Kaleigh is 2 months old

Kaleigh is getting bigger and bigger. I think she's probably close to 12 lbs. She is beginning to hold her head up, but does it best on someone's shoulder. She likes her tummy and actually sleeps better on it (too bad about "back to sleep"). I kind of captured one of her smiles. And when she gets going she says "agoo". She loves the baby bjorn and I finally broke down and bought an Ergo after many recommendations from friends. I have a feeling with running after Maeve and how much Kaleigh loves to be held, I will use it alot.

Pumpkin carving

Daddy had time this week to fire up the chimania and carve a pumpkin with Maeve. It was nice to sit outside by the fire and watch while holding Kaleigh. Maeve wasn't so sure about the insides of the pumpkin. She loves going on walks and labeling all the holiday decoration. And as a speech therapist, I have to point out that she started adding the "s" to her favorite past time and word "SNAP!". Watch out....any buckle around will be closed with her around!

The Buddy Walk

It was a beautiful Saturday to join in the fundraising walk for the Northern Virginia Down Syndrome Association. It was the second year that Lolo and Papa have joined us. I got to see a lot of my old clients who I miss a ton. Maeve absolutely loved the petting zoo. She danced away to the live music and was anxious to ride the train but it broke down before we had a chance. We all slept in until 9 am today because we had such an exciting weekend with Lolo and Papa. That is unheard of!

Fun filled weekend with Lolo and Papa

Lolo and Papa were back in town for a long weekend. We stayed busy with several activities including a fun trip to an awesome local playground. Maeve didn't know what her favorite activity was at the playground. Between the bridges, cars, slides and swings, she wanted to try out everything. It's great to see her climbing so well and excited to try out the equipment without being fearful. She surprised me and Lolo by correctly labeling the yellow swing "yellow" and then later that day labeling the yellow lines on the road "yellow". Even Kaleigh relaxed in my arms on the swing. We will definately go back to that playground. Kaleigh continues to be our cuddler as she fell asleep in Papa's arms when we went out to dinner.

Fun trip to Columbus

Maeve enjoying her juice Jill with Kaleigh, Carrie and AngieAva Lynn (7 weeks) and Jenifer Kaleigh (5 weeks) Liam and Seth (3 yrs), Finnegan, Maeve

We went back to Columbus Ohio for a long weekend for a Nina and Paul Roots wedding and for Kaleigh's baptism. It was a busy, fun weekend. On Sunday we got together with my long time friends; Jill, Angie and Carrie and their families. Everyone got to try out Jon's beer (called Queen Maeve's Irish Ale), which was a big hit. It was the first time I met Ava, Angie's 2 month old daughter. She is a beautiful baby. Kaleigh who is two weeks younger is already bigger than her. My cousin Eric, his wife Tiffany, and their daughter Taylor stopped by too. Maeve finally learned how to climb up on chairs. She was so proud of herself. Her new words are noisy and heavy.Since Jon had to travel out of town this week, I had to drive home alone with the girls. They were amazing on the 8 hr trip. I discovered lollipops can keep a 6 week old happy until I can get to an exit (Kaleigh still wont take a paci).

Visiting Gma and Gpa

While in Columbus, Gma and Gpa Leiter had plenty of time to adore their two granddaughters. Gpa had the touch at getting Kaleigh to sleep. Gma liked to do stretches with Kaleigh. Maeve had a great time taking over their house. Maeve is especially into snaps on the car seat right now (when she isn't trying to sit in it).

Kaleigh's baptism

Kaleigh got baptized at my dad's church in Worthington, Ohio on Sunday October 12th. She wore the baptism dress that my grandmother, aunt, Maeve and several other relatives wore. She did great and didn't cry. Maeve on the other hand, didn't want anything to do with daddy holding her for the ceremony. She was happy once he let her down. She took off down the aisle, socializing and saying hi to everyone. The minister took it all in stride and it gave the congregation a good laugh.

Maeve as a flower girl

Maeve was a flower girl in Hilary and Chay's wedding this weekend. She acted like a typical 19 month old but did make it down the aisle after one diversion down a pew. Unfortunately, she wasn't really up for posing for pictures either. She looked so cute in her dress. The wedding was amazing and Hilary was a beautiful bride. It was good to get out without the kids to the reception, but I have to admit I was tired. Plus, I was lazy about pumping and dumping and ended up with mastitis (or at least I think that is what caused it). Kudos to Lolo and Papa for taking care of Kaleigh at only 5 weeks old. Luckily Maeve is the easiest toddler ever.

Kaleigh-our cuddler

Kaleigh is really beginning to wake up, look around and check out the world. She is beginning to smile. She loves to be held and has had her grandparents, Lolo and Papa Calkins, here to spoil her. She can't get enough kisses from daddy as you can tell. Plus, Lolo and Papa took her and Maeve to a pumpkin patch this weekend to pick out pumpkins. The last picture is her attempt to smile.

Maeve-the ham (as dad calls her)

Maeve can be so silly. Right now she is very into shoes, hats and babies. She has started to dress herself (not always correctly). She has also just learned to blow her own nose (she has a cold) and is pretty proud of herself.

Welcome to the calkins family blog

After viewing several other blogs, I decided this might be a great way to keep a record of the girls growing up. I keep a diary right now, but hopefully I will be able to capture their milestones with pictures too. Plus, with friends and family so far away, I hope they enjoy this as a way to keep up to date on our girls.

Maeve is 19 months old and just adores her little sister. She is always offering up hugs and kisses. Kaleigh is so sweet and our cuddler. She is happiest being held. She is almost 6 weeks old.