American Pie (cutie pies, that is)

We've now been home for almost 3 months and the boys are doing great.

Liam has gained weight and is progressing well on the growth charts--better in height than weight so the doc wants us to try to fatten him up. I'm guessing she doesn't realize how hard that will be since this boy really chows down! I think now that he is walking (and running) he just burns it right off. He is saying "hi", "bye", "mama" and "dada" with more regularity and he seems to really understand quite a bit. He is such a happy kiddo and rarely seems to have a bad day.

Aidan has gained 10lbs now but is still low on the growth charts for his age for both height and weight. He is very active and is picking up new words every day. He is quite a chatterer, regardless of whether he is understandable or not. At first afraid of the dogs, he now plays with (terrorizes) them relentlessly. He is happy most of the time but, consistent with the terrible twos, whines when he does not get his way.

We had family come visit from Houston to meet the boys over the Fourth of July weekend. We did crack open a bottle of pepper on honey Vodka we brought home from our trip and the adults toasted a hearty "Nasdorovya!" The boys had cupcakes with red icing and brownies. The kiddos loved the attention and the gifts of books, toys, chairs and other goodies. Thanks Aunt Kris, Uncle Tom and Corby!

Here are some recent photos including some blatant 4th of July patriotism.

First is the traditional "diaper" shot of the boys--can't have them enter their dating years without them. Note the mop of hair on Aidan's head, pre-haircut.

Here is Aidan with his new aerodynamic haircut. He did NOT like the hair cutting experience. I knew it was going to be bad news so when the stylist said "we usually start with the scissors but use the clippers if things don't go well" I said, "Start with the clippers." There was crying, begging and pleading and me restraining Aidan in my lap while the poor lady tried to work as fast as she could. Aidan holds no grudges though--as soon as it was over and he was down, he gave her his charming smile and "buh bye!" When we got home, we gave him a Victoria's Secret catalog and all was well--typical guy!

Yes, on the 4th of July we dressed the boys in Old Navy flag t-shirts and got little American flags for them to wave. They may not be able to wear the "born in the U.S.A." stuff, but darn it, they're proud Americans!