Morgan's Garden

Spring is taking its sweet time getting here this year. But that hasn't stopped Morgan and Ariella from prepping for their garden's big comeback. Last year's garden was a bit of a dud for a bunch of reasons (not the least of which, a certain someone who joined the family around 7/19).

Together, Morgan and Mom planted 2 kinds of "big" tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and an assortment of bell peppers that will sprout inside the house. Later on, they'll plant carrots, broccoli and baby watermelon.

Gwen Crawls

Unfortunately, our video camera and this website aren't playing nice with one another. So we can't actually show you video of Gwen crawling. But trust us. She's been crawling around to get to toys, get into the entertainment unit, and get to whatever Morgan is doing.

On Sunday, Morgan and Gwen gave us a sneak preview of what we can expect now that they're both on the move.

Step 1: Morgan and Gwen play together.

Step 2: Morgan finds something else to play with.

Step 3: Gwen follows.

Step 4: Gwen tries to play with it.

Step 5: Morgan sits on it.

Step 6: Morgan moves it to where Gwen can't reach it.

Step 7: Gwen finds something else to play with.

Let's play ball!

Now that Syracuse has been eliminated from the NCAA tournament, it's time to forget another disappointing basketball season and look forward to baseball season.

This morning, we dressed both girls in the Red Sox gear.

And, like true Sox fans, Morgan and Gwen immediately got into a fight like a couple of South Boston "chowdaheads."

Morgan: Hey -- keep yah grubby hands off my Sawx hat, ya loozah!

Gwen: I'm not a loozah! YOU'RE a loozah!

Morgan: No, YOU ahh!

Mom: Stawp it both a yuz! Yah both actin' like a coupla' loozahs! Now say "yah sawry" to each'utha.

Go Sawx!

Gwen at 8 Months

Happy .667th Birthday, Gwen!

This was another big month for little Gwen. She continues to check milestones off her to-do list. Her biggest achievement this going mobile. We wouldn't necessarily call it "crawling" just yet, but through a mix of scoots, pushups and bellyflops, Gwen manages to slowly get herself around the floors. It's just a matter of time before she's officially crawling.

On the health front, Gwen continues to stick it to Blue Cross/Blue Shield with her epic streak of doctor visits. (Way to go, Gwen!) She had her tube surgery on March 1. She followed that up with 2 more ear infections (which were much less painful with the tubes in place, thankfully) and a nasty chest cold. And, just for good measure, she took a dive off the changing table last weekend and bruised her collar bone. But she's a tough cookie and is already back to being her cheerful little self.

Here are some photos from this month...

Gwen crawling technique isn't what you'd expect (yet), but she gets where she needs to go -- which is usually to the entertainment unit, where she likes to take out books and DVDs.

Gwen's blonde hair is coming in much faster lately. Even Morgan noticed, and included it in a portrait of Gwen she drew this week.

With Spring finally here, Gwen has enjoyed spending some time outside in the backyard with Morgan.

Underpants!!!

Say what?!? Yes, Morgan: underpants.

Some day, she'll be horribly embarrassed that we posted a story about her undergarments on the the internet. But, for now, we're all very pleased to announce that Morgan has officially made the transition from diapers and pull-ups to big girl undies. (Yeah, Morgan!)

We had been telling Morgan that once she turns 3, she would have to give up her pull-ups. Last Thursday, Morgan woke up and decided -- on her own -- that she was ready to wear undies to daycare (2 months ahead of the deadline). She had been doing great with the pull-ups for many weeks, so we gave it a shot.

On day 1, she had an accident at school. But by day 2, she made it all day -- and hasn't looked back since. (Yeah, Morgan!)

Look Who's Coming to Visit

The Christmas snow storm cut the holiday visits short for Aunt Lindsay as well as Andy's parents. So over the last two weekends, everyone got a do-over.

First up was Lindsay, who rolled into town over the final weekend in February. Morgan was very excited to see her "Mimi", and jumped at the chance to cook her some banana pancakes for breakfast.

Unlike the last time Lindsay visited, the winter weather didn't ruin the fun. So, with the temps in the 50's, Morgan got a chance to break out her sidewalk chalk.

After drawing, the girls hit the swings together for the first time.

Last weekend, Andy's parents made the trip down from snow-covered Connecticut. Andy's Mom used the scraps from the last few quilts she's made for the girls and made a "Greatest Hits" quilt for Gwen. (Between the quilt, the PJ's and the book, there's a whole lot of color going on in that photo.)

On Saturday afternoon, the Sauciers and Colemans got together to celebrate Henry's 13th birthday (which was postponed in January because of bad weather and sick babies).

Aimee said she didn't want Ariella to have to cook anything for the party. So instead, Ariella built a no-cook tower of junk food goodies -- Twinkies, Hohos, Chocolate Cupcakes, Doughnuts, and Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Gwen hasn't developed a sweet tooth yet (heck, she only has 2 teeth). So Gwen munched on a pickle instead.

Gwen's Ears Are Clear

On Tuesday, March 1, Gwen finally had her ear tube surgery. The surgery itself only took 6 minutes. Gwen was pretty fussy when she woke up from the anesthesia. But before too long, she was back to being herself -- which meant working on her latest project: learning how to crawl.