Starting to Act More Sisterly

The girls have been getting more and more interactive with each other recently. Although they've long recognized and acknowledged each other, these days they engage with each other more deliberately and for longer stretches of time. They "play" together (if one of them has a cool toy, the other wants it and either steals it or shouts/cries until they're distracted by something else), display physical "affection" (pat each other on the head, often way too hard), lean on each other (no, they literally lean on each other to hold themselves upright), and giggle at a funny face or noise the other is making.

Here are just a few of our favorite recent shots of them acting sisterly:

Testing out Noey's new car seat

Noey pushing Zora

Checking out the world together

Mama!

It's difficult to put in words what it is like being a parent.  Is there one word that can encompass how happy our daughters make me, how challenging it all is, and how much I love them?

Similarly, I don't know how to adequately express my feelings about raising these two with my partner in crime.
And I won't try to do it here. 
However, I do want to mention three things for which I am continually thankful that my better half possesses.   K, thanks for your neverending patience, your levity when both girls are melting down, and your ability to expertly divide your attention.

And big direct-flight hugs to our Moms on the East Coast.
Thanks for everything.  And yes, it's true.  Now that we have babies, we are even more amazed and thankful for all you've done for us.

  

A Spring Visit from Oma

Less than a week after Chris and Nate's wedding, Oma made the trek to Salt Lake during her April school vacation. The weather was hit-and-miss sunshine, but Spring was definitely in the works. Oma got some good one-on-one time with each girl, taking one for a walk in the park or an afternoon play session while the other stayed at daycare. The parents also got some good one-on-one time with each other: we went out to dinner for Katy's birthday while Oma babysat!

Zora and Noemi are a lot steadier on their feet these days. Both are able to stand without holding on to something for a second or two. No walking on their own yet, but they love to get around with a helping hand. We also have a lot of fun on the play structure that a neighbor passed along to us, getting more confident on the slide each time.

Wishing all the moms (and especially the grandmothers) a very Happy Mother's Day this Sunday!

Oma and Zora enjoying the sunshine in the backyard

Two toddlers in training

Three generations of Young women

Noey exploring the yard

Zora trying out the slide