Las Vegas

The family travelled to Las Vegas, NV for a week. I had some training to attend and we decided to make a vacation out of it and stay in our condo. We left in the middle of a huge snow storm - about 12 inches of snow!!! Even with that snow, our flight left only 20 - 30 minutes late and soon we were in sunny weather. Paul and Lizzie did really great on both the flight out and the flight back. They were a little fussier on the return trip, but no more than you would expect. Many of the people on the flights complimented us on our great babies.

While in Vegas, we didn't do much - we got some shopping done at the near-by outlet mall and a little shopping on the Miracle Mile - in the Planet Hollywood casino. We did go to Paris and have some crepes - Paul really liked the nutella crepe. Lizzie wasn't too worked up about either the nutella or the apple crepe.

While I was attending my training - Charlie got to sight see at the local ER. That's right - Paul required a little trip to the ER for an ear infection and pneumonia. He ran a fever our first full day, it went away the next day, and then was on and off the following. So on the fourth day - Charlie took him (with Lizzie in tow) to the immediate care center, where he was told that they only look at kids older than 10. So off to the Children's Hospital. Charlie says the doctors and nurses were all really nice, so it wasn't a really bad experience - just long. We have some anti-biotics and a breathing treatment that seemed to do the trick. We checked in with our local ped yesterday and all is well.

So now, we're all home and happy - except that while on vacation the twins got used to us laying down with them when it was time to sleep and now we have to listen to Lizzie cry for about 30 - 45 minutes before she goes to sleep.

Lizzie and Paul playing in the kitchen as Mama and Daddy pack.




We left this in Kentucky...


For this in Las Vegas (the weather was perfect)!!!


The Paris casino (looks like you're outside)


The fountain in front of Paris


Paul playing with his favorite toy hanger as we sit in traffic on the strip.


Lizzie takes the easy way out and sleeps through the trip

Quick Update

Well - what can I say, I'm a very bad blogger. The twins are doing great. They're crusing around and getting into everything. Their favorite toy is the tupperware (as usual, not what we spent tons of money on).

We had a recent assessment by the NICU Doctor (at their one-year adjusted - March 7). Overall they are doing good and on track. As both are walking and picking up the smallest speck (especially Lizzie as she will eat anything on the floor) their motor skills are doing great. The verbal skills are lagging just a little, but this is expected with twins. The doctor gave us some games to play and help them. He said no red flags right now, but we're supposed to keep watching them for the next couple of months.

Soon I hope to have some video (or at least some pictures).

First Birthday

Lizzie and Paul turned 1 on December 28, 2007!!!! We celebrated at home with their new presents - a wagon and a turtle with blocks. Not a lot else was done on this day - as we spent most of it getting ready for the party on Saturday, December 29. The party took place Fairdale Masonic Lodge (given the lack of parking at our house). The Allgeier family, including Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa; the Rademaker grandparents; and Carrie and Troi Simms (Mama's close friends) helped celebrate the event.

Daddy made some great tasting chili and Walmart made a wonderful cupcake-cake. The twins each had a small chocolate cake. Paul made a mess of his, but didn't really eat any. Lizzie very neatly stuck her finger in the icing and licked it off, but didn't really eat any of the cake.

They received many great gifts - including more clothes, a tea party set, a Elmo garage, and some spoons. They really liked the spoons.

All in all we can hardly believe a whole year has passed already. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital going down the hall to visit my two little babies . They have grown so much over the past year and accomplished so many things. Lizzie is on the verge of walking and Paul is eating all kinds of table food. I just can't wait to see what the new year brings.

Here are some pictures from the birthday and party.

Playing with their new toys from Mama and Daddy



Ready to party at the Lodge


Before


After - not much of a difference


Before


After - covered in chocolate (he even had it in his hair)

Christmas

The twins had a wonderful first Christmas. First they celebrated at Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa Allgeier's house with about 100 other close relatives. They did see one non-relative - Santa Claus - although they may have been happier to skip that visit.

The next celebration took place at Grandma and Grandpa Allgeiers. First the entire family went to Christmas Eve mass and then to the house for the traditional lasagna dinner. Paul enjoyed some lasagna and Lizzie ate a little of the meat.

They opened all their presents from Aunt Amy, Aunt Ellie, Uncle Paul - and of course, Grandma and Grandpa. They added a lot to their toy and book collection and Aunt Amy bought them some UofL outfits. Grandma bought them some push toys - a Winnie-the-Pooh one for Paul.




Lizzie was very excited about her princess push toy!




Lizzie is stylin' in her Chistmas pajamas!





Next - the twins celebrated Christmas at home - with waffles for breakfast after opening the gifts from Santa!!! While they weren't too into opening gifts - they do really like playing with their new toys.




Lizzie got her first baby doll - and promptly began chewing on her arms.





Paul got a toy remote - as he loves playing with the real remotes while Mama and Daddy are trying to watch TV.

They also received push toys for home - a fire truck and a school bus. They enjoy pushing them all over the house.

Later on Christmas day, we finished our celebrating at Grandma and Grandpa Rademaker's house. We had a yummy turkey dinner (except Lizzie) and the twins received a couple of outfits each for Christmas.

First Breakfast with Santa

Lizzie and Paul went to their first breakfast with Santa (and Mrs. Claus) yesterday. It was hosted by the Louisville Mother of Twins Club. They actually sat there for a little while before crying. We didn't get any smiles, but that's okay.

