Giraffes!

Adeline's love affair with giraffes started in the NICU. She had the Cadillac of isolettes because, at the time of her birth, she assumed the, "Sickest and Tiniest Baby" label. The isolette is called a giraffe isolette because it goes from looking like a typical isolette. . .

to looking like a giraffe very quickly. It gives the doctors full and immediate access to the baby in distress.

Every since her NICU days we have enjoyed Adeline's true attachment to giraffes, even if we kind of pushed them on her in the beginning.

On the way to North Carolina we stopped at the Baltimore Zoo. We had our fingers crossed that the giraffes were in the mood for some tasty bamboo at the feeding station. Imagine The Belle's excitement when the giraffe walked right up to us and ate the leaves right out of our hands! Miss Adeline, who balks at the smallest creatures, stood strong and brave while reaching out toward this enormous animal. She really does love giraffes.

The Year of the Boogie Board

All three girls fell in love with boogie boards this year.  To my surprise, Adeline was okay being pushed around by the waves, and at times, being thrown from the board.  As long as she kept her head above water, she was okay.  Lila, who I didn't ever catch on camera, walks out like a big girl and, with my help, hops on the board and rides the waves by herself.  The last couple days she was more tentative and has played lifeguard to all the young ones.  For some reason she thinks everyone is going to drown.  Savannah is completely independent and worries me much less than I expected.  She enjoys the BIG waves.  It is a good thing that she has a wave riding partner because waves are always more fun when enjoyed by two.

Here are clips of Savannah and Adeline enjoying some time on the boards.  I never knew when Adeline and Lila were going to be aggressive and go deep.  My luck had it that I never had my camera on these days.

Happy 4th!!

Reason To Go on a Family Vacation #102

So that you can enjoy the little things they say.

When getting ready for bed, Lila hopped on the potty.  I walked into the bathroom a few moments later and Miss Lila was holding her nose (while sitting on the royal throne) and declared, "It is stinky in here Mommy.  Stinky, Stinky!" 'Who made it stinky in here Lila?" I asked.  "I did!" she says :)

Beach Fun

I am thrilled to report that all THREE girls are enjoying the surf and sand here in Holden Beach, North Carolina.  I had many reservations about Adeline's time out on the beach put they were soon but at bay.  She walks barefoot in the sand, digs in it and doesn't have a problem with it covering her body.  Each day, Adeline is getting more and more aggressive with the waves.  Lila thinks she is one of the big kids and runs full force into the waves.  I believe body surfing is her latest milestone. She actually times herself with the waves.  Pictures are hard to come by for both Savannah and Lila.  They are too busy in the ocean to stop and smile for the camera.  I guess it is a good sign.

Guess Where We Are?

West Chester University Swim Lessons

Savannah just completed three weeks of swim lessons at West Chester University.  She went from not swimming to swimming a full lap and treading water for 2.5 minutes.  She swam daily and commented about how hard it was.  They really have the kids moving the entire time and eventually only in deep water.  This is the same child that was "kicked out" of swim lessons at our local YMCA at three years old.  It is also her only experience organized swim lessons.  Three weeks and I BELIEVE!



After watching Savannah swim for two weeks, I enrolled the twins for the last week.  Technically, the lessons run for two full weeks but our vacation cut into the last half.  The beginners start with learning how to jump into deep water, righting themselves on their backs, and using only their arms to get to the side of the pool while remaining in the float position.  Both girls passed!  I was amazed and, oh so proud.  I should mention that they passed with tears - at least some during each session.  Adeline has a much harder time due to motor planning and vestibular fear.  Lila did really well from day one if the cries are ignored.  By the last day, she was jumping in on her own accord which demonstrated her courage.  Of course and Ernie present was waiting in the wings.

Here is Adeline being "forced" in the water. She looks like she is drowning but she isn't. She makes it to the side and grabs the wall! Painful to watch but successful at the same time. (Remember, this is her 5th day of lessons!)


Here is Miss Lila showing her perfected float.




Both little girls will repeat the beginner session next summer so that they are completely at ease in deep water before starting their arm strokes.  Savannah just needs to work on endurance because next session will start in deep water and each child will spend the entire 45 minutes swimming laps.