Sunday, March 28, 2010

Six Months and Growing

About 3 months


As our  beautiful twin grandbabies turn 6 months old today, it is time to give them the spotlight on the blog . It is amazing to reflect over the last 6 months and see how they have grown and how much joy they have brought to our family. Annette and Lee are changing rapidly each day it seems. When I miss seeing them for just a week or two I can see such big strides.

It is still heart-warming to see how affectionately they watch one another. They can both light up the room with their smiles and bright blue eyes. Lee is getting his head up a little higher every day during tummy time and  Annette has learned to roll over. They are cooing and babbling. She has found some very high pitched squeals which tell us she is SO excited!
They are grabbing rattles and beginning to teethe. . . chewing on their hands other toys.
Lee is the better "eater" of the two. He takes his bottle with gusto and is really liking his baby food. Annette, on the other hand, requires a little more patience to feed. She is a leisurely eater and has to be coaxed into trying the food. She is a petite little elf and he is a cuddly teddy bear.





They both enjoy bath time and kicking in the water. I can't wait to see them swimming this summer. A car ride is a good sedative for them both. They will fall asleep very dependably once the car starts moving.

Another big milestone is that they are both sleeping through the night. THIS IS A BIG MILESTONE!! WOW!! Everyone is really excited about this. Lee edged out Annette on the sleeping routine event . . . he has been a night sleeper for about a month. Annette finally turned the corner about a week ago. WHEW!  No more 3 a.m. bottles.

Although we try to limit TV time, I would be remiss not to mention that they are mesmerized by BABY EINSTEIN videos. If nothing else can calm them and a frenzy is in the making - a few minutes of those bright colors, soothing music and motion puts them back in their usual happy state.







They truly are the sweetest creatures imaginable and I am so lucky to be "grandma" to these special little ones. It is hard to believe we have been from NICU isolettes to "exer-saucers" in these six months. I am enjoying every minute and loving what they have brought to our lives! This has been a wonderful blessing and I am  thankful during this Easter season for all our many blessings!!


Now let the heavens be joyful,
Let earth her song begin:
Let the round world keep triumph,
And all that is therein;
Invisible and visible,
Their notes let all things blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen
Our joy that hath no end.

Saint John of Damascus

Friday, March 19, 2010

Camellia Time

The cold, rainy winter weather has finally given way to glimpses of springtime. Our camellias still have much growing to do, but Philip's hard work on these plants is beginning to pay off.  That being said, it is time to do grafting . . . here's the proof!



Here's one of my favorite blooms. This was planted last spring . . . Harold Paige. This is a very large bloom with very ruffled flower.


Below is Kick-Off . . .
And here is Royal Velvet . . .
Here is a large bloom that we watched in anticipation for days . . . this was a bloom off an un-named plant grafted last spring. It should be really beautiful next year!





. . . worth waiting for!!!





I can't wait to get the yard cleaned up and replant some herbs and annuals . . . I am already thinking of fresh basil on fat red tomatoes and dill on new potatoes. This must be the best time of year!!