As Natalie becomes increasingly mobile, she is increasingly interested in whatever big sister Leah is doing, and she tries to participate. Sometimes it amazes me how much Natalie still adores Leah after all the abuse she's taken from her. It must be that inherent sister/sibling bond. Or maybe a limited memory. ;)
Here's a rundown on some of the things these two monkeys have been up to. Matthew took them for a ride in the Burley last weekend (while I slept in - THANK YOU, sweetheart!). He walked and pushed them this time, but they may be ready to don their helmets soon and be towed together too.
We've gone to the little park by our house a few times when the weather permits and we can now put both girls in the swings. Leah demands to be pushed higher and faster while Natalie just enjoys watching the world go by back and forth. This is a shot of Natalie's hand, gripping the swing tightly. In the finer details, you can see how orange her skin is from all the carrots in her diet, and you can see her chapped little thumb from routine sucking.
Another routine is the morning feeding frenzy. Matthew slices up pineapple or a grapefruit (or anything) and is instantly attacked by "two hungry cheetahs" (according to Leah), and has to share his breakfast. I love how Natalie stands up supported by her daddy's legs and yells when she doesn't have anything left in her mouth.
Bless his heart, he loves being a daddy.
Another new activity the girls do together is take baths. Leah was a great help here, thankfully, and Natalie enjoyed her company. I did take photos of both girls, but none were as cute (or public-viewing rated) as this one of Natalie's silly little face.
Yesterday, Leah washed a few easy dishes for me while Natalie worked out how her sister got up on the step ladder. I think Natalie looks so tall here!
The photo is silent, but the scene was anything but. In the video, you can hear the dishwasher (the machine, not Leah), the coffee pot working through some vinegar, Leah's running dialog about her washcloth "snake," and, most notably, Natalie's raspberries and other "busy" sounds. I'll try to capture some more of her silly noises with less competition from other noises sometime. They are incredibly cute.
And here's one last photo of the cuties. I applaud Matthew for actually getting both girls smiling at the same time -- quite a feat! I hope these pictures can give you a little glimpse into our busy, happy, noisy, and did I say busy little lives. Gotta run!
