Shopping & friends

Today we visited a nearby shopping plaza, where they make Pawley's Island Hammocks. It's similar to Nags Head Hammocks, but Mommy says she still fonder of Nages Head Hammocks. We did a little bit of shopping (as much as I could tolerate) until we found a playground in the middle of the shopping area. I was finally happy that I was able to burn off some energy and meet some new friends. I made a boyfriend while we played in the magical castle together. He wasn't playing like I wanted so I had to "direct" him a bit. But he was so nice that I gave him a hug and told him I loved him.

I have a lot of new friends this week. I have a whole herd of horses now. We didn't bring a lot of toys to play with inside so Granny got me some new friends to hang out with this week, "pokies" (read: ponies). I like my ponies. We also have a friend at our beach house, a real lizard. Pawpaw is trying to catch him so I can take him home with me!

Brookgreen Gardens

It's so nice to wake up, walk downstairs and see the ocean out your living room window. I enjoyed eating my yogurt and grapenuts this morning in the high chair while I watched the waves crash on the shore. It was so invigorating, that I was deeply upset when Mommy and Daddy wouldn't immediately take me to the ocean. Instead, we visited this place called Brookgreen Gardens. It's pretty cool. They have a natural habitat zoo. We saw cows, horses, chickens, otters, alligators, foxes and lots and lots of birds (like the one in the picture above.) We had a nice lunch and then we walked through pretty gardens with lots of cool statues. I enjoyed talking to the lions. I also tried to jump into the many water fountains throughout the gardens, but Mommy and Granny wouldn't let me because they said it was full of goose poop! It was a pretty neat place. The cool thing is you pay once and then you can go back to the park all week.

After very, very short naps this afternoon, Daddy and Pawpaw took us to the beach while Granny and Mommy shopped. Once again, I didn't care for the sand. Lilly, however, became so hungry that she started to eat it! It's been a pretty fun day, and I only suffered three meltdowns today!

We've added a link (on the links section) to Brookgreen Gardens so you can see more of it for yourself. Enjoy!

-- Belle

Sleep deprived, but having fun

Well, as always when we travel, the second day is the worst. We're so excited when we arrive that we just can't take a minute to sleep. Therefore, the second day of our trip (whenver we go anywhere), we're usually a bit grouchy. I must say Belle has been extremely grouchy today. I, on the other hand, am pretty pleasant, regardless of how much sleep I get. I'm sure you can guess that when given the option between taking a nap or continuing an activity -- say going swimming in the ocean -- Belle never chooses a nap!

So needless to say, Belle was quite the grouch today. I slept for a couple of hours while Daddy played with Belle in the ocean. I heard that once again Belle did not like the sand and would not walk in it until she got near the water. I was fine not going to the beach this morning, Mommy said the water was nice and warm but the air was cool and so it wasn't very comfortable. And then when it came time for an afternoon nap, Belle wouldn't sleep again. so we went for a ride in the car, which is the only time we got some rest. There sure is a lot to do here at Pawley's Island. We toured the island a bit and picked up some bait to go fishing. There is a pier near our house, so Daddy and Mommy were going to take us fishing. However, we discovered -- much to our dismay -- that the pier is privately owned and only the people staying in nearby condos can use it!

I didn't make it down to the beach today, because Belle was ban from the beach as punishment for her bad behavior. So we hung around the house, which is fine with me. I was able to explore the stairs -- four actually -- until Mommy discovered me. Then every time I tried to escape to the stairs again, Mommy was right on my tail. She just wouldn't let me be.

Well, tomorrow we'll have new adventures and one of us will write to tell you all about it.

With love, Lilly

P.S. By the way, we've added a link to the blog for Pawley's Island. There is a webcam on a house just up the beach. You may catch us on it one day. At the very least, you can see the weather down here as you listen to the waves.

Wipe out on Pawley's Island

Hello from Pawley's Island, S.C.!

