Hanging out at the pool

The girls enjoyed their first trip to the pool this summer in their new little inflatable kiddie pool.

Just lounging

My mom bought each of the girls a little rocking chair. They will climb up in them and rock on their own. They look like two little old ladies.

I like to imagine them years and years from now on a porch together, sitting in rocking chairs and chatting. It makes me happy to think that the girls have each other. Having a sister is wonderful.

First Year Pictures

The girls were so cute in the circus party dresses my mom made for them. Photographing one year olds is an art all it's own--or maybe its an exercise.

What! Lost your mittens? You naughty kittens.

Evelyn and Rowan were very naughty this past Sunday. I left them in their room to play for 2 seconds while I rinsed off a stinky diaper downstairs. I walked upstairs to see them both covered in Boudreaux Butt Paste (diaper rash cream).

Judging by the amount of cream applied and the fact that Evelyn had her entire hand submerged in the jar, I'd have to say that she was the main culprit; although her partner in crime, Rowan, was right beside her and covered to a lesser extent.

We laughed, grabbed the camera and took this quick shot before dialing poison control. They were fine and their skin has been extra soft for days. The carpet on the other hand, is another story.

This is the girls' first incident of malice aforethought. Well, technically speaking no one died...unless you count the jar of butt paste...but it is the first time they did something they knew they shouldn't do, but did it anyway. In the very least they acted with mens rea. You may say the girls lacked the intent, but I know better. Those girls have been wanting to get into that jar forever. Seriously, it is something we always have to put up. They will crawl from across the room to try to get it.

And so as I washed off the greasy substance, I couldn't help but feel proud of them too. Don't get me wrong. Bad behavior is not to be encouraged, but from a developmental aspect they are advancing. They are learning how to push their boundaries. That what baby wants may be different from what mommy wants. And that baby can do something that mommy has consistently said baby cannot do. That's a big step. And just the first of many, many more to come.

Rowan

Our little Ro-ro is really on the move now. A few days ago she took two steps to Dad completely on her own. Today, she is taking several in a row. She can't control how fast she walks yet, so she starts out with one, then the next one is a bit faster, and faster until she loses her balance and falls. Its akin to learning how to roller skate. Andre always said she was our Roller Derby Girl.

She's so proud of herself too and is just beaming every time she does it. Its amazing how fast they're learning. If I learned as many new things in the amount of time that they are--well I'd have all the world's problems solved in no time.

I don't think that Evey is that far behind. She's walking, but won't quite let go to do it on her own. She'll walk for days as long as she can hold onto my hand, or something to push. She doesn't really need it, but she doesn't know that yet. She's had a cold this week too though, which doesn't help anything.

Why you should never meet your idols...

Monday afternoon Andre says, "after work, at 5:15pm go over to Julie's house--I have a surprise for you." That's all I knew, "a surprise."
"The girls?"
"Oh, I'll take care of them," he said.
"Am I dressed okay."
"yeah, that's fine."

So all day I was thinking, what in the world kind of surprise? Little did I know, he had bought Lyzz's extra ticket to see DAVID SEDARIS!

I had to type in bold like that because that is how much I adore David Sedaris. I love him so much (and Amy Sedaris too) that Andre often comments how I wish I was a part of their family. And here I was going to see him with Julie, Erin, and Lyzz. Awesome!

His show was amazing. He was just so incredibly funny. David doesn't like having photographs made--so we have this I-phone sneak shot with him signing books. Yes, that is a giant cross made out of crayons behind him. The Parmount Theater was too small to hold the amount of people wanting to go to the show, so they had his show in a Baptist Church.

After the show we waited in line to have a book signed. Now I've met some famous people in the past, but I've never really been "star struck." Anyhow, I get up to the front of the line, hand him my book and I'm smiling ear to ear. David says, "You have really nice teeth." Which at the time I thought was a compliment, but in retrospect, maybe he was a little bit scared--as in 'what big teeth you have grandmother' sort of way.

So he said, "you have really nice teeth" and what do I say?
I say, "I've been to the dentist."
"Um...what?"
"I've been to the dentist," I repeat.

THAT'S IT!

