#46. Swimmin' Along

A little over a month ago, the twins started swim lessons, a Christmas present from Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan.

Meet the next Missy Franklin and Michael Phelps...thanks Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan!!

We attended the Goldfish Swim School in Roscoe Village:

http://goldfishswimschool.com/swimming-lessons/location/roscoe-village-illinois

Clare and Luke had a blast getting comfortable in the water.  

Chris and I were in the water as well

We were so proud of their progress.  Both twins learned how to go underwater and 'swim' for up to 5 seconds, 

Luke 'swimming' with his face in the water...he even learned how to anticipate (closing his eyes) going under the water

Luke being assessed by his instructor

                                          

and both can almost float on their backs without any support!

He was so relaxed and buoyant....not bad for a 9-month old!

                                           

Clare was a little uneasy at first, but showed a lot improvement in her lessons

Sadly, we don't have a lot of photos/videos of Clare showing off.  It turns out she was getting a fever the day we took photos.  

Poor Sister was not having a good day...

...so Brother tried to make up for his twin sister

At the lessons a lot of time was spent singing songs, collecting things around the pool, 

Truth be told, this was not their strongest skill...they enjoyed trying to eat the balls more than helping with the collection!!

performing pulling and kicking drills, floating with fun objects, 

Everyone loves fun noodles!!

Splashing water on the duck mats was fun too!

The canoe was a big hit...we were so proud of Clare for holding on with both hands!!

and learning important safety skills.

From here the twins would 'jump' into the pool and quickly grab the side and 'climb' out

Even Grandma Knapp got to attend one of the twins' lessons.

Grandma and the future Olympians

Luke and Papa waiting for the lesson to start

Grandma Knapp had to hold Clare, of course

Unfortunately, the lesson Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan were to attend was canceled due to diarrhea in the pool (thankfully not us!).  So, we threw the twins in the tub (suits and all) for a lesson at home that day.

We didn't have any balls, so we had to improvise.  Swim lessons have made bath time much more fun!

Special thanks to Aunt Rochelle for helping us get set up with our lessons.  We are looking forward to coming back to Goldfish in the fall for more fun!

Thanks Aunt Ro, you're the best!!

#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

#44. Seventy-Five Percent to One

Two bathers at once...a perk to both twins being able to sit up for an extended time!

It's a wild thought, but Clare and Luke have now been out of the womb as long as they were inside it!! 

Happy 9-Month Old Hawks fans!!

Takedown!!  Sister's still in charge!

Here are some photos and videos highlighting the last few weeks as the twins turned 9 months old. First, we'd like to report that all is going well with Luke's helmet.

More reason to be more reckless than ever!!

23 hours a day...it's amazing the food didn't reach the helmet this meal

He has been wearing it for a month now and we already saw significant improvement at his first 'adjustment' checkup.  There is no word yet on how long he will have to wear the device, but things are moving along.

So is Clare...didn't want her to feel left out

The twins celebrated their first Easter holiday.  Easter weekend began with a visit from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Steffie.

Twins loved the visit and Papa and Daddy enjoyed a night out (Thank You)!!

There were no Easter baskets or eggs to hunt this year, but it proved to be a great opportunity to get dressed up for the day.

Dressed in our Sunday best!

We all spent the holiday in Naperville at Aunt Lisa and Uncle Paul's house.  It was a beautiful day and Luke and Clare enjoyed being outdoors on the lawn and patio.

Luke's GQ pose from the back of a dumptruck

Clare prefers a more Sports Illustrated-like scene

Looking like an executive at his desk

The best part of a dress is there is more clothing to chew on

We 'tried' to stage a little photo shoot on the lawn.

Hopefully, Cousin/Brother Ben will teach these three how to pose better next time

Grandma Steffie with four of her grandchildren

They clearly had no energy left for the family shot

Luke and Clare are beginning to change at a fast rate.  We have enjoyed listening to the twins start to babble...

Anyone understand what Clare is saying here??

Luke saying 'hi'...I think

                                         

and laugh...

Sister's ticklish just like her Papa

Luke is becoming one big ham

and (in a preview of a future blog post) crawl!!

She will be on her feet in no time!

We are looking forward to a tenth month with these two!!

Clare and Luke's First Easter