We're on our first vacation with Granny and Pawpaw. What a trip. It took a long time to get here. After our 8th hour and no naps, we were ready to get out of the car. I (Belle) was so excited to see Granny and Pawpaw and our home for the week. There are three floors for me to run wild. I have my own room with bunk beds. I'm a big girl so I'm sleeping on the bottom bunk. For weeks, all Daddy has talked about is the ocean and finally today I got to see the ocean. Even though I visited the ocean with Grandma and Grandpa Bott last year, I didn't really remember the sand. I didn't like the feel of it at first and told Mommy "eewww!" But I quickly got over that and ran into the ocean. Daddy took me out pretty far into the ocean. I loved it and even though I feel on my face, it wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying the water.

Lilly enjoyed the water too. As you can see from the video, she had her first spill too! Mommy thought she was back enough from the water that the little waves wouldn't hurt Lilly, but one was too much for her and sent her toppling. We sure had a good time at the beach. I didn't want to leave, but Daddy said we'd go out early again tomorrow.

Now that Mommy and Daddy have a new camera & Pawpaw brought his laptop to the beach with us, we'll try to update everyone each day on our vacation. We're going to visit a botanical garden this week and maybe even the aquarium. Mommy said we'd have to see because it's still an hour drive to the aquarium and she isn't too eager to get back into the car with us.

Tah-tah!

Belle

Big girls

Well, since everyone has been begging Mommy for some news.... we thought we'd better get on Blogger and write to everyone.

We've had our first hotel stay during Labor Day weekend. Let's just say Belle and I didn't care for it and so Mommy and Daddy paid a hefty price. In the end, we won. We came home early and got to sleep in our own beds. Although, we had plenty of rest on Sunday, Belle is still a bit cranky and tired this week. Geesh, she can be a grouch! Daddy turned her crib into a big girl bed, which I think is cool too. I just need another inch or two and I'll be able to climb into Belle's bed too! It sure looks cool without bars all around you. Course, I think Mommy and Daddy would prefer to have the bars, as I hear them talk about how Belle is up several times a night and wonders into their bedroom.

So Mommy and Daddy are really pushing Belle on this "big girl" thing. First the bed and then the potty. Several times a day she has to sit on this thing called a potty. I guess, I wouldn't mind it either if I was getting candy and presents for it! Belle also got a "big girl" haircut on Monday. Mommy said she bribed her with candy during the haircut. Afterward, Mommy took her to the toy store, where she bought Belle a train called Henry from the Thomas the Train set. I sure like that train too, but Belle is pretty stingy with it.

Belle was supposed to start pre-school on Wednesday, but because it's been a week full of changes, Mommy said she could start on Monday. They're hoping for the best that she'll actually enjoy school and like her teacher. From what I heard, their first meeting didn't go well at orientation.

As for me, I'm busy learning how to walk. I still haven't mastered standing on my own, but I'm getting there. With the help of a toy car that you push (that apparently Aunt Sara bought for Belle) I'm able to walk across the living room floor. I can still scoot pretty fast on my hands and knees too.

Sorry, we don't have photos or video of me walking or Belle's new haircut for you to see. Mommy and Daddy's camera broke. They are shipping it off to be repaired so hopefully we'll have photos again soon. In the meantime, here's a picture of Belle playing in her classroom with her new teacher.

Schoolhouse Rocks!

Belle
It's been so hot lately that I've been spending a lot of time indoors. Needless to say, I'm feeling a little cooped up. I've been itching to get out so much that today I asked if we could go see Elmo! Daddy laughed at me. So I asked if we could go to church. Of course, we missed church this morning because Lilly and me are sick. Actually Mommy is too. We're pretty sure we got a disease (virus) from the swimming pool last week. It's called hand,foot and mouth disease. We all have snotty noses, sore throats and blisters in our mouth. And we're tired! So we've been hanging out all weekend. One thing I like to do when I hang out is watch videos. One of my favorites is Conjunction Junction, Junction, Junction on Schoolhouse Rocks! I also like Lolly, Lolly Lolly's. It's fun to sing along too. Mommy says I should enjoy my time at home because before too long I start pre-school. Two mornings a week, I'll be attending Growing Place at Christ Church on Quarrier Street. It's a lot of change so Daddy is taking me to orientation this week so I can see my classroom and meet my teacher.

