Mostly Mairead

Recently, Mairead has taken a new interest in baby dolls. For a long time, she really didn't care about them. Maybe she figured that we had enough babies around here. Now, though, she is attached to her baby and does a great job caring for it. She feeds the baby and gives her a pacifier, takes her for walks, and gives her kisses on the top of her head. Talk about melt-your-heart-cute, huh? She also takes the baby in the tub with her and gives her a bath. This is really great to see since expanding her play and caring for a baby doll means that she is developing more and engaging in more creative activities. We are so happy to see her doing this and it's so fun to watch her little mind working while she searches for a blanket for the baby or decides what the baby is going to do next.

Jack has learned to say, "baby" and tries to follow Mairead around while she has the doll. Ben follows her around, too, with mixed reviews from her!

I was actually taking a picture of Jack when she insisted that I take this one of her. She just kept saying, "Cheese!!" until I took it! I like it because I think she looks pretty, but I dislike it because she looks too old!

Jack just decided to have his snack in this little chair the other day. He is having chips. Both babies can now say, "Chips,' and Jack says, "more chips." All three of them LOVE to use the sign for "more"! It is definitely the most commonly used sign in our house.

I did take the 'real' camera to swim lessons this week. Things went MUCH better. Dave and I planned better, for one thing, and got there just about 5 minutes before the lesson started, so Mairead didn't have to wait long to get in the water. Also, we took her for a walk around the pool a couple of times and asked her to find things (Do you see a clock? Where is it?) and this occupied her enough to prevent her from throwing a fit because she couldn't get in.

She seems to have a good respect for the pool. She does not try to jump in without us or run around the pool area, which is good. She LOVES the water. I mean, giggles and screams with delight pretty much the entire time she is there. She is infectious and the other kids and moms laugh with her, too. I can't tell you how great it makes me feel to see her so incredibly happy.

She is getting pretty good, too! She has no problem going underwater and likes to jump off the sides into Daddy's arms. Poor Dave gets such a workout- she is the biggest kid in her group and by far the heaviest. All of the other parents are hoisting kids who weigh 20, maybe 30lbs at most, and Dave is tossing around Mairead at 38lbs!

Ok, this one looks a little creepy...

Yeah, she likes to drink the water and stick out her tongue while swimming. Sometimes, when Dave dunks her under, she is laughing so much that she doesn't close her mouth. Doesn't bother her a bit, though!

The boys had their 15 mos appointment today and the pediatrician thinks they look great. Jack is 22lbs 8 oz, and Ben is 22lbs 15 oz. Ben is taller by a half inch at 30 1/2 inches tall. They are still just in the 25th percentile for height and weight, but they are healthy and that is what matters. It's so amazing that they are so close in height and weight- they are just little bookends (physically, at least, definitely not in terms of personality!). They each had three shots. If you have ever taken one baby or toddler for shots, you can imagine the misery that is taking two. I can't really comfort anyone since I have to just move on to the next baby and then dress them and get them out of there. They are a little cranky tonight, but hopefully they will get a good night's sleep and feel better tomorrow.

Our next big events are both on Monday. One is Mairead's IEP meeting on Monday morning, at which point we learn what (if any) services the schools will provide for her in the fall. I am very anxious about it because she needs this so much, and I am just hoping they will provide what she needs. If not, we will have to look into private preschool and private therapies. Please say a prayer for us- we need it!

On Monday afternoon, Mairead will have her first hippotherapy appointment. I hope she loves it. If she doesn't, we're all in trouble... mostly the poor horse. I think she will be hesitant at first, but she loves animals and being outside, so I think this will be great for her. I'm not sure if they allow you to take pictures because the flash may be disruptive, but if I can, I will!