#45. Batten Down the Hatches!!

Yikes, when did they get so big?!?

Flashback... remember the days when these devices were great for eating and sleeping??

The good 'ole days

Don't plan on leaving the room for even a minute or you might return to a scene like this!

I miss the old days already!

Now it's more about looking out and getting out...causing two dads to FREAK out!!

It's only a matter of time until this won't hold us either, Daddy!

More than ever, the twins are BOTH (Luke recently graduated to 'crawling') on the move!!

                                        


We knew the day would come when mobility and, thus, the childproofing would begin.  Fortunately, its been a slow process so far that began with 'book-proofing'.

It didn't take Clare long to show us why the adult books...

...needed to be replaced by more child-friendly titles

The progression eventually evolved and we now have 'The Gate' installed to block the stairs going downstairs.

The structure drew serious attention in the beginning,..

...before becoming an ongoing mission called 'how do we get outta here?!?'

Clare is already showing it's also only a matter of time until we have to put 'The Gate' on the stairs going upstairs!

Sometimes I think the twins are ready to start helping with chores around the house, though I have yet to see this interest yield any actual help!!

Clare likes to 'help' around the kitchen.  I see an 'Easy Bake' oven in her future!!

Luke is more interested in dishes and the laundry.  How soon can we put this boy to work?!

Poor Trig has had her space invaded.  Luckily, she has been a good sport so far!!

Trig's tail might be growing thanks to the twins

Maybe they want to eat their solids out of this now?!?

This picture did not have a dry ending...see video below!

                                           

In general, the twins are into just about anything they can crawl to (in Clare's case) or 'drive' to (for delayed crawler/recently turned 'Army crawler' Luke).  Whatever the mode of transportation, they are finding a way to keep us on our toes (and not far from their sight!).

Papa's favorite destination is quickly becoming theirs!!

Dads...did you really think we wouldn't find the fire equipment hidden behind the jumper?!?

Clare likes to inspect things delicately, usually crawling up to whatever catches her eye.

Those children's books are great, but adult magazines still taste better

Good selection Clare...one of Papa's favorites!

Must have every object within reach in the house...and everything on the ground as well!

It's more fun to push the walker than to walk in it!

Luke, on the other hand, is a tad more reckless, pulling things from shelves

Someone forgot to shut the pantry door!  Wonder what Luke will pull off the shelf this time?!?

Relax Dad, it's only coffee filters!

                                         Sometimes we can tell where he's been by what our mini                                      'Fred Flintstone' is dragging around in his 'car'...

and testing the limits of gravity!!

What happens if I tip this over??

                                                   (Note: Bungee cords have been installed                                                                                                       to keep this from happening again!)

We will continue to appreciate the twins' new found mobility and 'explorations', knowing it's only a short time until we are completely doomed!

Twins duet