Little Lamb, Little Lamb

The girls 1st Halloween costume.

Mr. Monkey plays in the parade

Andre's bagpipe band led Hyde Park's neighborhood parade this past Sunday. Neighbors, parents, kids and pets all dressed up and walked around the neighborhood. The parade ended at the local fire station where more music was played and food was served. My two favorite little kid costumes: One little boy dressed as "Joe the Plumber," and a little girl dressed as a penguin with a sign that read, "Penguins Against Palin." haha So cute.

Kristi and Rowan watching the parade --->

Rowan Paints!

This morning while giving Evey a bath I let Rowan finger paint on her highchair tray. She had so much fun and the "paint" was just a bit of vanilla yogurt with a few drops of food coloring. I kept the colors separate because I thought she may enjoy seeing them change. Mixed together it became green, but I actually began with yellow, blue, and red. I didn't have to worry about her putting it in her mouth, she was easy to clean, and Joey licked up anything that fell on the floor.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

We took the girls to pick out their first Halloween pumpkin. A local church has a huge pumpkin patch and the proceeds go to help various charities. We've been a few years in a row, but this time we got to bring our own little pumpkins. They were so cute sitting in the patch. Most of the pumpkins were bigger than they are. They were particularly fond of the hay as you can see Rowan is trying to put some in her mouth.

We ran into three other families of twins there. Having twins is so great. Its like you're instantly a part of a club. And of course, almost every family is a member of the local Mother's of Multiples club. We also saw a firefighter friend and his wife and baby.

I love this time of year. The weather is perfect, cool--but not too cold. The girls wore their little blue jeans which made them look more like little kids than little babies. They are so active now. Wanting to squirm and move and touch everything. Of course, everything they touch they also want to taste.

They are such a great age. They laugh so much at such random things. Rowan has been sticking her tongue out and pbthtt-ing (I guess that's the word for it, when you stick your tongue out and make a toot noise). Its so funny. I was sitting in the back with her on our way home and she would do that and then I would look at her and she'd laugh. I'd look over at Evey away from her and Rowan would do it again. She's been doing it all the time. She even did it while dad was feeding her sweet potatoes and little bits of orange mush went everywhere.

Evey is becoming more and more independent. She always wants to hold her own bottle and she's starting to act like she wants to hold her own spoon too. She has excellent fine motor skills. Her crib is still in our room and on the crib has a little musical aquarium that lights up. She's figured out how to turn it on and several times has managed to do so in the middle of the night.

Joeys answer to breed specific legislation

Micken after a bath

This is Micken (Evelyn) after a bath tonight. She loves to grab her toes and can even pull them up to her mouth. My sister got a hilarious picture of her with her toe in her mouth the other day.

I love how she is beginning to fill out. She's eating some solid food now and is catching up to Rowan. At their doctor's visit last Thursday, Evey weighed 14lbs 1 oz, and Rowan weighed 15lbs 9 oz. Rowan is 26 1/2 inches long and is in the 75% for her age. Evey is 25 1/4 inches long and is in the 50% for her age. Both girls had their DTAP and Rotovirus vaccines, as well as their flu shots. Rowan didn't cry at all.

Both girls are healthy and are doing well. I can't believe they are 6 months old already. They are really happy babies. They laugh all the time and are very silly. They will laugh at everything. Evey looks so serious when she's not smiling so people always comment that she must be the serious one. But really she laughs so much at such random things that she can't possibly be "the serious one." Both girls are especially fond of dogs. Rowan gets so excited to pet the dog that she can hardly stand it. She'll squeal and grab at the air while her whole body jumps.

Both girls are trying to crawl. Rowan can push herself backwards, but she can't go forward yet. Evey is very good at moving in a circle. She has a lot of fine motor skills. She can hold her own bottle very well and she can pick up small objects. The girls like to pick up their pacifiers and they also like to steal each others. I've also seen them both pull each others' hair if they get a chance. But mostly they seem to enjoy being close. They will hold hands off and on while they eat in their high chairs and they play together a lot. Its very cute.

I play a lot of games with the girls. We've been working on "contrasts." So I'll hold the baby up to the mirror really close and say, "near" then move back a bit and say "far"--in a kind of a Grover Sesame Street kind of way. They love it and laugh like crazy. I do this over and over in English and Spanish. And the same thing with up and down. The girls like watching themselves in the mirror. We're also learning about "off" and "on" with the light switches. Lately I've been going over parts of the face. With the baby clutching my finger, I'll touch my nose with their fist and say, "nose", then mouth, eyes, ears, etc. They always laugh at my ears. I don't know if they're trying to tell me something...

Everything is a game around here. And we sing lots of songs and read books. My girls, of course, must know all of the Texas songs, old cowboy songs, and summer camp songs. Andre loves to play the chanter for them. They love it too and will listen to him very calmly. The only time I've ever heard Evelyn protest is when he plays "Rowan Tree" (which is the song Rowan was named after). Here's a picture of Rowan with her dad after her bath tonight.

