is a promise.

One of Shane's favourite things to order in is China or as it is more commonly known Chinese.

After watching people like Kylie Kwong or Neil Perry cook up some delicious looking chinese on television Shane would comment "We should have China, that looks great." or "We should have China, we haven't had it in so long." This has been going on for weeks, no make that months. Each time I'd say Okay, sure, soon or something to that effect. Last week we watched Kylie Kwong again (Yes we do watch lots of cooking shows) and I promised that we would have it this weekend.

So a promise is a promise. We went to some friends house for dinner. We ordered from our favourite Chinese restaurant, (Canton Chinese Restaurant. Monaro Street, Queanbeyan) and gorged ourselves on Vietnamese Spring rolls, Dim Sims, Lamb, Pork, Chicken and Beef. 

An excellent way to spend a Saturday night.

A sign of an excellent meal.

Day 7 - Smile for the Camera

Ava

Taking photos of the girls hasn't always been easy.

In the beginning, it was rather easy, because they were sleeping and always looked so peaceful.

Then they became mobile. They would rarely sit still for a picture, it was often blurred or I'd capture their ear or other random part of their head.

Next, they have been so interested in things that they never want to actually look at the camera.

Now, with thanks to digital technology, the girls, in particular Ava, are happy to stand and say cheese a for a few good minutes in hope that they will see themselves on the little screen at the back of the camera.

It makes for some very interesting pictures with them saying 'cheese' and showing all their teeth. However, every now and then I capture a photo like my photo of today. A seemingly natural photo with big beautiful eyes and a cheeky little smile. Magic.

Day 6 - A Pot of Tea

When I was younger I always thought tea pots were for older people.

I realise now tea solves so many problems. Take today, for instance. Olivia and Ava had their first mini session at daycare. As ready as I thought I was, tears came to me after I had left them. So Shane and I went and had a calming cup of tea while we waited to go back and pick them up.

Later this afternoon, I went for a pot of tea with a friend. This photo symbolises all the pots of tea I have shared with others.  There are many reasons for these pots of tea: to share stories, bad days, good days, tantrums, milestones, a gossip, a pot of tea to share some homemade slice or just because we needed something to do.

However, the best cup of tea, is the cup of tea that is lovingly made by my husband every night. I am currently enjoying one of these as I write this blog. Bless him.

Day 5 - Little Friends

3 little friends.

I met some of my newest, yet greatest friends through a Pre-Natal Class before having the girls. The three of us used to be attached at the hips I am sure. Coffee, walks, cookies, lunch, playdates, tears, tantrums, teeth, milestones and much more... we have been through it all and personally I am looking forward to much more.

We'd get together 2, maybe 3, times a week. We'd often walk Lake Burley Griffin, Bridge to Bridge. It was such a great out together and we'd end it with a coffee and maybe a cookie.... well ok, there was always a cookie!

Today, was a walk around the lake with one of them. Mel and I let the three kids out to have a little run around at the lake. It is nice to watch how they interact with one another. It started with Olivia feeding Patrick, then Ava hugging Patrick, Patrick being chased by the girls and finally Olivia, Ava and Patrick chasing a seagull. What gorgeous little friends we have created from our own friendship. Just beautiful to watch.

Day 4 - Swings

To Swing means to move back and forth suspended. Something so simple brings such joy and laughter.

We have a swing for the girls and have put it up at Nanny and Poppy's place. The girls make a run for the swing as soon as they get out into the backyard. Olivia is usually the first on the swing and stays on it until we have to go home. Today, we were there long enough for both of them to have a go.

Ava was in fits of giggles watching her cousins play in the backyard while she had her turn in the swing.

Her laughter is so infectious. I love it.

Day 3 - Grandma

A grandmother holds

her grandchildren's hands

for a while...

Their hearts forever

Day 2 - Birthday Cake

Today I captured Olivia blowing out the candles of their toy birthday cake. She and her sister got it for their 1st birthday. They both love playing with it and blowing the candles out, or sometimes just eating the candles.

I think she is preparing herself for her 2nd birthday in 5 months. I just hope that she realises, her toy candles are very different to real candles... otherwise there could be some burnt fingers.

Day 1 - New Years Day

2011 is here. What a hot start we had!

The delayed arrival of Summer gave us a good excuse to blow up the pool for the first time. I thought they'd love it considering they enjoy going swimming. It was one of the coolest places to be on our 37 degree day today (other than inside in the air conditioning!)

Ava and Olivia 19 months

Interestingly, they did not sit down once in the pool, I wonder if that is because they have only been in heated pools until today. We are a sun safe family, however Olivia thought it was better if her hat had a swim as well! Lucky it was hot enough to dry quickly.

It has become quite a challenge to photograph Olivia and Ava together now they are older. Life was so much simpler when all they did was eat and sleep!