Belle well-visit update: She weighs 30 lbs. 2 oz. and is 37 1/2 inches tall.

Lilly
Boy, being sick is for the birds. I can't breath out of my nose, which makes it difficult to eat, sleep, or well, do anything. It's been a rough couple of days with this virus. Daddy has been nice enough to keep me company at night when I can't sleep and I'm just out of sorts.
I'm still having fun playing with Belle, though. Yesterday, we were playing in her room with our Noah the Arc animals and she pulled out her Playschool doctor's set. So I decided I wanted to play with that too. But she didn't want me to play with it so she took all the instruments and ran to the other side of the room. Now that I've mastered crawling on my knees I was on her like a fly on honey in no time. She seems to get annoyed with me a lot and sometimes she tells me to "Go in the other room." But Mommy tells her to be nice and share so I got to play doctor afterall.

Lilly well-visit update: 19 lbs. 2 oz. 29 1/2 inches long. Still only two bottom teeth.

Standing strong

It's nothing for me to pull myself up to a standing position now. I can scoot/crawl along the floor at a pretty quick speed when I have a purpose and destination, like trying to catch Mommy as she heads out the door in the mornings. It won't be long before I'm able to stand without holding on to furniture and then walking and keeping up with Belle (my ultimate goal.) Belle and I are having such a good time these days. I love to laugh at her and watch movies. I especially like to flap my arms to the music. Sometimes, though, Belle still gets annoyed with me and tells me no or "Go in the other room." It's nice when she bursts into my room in the mornings to greet me or when she hands me puffs at dinner because Daddy doesn't get them to me fast enough. We're playing together pretty well. We have the occasional fight over a favorite toy or book and sometimes it ends badly (like pages ripped out of books). For the most part, though, Belle and I are becoming best friends.

Hot days

Boy has it been hot outside! It's frustrating for me because Granny, Daddy and Mommy won't let me go outside to play. I keep hearing them talk about a heat index and say it's dangerous. All I know is it's sunny and there are things to do outside. Mommy took us on walks in the evenings early in the week, but even then it was pretty warm outside. We had to drink a lot of water when we came inside. I'm pretty frustrated just hanging out inside all day, every day. So to change things up a bit, Mommy took us to Granny's on Thursday to play there. We spent a good bit of time at Granny & Pawpaw's last weekend since Granddaddy was in from Florida for a visit. When we visit Granny and Pawpaw, I like to play in the windowsill.

ABC's

Mice, bats and bears, oh my!

Belle

We just returned from a week-long vacation with Grandma & Grandpa Bott and Aunt Sara. We had a wonderful time at Watoga State Park. I enjoyed the many animals we saw -- some more closely than Mommy would have liked. A field mouse visited our kitchen in the rustic cabin every night; a small black bear walked behind our cabin one afternoon and Grandma discovered a bat flying around in the living room one night during the end of our week. (She had to sleep with the light on so it would buzz around all night!) We had many great adventures including swimming in Watoga's chilly pool. I didn't mind after a while. I enjoyed swimming with my new life vest that Grandpa bought for me. I had a great time getting wet all week -- including playing in the river at Cass Scenic Railroad. With Mommy's help, I also caught six fish on our last night in the park. We fished for bluegills on the backside of the lake, which was very near our cabin. On the way back to the cabin (we decided to leave early since we had already embarassed Grandpa, Aunt Sara and Daddy with our fine fishing skills!), we saw three deer! We had a such a great time that I've been telling everyone about all the animals since we returned!