That's all I say to him. Like who hasn't been to the dentist? What an idiotic thing to say to someone and I have no idea where it even came from. Why would I say that? He gave me an odd look and started talking to my friends who thankfully had interesting stories about firefighting. I tried to think of something to say to somehow redeem myself, but it was over. I am such a nerd.

So that's that. If I can't keep a sense of composure with David Sedaris then I'll never be able to meet Ira Glass who I like even more.

It's not that having money is so good, it's that not having it is so bad.

Well, this isn't really an update on the wallet--wish it was though.

Its surprising how many people have said they had similar wallets/purses stolen over the years. This is my first stolen wallet, but I have had checks stolen out of my mailbox before, and a car radio stolen out of my car.

I've been doing some searches on craigslist, not that I think the thief will sell my cheap wallet, but perhaps some good Samaritan will find the discarded wallet and post in the lost in found. It appears, however, that most "found" items are dogs and cats, while "lost" items are watches, rings, and wallets. I begin to imagine a Utopian society where dogs and cats all have homes to be lost from and people return missing treasures, no matter how valuable. Instead, the local "lost and found" would be more fitting if it were titled, "stolen and abandoned."

I am sure as the economy worsens that this sort of thing will happen more and more. Just because people don't have the money, doesn't mean they don't have the wants. I've had so many clients or their spouses lose jobs lately. Jobs that seemed secure, at big companies, that were well-paying.

San Jacinto Night

Friday night was the 2nd Annual San Jacinto Night hosted by the Austin Fire Museum and Emergency Service Pipes and Drums Band (Andre's Bagpipe Band). Guy Forsyth played, as well as the bagpipe band. Representative Lloyd Doggett and mayoral candidate Lee Leffingwell were keynote speakers.

I was particularly impressed with Lee Leffingwell. I've been so disappointed to see Will Wynn our present mayor leaving office. He has done so much for Austin, especially when it comes to advancing environmental awareness and he was just an all around good guy--hey that Virginia man deserved to be hit. I haven't even wanted to think about new people. But I liked Lee. He didn't say anything grandiose or overdone, he was modest and sincere and could have easily been someone's parent speaking at a wedding reception. He said that his father was a firefighter--he was actually an Austin Firefighter. When I got home I looked up where he stands on things, and I have to say, "I'ma lookin' and I'ma liking."

Anyhow the event was awesome. It was so fun to be at this huge party with so many people we love. Plus, we had an all you can drink open bar, complete with Dripping Springs Vodka flowing from an ice sculpture and Dagar's catering.

Plus, they had a silent auction with some great items. Sullivans sponsored a dinner with the new fire chief that included a chef prepared menu for 6 in their private room, complete with wine parings--it went for $700 (which if you've ever been to Sullivans, is a steal). We won a professional photography session, new running shoes, and some other smaller items.

Oh and Andre auctioned 12 bottles of his homebrew beer that went for $80! People were fighting over that homebrew and the way it was displayed it looked like there were only 3 bottles.

The event also honored firefighters who did heroic acts this past year and several people received the Medel of Merit and Medel of Valor.

The twins, by the way, spent the night at Grandma's.

I hate thieves

Someone stole my wallet out of my car today, drained my business checking account, as well as my personal checking, charged up my credit card and completely ruined my evening. I so hate thieves.

We canceled the cards and alerted the bank. I'm expecting the bank to restore the money. Its just so upsetting. In addition to monetary problems, my State Bar Card was in there, along with the social security cards belonging to my daughters and me. I know, I know, you're not suppose to carry social security cards--I just didn't take them out after getting their passports. damn it.

I also had some very expensive, sentimental earrings in the change pocket.

Viki's Wedding

Things are finally starting to slow down and I can catch up a bit.

So the girls had their first trip out of the country just prior to their first birthday. We took a trip to Toronto for my good friend, Viki's wedding. Viki and I met in England when we were in University at Keele and have been friends ever since. I love this picture of her, she looks like a movie star. And here's her new husband, Dale.

Anyhow, I was initially worried about flying with the girls. They've been on a plane before, but now they are just so squirmy. There is a reason why you don't have to pay for a toddler's plane ticket--so few people are dumb enough to fly with them. Fortunately for us, the flights were not crowded at all and the girls had a whole row of seats to climb on. They were really great and didn't cry at all. I don't know what we would have done if they had had to sit in our laps the entire time.

