8 Months

This is Abbey at 8 months...probably one of my most favorite ages! She recognizes mommy, daddy and the fact that she has twin brothers and loves to be around us. At first, she would only look for one boy and when the other appeared, she was surprised. Now, she just turns her head looking for the other twin. The boys do a really great job holding her and being helpful! Nathan was so excited that he taught Abbey to jump in her jumparoo and Seth was so excited to help her learn some signs as we do some sign language with her! Daddy just loves holding her and still carries her around sometimes at night until she falls asleep on his shoulder. I just love snuggling and laughing with her and all those carefree moments of simply being together. Many people have remarked to me after hearing Abbey's story and our journey in the Ukraine that God has a special plan for this determined young lady. I wholeheartedly agree.

Swim Days!

We got in the pool really early this year; the boys could NOT wait to start swimming again! We had to make them get out at a certain point, though, because the water was still cold and their teeth were chattering and they were shivering. They remembered their swim strokes pretty well. Abbey aslo loves the water and has a little pink boat that she floats around in. Here are some shots of our first swimming day.

7 months old already!

Abbey is enjoying 7 months old. She's almost ready to sit up on her own and she can now wave "hi" and give gummy, slobbery kisses....so cute! I love this stage, but think that Abbey may be dealing with reflux. She will only sleep in her carrier. I think she slept through the night once in her crib. We have to strap her in because she can scooch her way out of the carrier and end up on the floor if we're not careful. I thought the crying stage of her tummy problems (maybe reflux?) were over, but it looks like she got so accustomed to being held throughout that time, so now she cries if she is not held. At 19lbs and growing, this is a heavy job! Yet, when she looks up at me with those big, beautiful blue eyes and that dimpled smile, my heart just melts every time! I love my little girl!!!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was really special this year; the boys could understand what was happening, and on their own without any prompting from Dad, they told me that I looked really nice in my dress. That just made my day! We ate out at Shiki's Japanese...perfect restaurant with great food and not overcrowded! My mom came down for a short visit, and we enjoyed spending some time with her....especially Abbey! Here is a picture of Nana and her granddaughter!

California Trip

Jeff's parents took us on a trip to California in April. We were super excited to see Jerad, Kthy and the girls. This is the first time that had met their youngest, Emily and the first time that they had seen Abbey. Driving from the SFO airport to Jerad and Kathy's home was awesome. The terrain is so different; it was the first time that I had seen rolling, beautiful mountains with houses stacked on top of one another.

Highlights of the trip included spending time with Jerad and Kathy and family, a Oakland A's game, train town, a ride through Sonoma Valley, and of course, a day spent down by Pier 39.