Soup Night lives on + some stats on the kiddos

Forgot to mention back in February that some of our friends hosted a soup night since we decided not to host them this year -- someone I used to work with at Urban Design Group (actually a "former U.D.G. employee")....

Every year at soup night, there's been a "F.U.D.G.E." reunion.  It was really wonderful that Alice and her husband David hosted the ol' gang!  The top photo is the only one that shows both host (at left with his mouth full) and hostess (partially visible seated next to me).  Isabella got to hang out at the adult table while Mercer hung out with the kids at the table in the kitchen.

Also, last week, we did end up hosting a small (private) soup night for my childhood friend, Susan and her kids.  She's never been able to come to one & wanted to partake.

(She was in town visiting her parents during their spring break, as they recently moved to Arkansas.) Maybe one day we'll venture out there to visit them, but until then, we will jump on any chance we get to hang out while they're here!  

Although we don't see them often, this is one family where Mercer instantly feels plugged in.  It's pretty cool how comfortable he is with them - but I think it has a lot to do with how welcoming Susan's kids are and how they make him feel like he's one of the gang! 

They are a great group of kids.  (I know Susan reads the blog, so I'm hoping she knows what a fantastic job she and Chad are doing with them!!) 

We really enjoy any time we get to spend with them! 

Friday, I took both kids to the pediatrician.  Mercer was up for his 5 year appointment / Isabella - her 4 month appointment.  Both kids did great -- both are progressing as they should be.  Mercer weighed in at 46 lbs and 46" tall (3'-10").  He's 94% in height!  He had a hearing & vision test which was required for school coming up in the fall.  He also had his blood pressure taken and had to pee in a cup.  I went with him / was really hoping that he wouldn't miss the cup - since I was holding it!  He did great.  The doc said that they look for sugar (for diabetes), blood in the urine, and about 6 other things which I can't remember.  

He passed all with flying colors.  During Isabella's portion of the visit, Mercer had to go potty, but had to go on his own, as I was holding Isabella during her exam.  One time the nurse took him & stood outside the door.  The next time, the nurse pointed him in the direction of the bathroom & told him to come right back.  As we were wrapping up Isabella's appointment, a different nurse came down the hall and asked:  there are two urine samples in cups in the bathroom.  Does anyone know whose they are?  (oh brother! I knew instantly.  "Mercer... when you went to the bathroom... did you pee in a cup?"  He hid behind the door, "yes."  Why?  "because it was fun!"~~)  

Isabella appointment went well too.  She is actually a little bit tall (long) for her age.  She's measured in at 24.75" -- which is 56% on the charts -- a little taller/longer than average.  Her weight is 40% (13 lbs, 12 oz).  And her head circumference is 67% at 16 1/2" in diameter.  She's holding herself up (with a little support at the core), she's scootching, she's rolling over a little bit, and she's scootching (as seen here in these couple of photos - although at night her scootching & turning -- while encased in a swaddle -- is much more impressive. She's all over her crib & ultimately faces all sorts of directions.

Both are progressing well and able to do the social / behavioral / physical things that were asked during the intake part of the visit.  We are so lucky & blessed to have two wonderful, happy, healthy children!

(And a teaser for an Easter post -- coming up hopefully soon!)  : - )