Spring is springing

The weather is finally warming up! The last few days here have been in the mid-5os, which has been awesome. We've been able to get outside, take some walks and enjoy some fresh air. The babies don't enjoy the walks quite as much as Mommy does, but I think a lot of that has to do with the sun. It really gets in their eyes, and the sun shields on their car seats really do nothing to block it. We currently use a snap n' go stroller, which is why they are in their car seats, but Crackers ordered Charlie and Lily a brand new double jogging stroller so pretty soon they will be taking their walks in serious comfort and style (and hopefully shade!).

Both babies are doing well. Charlie is loving his jumperoo - he bounces like crazy in it and grabs for all the toys. Lily is her usual busy and curious self. She still rolls from back to front every chance she gets, but this evening she actually rolled back - from her belly to her back! She's never done this before and while Mommy was in the other room Daddy got to see it. We're hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow!

Our main challenge right now is napping. The babies take three naps a day on a good day. Lily is a girl who needs her sleep. She becomes a miserable mess when she's tired. However, now whenever it's time for a nap she gets MAD. I swaddle her and bring her to the nursery and she just screams and cries and arches her back and wails. The whole time I'm just rocking her and going "Shhhhh" but she'll have none of it. She carries on like this for 3-5 minutes, then falls asleep. It's easy for me to be patient because I know that she is going to go to sleep, I just wish it didn't have to be so rough! She does not do this at bedtime or in the middle of the night - just at nap time and just for me. She does not cry for Joe, Crackers or Grandma. When they are rocking her to sleep she spends her time laughing at them, cooing, smiling and trying to get them to play with her. My theory is that she hopes that she can manipulate them into playing, but she knows I won't fall for it so she's mad. I'm hoping it's something she grows out of soon!

Charlie has been doing a great job going down for naps most of the time. At nap time I lay Charlie in his crib and turn on his mobile while I rock Lily (there is no putting Lily in the crib as she will scream like a nut). For the past several days he has been falling asleep all on his own, which is great! However, he doesn't sleep quite as long as Lily. His naps are shorter, he wakes up more at night and he gets up earlier. Joe has two weeks of spring break coming up soon and the babies will be close to 6 months adjusted so we're going to try to work on some sleep training while he's home. Hopefully we'll be able to get the babies to go to sleep on their own and start sleeping through the night. Fingers crossed!

Daddy and Lily hanging on the couch watching some TV. (Notice that Lily is clutching her new favorite toy, the maraca.) While Daddy and Lily were chilling Mommy and Charlie were in the kitchen making some apple crisp and dancing to Lady Gaga.
About to get ready for bed.

This is why Lily must be strapped into the bouncer at all times.

Mr. Angelic.

"Look Charlie! Can you believe the poodle is wearing this skirt?! It does nothing for her hips. Are you looking?"