Lilly

Whew! What an exhausting week. I didn't sleep very well, which is to say that no one slept very well last week -- since we were, afterall, staying in tight quarters. Belle sure did enjoy running around in the woods all week! She loved playing with the rocks and sticks and looking at all the animals. I, however, was less than impressed with the woods or with fishing. I didn't enjoy fishing at the lake on the first night so Grandma stayed home with me the second time everyone went fishing. What I did enjoy this week was riding on Daddy's back in this great new toy. I got so slap Daddy's head and had a great view of everyone. After the inital shock of the cold water in the pool, I also enjoyed swimming. The exciting news for me this week was I pulled myself up for the first time -- while playing in the living room of our cabin. Now I try every chance I get!

Sisterly love

Belle and I have been playing a lot more. She calls me her "little baby sister" now. While we're getting along pretty well, Belle isn't always very nice. She still doesn't share very well. Sometimes, when I'm playing with Elmo she comes up and takes him from me. All in all, though, we're becoming pretty good friends.

I'm learning more each day. Although I haven't mastered crawling, I am trying to pull myself up to a standing position. I just want to be able to keep up with Belle and play with all the cool stuff that she has. Mommy said we didn't have a box for me to play in (like Belle did when she was a baby) so we compromised and I got to hang out in the laundry basket. Daddy even pushed me around in it for a bit.

I'm getting so big and learning so much -- like learning to stand up -- that Daddy had to lower my crib to the lowest setting. Since they did that, I was able to reach the cord to the air conditioner, so Daddy had to move my bed. Then Mommy decided to take the bumper out too. It was all too much change for me. I was not happy with it and I let them know by crying for three hours Saturday night. Between me being upset and Belle having her issues, Daddy and Mommy only slept for a few hours Saturday. So Mommy decided to give me my bumper back and all is right with the world again!

Crawling

Learning to read (sort of)

I have a new favorite book, "Snug House, Bug House." I help Mommy read it, as you can see in the video.

Fun at FestivALL

Belle

Today, downtown Charleston turned into a work of art. Mommy and Daddy took us downtown to watch clowns and belly dancers. I jumped briefly on an inflatable obstacle course. I held onto my orange balloon for about 30 seconds before it floated away in the air, much to my dismay. It sure was fun. We enjoyed listening to a local band at Davis Park and I even danced some before I realized Daddy was filming me. We were in awe of the really tall man walking around. He was pretty funny.

To learn more about FestivALL ( and see an interactive map that Mommy's friend, M.K., designed) visit http://media.cnpapers.com/festivall/

Becoming friends

Belle

Lilly and I are quickly becoming friends. We laugh together. Sometimes I share toys with her. We swim together in our new swimming pool that Aunt KaKa gave us. And occasionally, I'll keep her company while she plays in her playpen. She sometimes gets upset that she's cooped up in the playpen and I can run around. I overheard Daddy telling her it was time to get mobile. It sure will be fun when we can chase each other around the house. For now, Granny helps Lilly chase after me.

Lilly

I had a break-through with Mommy and Daddy yesterday at dinner. They finally are starting to understand that I'm trying to communicate with them when I babble -- that I'm not just trying to overpower Belle's screams. Mommy realized I was signing "please" at dinner the other night -- trying to get Daddy to give me some more puffs. I kept signing and was rewarded each time with a delicious puff. I said delicious, because that's what Belle says when food is good. She says, "This pizza is delicious," or "This grape is delicious."

It's been so hot lately. We sure had fun playing in our new swimming pool. It's like a mini-water amusement park -- right in our back yard.

Hot days!

It's been so hot lately that Mommy and Daddy took us swimming on Friday. We visited the Wave Pool in Hurricane. It was so exciting to see this big area of water! I could hardly contain myself. I just jumped right in and headed full force into the water. Mommy tried to explain to me that the water gets deeper and would go over my head, but I didn't care. Water went into my mouth a few times, but it only distracted me shortly. Daddy stayed with me in the deep end for a while, while Mommy played with Lilly near the shallow end. I was not a happy camper when we had to leave because the pool was closing.

