one twin has heterochromia

Over the Christmas holiday while at the in-laws', Daddy noticed that Thing 2 also has heterochromia (right eye). It doesn't cover as much of her eye as Curious George's though. Of course we had to check Thing 1 to see if she has it, being identical and all. But Thing 2's eyes are evenly colored. We then looked at all the photos from when they were born. I found discoloration on Thing 2's eye as early as 4 months old. Daddy and I then became obsessed by the topic and searched the internet. Having 2 out of 3 kids with sectoral heterochromia clearly suggests a genetic component. Why Thing 1 doesn't have it isn't really a mystery anymore since there are a lot of genetic studies saying identical twins don't exactly have the same genes. The zygosity DNA testing we had done when they were infants said the girls are identical twins, but of course there are factors that affect gene expression.

Anyway, I told Daddy that it is highly unlikely the heterochromia came from my side of the family. Being Filipino, the variation in eye color in my family only goes from minute differences of brown. We found a picture on the internet of someone with central heterochromia and to me it looked exactly like Daddy's eyes (his eyes are hazel). So I suggested I take a picture of them. Then while we were all curious, I took pictures of Nana and Papaw's eyes (they both have hazel eyes). It seems their hazel eyes may very well be central heterochromia (they are yellowish in the center).

Thing 2's right eye. The discoloration is at 9 o'clock and it's small. We've missed it this long since it just looks like glare on pictures. The discoloration looks greenish, but Daddy says it's a lighter shade of brown.

While on the topic, here is Daddy's right eye. It is hazel with a yellowish/goldish ring in the center.

And for those who are curious as to what possible eye color offspring results when a dark brown-eyed asian gal gets it on with a hazel-eyed caucasian man, here is my eye.

Our little man's heterochromia is here. Thing 1's eyes is exactly the same color as Thing 2's (without the discoloration).

some lovin' feelin' this Christmas

Thing 2 getting cozy with Nana.

Nana was going for a smooch, but Thing 2 stuck out her tongue. She's a sneaky one.

Thing 1 plays hard to get when Thing 2 tries to kiss her. Hugs and kisses are a whole lot better than biting, I say.

Curious George and Thing 1 show some love (before the tackling begins).

18 months

The girls had their 18-month check on Monday (a little late, I know...my darned knee surgery got in the way!)

Thing 1: 26 1/2 lbs, 32 inches
Thing 2: 24 1/2 lbs, 31 1/2 inches

Going by the appearance of their thighs/legs and their overall pudge, one would think the weight difference is at least 5 lbs. Plus, Daddy and I, and Nana all notice the weight difference when we carry each one. Either Thing 1's weight is all on her legs, or Thing 2 just keeps her weight elsewhere...hmmm.

after-christmas lull

I guess it's inevitable that there is a crash that happens after the excitement of all the gifts.

All I know is that Thing 1 is watching TV here. Other than that, I have no idea what is going on in her head.

Thing 2 takes a break from staring at the TV to be cute.

These two were always on the go the whole time!
(Thing 2 in cream, Thing 1 in brown)

Enjoying downtime with Cousin B.
(That's Thing 2 that is the recipient of Curious George's love.)

there were lots and lots of gifts

Thing 1 got a peak of the toy cell phone and started ripping the wrapper, while Thing 2 looks on.

Curious George assigns Daddy the task of assembly, while he plays with his new Transformers.

Being the good momma that I am, I inspect some of the merchandise. Thing 2 was impatiently waiting her turn.

Wouldn't you like to be caught by this cute little policewoman! (Thing 1)

Curious George bonds with Cousin C over the love of Legos.
(I'm sure Daddy is celebrating somewhere in the background. In a few short years, he will have an excuse to buy those huge Star Wars Legos.)

Merry Christmas!

To our friends and family, Merry Merry Christmas!

you know what they say about big feet

Last weekend while at the mall, Daddy and I decided that it's about time to get Curious George a new pair of shoes. While there, we decided to get the girls measured. Surprise, surprise, everyone's feet has gotten so long! I think Daddy thinks it abuse that the the kids (the girls especially) are using 3 half sizes too small.

Stride Rite didn't have a matching pair for the girls, so they had to order one from another store and it arrived today. So here they are modeling their new shoes. Why naked you ask? Well, the girls were wearing a full sleeper with feet, so I had to unzip them and then Thing 2 just had to take her clothes all off an Thing 1 followed suit, and then Curious George just had to join in on the fun.

"All aboard! Choo-chooo" - says Curious George

Curious George's feet went from 10 to size 11. He loved this shoe because it had his favorite color, orange.

Thing 1's feet grew from size 5W to between 6 - 6.5 regular. This shoe is size 6.5.

Thing 2 went from 5 to a full 6.5. Her feet is slightly longer than Thing 1, but much skinnier.

The girls' shoes look so much bigger to me that I'm worried it might trip them. I wanted to go to size 6, but the salesperson said if we get size 6, they may only get a month to a month and a half out of them. We wouldn't want that!