I can't Believe...

My Babies Are One!

Taken 10/1/11

H: L
A: R

On October 1st Allyson and Haleigh turned 1! It seems like yesterday that I had not only was in the hospital with them, but was pregnant with them. (I will admit the pregnancy went by much slower than this year did). They were such a blessing for us during a time of so many trials. They have brought such joy in each of our lives and have really made this family whole (for lack of a better word). Spencer and Addy just adore their sisters and Spencer especially takes such good care of them.

A: L
H: R

H: L
A: R

A: L
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H: L
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They are both so unique and yet still so much the same. They are both just such incredibly happy babies. They have their moments, but for the most part are so happy, especially when eating powdered donuts, or any food they like! When I first began this post, almost 2 months ago, I was having trouble writing about each girl individually. At the time I was writing how animated and busy Allyson was and how content Haleigh was. Then within the next few days they completely flip flopped on me! It would be like that with everything.  I feel bad because sometimes I feel like I can't describe what they are doing as well as I could the other two, but my brain just feels overworked most days. I think it has just been a long year. I will work on that for their 18 month post....it really isn't because I don't know them. They are 2 of my greatest blessings. I am so very thankful for them! I am so very very blessed to have been entrusted with all 4 of my children.

Allyson

Haleigh

I would still classify Allyson as more outdoing than Haleigh. Haleigh is much more cautious around strangers and new people (and has been this way since her cast experience). I would say Haleigh is more content, but that is maybe only because she is quieter. They really are both very content babies and I am very lucky in that area. I  just can't really describe the difference, but when you are around them enough you see it can tell them apart by their personality alone. I guess Allyson is more a people person and smiles all the time. She is also very loving and cuddly. Haleigh' smiles are harder to receive, but are so beautiful and come with a twinkle in her eye. She is just a very sweet little girl. She is a mommy's girl right now and catches on to things we teach her especially quick.

They both are crawling everywhere, climbing on us and everything like crazy, and pushing anything that can move around. They are now climbing the stairs all the time. They haven't figured out how to safely go down yet and thankful enough realize that it is a long way down and haven't tried. Spencer walked at 14 months and Addy at 15 months so they seem to be right on that track! Allyson actually took her first steps on December 10th (my dad's birthday). Haleigh has rolled and crawled first so she decided it was her turn.

They both learn as much as I teach them, but as I mentioned before it really has been a stressful time. I know I need to balance my time with the big kids and them more. I think it is because they are so content (as long as they get their food) that I forget to make sure I teach them too. They can sign more, all done, and please (which they learned in 1 day). Haleigh also likes to mimic everything you do. I have taught them where their nose and eyes are, but haven't reviewed it in awhile to know if they still know. So my new goal will be to work on this. I have tried to read with them many times and work on animals, but they just aren't interested. They like to read the books themselves or watch their big brother and sister. They catch on very fast, but as I have learned with my other kids it is all up to them when they want to do it. Today (12/18/11) I worked on their animals and sounds and they sat and listened! They both loved to pound their chest for the gorilla and Haleigh made the sound of a dog. They also watched some of the signing time and both signed eat right on cue. My favorite thing that they do is cuddle their dolls. If I rock their baby, pat it, and feed it. The will rock, pat, and feed it, even if they feed it in the eyes. It is so sweet and I really need to get a video of it. Spencer and Addy say that they are the Moms now!

*This isn't how cute they are with their dolls, but it a small version.

They can wave (when they want to), say mom and dad, bye bye, baby, more, and a few others. They really aren't talking a whole lot, but they gibber gabber, especially to each other all the time.
My babies are 1 (well 14 months now) and I can hardly believe it. I still consider them babies because they are still in the car seats (which are really killing my arms), and they still are bald in the front, and still crawling, and guess what I LOVE it! Happy Birthday Allyson Elizabeth and Haleigh Eliza Sant!

H: L
A: R