Okay, I Guess I'll Walk Now

This weekend marked Caroline's official decision to walk everywhere instead of scooting, so we were excited to see how well she did. I think the last step was for her to figure out how to fall and catch herself, then push back up into a standing position without holding onto anything, so now that she has, she's all set! She seems to love her new-found freedom and is actually really sure-footed for just beginning.
Claire has been really cute - she walks alongside Caroline and sometimes looks at her like, "Wait, I thought I was the only one who could walk?"

Are you coming, sis?

I found what I was looking for! Donald Duck!

We love walking around together! Have a great week everyone!

Caught Her in the Act!

Of course the one time I don't encourage/ask her to walk, she starts walking all over the place. Go Caroline!

Not Can I, but Will I?

So apparently I've been asking Caroline the wrong question over the last couple of months. All this time, I didn't think she was able to walk, but this past weekend proved me wrong. I've been helping her and trying to push her to walk as much as she can, but when it comes down to it, she can, but she's just decided she won't.

About three weeks ago, we went to go swimming with a friend of mine who has a highschool daughter, and while I was in the back changing Claire, I could hear the daughter encouraging Caroline to walk. I rushed back in there, and sure enough, she was walking all over the room with my friend's daughter. I missed her first steps, but as soon as she saw me, she sat back down again. Hmmmm...I wondered how long she had been able to do that, but just didn't choose to show me her ability. I think much of the time, she prefers to lounge around, but I know better - those legs work!
After we got home, I coaxed and coaxed her, but nothing. As soon as I would stand her up, she would just sit back down again and start whining. She's definitely got a little plotting up her sleeve!

Then, this past Saturday, I thought I'd try it again...well, she decides to walk all over the house for a good hour or two, happy with herself and so excited. She wasn't even wobbly; it was like she had been walking for weeks, and it wasn't even a few steps at a time - she was walking like she had a place to go. We did capture all of that on video just for proof, because sure enough, since Saturday, she REFUSES to walk. She prefers her tried and true method of scooting on the floor. I can't keep count now of how many shorts and onesies she's gotten a hole in because of all her scooting. I think she'll be scooting off to kindergarten soon enough.

Ultimately, this has been a "letting go" learning situation for Mommy, and hopefully one of these days, she'll decide she prefers walking to scooting. I guess that's how we all are - we don't like change, and we don't like to be uncomfortable. One of these days she'll decide she's ready,but I can't do a thing to change her mind earlier, so I'm just enjoying the last of her lounging days while I can!

A Visit to the Doctor

Yesterday, the girls went to the doctor for their 18 month checkup, which went really well and while still small, they are growing well and doing just fine. From the time they were born, the girls have never weighed more than 2-3 ounces apart from each other. Same story yesterday: they were only one ounce apart, weighing 21 pounds, 13 ounces, and 21 pounds, 14 ounces, which even though is more than they weighed at 15 months, they've actually "lost" weight because they are more active now. We call them our little gymnasts!

Claire doesn't like to have her head measured, but for the rest of the visit, she didn't protest and seemed more "okay" with the doctor visit than the last two times. She is a very sweet and expressive girl and one of her big things right now is helping pick up - she loves to pick up clothes and put them in the hamper, pick up books and put them on the shelf, or pick up toys and put them up. The other thing is that she loves taking care of and nurturing - she loves petting Jack or she'll bring me Caroline's diaper or bend over and pat Caroline - I'm so happy to see them getting along so well and loving each other.

Caroline did amazingly well at the doctor - she just sits there so sweetly and everyone says how calm and compliant she is. She just looks at the nurses when they measure her head or take her temperature, and she is fine just sitting up on the table waiting patiently for the doctor. Even the doctor commented about both of the girls and how sweet and gentle they are. I've noticed that Caroline loves to do what Claire is doing, and I always find the girls doing the same thing or playing in the same area of the house. Although they aren't old enough to totally play together yet, they love playing next to each other and just being together.

Caroline's latest thing is that she loves to chatter and it sounds like she's having a complete converstaion (in Chinese) with either Claire or herself, and she has the sweetest expressions on her face. She laughs really hard at anything, and loves to be with people.

I'm so thankful for such sweet, amiable girls who (so far) get along well and can play with each other well. I'm also thankful for no more shots until they are four years old - that is a nice break!

The Many Faces of 18 Months

Today, the girls turned 18 months old! I can't believe it's been this long, but some days, it feels much longer! They had a special breakfast and really enjoyed it. I just took some fun pictures of both girls.

Caroline loves being 18 months old!

Claire can't believe she's 18 months old now!

Happy Half Birthday, Caroline and Claire!

What's Mine is Yours

Lately, once I put Claire down from her highchair after eating, she makes her way over to Caroline's chair to see if there are any tasty morsels left. She has no qualms about reaching up to the tray and helping herself to whatever food she likes. Caroline doesn't really seem too bothered by her, so I haven't really protested too much.

It's like a chain here - Claire takes off the tray, while Caroline feeds Jack on the floor.

She's still here? I'm not sure I want to be sharing so much of my food!

Well, I guess that's enough "seconds" for now...I'll leave the rest for Caroline!

These are the kinds of things I love about having twins!