7 months || 28 April

Sebastian cut two teeth this week. Two in one day. He is all-out crawling, pulling himself up on things, no longer satisfied being a baby. This morning we found him standing up in his crib calling "mamama". (He said his next trick is crawling down the stairs). He weighs 13.13, loves avocados and now hates sweet potatoes. He can do without a spoon and prefers to feed himself, thank-you-very-much. We do try to keep up with him.

Katharina continues to develop her vocal cords; she really is quite impressive. She likes scooting backwards, loves bath-time, and hates her brother's fingers in her mouth. She prefers being spoon-fed, but she will hand-feed herself if she has to (though slimy squash between her fingers creeps her out). She gives delicious kisses and will make a "scary face" if you ask. She is 13 pounds 15 ounces of snuggles and giggles.

Surprised by joy.

I'm tear-filled overwhelmed as I write this. My inbox is overflowing. I can't keep up with the notifications.  Family and friends, here and back home. The response to our news has utterly blown us away. And that is an under-statement. Stirred, moved, dumbfounded. We are overcome with happiness, surprised by joy. Overwhelmed.

We are so very blessed above and beyond what we could ever deserve.

Surprised, overwhelmed.

I can't leave it. Blessed.

I realize I use that word to describe our life-full quite often. It just seems so right.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

-Psalm 127:3-5

Despite circumstances, the above truth remains, and that is a sobering reality.

To all you wise-ones, the perspective-keepers -- thank you a million times over, from all of us. All 5 of us.

Coming soon.

October 2012. . . 

 just a few short weeks after our twins' first birthday. . .

Trip 2 to the Consulate

We've got a little boy that's army-style mobile, and is about to become even more so. He's up on all-fours, into everything, almost-crawling man, big-kid style. He rolls off the big bed, the couch, and flips out of his Bumbo. Basically, he's smarter (and quicker) than us. He has little birdie legs and big Hobbit feet. His patchy, black-brown hair is well past his ears, and his Papa is contemplating a haircut. He loves to talk and give kisses. He's an attention-seeker, a people-pleaser, a heartthrob.

And there's a little girl that sings all the live-long day. She's sugar and spice and everything nice. She smiles at everything and everyone, and we're not sure she can cry. Her head of hair is thick and beautiful. It's dark and golden, but when she's in the sun it's fiery red. We're eagerly waiting to see what it does with time. She rolls and scoots everywhere, her favorite taste is her toes, though avocados are becoming neck-and-neck. She loves naps, she loves playtime. She is a little darling.

With a little hesitation and little options, we hauled them to Edinburgh via train yesterday for our second trip to the Consulate. 3 cabs, 2 train rides, miles upon miles walked, nearly 2 hours at the Consulate General, and I declare,

they are troopers!

Not a scream, hardly a cry, just baby giggles and flirty smiles all the way. My husband now feels it is safe to say they are easy to travel with. Praise the Lord they're adaptable, flexible, easy-going. Not a missed feed, not a skipped nap. They're chill, go-with-the-flow children.

And now, for that transatlantic flight. Our confidence has been boosted.

Picnic on the Sands.

West Sands

Our children will be able to say they curled
their toes in the sands of the North Sea before they
turned six months old.

Scottish sun looks good on them, wouldn't you agree?

Their first picnic on at the Sea. Entirely fascinated by the sea gulls and
waves.

28 March || 6 months

It's another cheat post.

Yes, another one. If you haven't caught on, that's what those linked-up posts were about. Well, and because I liked the content. Honest.

Truth is, we've been so busy. The weather's warming up (mid to high 60's! Today was 70, yes.), the wind is settling, the sun is blazing, and we haven't spent much time at home.

This week began Peter's two-week long Spring Break. Our exciting journey to Marseille (yes, that is in France) was halted when we realized an important detail: our wee ones don't have passports, or visas to get back into the country. So, we're spending break in the UK. Getting passports and social security numbers.

enjoying mama's new handbag (suitcase?), but seriously
worrying about getting lost in there.

one day he hopes to be just like his papa.

We've taught Sebastian "kiss".
Ask him for one and he'll hold your face tight in his
hands and plant one straight on your mouth.
They're good.  Really good. Tongue and all. 

just another sunny day in our garden.

___________________________________________________

madly in love with this man.

Family self-portrait attempts:

take 1. not off to a great start.

take 43.

take 58.

take 65.

Time's up. We're heading out for Edinburgh bright and early tomorrow morning and I cannot wait. I've missed that city. Time to get packed up!

Stay tuned for pictures of one way we've enjoyed Spring Break + 60 degree weather this week! They'll be up shortly. . .