Happy Valentines Day

The Holtlets making valentines...

The Wee Little Holtlets

Yesterday we went to our 15 month wellness exam. Overall, all three are healthy but still small. Lila weighed in at 18 lbs. Addie 18 lbs 15 1/2 ounces. Will 18 lbs 14 ounces. So, the Chunky Monkey (Addie) retains her crown. Addie and Will are in the 3rd percentile for weight. Lila is not quite on the chart. We have been instructed to feed, feed, feed. We already feed them so much that their little bellies feel like they could pop!

The pediatrician gave us some helpful tips as we transition into the toddler phase. First, no more pacifiers. I am happy to report that Addie, Will, Mom, and Dad survived last night, the first night without the pacifiers. (Lila's lucky she sucks her thumb. She is a smart little one!) Second, it's time to try crayons. I have been notified that it is okay if they eat them, even an entire box. Good to know. Third, we should use spoons more consistently. I can see the food fly now!

Oh, probably time for a tooth update:

Lila: 7
Addie: 32 (Seriously, about 10, including a few molars. She won't let me look.)
Will: 1 fang (but bottom teeth cutting through)

And, finally, a funny series pf pictures of Will eating...

Happy 15 Months Kiddos!

It is so much fun to watch the kids discover their world. We have had some unseasonably warm weather, and the kids have gotten time to explore the great outdoors. Over the weekend, Grandma Sandy and I played with the kids outside. Will and Addie loved walking along the sidewalk like big kids. Although, it was not too long before Addie was on the ground trying to eat rocks. Today, the kids went to the zoo. They really loved the animals. After the zoo, they had time for a visit to the park. Miss Addie did not want to stop swinging. I wish that I could have been there.

Tonight, we went attended a Kindermusik class. The kids had a great time playing with drums and dancing. They didn't know a stranger (especially Will), which was great since it was only me and a helper for three kiddos. We appreciated the extra hands. But, I am the mother of the bullies (but not my sweet Lila). Yep, my very small kids picked on everyone, even the much bigger kids. They stole pacifiers, drums, scarfs, etc. The other kids were much more passive with one another. Well, I always hoped that they would learn to "socialize" with children other than their siblings.

So, after such a big day, the kids just crashed when we put them to bed. Now, I am ready to crash.

In Honor of Tuesday Fiona Whitt

"Wagie Ride"

Today, we plan to take a "Wagie Ride" in honor of Tuesday, a sweet little girl who was called home last week after a fight with cancer. Her family is holding a celebration of her life today, including a wagon ride parade. Like ourselves, many bloggers have been touched by this family's courage and want to show our support from afar through a virtual parade for Tuesday.

Our Big Get-A-Way

Derek suprised me with an overnight trip to Chicago for our sixth anniversary. He had every detail planned. We spent the afternoon in the suburbs shopping, and then we headed downtown for dinner and a play. We had a fantastic meal at a Brazilian churrascaria (steakhouse). Before heading to the theater, we stopped at the Goose Island Brewery. We really enjoyed the play, especially the atmosphere of a small theater.

My parents stayed with the kids. I am not sure that the kids even missed us! It appears that everyone got along quite well. Although, when we got home, I found the girls in the craziest outfits! Grandma must be color blind. Just teasing.

It was perfect weekend, one that we certainly needed. As you would imagine, Derek and I don't make it out of the house much (at least not together!).