#53. Taking a Stand

Luke and Clare are 'happy' to be 1 year old but
 this photo looks more like a twins mugshot!

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When I first started putting this post together, the twins were not walking.  In fact, Luke took 4 steps one night (with my encouragement) over a month ago and then decided he didn't want to be placed on the ground feet first ever again!  In reality, the twins started taking steps about a week ago (we have been in no hurry).  We are still waiting for the first complete dash across the room (and the first epic spill for that matter!).  So, there will be many more pics and videos to come as the twins finally decide to join the world of bipeds.   For now, this post will focus on catching everyone up and having a look at some of the indoor activities the twins have been participating in during recent weeks.

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In late August, the twins had their 12 month checkup.  Both continue to show fantastic growth and development.  The best part about the appointment was being told we can stop buying pricy formula and can start feeding the twins cow's milk instead.  Yes, improved financial security!  Now, if we can only lose those diapers...

Clare climbing the charts...our little girl has been changing slow and steady...all the way to 19 lbs 9 oz!!

Lengthening Luke...consistent growth every 3 months...topping off one year at 21 lbs and 8 oz!

Happy to be healthy at 12 months, but nobody likes those dreadful shots!

On another positive, medical note, Luke's helmet wearing days are finally over!  He wore his two DOC bands for nearly 6 months.  It is so nice to see his entire face and full head of blond hair each and every day now.

They're sure gonna miss the fun toys at the Cranial Tech office!!

Speaking of Luke's hair, he had his first haircut in preparation for the twins' 1-year photo shoot.

Wasn't easy keeping this happy boy from bouncing up and down with his monkey
in the 'racecar' barber seat...we predict more challenging haircuts in the future

We're letting Clare's hair grow out more, but she still
enjoyed driving a fancy pink convertible at her brother's haircut

These two clean up nice for photos...does the red carpet give away the location of the photo shoot?!?

Sadly, the photo shoot wasn't the twins' best work.  Here are some pictures of the photos.

This was the best of the bunch

Not such a bad family shot...we'll take it

At home, the twins continue to show interest in 'helping out' in the kitchen,

Though they are more interested in making a mess...

...or sitting in it (well, Clare anyway) than cleaning it up!

and have recently shown an increased interest in music.

This 8-key standup piano was fun, but is fast becoming outgrown

Now a full length keyboard is the hot item to fight over!

Clare finally gets alone time on the popular attraction

Mealtimes are becoming more epic,

Epic as in MESSY....Luke downs the entire bowl of sweet potatoes (who left that laying around??)...
and Clare wears blueberry pancakes all over her face (and hair) like they are accessories to her outfit  

and the jumper remains a favorite hangout.

Though, the tiny bodies that used it in the past...

...are starting to stretch things out a bit!

The jumper also now serves as a fort during playtime

Lighting has become a big 'draw',

It didn't take long for Luke to figure out the light pull switch (or how to turn the TV on
 & off every day for that matter).  Clare shows that what one twin does, the other will follow!

and, the toilet fascination has officially begun.

This means we're a little closer to being diaper free dads, right?!?

Lately, there's nothing like being up on the couch.

Luke loves doing 'pillow drops' with dad!

As with anything else, though, couch time can be a thrill one moment,

and a calamity the next!!

Though unsupported steps have been few and far between, the twins seem to be 'taking a stand' everywhere they can. 

Showing off his stair climb...Luke's getting faster every week

Not sure if she saw a ghost here on is pondering the meaning of life, but Clare's doing it upright!

The twins stand inside to play,

they stand outside on the patio, 

and sometimes they stand both inside and out!

The twins stand in the kitchen,

and sometimes stand to tell the washer and dryer to hurry up!

The twins do practice their walking.

This elephant (which has also served to startle us at all hours of the night with the
spontaneous noises and lighting up it does) has seen a lot of mileage lately!

On rare occasions, they even work as a team!

Don't 'drink and drive', Luke!

Standing and walking practice sure are a lot of work...twins taking some time to refuel

We are all excited to be cheering them on for taking their first steps.  Stay tuned!

These claps are likely influenced by Wheel of Fortune...they love to clap when they see/hear clapping around them!