On Sunday, Mommy and Daddy tried to take us on a walk along the Boulevard, which one half is closed on Sundays for families to walk, ride bikes, etc. As soon as I saw the river, I was excited. I thought we were going swimming. I tried to head straight over the hill to the water, but Mommy wouldn't let me. So we came home and played in our water tower and Elmo sprinkler instead.

Our new swing set!

It took Grandpa, Daddy, Aunt Sara, Grandma and Pawpaw all helping (but mostly Grandpa and Daddy) and two days to assemble but we finally have a new swing set. (and of course, I had to get in the mix and help Grandpa too).) Mommy wasn't sure about getting a swing set for big kids, but I showed her I'm old enough to handle this fun toy. I easily climbed the rock wall and flew down the slide. Whee! It's so much fun. Aunt Sara pushed me on the glider. Tomorrow, we're adding a swing for Lilly. She had fun watching me play on it today!

That's some good chin

When I get around Mommy, I just can't resist. I love the taste of her chin. We had a busy weekend around here. Lots of folks visiting us.... Belle had a party. I got a present from Aunt KaKa too, though. We each got a stuffed kitty. Grandma says those are the best pets because they're easy to take care of. In Belle's entry you can learn more about our weekend and her(our) new toy.

It's Nemo('s cousin)

I turned 2 today. To celebrate my special day, Mommy and Daddy gave me a special friend -- Nemo. It's not exactly Nemo, but he is orange and white. I was so excited to see my new fish friend that I squealed and shook with joy! He has a special glass home and lives on the mantle in the living room now. I tried to play with him, but Mommy kept telling me, "don't touch." She said I could hurt him if I tried to grab him. So once a day I'll get to help feed him.

I'm 2!

I turn two today. Mommy said she's can't believe how big I'm getting. Each day is a new adventure. Today, we went to Granny's house to hang out. I realized it shortly after we reached Institute and started asking for Granny. And then Mommy told me we were going to see Granny. So I replied, "Okay, we'll go see Granny." Later, I told Granny I didn't like pears. Besides my conversation skills, here are some other skills I'm working on. (Note from Mommy: Belle knows the "northern version" of Pattycake that ends with "roll it, pat it, mark it with a B for Belle and me."

Growing up

Lilly

I'm not too fond of this getting older stufff. I mean Mommy and Daddy seem to really be pushing for me to "grow up." I had an accident in the bumbo chair so now I have to sit in the high chair. I really don't like it and I let them know about it. One thing I do like about growing up and getting bigger -- I finally get to turn my seat around in the car too. Now I can see all the things that Belle sees when we travel in the car. I was happy as a jaybird on the way home from Granny and Pawpaw's Saturday.

Belle

Lilly and I are both growing up -- too fast Mommy says. I'll turn 2 on Thursday. They keep telling me I'm going to have a birthday party. I'm not sure what that means but we're working on saying "Happy Birthday" and "I'm two." One other task Mommy and Daddy are trying to train me in is going to the potty. They say I understand just fine how it works I just need to go. I know you go "pee-pee and poo-poo" or "wee-wee and woo-woo" on the potty. I'll even sit and read a book on the potty, but I just don't feel like using the potty yet.

One area that Lilly and I are both struggling is in sharing toys. She wants to play with all of my toys now. And I don't like her to play with them. I often get in trouble for taking them away. Yesterday, though, we did share a bit and colored in my new Dora coloring book together.