Once in Canada we stayed with Viki's mom, Elizabeth and her brother Vilmos. (That's Elizabeth with Viki and the twins). The girls really loved them and they had the whole house ready for the babies--complete with pack-n-plays and baby gates. We joked that Elizabeth was going to keep them, and you know I think the girls would have happily stayed. Especially Evey. Every time she saw Elizabeth she put her arms out to go to her. Elizabeth made lots of Hungarian food, which the girls loved almost as much as Andre did. He even came home with recipes and a pasta maker.

We had so much fun. Viki's brothers Vilmos, Endre, and Endre's wife--Maria hung out with us a lot. They are some of the nicest, most intelligent, fun people to be around. I can't say enough good things about them. I wish we lived closer. Well, to clarify, I wish we lived closer, but still in warm weather. Canadian spring is still pretty darn cold.

The wedding was so awesome. I don't even know where to begin. I am tempted to begin by saying how amazing the food was, or that we had courses...yes, actual courses of gourmet food--like an episode of Top Chef. The dancing, the location, the decorations, everything was just amazing. But to be honest, (and I know this sounds trite, but its true) the best part was that my good friend who I so love married this incredible person who I know loves her. That was the best part of the wedding.

I also got to see Shelley; aka Shell-i-triple-i. Shelley, Viki, Brad, and I backpacked around Europe together. There is something about traveling through foreign lands together that creates this special bond. That's been about eight years ago now, which is hard to believe. I love those people so much and our travels are some of the most memorable times of my life. So it meant a lot to see Shelley and to meet her boyfriend Chris there too.

We had such a wonderful time, I can't wait until our next visit together.

The Girls Turn One

Friday, Rowan and Evelyn turned one. I've been trying to find the words to express what this year has to meant to me, but instead I find myself repeating the same old, "my how time has flown by" and "I can't believe its already been a year." Its the same old trite remarks I remember my parents saying when I was a child while I was thinking, "what are talking about? This year has taken for-e-ver!"

I have to say that it has been one of the most remarkable years of my life and I have enjoyed every bit of it. Even the difficult, messy, stinky, and sleepless parts were good because the girls were a part of it.

So in typical fashion for our house, we celebrated their first year with a huge blowout party. The party was a circus theme, complete with a cotton candy machine, popcorn and jump castle. Andre even had the local fire engine make a guest appearance. I made a two story carousel cake for them. The top layer was white cake and the bottom was chocolate. T

There were so many kids running around, it was absolutely beautiful. And our good friend Will flew into town from New Orleans to celebrate the girls' birthday and his too. Dolly, Starr, Jamie, Michael and Lily drove up from San Antonio and my dad drove down from Fort Worth. All in all it was a good turn out.




Mimi (their grandmother) made their little dresses. They had circus prints on them and big satin bows. The girls were so cute.

The Girls' First Year

Learning to stand on one's own

Rowan and Evey have been able to stand while holding onto something for a while, but they are now in the process of letting go and standing on their own. Its so cute to watch. It takes all of their concentration--like balancing on a tightrope, and they are so proud when they can do it.

Here's a little video of Rowan last night learning to stand:


Rowan learning how to stand from Leigh on Vimeo.

St. Baldrick's Day

Today was St. Baldrick's Day, which is a wonderful fundraiser created to help kids with cancer. Andre and many others today, raised money and shaved their heads at the Childrens' hospital.

Several kids battling cancer came down to watch the event and other kids who were too sick to come outside watched from the windows. Thank you everyone who donated. It really means a lot to us and I know Andre was very touched by the overwhelming show of support from so many people.

I have a few before and after pictures.







Here's one of all the firefighters.





After the head shaving we took the girls inside the hospital to a really beautiful garden. That green, green, perfect grass is not real. That's why its so green. Its awesome though and perfect for the girls--they can't pull any out to eat.

Pipes and Drums

Have you ever started something that became something bigger and more important than you imagined it ever would be?

Andre has been playing the bagpipes downtown all day to a large crowd of people, including the Police Chief. This little firefighter bagpipe band that started with just a handful of people, taking lessons, selling baked goods is now...how do I explain this? Its amazing.

