11 Months

Yeah for giant babies!  These boys are rocking 18 month clothes these days because they outgrew most of their 12 month outfits!  And believe me when I say we really, really tried to keep them in 12 month summer clothes.  I had to go buy a few 18 month outfits to get us through the rest of the summer...Having big babies just means there is that much more for mommy and daddy to squeeze and love on. 


Don't they look just alike in this picture?  When they don't have an expression it can be hard to tell them apart!  Caleb is on the left and Calvin on the right...for those who may have guessed wrong!

It is so funny to think back this time last year when we were so unsure of having twins.  Would they have to spend time in the NICU?  Would they be very big?  Would we ever sleep?  Can we handle me going back to work?  There were so many unknowns that required us to just let go and trust in this crazy plan the Lord had for our family.  It is so hard to let go of control but we feel so blessed by it!  These boys are more precious to us than anything on earth and we look forward to discipling them so that they can grow to be men of God. 

Caleb
You can say Dada, Mama, and ball.  You say "Ba" and then you will really concentrate and drag it out to try to make the L sound on the end!
You can dunk the basketball through the hoop.
You can clap your hands.
You respond the most to praise.
If you hear anyone laughing you automatically giggle.  I think you spend most of your day giggling!!!
You LOVE bath time and always drink the water.  You love splashing and putting your face in the water.
You have three teeth, almost four.
You love peas!
You take daytime feedings out of your sippy cup and we'll take away the night-time bottle soon.  You don't seem to care where the milk comes from, as long as it goes to your tummy!
You love playing with balls, your walker, and books.
If you see the birthmark on Calvin's back you try to grab it!
You use your thumb and index finger to pick up food and place it in your mouth.
And you are still a great picture taker! 

You wait to listen for direction...

And then smile and show excitement for the camera...

 Until we get a fantastic picture!

Calvin
You can say Dada and ball (You used to say mama until you learned Dada.  Now if Caleb says Mama you automatically scream Dada!)
You know how to say all done in sign language when eating.
You can wave.
You're letting go of furniture and standing on your own more and more.
You have taken 1-2 steps to get somewhere really close and you're getting pretty brave!
You crinkle your nose and smile when you're really excited.
You are more sensitive in new settings and it takes you some time to warm up to new people which is completely opposite from how you were at 6 months!
Your favorite foods are black beans, pasta, broccoli, and corn.
You love bath time and spend it standing and sitting.  You love splashing water and patting brother on the back!
You have five teeth.  Just one month and 3 days ago you had ZERO teeth.  It has been a rough month for you with fevers.
You take two feedings out of your sippy cup and we're slowly taking away the bottle. You love dancing and singing to music, playing with books, and your walker.
You use your fist to grab food and try to get in your mouth by pure luck...we're working on this one.
And you refuse to wear a bib.  You pull as hard as you can at it until it comes off. 
You don't sit still very well, as in never.  Not even for one picture!

You always seem to crawl away to get a toy.

 Or to grab a random piece of fuzz.

 Anything to not have to sit for a picture...

 You might be smiling but you're trying to crawl away.

 HA, got you on your belly!  There's that precious smile!

These boys love to sing and you can tell by their faces they are very vocal and have plenty of volume!

 I love when they share their toys, just look at these precious boys!

Yes Calvin, we know you can let go and just stand on your own.  Usually after a few second he looks up at us and starts waving his arms in excitement.  I can't wait to see him get excited with walking!

Next month we'll be celebrating their first birthday.  Why is this milestone so hard for me to swallow?  Are there any other mommies out there who are truly excited to see their babies growing up but also so sad to leave this phase behind?  When Calvin takes steps I am so excited for him but also so sad to see my baby growing up.  It is such a mix of emotions.  I seem to remember dealing with mixed emotions right before they were born...

I know this next phase will bring even more joy to our lives and will be such fun for us as a family.  We are so thankful to have spent this past year with our babies and feel incredibly blessed!