First surgery

It isn't the most flattering picture, but we wanted everyone to see the results of my first surgery today. Mommy said I was a brave girl. It sure was a long wait to see the doctor. I waited for nearly 4 hours. I couldn't eat or drink and I was getting upset about it. Then Mommy took me back to a bright room with a bunch of nurses. They had already asked me if I like bubblegum, cherry or strawberry for the scent of my mask. I chose strawberry because I really like them. Even that wasn't enough to keep me calm though. I cried and it took longer for the medicine to put me under. Dr. Taraji said I had "pimple" on all four lids. He had to clean them all out. They water a lot now. He also told Mommy and Daddy that I have to go back to the dermatologist to figure out what's causing these pimples so they don't come back or I could have to have this surgery again. We definitely don't want to do that!

High Maintenance

We're not spoiled. We're just high maintenance. That's us -- HMGs (high maintenance girls). Granny found us these matching cute onesies. We're doing pretty well. My eyes (Belle) are still giving me trouble. I have to have surgery on Tuesday to alleviate the swelling on my eyelid. Mommy said she's upset that they will have to put me to sleep, but she wants my eyes to get better. This has gone on for too long, she says.

Lilly sits up well now and laughs a lot. She likes to grab at me. I don't like her to touch me. I only give her a kiss goodnight and say, "night, night, lilly." We're looking forward to playing this weekend -- since Mommy and Daddy both have the day off on Monday now. Yeah!

First movie

Belle

Today was an exciting day. I saw my first movie in a theater. Mommy and Daddy took a chance and let me go see Shrek the Third. We ate popcorn and Raisinettes and drank some Icee, which I got on my shirt. I was so excited when the kitty came on the screen that I yelled Meoow for the whole audience to hear. It was pretty neat, but after about an hour I wanted to run up to the front of the theater. So we didn't get to see the ending. Daddy says we'll have to wait for it to come out on video.

Sitting on my own!

Finally! I can sit on my own for a good 30 seconds at a time. I do better, however, when I'm distracted by a toy or watching Belle get into trouble. I still would prefer to be cuddled or just hang out on the floor where I can roll around easily or learn how to crawl.

We had such a nice visit with Grandma Bott last weekend. It was pretty outside so she took us for a wagon ride. Since it was so sunny, Mommy made me wear this hat so I wouldn't get sunburned. I didn't care to wear it, but every time I took it off she just put it right back on my head.

Meow!

Well, we have to share this tragic story with you. A neighborhood cat (read: stray) came to our house last Friday. So we decided to befriend it (read: feed and pet it). Belle, of course, loved this since she doesn't have any of her own pets. Everything was going along just fine... until I go to get the camera. I'm trying to take pictures of Belle with the cat and it gets annoyed with her and attacks her right arm. Needless to say, I was upset. Belle cried and ran to me. Andrew was inside, but was ready to track down the animal and end its life. The cat scratched and bit her a few times on the arm. It bled a little. We called the Humane Society and her pediatrician's office to confirm we were handling the situation correctly, including trapping the animal to be quarrantined. Belle wasn't happy when we had to clean her wounds with alcohol. The sad thing is she was more upset that the kitty she loved so much decided to be mean to her and then left. She kept going to the door and saying, "Kitty, where are you?" And now, she goes around the house saying, "Meeooow" in the most adorable voice. We're just happy she wasn't hurt more seriously and that it didn't scar her for life.

Play time

It's been so nice lately, that we've been able to get out in the backyard and play. I (Lilly) simply roll around on the blanket. Belle, as you know, can't sit still so she roams the entire yard -- just looking for trouble. Mommy and Daddy are pushing hard on this sitting up business. Today, I sat up for them for a little bit. I guess you have to grow up sometime. I'd rather just skip the sitting and move on to crawling. I'm trying to figure out how to get my legs to work so I can try to keep up with Belle. She sure is fun. We laugh and play together now. Sometimes, she comes up and tries to tickle me. Daddy is pretty good at letting us have a good time. Like today, we played with coffee filters. They make great hats!

