#31. Scenes From the First Month Home

As much challenge as the first month home has been, it has been absolutely awesome watching the twins grow, and grow fast!  I recently took a look at this picture from the hospital from the second day of Luke and Clare’s life

That was then...

and I am astounded at how much they have changed already.  Last week, the twins had their 2 month check-up

...and this is now!

and both are doing great.  Luke (11 lbs 2oz) outweighs his sister by 2 lbs, but both are doing well and growing just fine.  We are given growth percentiles both based on their actual and adjusted ages.  Their numbers range anywhere from the 2nd percentile (Clare’s actual weight) to the 85th percentile (Luke’s adjusted head circumference!).  They both look great to us!

‘Calamity’ Clare (aka Peanut)

From Miss 'Calamity' to Miss 'Congeniality'

has replaced a lot of her screaming with smiling and continues to coo and chatter.  She spent a recent trip to the grocery store looking up at me smiling the entire walk from her car seat in the stroller. She's become a very happy baby.  Her neck is strong,

Must be all that tummy time!!

and she is already straightening her legs to stand when she’s in your lap. We will be hitting the tennis courts soon!

‘Laid-back’ Luke (still Bubba)

You called my name??

recently graduated from focusing on white walls and ceiling fans and has decided to make eye contact and smile, and what a warm sweet smile he has.  His hobbies continue to be shadowboxing and sounding like a pug.  'Bubba's' head continues to grow exponentially (it's hard to get clothes on the little guy!) and he has cheeks that are hard not to squeeze.

Don't you wanna grab 'em through the screen?!?

It’s been a busy month at the townhouse since we’ve returned with a lot of visitors.  The twins have enjoyed meeting grandmas,

Grandma Steffie has her hands full!

Grandma Knapp looks down on sweet Clare

grandpas,

Luke's already looking up to Grandpa Knapp

aunts,

Aunt Lisa and Luke

uncles,

Uncle Jason and Luke

cousins,

Ben helps feed his cousin Clare

Cousin Keira has things under control

Can't wait to recreate this photo in about 10 years!

and friends, both young

Matthew holds his new friends tight!

and OLD!

Uncle Jim and Clare

There have also been several outings where they have demonstrated good behavior.  The twins helped a friend celebrate a milestone birthday

Happy Birthday Auntie Nichole!

and we have already corrupted them by taking them to a bar for Sunday football,

Auntie Jill double fisting it!

 where they wore their Packers gear,

Proud Papa not looking at the scoreboard 

which might explain why the Packers lost that day.  Of course, the Bears didn't fare much better the following week, despite Luke's efforts.

Cutler put us all to sleep that day

At least the Bears and Packers are scoring touchdowns in their dreams!

Someone found the end zone!

Put another 6 on the board!

Aside from football, the twins are thrilled that the Cardinals won the NL Central and are excited to be watching them in the playoffs.

Cheering on the Cards and Brewers when they played a few weeks ago

We've been doing some arts and crafts

Press hard, Luke!

What the heck are we doing here??

so we can see how tiny those hands once were.

Otherwise, the twins have been hanging out,

Sharing the couch

King and Queen of our townhouse

They don't look the same, but they can dress the same

and we've all enjoyed our first month home as a family.

Many more family photos to come