Busy, busy

We've been busy these last few weeks. Mark and Ella got a cold and just as they were getting over that, they caught a stomach bug. Not so bad for them, but it must do something crazy in adults because I caught it and it was awful! Ella is back to her old self, but Mark isn't quite there yet. Poor guy. His appetite hasn't really returned, but hopefully this week.

They had their 15 month checkup last week, too. Ella was 50% on everything (as usual - 22 pounds and 30.5") and Mark was 50% for weight (24 lbs) and 75-90% for height (32.5") and head.

On a fun note, we got some toys for the backyard and moved our tree swing back there and it has been lots of fun! And I hope this video shows up, but Mark had the giggles one day and it was too funny. I'm only nodding my head and making a noise, but he lost it.

Happy Halloween!!

Mark and Ella had a fun Halloween. Our neighbors had a hay ride and then they trick or treated at a few neighbors's homes. They really had no idea what was going on, but they loved playing outside and Ella was particularly amused by the bucket of candy. Mark was completely on the go and did not stop moving until he went to bed.

A few days before we went to a patch to pick out our pumpkin with Michelle and AJ, so she snapped this pic of the 3 of us. It was impossible to get one without Mark's thumb in his mouth since that is its permanent position now.

Halloween Pics

Mark and Ella got their Halloween pictures taken and I think they turned out pretty cute. I was completely WORN OUT after running around after these two and getting in and out of costumes. It was exhausting. My friend Michelle was there with her little boy AJ, who was a complete angel, and I still couldn't handle it!

Green Beans, Lawn Mowers, and Bowls

Mark and Ella have really taken off and running is just around the corner, I just know it. We broke out some of their birthday toys now that they are walking, and Ella loves her lawn mower. Perhaps because it makes about as much noise as a real one!

She has also taken to sticking her food in her ear. She has always messed with food around her ear, but the other night a green bean actually landed in her ear!

And Mark thinks walking around with a bowl on his head is hilarious. Its usually in front of his face, and he promptly walks/falls into something. But he's happy the whole time, so thats fine by me!

Ike - Boo!

Things are finally getting back to normal after Ike. Here are a few pictures of our house the day after Ike hit. Lots and lots of branches, but no big ones on our house. Mark and Ella had so much fun with their cousins while we were waiting for power to come back!

First Day of School

Mark and Ella had their first day of school last week and they did really well. They had early dismissal last week and came home exhausted since they don't get a morning nap there, but they seemed pretty happy. Ella started playing right away, and Mark followed after a few minutes. They lost it when I came to pick them up, but were much better the second day. Here are a few pics in their new backpacks. Neither was very happy that I put them on their backs since they were too heavy and they couldn't stand up. It was pretty funny!

Fun around the house

I snapped a few funny pics of Mark and Ella playing around the house. They went to the doc last week and are doing great. Ella is 50% across the board and Mark is 50% for weight and 80% for head and height. She was 20lbs 8 oz and 29 inches while Mark was 23 lbs 2 oz and 31 inches tall. And just yesterday they both started to take several steps in a row. Ella is very cautious and takes her time. Mark on the other hand just plows from one spot to the next as fast as his legs will go.