16 months (a few days late)

Has it really been since mid-January??? Wow! Sorry about that.... So Amelia and Penelope had their 16 month "birthday" this past week. It is amazing just how fast they are growing and changing and learning. I think I say that on the 3rd of every month though. :)

First let me recap a little to catch up on the past few weeks. In early February, Paul and I took an amazing vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was our third time traveling to that area and once again, we had a terrific week of nothing but sun and sand. And for the first time in a long time, I felt a little like pre pregnancy / pre babies April where I didn't have to really worry about anything but my own schedule. It took a couple days to feel comfortable with that but eventually I got used to it. I would be lying though if I said I wasn't homesick during the week. Every baby and little toddler I saw made me think of my girls and by about Thursday, I was really missing them. I don't think I could do more than about a week away from my sweeties. We did have some drama on the trip home that resulted in renting a car in Atlanta and driving home. Now I suppose that sounds like a pretty drastic measure, but the alternative was waiting for something on stand by for the next 36 hours since the best "confirmed" flight wouldn't be until Monday evening. No thanks! We finally got home late Sunday afternoon and as the memory of that bad final experience fades, I'm left with wonderful (and warm and sunny) thoughts of a great trip. Paul and I really needed that time away together and all the travel issues (both in leaving Ohio and coming home) were worth it.

The rest of February has just flown by as Paul wrapped up another online class and I got super busy at work while fighting off a nasty eye infection. I won't go into any details (the story is just too long) but after about 9 Dr appts over the course of two weeks, I am stuck wearing my glasses for at least another 3+ weeks. And yes, I learned my lesson about the limits of contact lenses and taking good care of my eyes. :D

Earlier in February, the girls had their 15 month check-up and I never got around to posting their stats. Amelia weighed 22lbs 12oz and measured 31.5 inches long. That put her in the 50th and 80th percentiles. Penelope weighed 23lbs 4oz and measured 31.25inches. She was in the 60th and 75th percentiles. Their Dr said they are doing just great and we'll probably see a big change in their speaking and word recognition in the 18 - 24 month period. We are looking forward to that!! Just this past weekend they have started to recognize so many words and will point to what we ask them to show us (Mommy, Daddy, Sissy, Doggy, belly button, nose etc, etc). It is too cute...

Here are a couple pictures from a week or two ago. Both girls are still loving anything that can go on their head and these hats are courtesy of Grandma Reinke.


Amelia at 16 months - silly, mischievous, independent, energetic, can be dramatic but most of all, Lovable

Penelope at 16 months - sweet, goofy, snuggly, laid back, a tiny bit clumsy but most of all, Lovable