15 Months (or Alex & Ari, Version 1.25)

Happy 15-month birthday to Alex and Ari! To celebrate, we went to visit Daddy at work and had a family lunch at a yummy Japanese restaurant. Unfortunately, Alex and Ari weren't enamored by sushi; Alex did manage to eat rice and tofu, but Ari stuck to the cheese and pretzel crackers Mommy brought in her bag. They both devoured the animal crackers in Daddy's office, though...figures. That's OK- they'll surely make up for any deficiencies at dinner tonight.

Alex asks, "what in the world are you feeding me?"

Ari and Daddy engage in animated lunchtime conversation

Daddy and "Mini Me"

Daddy puts Ari to work at his computer

Back at home, Ari gives her brother a birthday hug

So what are Alex and Ari up to at 15 months?

Alex has expanded his vocabulary at an impressive rate. He now says words like bib, milk, up, down and cookie. This week he learned to sign the words "please" and "thank you" (he already knew the sign for "more," which he uses quite often!) He understands so much of what is said to him, and can follow directions very well. He likes to help Mommy by pressing the garage door opener button to open and close the garage. He will also put things back where he found them (on Daddy's dresser, in the trash can, etc.) when asked...but that's not to say he won't take them again in an instant. He cleans up his toys by putting them away in the toy box when we sing the "clean up" song. He can help push the stroller and often will walk places holding Mommy or Daddy's hand vs. riding in the stroller. This week he learned to climb- so now he climbs up onto the couch, the coffee table, chairs...we're trying to teach him proper etiquette, i.e., we sit on couches and we don't stand on coffee tables, but he needs plenty of reminding. Alex continues to LOVE to dance (he was boogieing to the background music in his high chair today at the restaurant) and especially likes to "get jiggy with it."

Ari's big accomplishment this month has been her progression on the walking front. She cruises all over the place and stands on her own; she's even taken a few steps by herself (see above). We are guessing it will only be a matter of weeks before she's running after her brother. Ari's vocabulary has also expanded. Her favorite word is "cookie." She can smell a cookie from a mile away, and will let you know in no uncertain terms that she wants a cookie. She also says Alex, Ari, share (as in "give me your toy") and that (as in "I want that," or "what is that"). Ari is pure sweetness: she loves giving hugs and kisses and smiles as soon as she sees a camera. But don't steal a toy from her...that's when her inner drama queen comes out. Ari's a true Mommy/Daddy's girl- she is leery of anyone else (even grandparents sometimes!) and is hesitant to go to anyone other than Mommy or Daddy. Today Ari followed her brother's lead and climbed up on the couch. This is the problem with twins: when one gets into mischief, the other usually follows.

We'll have official 15-month measurements (weights, heights, etc.) after their appointment with their pediatrician next week.

So, the fun continues...and we continue to be amazed at how much Alex and Ari change every day.