12-0

Somehow both Ohio State and Notre Dane football teams are now undefeated in the regular season, but thanks to some inappropriate Buckeye behavior a couple years ago we won't be a house divided for the championship. We will be united in cheering for the Fighting Irish. We had fun dressing up for the last college football Saturday in the Kwartler house.

Fierce Determination

Now that the girls roll over there are ready to start going places. Brenna definitely is. Every time I place her on her back she rolls over, pushes with her legs and pulling on the blanket with her hands until she gets frustrated and we turn her back over. Then again, repeat, and so on. I keep telling her she doesn't have to work so hard. It will come. There is time, but her fierceness tells her otherwise. She also got her first tooth a few days ago. I have heard they come in pairs, but I haven't found its partner yet. It appears to be an upper lateral incisor, but I'm no dentist. Too fast I tell you! Things are moving too darn fast. Ted and I get panicked at the thought of baby proofing for twins. We need to start that project ASAP!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent the holiday with friends and their families. It was lovely. We are grateful for countless blessings and the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa Kelly's weeklong visit starting Tuesday night!

Mom and the Girls

Trying to stay physically strong and practicing taking photos with the forward facing iPhone camera.

Rolling and Rolling

What a big day yesterday! Fourteen weeks brings lots milestones. Nora decides to just roll over. One minute she's on her back and the next she's on her stomach. She hasn't been practicing very long unlike her sister who has been 90% for 4 weeks now. Nora proceeded to roll over 4 more times during the day.

Erica mentioned that Williams's Dr said to not swaddle at night once he could roll over. That made sense to us and we had been playing with the idea of abandoning the swaddles anyway. But, without swaddles the girls definitely do not fit in the co sleeper together. The next decision; should they sleep separately? We thought that was too much change for one night. OK, so how can they sleep together in our room? Let's move the crib in. Oh wait, the crib doesn't fit through the doorways! Only in the Kwartler house do we disassemble/reassemble a crib at 9pm. :)

Not to be out done by her sister once we put Brenna in the crib she rolled over from her back to front. Seriously? The same day? To be fair Brenna did roll over from her belly to her back 2 weeks ago, but I didn't think that counted for some reason. I have since learned that it does.

It was a rough night for the adult nighttime caretaker (Mom's turn) with all this change. Hopefully the girls will adjust to not being swaddled and we can get back to our previously delightful sleeping nights. Maybe not. I knew there would be more sleepless nights in our future and they are worth it.

Welcome Home Dad

Last night Ted got home, washed his hands, and went straight away to snuggle with Brenna who promptly spit up all over him. It happens, no big deal. He changed his shirt and then picked up Nora who promptly spit up all over him as well. We were hysterical with laughter.

Family Walk

Yesterday we took a stroll around the neighborhood wearing the babies. This was Ted's first time. He was only a little nervous. He said it felt more secure than he thought it would.

Yes, Nora is wearing her Notre Dame victory socks:)

Lazy Weekend

After busy social events for the past week this lazy weekend was welcome. Plus Notre Dame football is now ranked #1!!! I don't think we thought this day would come. Brenna got so excited she passed out in this obviously comfortable position. Nora has held her own bottle on a couple occasions; an 8 ounce glass bottle! That sucker is heavy even though its only filled with 6 ounces. It's neat to watch her hands try to balance the effort on each side.

Ted and I were talking about how incredible it is to watch their development. For instance, they know how to interpret our facial expressions. Showing teeth in other mammals is considered a sign of aggression, but they know its a friendly smile. Also, their natural instinct to want to roll over. Witnessing them we feel more connected to humanity which is a great feeling.

Too Fast!

Ted and I were talking about how Brenna and Nora are growing up too fast. They are 13 weeks as if yesterday and we want things to slow down a bit.

Last night Brenna was doing her extreme tummy time with her legs and upper body lifted at the same. She actually rolled onto her back and git quite startled. I am amazed at her strength. I'm pretty sure she has started teething and spends lots of time in the position in the photo; partly rolled over intensely gnawing on her hand until she gets frustrated. She is certainly a feisty Leo.

Nora found her voice in the last few days and we've been having some fun conversations. I love watching every muscle in her face move to make sounds. When I find an easier way to post videos from my iPhone to the blog I will share.

12 weeks!

Oh my. Twelve weeks already! Nora and Brenna melt my heart more and more each day. These photos are from our no diaper/massage time as they adore the ceiling fan in our bedroom. They will actually coo and flirt with it. Ridiculously cute if this proud Mama does say so herself :)

Very Belated Halloween

Dad was a magician (for the second year) at work thanks to the Halloween bin in the garage.  The girls sported their fancy bibs.  Maybe Mom will get some costumes together for next year.  We had lots of trick or treaters who helped themselves to the bowl of candy I left outside.  They started before Ted got home and I couldn't attend to the doorbells.  We got a lovely visit from our old neighbors all dressed up in their costumes which was a treat itself.