Summer Fun

Hard to believe that fall is here -- especially since it's 90 degrees outside in Washington today.  We have had a wonderful summer full of lots of adventures and wanted to share some of them with our friends.  The two albums below give a good picture of what the Allens have been up to.

We had an amazing time in Boston and Martha's Vineyard with family at the start of the summer.  We spent a week at Grams & Grandpa's house in Brookline, then two weeks on the Vineyard with all of Dad's family.  The babies loved meeting all their cousins, going to the beach, and hanging out at Mad Martha's ice cream shop.

It was super hot when we got back to Washington, but we made the best of it.  Lucas and Olivia found a wonderful nanny, Carol, who has been keeping them entertained on the days (three weekly now) that Mom goes to work.   We've tried all sort of new foods - cereal, vegetables & fruits - and the list is growing weekly.  Thinking back to the first few days of runny cereal, it's amazing to watch the babies now gobbling down a big bowl of sweet potatoes, squash and green beans (yesterday's dinner).  So far, Mom has been succeeding in her efforts to make the babies' food - with much help from the wonderful farmers at our local market.  We now have bags of frozen fruit & veggie cubes, to share freezer space with the breast milk :)  Next month we can introduce proteins, so a whole new world of possibilities will open up.

The babies are making great progress developmentally as well.  Because we have graduated from the need for frequent doctor's visits, we can't report exact weights, but they're probably around 14 (Olivia) and 15 (Lucas) lbs now -- pretty amazing.  They both comfortably play on their tummies and Olivia is working really hard to roll from her back to her stomach.  She can get both hips over, but hasn't quite yet mastered getting her head and arm to follow.  The babies are also starting to sit up on their own, which is super impressive.  Mostly they're supporting themselves on their arms (tripod sitting), but this morning Lucas pretty much held himself up with minimal support from Mom.  They are both doing lots of talking and singing.  Lucas likes to giggle when he gets excited, which is possibly one of the best sounds Mom and Dad have ever heard.  Olivia matches that with her 1,000 watt smile.

As the naps consolidate (we're down to three daily now), we are taking more adventures, especially at dinner time.  The babies have proven themselves excellent dinner guests at several establishments around Capitol Hill.  The other diners -- and watching what's on Mom & Dad's plates -- prove good distraction.  Our neighborhood playground is a favorite play spot too.  The babies love watching other babies and bigger kids.  Olivia really enjoys looking up at all the leaves in the trees.  Mom can't wait to see what she thinks when they turn color this fall.

Mom and Dad are doing well also, balancing responsibilities at work with responsibilities and playtime at home as best we can.  It's a whirlwind, but an absolutely amazing time.  And it's nice to pause every once in a while to share a little piece of our lives with our wonderful friends and family.  A great opportunity for us to spend a moment and linger over all the smiles and growth.  Happy fall to all!

Click here to see pics from L&O's Martha's Vineyard vacation

Click here to see L&O pics from July to now