Christmas in Chambersburg

Over the (Potomac) River and through the snow we went to the girls' first Christmas at Grandma Joan's house. The Bloomington Applegates came by way of New York City, bringing their cousin Deborah Grossman. Grandma Janet came over from Lancaster. The Rochester Applegate/Weavers came from, uh, Rochester. Only the Applegate/Fisher contingent was missing from the throng as they were in Brookline celebrating the solstice birth of Liam, the first of the next generation (Congratulations, Virginia and Dan!). Not surprisingly, there were many pictures from which to choose for this post. We went with the girls in their Heidi-made Christmas dresses and Grandma Janet-made figgy pudding hats (and also their first shoes). Maggie and her Uncle John both sport Haverford paraphernalia as Maggie holds her new Love and Peace "baby dish" (or so claims Aunt Amy; others have positively ID'd it as an ashtray). Bea tries on another of her new Janet-knit hats, looking a bit like the smallest cardinal. Grandma Joan was reasonably successful in her efforts to get the girls to sit in little chairs. And, finally, all gathered for dinner. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Snow!

With Washington being buried in the biggest snowfall since 1996, the girls had their first look at a world turned monochromatic. Maggie seemed particularly rapt by the view. (Note the snow-capped flowerpots visible through the kitchen door.) Although we dragged the stroller out onto the sidewalk, it quickly became apparent that even its big wheels were not going to be sufficient to plow through the deep snow. So a hasty retreat was beaten indoors and somewhat later a second excursion undertaken with backpack and umbrella, the latter for the protection of Maggie's cheeks.

Babyproofing

Mobility, that great American dream, is a parent's nightmare. With Maggie and Bea now roaming free the time had come to undertake babyproofing in earnest. In the video, Maggie demonstrates both her clapping and leaning-while-standing talents. The photos showcase the girls shaking the bars of their cage (well, gate), and making the most of new living-room shelves, which make for good sitting while still in the box.

Bright (Christmas) lights, big city

The Apple Twins have now been to the Big Apple. Their Aunt Mary came down from Albany to stay with them for the evening so their parents could attend a gala honoring Heidi's former boss. Mary did an excellent job of keeping them from trashing the hotel room, a feat that was made more challenging since both girls are not only moving horizontally but also taking a greater interest in the vertical. In the morning we walked over to Rockefeller Center to see some very big lights and a very big tree. After joining up with Glat for a stroll and a short visit, we returned home with two very tired but content little girls (the weary Maggie in the car shown here).