6 month pictures

I am attempting to attach the link for Payton's 6 month pictures. The photographer managed to capture a few cute ones and she even sat up long enough to get some of her sitting. She is doing so much better with this! Riley wanted to have some pictures of both of them taken too, so what was supposed to be 6 month pictures also turned into pics of our girls:) We of course had to buy one of these too, but got it in black and white so their clothes were not quite as "clashy". Soon we need to go have a new family photo taken....the one we have up was from when Riley was 15 months old. Time for some updating! Hope this works...

http://www.picturepeople.com/sso/publishconfirm.sso?data=c5ASY044kKTXw%2bsGztZQenIeQOAMM0vy1iqB9%2bzZGP0w2CeUwjMWUh6gKumGqhoo

Do they look alike?

People are always asking if the girls look alike. I decided I would post these just for fun and you can decide for yourself.

Here is Riley in December of 2006 (about 6 months)

Here is Payton in January of 2011 (6 months)

You decide...and perhaps I will try and take a picture of Payton in the same clothes that Riley is wearing:) Maybe not twins but definitely look VERY much alike!!!

6 months

Payton turned 6 months last Wednesday....I know....I am a week a behind! On Saturday she rolled over by herself for the first time and is getting pretty close to sitting on her own. She has tried all of the first foods and loves every single one of them. (Except maybe for avocado...) She continues to be a happy baby and is in LOVE with Riley! Her eyes follow her no matter where she goes. Once she starts moving, watch out Riley! She giggles lots and is starting to make some sounds. Payton appears to be a thumb sucker, although is not as attached to her thumb as Riley was to her fingers. She may also be starting to have some signs of stranger danger.

Today I took Payton for her 6 month check up and she is a very healthy girl! Doctor was very pleased with how well she is doing and has given her the green light to start trying some tiny finger foods. We will also start introducing some water in a sippy cup. She was a champ during shots and only really cried because she was exhausted. Tonight you would never have even known that she got 3 shots and the rotovirus "drink". Here is how she measures up:

18 pounds 9 ounces (90th %tile)
26 1/4 inches (66th %tile)
17.4 inches for her head (90th %tile)

She continues to grow although maybe it is beginning to taper off a bit. Just hoping that she can make it in her carrier until spring.

Here are some pics from today at the doctor.


And some pictures of the girls from the past week.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We hope that everyone had a great Christmas surrounded by the ones you love. We felt truly blessed to have so much to celebrate this year and to spend it with so many people who love us. 2010 was a great year for us and we are looking forward to the wonderful things that 2011 has in store for us. Even though it is a little early, Happy New Year!

Last of the gifts exchanged.....

Today we headed to Chrissy's to deliver that last 2 gifts under the tree. Riley and Lucas had a blast playing together. After some happy meals, they also could not wait to try and Riley's present....moon dough! (If you have never played with it....it is an experience all in itself. Not quite sure if I like it yet. But a Riley always says, "it is magic dough because it never dries out!") Layla and Payton had some fun playing on the floor. Layla would have loved to crawl all over Payton if we would have allowed it. It was super cute too because totally unplanned, Layla and Payton had the exact same outfit on, just in different colors. (And even in the same size!) Chrissy and I of course had fun chatting and catching up. Dave was on vacation too, so it was nice for all the adults to be together....and discuss the big IOWA win from the other night. Here are a few pics of the kids.

And a few of them playing with the moon dough.

The day after Christmas

Today we headed out finish our celebrations. We went to Mike's grandma's nursing home and were joined by his dad, Uncle Rod and Aunt Carolee, Matt, Lisa and Jim, and Shannon and her family. Grandma Warren was of course there as well as Grandpa Warren. It was great to all be together to enjoy each others company. We also shared some pizza, sides, and homemade cinnamon rolls (thanks Shannon!). Sorry, but once agan the camera did not come out:( Thanks to Papa Larry for organizing this family get together and making it so nice. It was a wonderful end to a great weekend of celebrations!

Riley continued her fun with a sleepover at Auntie Shannon and Uncle Mike's! She tested out all of their new toys and had a blast:) It is so great that there are so many of them so close in age. In a few years, I am sure that Payton will want in on all the fun!

Christmas Day

Surprisingly, Riley and Payton slept until 8:30 (guess they were worn out from the fiesta last night!). Once up, Riley was downstairs to see if Santa had come and before we could make it down, already unwrapping things. She was so excited to open ALL of our stockings for us. She even sorted things out together that were similar from our stockings. Once she finished stockings, she then opened up her presents. Santa put everything on her list under the tree and that made her very happy. She then opened Payton's presents, which I don't think were quite as exciting. After all the presents were opened, she began playing with them immediately. We had breakfast and then on to get ready for the day. I headed to church soon after and Mike and the girls stayed home to play and get ready. When I got home from church, I was greeted by the cutest thing...wish I would've had my camera. Mike was vacuuming with Payton in the baby bjorn. Riley was helping too I believe and it was just the cutest daddy-daughters moment. (Sorry I only got a few pics of the present opening and all of Riley. Payton was on my lap and it made it tricky to get her in any of them.)

In the afternoon, Erika, Grammy, Papa Bruce, Nana, and Papa T all joined us to continue the celebrations. This year we were also joined by Aunt MaryJo, Uncle Denny, Zach, and Lil! It was so nice to have them here with all of us too. They are usually in Hawaii and therefore it was a special treat. We had lots of great conversation, good food, and of course more presents. Riley helped every person open their presents....no one had to do any work. She was in the Christmas spirit you could say! It was another wonderful day! (Sorry, I did not take any pictures since I was busy being the hostess. Dad got a few and hopefully he will share:) )