We're having so much fun with the girls. They are such wonderful little people.

Tim and Lisa's wedding

This past weekend was Tim and Lisa's wedding. It was really beautiful, Lisa was gorgeous, Tim was dashing, and the weather was perfect. They are a really great couple. We're so thrilled for them and I'm certain they will have a very happy life together.

The girls were pretty good too if I do say so myself. "Yes, our babies are always this perfect." Whispering to Rowan on the side, "Keep up the good work and we'll buy you a pony."

There was a huge bouquet of roses that the girls were both very interested in. Evey was subsequently compelled to grab and crumble several petals (that I then had to hide because you know, people don't like it when parents let their babies get close enough to destroy expensive flower arrangements--in my defense she was learning about roses).

Even here she wouldn't look at the camera, but kept wanting to look at the flowers.

Money Woes

Ira Glass
So the whole world is feeling the financial pinch--yes, I know pinch is not right word for it. "Crisis" is more like it. While I have, for the most part, kept this blog about the girls and our little family, I would like to post this bit from "This American Life," by Ira Glass at Chicago Public Radio. The podcast is free and its a very well done, understandable, even entertaining, explanation of what happened.

There are two podcasts--the first is from May of this year called, "The Big Pool of Money." It really explains the subprime mortgage disaster. Click Here

The second podcast is a follow up just released, called, "Another Frightening Show About the Economy." And it explains the bailout and the current problems. Click Here

Feliz Cumpleanos Tia Ivette!

So the girls were more than four handfulls all day long, but they finally settled down enough that Mrs. Mono and I were able to work on this little bit of birthday fun for my Favorite Sister!

Lots of love Ivette!

La Familia de Monos

Some old pictures...

Here's an old one of Ro and one of Evey. If "old" can mean a few months ago. Time is different for a baby you know. They were just a couple of weeks here.

They were so precious as tiny little infants. But, truth be told, I'm really enjoying them at this stage. Its so fun feeding them new foods and taking them out places. We spend hours trying to get them to laugh. Today, we took the girls to the park and had a picnic. They love being outdoors and the weather was perfect. Each new phase of their lives is wonderful, amazing, and momentous. I wonder sometimes if everyone loves their babies as much as we love ours. (I know the answer to that of course, but I can't quite fathom it).

The Girls

Bath Time

Rowan in the bath last night. She's so cute. She likes to kick her little feet and splash water everywhere. She's beginning to be too big for her baby bathtub, but she's not quite ready for the regular bath tub.

Babyzilla v. Baby Kong

Yesterday was Andre's stepmother, Eileen's, birthday. Since we can't send anything in the mail we decided to make this funny video for her present. It was too funny not to post to the baby's blog. Hope you enjoy it and Happy Birthday Eileen.


Babyzilla v. Baby Kong from Leigh on Vimeo.

Growing up

Cousin Sydney and Evey

The girls are changing so much now. Both girls can roll from their backs to their stomachs. They lay on their bellies and try to push forward. They haven't quite figured out how to crawl, but they're working on it.

They're interacting with each other a lot more now too. If one starts to cry, the other will start to cry too. The other day both babies were laying on the bed next to each other and they each had a pacifier. Rowan reached over and took out Evelyn's pacifier, spit her own out, and then started sucking on Evelyn's pacifier. Evelyn was shocked. It was so hilarious.

They enjoy being together though and will laugh and coo at each other. Last night Rowan had a rattle and ever time she made it rattle Evelyn would laugh. As they get bigger they should continue to entertain each other and play together. cute, cute, cute.

Here's a funny picture of Rowan eating rice cereal this morning.

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Monkeys' first Bananas

The girls tried their first bananas mixed with a bit of mama-milk and some rice cereal. They only had a few nibbles and most of it wound up on their bib. Really cute.

Mamo and the Moby

We love our Moby sling and the girls do too. Especially Rowan, who wants to be involved in everything. My mom (who I lovingly nicknamed "Mamo" and she eventually, begrudgingly accepted), has Rowan in the sling while making bread.

I hear that big glasses are in this year...

Evey

Baby's New Vehicle

The Babies just got their brand new Bob jogging stroller--a gift from Abuelito and Nona. Thanks Abuelito and Nona! The girls love it and so do we. Its super awesome! The shade covers adjust various ways so the girls have lots of shade. And the suspension makes it a smooth walk/jog.

Uncle Malcolm

Today was Malcolm's funeral. I drove down yesterday and spent the night. It was great to see my family, but I so wish it was under different circumstances. The service was very touching and many people attended. He was so loved and lived such a wonderful life.

As I sat listening to the eulogy, my mind wandered back to a conversation I had a few days prior with my father. He said Grandma Vance used to say that Malcolm took after the Hughes side of the family. Which was her way of saying that he took after the good side--her side. haha I can picture Grandma Vance saying that. And thinking of this comment, made me think about how Malcolm really embodied all of the best qualities of our family. He was witty, adventurous, funny, down-to-earth, and easy going.