Duo bath

Belle

Lilly still isn't sitting up, but Mommy is doing everything she can to encourage her to become a little independent (like making her sit up in the bathtub). I don't understand why she doesn't want to sit up, or crawl -- or just try to get anywhere. I'm always on the go. In fact, Daddy says I can't sit still for five seconds. I had to visit Dr. Jeff (Whittington) from church again today. My left eye is still infected and swollen. Lucky me! I get to have Mommy and Daddy put their finger in my eye while I sleep to get the medicine down under the flap. I'm also now on oral antibiotics to try to kill the infection. Dr. Jeff -- a whats-a-mologist -- someone who looks at eyes -- says if this doesn't work, then we'll have to have the infection surgically removed. I sure hope it goes away because that doesn't sound like fun. Daddy said I gave him and the doctors a work out today. Even three grown-ups couldn't get me to open my eye for the exam.

Lilly

Boy, Mommy just won't let up. She keeps telling me I'm going to be 7 months old next week and I'm still not sitting up. I mean, what's the big deal? What's the rush to grow up? I like being carried around and cuddled. In fact, I like it so much that I'm demanding extra attention at night now. Belle would be mad if she found out, so don't tell her. But I was up hanging out with Mommy and Daddy at midnight last night. And they gave me a bottle to boot! Woo-hoo! I just laughed and played on the bed. They finally gave up and put me in the swing to get me to go to sleep. I sure like hanging out with Belle. She is funny. We had a good time in the bath together. I suppose Mommy does have a point. I have grown too long to lie down in the infant tub. It was more comfortable to have my feet hanging out of the seat. I really liked playing with the rubber ducky. Belle is funny and I like her, but she sure doesn't like to share her toys with me.

A special note from Mommy: If you haven't yet seen this video, take a minute to watch it. While I sometimes moan about getting up in the middle of the night with one or the other girl, or dealing with one illness or symptom of another, this video made me realize we should celebrate the girls' lives and be thankful for what we have.

"Are you okay?"

That's my new catchphrase -- "Are you okay?" I often ask Puppy (my stuffed dog), or lamb, Mommy or Daddy, "Are you okay," even though they haven't fallen. Then sometimes I decide to throw myself down and ask myself, "Are you okay?" I also say "scuse me" when I burp, cough or make a noise.

You can't tell from this mugshot photo that I've been spending time behind bars, can you? When I say bars, I mean Mommy and Daddy keep sticking me in time out and I get put in my crib. I mean, what's a nearly 2-year-old girl supposed to do to have fun around here? They keep torturing me with different medicines. I'm on my third round of medicine for the sty on my left eye. Can you see the puffiness in the photo?

We've been pretty busy working around the house. We had a nice visit from Grandpa this weekend. I really like it when he comes because he takes me outside to play. I've been pretty unhappy since the weather has turned cold again. But we bundled up this weekend and Grandpa took me out. We went to the neighbor's house where I slid down the slide on my own. Then when we visited Rippling Waters to see Grandma and Sara during their retreat, I played on the big kid gym set outside. I think I've conned Grandpa Bott into getting my own set!! Happy birthday to me! Grandma and Sara attended a spiritual retreat this weekend so we prayed a lot for them. I have my prayers down now. Sometimes, I have to remind Mommy, Daddy and even Grandpa to pray -- like when we had dinner at Wendy's Saturday night. I placed my hands together and say, "I pray. Jesus, I pray. Amen." Then we all applaud!

How I'm growing...

Well, I'm still not sitting up... but Dr. Rubin assures Mommy that I'm not behind schedule. He did ask me today at my 6-month check-up if I'm "milking it." I'm not sure what that means, but yeah, I would have liked to have some milk at that point. The good news is I'm quite healthy. Everything is as it should be. And Dr. Rubin was determined to make me sit up, but I showed him how stubborn I can be and I wouldn't put my hands down for him. I'm measuring "tall and slim." I weigh 15 lbs. 4 oz. and I am 27 3/4 inches long. The bad news (at least for me) was I had two shots and one oral vaccine today. One shot in each leg. Pretty painful stuff. It's made me kind of cranky today.

