Two Peas in a Pod

We knew our girls are alike in many ways and have really enjoyed watching all the similarities.  They look alike (so far), are happy and laid back for the most part, smiley, have great fine motor and social skills and sleep through the night well. 
However, at Alyssa's 6 month appointment yesterday some of the similarities we aren't a fan of continued.  Just like Shay her head has now grown at a very fast rate and is quite large compared to her body.  She has a protruding soft spot and is lacking in gross motor skills.  So, we are back in for testing.  Because we have been through this before, our worry level is a whole lot less.  We are also hoping we will not have to go through the extent of testing we did 2 years ago, since we now have a "normal" toddler who experienced a similiar situation. 
Some of news was good at her 6 month- she is gaining weight and growing taller- we have even surpassed the "less than 3%" to 7% in size!
So here we go!

Apple Orchard (with Tracie and friends)

Alyssa and Shay headed to the Apple Orchard with their daycare friends.  Shay loved all the pumpkins, educational program and the animals.  Alyssa's first trip consisted of sleeping the majority of the time, next year's trip should be quite different though :)

The whole group (plus some older kids who went along for fun)

"I want this one"

Shay came home with a pumpkin, apples and a couple gourds



First Bites

Alyssa has been trying out solid food.  Her first taste was Organic Baby Oatmeal, followed by mashed up bananas.  So far, she isn't really a fan of either.  She doesn't spit them out, but doesn't really eat them- most ends up on the bib, her lap or the person feeding her.  We will keep trying!

How to Eat "Superman" Ice Cream- No Description Needed

Happy Birthday Brett, Grandma, and Evan!

Over the last 2 weeks we have been able to celebrate a few birthdays.  Angie, Evan, Brett and I went out in Minneapolis for an evening with grandparents watched the kiddos.  We enjoyed an amazing (and expensive) fancy fondue meal at the Melting Pot as well as a couple drinks in the nearby pub.  Adult conversation was appreciated and we talked a lot about our upcoming cruise to the Bahamas!  On Sunday Alyssa and I visited my Grandma Betty, Aunt Marylou and Uncle Paul.  We had a good visit and Alyssa was a happy baby for most of it :)  That night we celebrated Brett's and my Grandma Carol's birthdays with the Parke side of the family.  Shay was able to help Dad blow out his candles and open his presents!  Then this weekend we went out with a bunch of Rochester friends- no pics though :( to celebrate Brett's bday again, along with our friend Kristina.  Another lovely meal at 300 1st!

Pengelly's and Carroll's at the Melting Pot

Great Grandma Betty and Alyssa

Great Grandma Carol and Alyssa

Blowing Out Candles for Dad's 31st

Parke Family Celebration

Reading

Both Shay and I enjoy a good book.  Alyssa has been joining us lately too.  We get a new book mailed to each girl once a month and it is always a treat for them to read their new addition.

Summer is done.. but here are few last pictures

To end the summer my parents came down to visit and we all headed out to the lake to pontoon, grill and just hang out.  It was a relaxing way to get ready for the fall season, which for us means a much more structured schedule with school, daycare, work and coaching.