Winter wear

The twins continue to grow and have new experiences. We are slowly (a little too slowly according to some) starting the kids on some solid food and letting them feed themselves. They usually have a bitter biscuit (sort of a cookie) after daycare and Stage 3 food for dinner. Lizzie only gags occasionally now. I tried chicken last night, but that seems to be too big of a step. Here's some pictures from their first taste of toast (taken 11/19/07):

Lizzie has a piece in each hand

and her mouth!

Paul likes to play with the toast

more than he likes to eat it.

Yesterday they got their first set of hats and mittens. I don't think they like the cold weather all that much, but really just because they don't like getting bundled in their coats and hat.

Panama City

The twins took their second big car trip - this time 12 hours to Panama City, FL. We left Friday, November 2, 2007 at 10:00 pm so that the babies would sleep most of the way. This worked really well and they arrived in FL happy (which was not necessarily the same condition the parents were in). Actually, we had a great time. We didn't do much, as taking care of the twins took most of our time. Paul did not like being away very much and showed this by waking up every morning at 5:00 am. When we got home he was all smiles and seemed excited to see his room (like some other Paul Allgeier, Sr. I know that is very much a home body).

One day we took them to a near by park for a swing.



They have started to pull themselves up to standing. Lizzie likes to try to let go every once in a while, so I'm sure walking is just around the corner.


A beautiful beach - not very happy babies


Lizzie is crying, Paul's wondering when we get to leave.

Update on growth

Lizzie and Paul had their 9 month check up on Oct. 5, 2007. The main stats:

Lizzie - 21 lbs. and 27.5 inches
Paul - 20 lbs. and 27.5 inches

They are both doing great. Paul is still army crawling, but gets up on his hands and knees every once in a while. Lizzie is crawling and pulling herself up on everything. She can get into a sitting position on her own (Paul is working on it, but not yet there). They love to stand and play with their table toys, so who knows, walking could be coming sooner than I thought.
Here are some pictures of their cousins Jonathen and Killien's birthday party.

Riding in the horse drawn carriage


Paul and Paul (Grandpa Allgeier)


Three generations of Trost girls!

Costume Parade

Last Friday - Oct. 26, 2007 - the daycare had a costume parade for all the kids. It was a lot of fun to see all the kids in costumes. They went to different stations in the parking lot and then to a nearby resturant. Paul and Lizzie got to participate (and Mama and Daddy got some candy!) Unfortunately for the photo ops - the parade was during nap time, so they aren't real happy.

Lizzie and Paul - not liking the wagon


Lizzie happier with her Mama


Paul still a little tired


Paul looking at Lizzie's strange headgear


Lizzie - thinking Paul's headgear isn't very normal either


Tomorrow on Halloween the kiddies will go to Grandma Allgeier's house, with a stop at the Paschal's house (family friends).

October Update

The babies are still doing great. Paul is doing an army crawl and getting around rather well. Lizzie's actually on her hands and knees, and is getting good at going backwards - but has not yet figured out going forward. This is getting her very frustrated and we're finally seeing a little of me in her. We can hardly believe they're already nine months. Soon we'll be having their first birthday. Here are some recent pictures to show how they've grown. They have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so I'll have an update on their weight and height.

Crawling around on their play blanket



Playing together!



A new toy that's lots of fun!

2nd Place - Fairdale Fair

The babies won second place in the Fairdale Fair's Cutest Baby Contest. It's sponsored by the Rainbow Girls' Advisory Board. The kid (or kids in our case) with the most money wins. Charlie and I think our babies are the cutest (cuter than the 1st place winner for sure), so we're happy with 2nd place. Below are some pictures of Lizzie and Paul with the trophy - they are VERY excited!!!

In other news, Lizzie's two front bottom teeth have come in. You can see them whenever she smiles. Paul has one bottom tooth, so he's not far behind. They are both rolling over like pros and Paul's getting better at crawling. Hopefully, we'll have some video soon.



Of course, everything has to go in Lizzie's mouth

First Tooth

Last night we felt Lizzie's first tooth. They've been teething for a while and it's finally coming in. She has one on the bottom that has broken through and another that feels like it's just about to. Paul is fussy with teething, but no break throughs yet. Both are doing great and growing like weeds. They're 8 months old today!!! I can't hardly believe it. Here are some pictures from last weekend - just hanging around the house.

Just finished with lunch


Sitting (at least Lizzie) in the comfy chair

Monthly Update

Sorry it's been so very long since I updated the blog. Lizzie and Paul continue to grow, but I don't have any official weights as they don't have to go back to the doctor's office until 9 months. On the eating front - they now have cereal once a day and veggies twice a day. We're thinking about adding fruit soon, but are taking it slow. Paul continues to be the big eater, with Lizzie not finishing most of her bottles. Maybe he'll catch up to her size soon.

Paul is rolling around and goes from back to front to back without problems. Lizzie is sitting up on her own more, although we do have to keep a close eye on her.

Last week they attended their Aunt Ellie's wedding to Uncle Sam. They had a wonderful time and loved all the attention from both sides of our families. I don't have any pictures of the wedding yet, but hopefully will get some soon. Here are a couple of pictures from the celebration for Ellie's birthday - which took place on July 29, their 7 month birthday.

Grandpa Allgeier and the twins (he got them on his lap all by himself - quite an accomplishment)



Paul pretending that his fingers are the cake he couldn't have.



Lizzie playing with Uncle Paul


Paul and his cousins - Austen and Killien