::gender bender::

So far, O's toy collection has been pretty much unisex. However, I ordered her a pair of baby dolls from American Girl last week to prepare her for the arrival of her new sister and brother. From the AG Bitty Baby collection, you can choose the "look" of your doll by choosing the hair, eye and skin color of the doll. I chose one that has dark hair and almond-shaped eyes--which incidentally looks a lot like O when she was a baby. A little creepy :-)

To balance out the gender spectrum (stereotypical, I know), we bought her some cars and trucks from the Playmobil 123 collection. Playmobil is a German company that also makes Lego-like toys that are suitable for kids 4+. The 123 collection, on the other hand, is a set specifically geared towards toddlers 1.5+. The play pieces are larger and smoother, yet they are still compatible with the classic Playmobil toys. So instead of replacing the 123 collection with the classic collection when O gets older, we can just add to what we already have. Excellent!

::such a pill::

Pills are hard to take. Even for chow hounds like my beagles. I know, I haven't written about them in a while, but they're fortunately still very much a part of our daily lives.

Once in a while, the hounds need a little antibiotic to stave off infections associated with various ailments. It has always been a challenge to get them to swallow the tiny little pills. Usually, I wrap the pill in bread and shove the mess in the hound's mouth.

Now there is an even tastier alternative. The folks who invented the addictive Greenies treats now make Greenies Pill Pockets just for this purpose. They offer beef or chicken flavored pockets in two sizes for canines and felines. Check it out on Animal World Network (great prices).

::big foot::

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We are finally settled into our new place. We love all the extra space...feels like I can breath again. On the other hand, the twins are growing rapidly and they are definitely taking up some space in my lung cavity.

Well, at least I still have my ankles. I never got cankles (calf and ankle rolled into one) the first time around, but we shall see what happens this time. To alleviate some stress on my calves and stay cool, I am wearing only flat sandals.

I love sandals by Tory Burch. They are stylish, but more importantly, they are very comfortable. The soles also have a lot of traction, which makes it safe for us waddlers.

You can find Tory Burch footwear on the TB website or from department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Belated "happy birthday" to Architectdad, Miss V and Grand-papy!!!

::land of no internet::

We just moved from our beloved apartment into our new home. My biggest fear was, of course, whether O will adjust to the new environment well. So far, she has been a champ--eating, sleeping and playing as she should. What's not to love?! More space to run around and more cabinets to explore!

Me, however, has been disconnected to the Internet for almost a week! Right now, I'm sneaking in an online moment on Architectdad's wireless connection. The cable guy was supposed to be here an hour ago, but there is still no sign of him. I could do without TV, no problem. But being in the land of no Internet has been rough...

In any case, a bit of good news. We had our 20-week anatomical sono scan last week. Everything is on target and the babies are doing well. We also found out the sex of the kinders...drum roll please...A GIRL AND A BOY!!! We are so very lucky.

::thank goodness for target::

Being a first-born, O has more designer "things" than me and Architectdad combined. Her nursery is decorated with Nurseryworks furniture and bedding. However, when we found out we are having twins, brands such as Target and Ikea immediately came to mind.

Simple, yet passably modern is what we were aiming for. Ikea has inexpensive cribs, but they really look and feel inexpensive. So we turned to Target. As most of you know, Target is a magnet for established designers who are looking to break into the mass market. Dwell Studio has also partnered with Target to bring us inexpensive, yet chic nursery furniture and bedding.

The only hiccup is the items are only sold online. Can't really see it in person to check out the quality for real. Check it out online anyway...you'll be pleasantly surprised.

::phishies::

It comes as no surprise that Architectdad and I are moving our family to a larger home. The downside is...moving. The upside is...redecorating!

Since O's present obsession is fish, I found the perfect wall decals for her new room. The design, called "Lucky Koi" is by Mel Lim for Blik Surface Graphics. Love the Cherry Blossom sub-theme...O will love it too...judging from her pose atop a pile of blossom petals. You can choose from three preset color combinations; or if you're daring, you can even choose from Blik's custom palette.

As for the twins, I haven't decided on the theme. But I think Blik might be in their future.

::middle-aged::

Today is my 36th birthday! It occurred to me that I am now closer to 40 than 30. It's no wonder they call my "condition" Advanced Maternal Age.

Architectdad took the day off today so we can spend some quality time together. We took O to the National Zoo. The weather is clear and sparkling. Tons of kids there, but it's to be expected :-)

Our friend V is kind enough to volunteer to babysit tonight; so Architectdad and I have a date to see the new Indiana Jones movie. I know, I'm a dork. But wouldn't you pay $10 to see if Harrison Ford can still make those cross-canyon jumps???