These are my memories of Malcolm. And my memories are only a few when you consider how many people were there and how many fond memories were exchanged both yesterday and today. My uncle had friends there that he knew for over 40 years and you could just tell that everyone really loved him. He married the love of his life, had great kids, and then built his own home where he lived among his many friends. He had loads of interests and many adventures along the way and seemed to enjoy life in a way that so few people know how to do. That's a truly wonderful thing, it really is.

Baby Days

Evey and Ro















My dad with Evey.

Dyung and Evey

Baby Days

Evey and Ro















My dad with Evey.

Dyung and Evey

Uncle Malcolm

You know how there are people in your family you're proud of. Those people that seem to have really lived interesting lives and are all around cool people. And though you may not see them as often as you'd like, these family members are nevertheless the ones that come up in late night conversations about the cool people you're related too. That was my uncle Malcolm.

This is a picture of Malcolm and Norma, his wife of 42 years. I looked through my pictures, but the best picture I found of him was this one that Terri had. Thanks Terri.

Malcolm was my dad's younger brother. His only brother. He was a musician and played with lots of famous people. He's actually playing the drums in the Bruce Channel recording of "Hey Baby." He was an awesome poker player too and played with people like Amarillo Slim. He even went to the World Poker Series in Vegas. I'm told he retired on the proceeds of his Texas Hold'um games he ran at his house. He was one of those larger than life people. The kind that have a million stories and all of them interesting adventures. To me, Malcolm will always be someone who was open, accepting, funny, and genuine. Andre and I went down to visit him and Norma last year and had a great time.

I really wanted him to meet the girls. I know he would have liked them. My dad, Andre, the girls and I were driving down Friday afternoon to see him. He had been battling lung cancer for three years and although we knew he might not have much time left, I still thought I'd see him again. Malcolm passed away Friday morning before we made it. He was an amazing person and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Trip to Houston

This past weekend we drove out to visit some of the family in Houston. It was so great to see everyone. Here's a really cute picture of Avery Larie. Little Avery was born just 12 days after our girls. She is super cute. This picture doesn't do her justice. I'm so excited that Rowan and Evey have cousins their age. I can just imagine all the girls and Xander too playing together. How fun!

It was so great to see everyone. Aunt Lorelei was on the news recently. Click on the link and see her on "Great Day Houston." She is wonderful. Click here: Aunt Lorelei

Dr. Benjamin Mays has said, "The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goals. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace to reach for the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is a sin. Low aim is a sin."

Froggy Goodness

Mr. Mono found this little frog...oh sorry, it's a toooaaad (that's how it is to live with a herpetologist)...anyhow, he found him in the backyard this evening. Cute little guy.

Sidenote from Mr.Mono:

"bufo americanus is the scientific name for this guy, they are a lot of fun this time of year. If you pick up a male toad, and squeeze him gently right behind the front legs, they start croaking like crazy. It is as if they are saying in toad-speak, "Hey! Let me go, I am just trying to create some mood music and attract the ladies!!"

Here's a picture of Evey with her tiger. She loves her little tiger. She can grab and hold onto objects now and has excellent fine motor skills.

The Futures So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

Rowan this morning with the sun glasses her Aunt Ivette gave her.

New Practice

Like so many others, Atticus Finch was the reason I went to law school. To stand up and defend the poor and downtrodden. And I'm proud to say that for the majority of my career I have been able to do that--either through advocacy or through working on legislation and policy. Yet, these past few years I have missed working with actual clients. Being in the trenches, as they say, can be very rewarding.

So, for those of you who haven't heard the news yet, I have decided to leave my job and go into private practice. Yes, I know I've been talking about it for years, but I put in my notice at work, leased an office, I even bought office furniture--so it looks like this is it. I'm finally taking the monumental (and incredibly frightening) step known colloquially as "following my dreams."

Opening a law practice is not quite the same as starting a new business. For one, I can place my name on appointment lists and be appointed clients who can't afford attorneys. The county pays for these clients and the pay varies depending on the county. I'm now on the appointment list for three counties and I plan on adding one more. These are all juvenile law cases.

In addition to juvenile law, I'll also be practicing family law. I'm super excited about collaborative divorce--but that's a long topic to get into. This part of my practice is going to take some time to build up. And of course I can and will do other things too. In fact, I just had my first client. A lady who wants me to draw up a will for her.

So, as cheesy as it sounds, I think that's what life is all about. Creating the kind of life we want and following our dreams.

“Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” Atticus Finch

Dodgeball

My friend said to me the other day, "you're always into something different,' and well, she's right. I'm no longer taking cello lessons--I turned in my bow when my belly got too big. So, now my new thing is dodgeball. Yes, that's right, dodgeball. Its really loads of fun. My friends Rachel and Cris (front center) are on the team and I've made lots of new friends too.

So Monday was our first game. We had two actually. Oh, and our team name is "Balltulism" (a pun on botchulism). We played the Dream Team and The Team Formerly Known As and won both games. It was so much fun. I was only knocked out once. I'm pretty good at dodging, not so good at throwing.