Sister Heather composes a post !

Hi! This is Heather.... I wanted to do a favor for the sis, so I've attempted to update the blog, for all those who weren't lucky enough to spend 3 weeks in Oregon with the Jacobson-Dunlops, like I was. This is a picture of me with Emma on my first day in Portland...
Already bonded, right?
for videos go to: www.youtube.com/user/hahalaughsalot

and watch the quick list.

quicklist-play all
Also, these pictures and videos can be downloaded. Double click on the pictures for the several MB view. Cool, right?

Meera and Erick were equally overjoyed to have me around. We had a good time dancing

Meera and Emma exploring the front porch

There were many days that passed before I got here though, and the blog will catch you up now.

And a quick note on the parents in this troupe. While they are behind the camera, they are also writing abstracts and papers (ie Natalie's paper published in the September Journal of Midwifery and Women's health), working as a CNM and resident, and biking to work. I was impressed beyond measure at the attention which which they lavished their children and the orderliness of their very long days.

There's a great youtube video of Meera with her two dollies. So adorable!!

Natalie and Erick like to take the little women to the water park, and Meera and Emma like it too! These records were taken back in August 09. The babes were warm as they were wet!

Happy girls!

Children's Museum

I wasn't here this particular instance, but I know this room! This is the toddler room at the Children's museum, a place where new discoveries could be made even with daily visits.

I have rarely seen such adventurous behavior from little people!!

Washington Park in Portland

Erick and both girls at Washington Park, a favorite of the family's.

This is a picture of Ashwini and her twins, regular playmates of Natalie, Meera and Emma.

I was lucky enough to spend time at this local Multnoma Village park almost every day. We would walk there in the stroller, maybe 2k away. I'm so sad our time together ended so soon!

Summer Fun

Hi! On August 10th, we celebrated the girls' first birthday. So much has changed since last August. Though we have survived this last year, we are not sure the girls will survive each other this next year -- the manic sibling relationship appears to be in full swing. (Yes, Meera actually bit Emma's face the other day). We will post another update soon showing Emma's most recent developmental milestone (walking), but for now we hope you enjoy these pics and videos. The girls are doing great (Meera has finally started crawling and is still a huge crack-up). As you can see we have been spending a ton of time with Ashwini and her twins, Shaunak and Ved. They have been great playmates.
Nat got a job at Women's Healthcare Associates; she will start the end of September. The nanny search is on (know anyone?) Erick also survived his first weekend alone with the girls during which Emma decided to take her first steps. Thanks to all who helped us celebrate Meera & Emma's first year! Love, Team MEENS

1st Birthday Party!!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievably, Meera and Emma are going to turn 1 year old on August 10th. We are throwing a party on August 8th from Noon until 5pm (they will nap from 2:30 to 4pm) to celebrate the best 363 days of our lives. Actually, the first four months were absolutely brutal, but what would a first birthday be without a little revisionist history? If you can make it we would love to have anyone and everyone who is able, to come and celebrate with us. Also, if you are able, please bring something to share. We will have the grill going with meat and vegetarian options, and will have a few (mostly adult) beverages.
We love you all so much, and could not have done all of this without you; team MEENS has the most supportive community anyone could wish for.
Check out the invite/video below. It is a montage of many, but not all, of the people who have made such a difference to our family this year. Love to you all,
Team MEENS

(you can also watch a bigger version of the video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdoZ2w9l1-0

7.6.09 2 of 2

Hi again, here are some videos of the girls at their finest plus a pic from swim class tonight (Yeen sat in for Erick). Some of these are already old - taking the stars off the wand and closing the doors on the toy are now old hat to them. And this video of Em crawling was one of her first attempts. Now she is all over the place! Enjoy.