Through their own hard work they started a nonprofit band to bring together firefighters, police, and EMS. You may not realize this, but in some places there is a huge division between those services. In fact, there are stories of knock-out, drag-down fights--and so this unified group is quite significant. The band has grown to about 30 members--all emergency service men and women.

What's more, is the importance that it has for our community. The public is interacting with them in an approachable, non-traumatic, friendly way. At the end of their set, they'll tell the crowd about the service men and women who have lost their lives saving others and then play Amazing Grace. Its such a moving song, especially with several bagpipes and drums playing in unison. Everyone in the crowd will raise their glass as a show of respect. I've seen grown men tear up. People are truly moved and visibly recognize the sacrifice that is made for the good of all people. For a job that is often so thankless, you can see people honor them, appreciate them, value them.

As a community it is crucial to have a good relationship between the public and the emergency service persons. It makes the public safer. It decreases violence in the community. It makes the emergency service persons safer too. All of this they've done, and they're a damn good band too.

This is the band playing for 911 this past year at City Hall.

Luck o' the Irish

These pictures have absolutely nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day. Such is life as a baby. The significance of green milk is really not appreciated at this age and so we skipped the festivities and spent the night playing instead. Here are a few recent pics:




Both girls are getting a lot of teeth now. You can see Rowan's grill here. She's quite a biter too. I've counted four new teeth for Rowan, and three new teeth for Evelyn.

There is never enough time--unless you're serving it.

I'm a bit behind here and I'm not exactly sure where last week ended and this one began. Anyhow, Andre and I came home last week to find our very good friends, David and Belen, had been at our house while we were away at work, pulled weeds and planted us a new garden full of delicious veggies. I think it has to be one of the most kind, thoughtful, amazing things someone has done for us and completely unexpected.

Belen said they had seen both of us looking out at our overgrown garden longingly and that we had both mentioned at different times how much we wished we had had the time to plant one this year. That's a good friend.

Lots of people give gifts that they themselves actually want, but a really good friend gives something they know you really want. It requires the friend to pay attention--and that is rare to find in another. They are really good friends.

I've been taking the girls out to see the garden every afternoon when I come home from work. I think they like it too.

We celebrated my sister's birthday last week too. This is Evey playing the drums. She was really having a good time. The girls were wearing their little guayaberas that their abuelo and nona brought them from Panama. Evey looked like she could be playing the drums for the Cuban band "Buena Vista Social Club" (albeit a very young member).

I was looking for a pair of shorts for Evey to match her guayabera she was wearing. I found a pair of pants she wore at 3mths that still fit her waist and the leg part that used to be down to the floor is now at her knees. They were perfect. Its so funny how much they've grown.

I realized yesterday that the girls turned 11 months. Its their last month until a year old. Of course some people will continue to use months for their babies, as in, "my baby is 18 months old," which is kind of weird I think. Why not just say, "he's just over a year," or "she's a year and a half." I figured that I'm 400 months old, which sounds very old and implies that maybe I should have done more in my life by now. Luckily I'm in a career in which the average age is "grey-haired and balding," whatever age that is.


We also celebrated our friend Julie's birthday. She had a pub-crawl by bike. Andre went the whole route on his big dummy bike (that's what its called--a "big dummy"--its a commuter bike and really cool, but only other big dummy people really know how totally cool it is). The girls and I met up with the group at one restaurant-pub. Everyone ooed and awed over the girls, then we went home and played the rest of the day.

Kite Festival

We took the girls to the 81st Annual Kite Festival. Well it was the girls' first, but I hope to make it an annual event. It was a beautiful day too.

We didn't bring a kite, so dad flew Rowan around for a while.











After the festival we went to see the new movie Coraline in 3D (Tia Laura babysat). It was a really good movie based on a Neil Gaiman novella; although I think its too scary for little kids.

Father Daughter Dance

Scott and Sydney went to a father-daughter dance this weekend. Its so crazy how fast she's grown.

playing

As a kid you can always find something to play with or make a mess.

Here's a picture of Evey finger painting (with yogurt and food coloring) and one of Rowan pushing the dog bowls around.