Other exciting developments... my first tooth broke through the gum this weekend. A tooth is coming in on the bottom right of my mouth. It's exciting, but it adds to my crankiness.

We had a nice visit with Grandpa Bott this weekend. We visited with Aunt Sara and Grandma Bott some too, but they attended a retreat so we didn't see much of them. We did go visit them at certain points though. I enjoyed meeting new friends and helping Mommy serve breakfast to the people on the retreat. Unfortunately it rained all weekend, so we didn't get out much. In fact, the area where the retreat was held flooded a bit. So we hung out in the house with Grandpa, Mommy and Daddy and watched Mommy make Grandpa and Daddy work like slaves as they redecorated our kitchen.

Balancing act

Lilly

Life sure is a balancing act. From the looks of it, Mommy has had some trouble balancing all her duties lately. Daddy was in NY for a week to watch the Mountaineers win the NIT. So Granny watched us a lot again. Mommy spent a lot of time at work, or the grocery store. Now that Daddy is finally home, life is returning to normal a bit. I'm not sure I like all the attention, though. For some reason, the 'rents are really focused on my motor skill development. Mommy said I have three weeks to learn how to sit up. As you can see, I'm not real interested in it. I wobble and fall over onto the boppy. I chatted with Elmo about it tonight and he said I have time and not to sweat it. I turned six months old on Monday. Daddy and Granny discovered why I have been so cranky lately. I have some teeth developing and nearly break through on the top.

Belle

Hiya! Life at the Beckner house has been crazy. Daddy has been gone so much lately. I sure did miss him. When he came home last week, I couldn't wait to get downstairs to see him. I ran to him, hugged him and kissed him. Mommy celebrated a birthday recently. Unfortunately (for both of us), I had to have a serious and very unpleasant test performed on her birthday. I didn't like the test and the results showed that I still have stage two reflux in my left kidney. But because I haven't had a UTI, I don't have to continue taking antibiotics. On top of all that, I have an eye infection. Every day, Mommy and Daddy have to wrestle me to the ground to put the drops in my eyes. The good news is the weather was nice recently and I was very happy to get outdoors. Now, that Mommy and Daddy are home we'll try to write more.

I don't like my sister!

I don't know why everone is trying to make me be friends with "willwee" (Lilly). She isn't much fun. She spits up a lot. She can't play and sometimes she's fussy. Honestly, she just takes the attention away from me. I don't want to share Mommy and Daddy with her. And everyone tells me I have to be easy with her because she's so wittle and fragile. She sure likes me, though. She laughs at me -- just when I walk by her. When we're riding in the car -- like we did this weekend when we went to Morgantown -- she likes to watch me from her car seat. I, however, ignore her and keep watching my movies. Too bad she's too little to have her own DVD player!

Our recent trip to Morgantown

Lilly

Hello everyone. It's been so busy lately that we haven't had a chance to write. Daddy finally came home from NY last night. We've spent a lot of time with Granny and Pawpaw this week. Thank goodness we have such great grandparents who don't mind watching us, even on a Friday night, because Mommy and Daddy are working!

Last weekend, we visited our relatives in Morgantown. Since I was feeling better I got to meet my new second cousin, Kadence. She still has a lot of hair. I'm wearing a hat because it was pretty cold and I've lost most of my newborn hair. It's coming back in now. I'm certainly happy that Mommy and Daddy are both home this weekend. It took me awhile to recognize Daddy since he was gone so long.

Belle

I've been a little jealous because Lilly has gotten all the attention lately. I have to remind my parents sometimes that I'm in the same room. The best way to get their attention is to do something I'm not supposed to. That sure gets them running! Mommy and Daddy have been happy, though, that I've been more adventurous with food. I will eat some meat now. Occasionally, I'll eat chicken. I shared Daddy's chicken with him last weekend. And I really like French fries now, especially with salt on them!