Most notably this month, the twins grew in their ability to play independently. They continue to need close supervision, of course, but gone are the days of "The Mama Show", during which I felt the need to entertain the twins with singing, dancing, and reading. In fact, Maddie is little Miss Independent during play! Set her on the floor with a Boppy to cushion her fall {just in case}, surround her with toys (don't forget the penguin mirror!)...and she's good to go! Should she desire a toy that is some distance away? Does she cry or whine? Nope! Miss Maddie stretches and reaches to grab the object of her desire - all without losing her balance and falling! Now, she may not cry or whine during play as {ahem} some (Will) other little babies do, but she does screech, sing, and LAUGH! Her laugh might sound like she is clearing her throat, but it is most definitely a laugh! If you want to hear her REALLY laughing, just swing by shortly before bedtime. When Baby Girl gets tired, she gets silly! Anything will make her laugh! Will doesn't need to be overtired to find amusement in silly noises, voices, and faces - I can get that boy to laugh just by looking at him! Will, too, grew more independent in play during the twins' seventh month...which wasn't necessarily a good thing! While Maddie sits and plays, Will...well, he often finds trouble. A few weeks ago, Will rolled about five feet to reach an electrical cord that he was just itchin' to taste. That same day, he took a header off of the bouncer (while still belted in, mind you) in an attempt to grab his bottle. We have recently learned to put Will in a Bumbo chair during floor play to keep him out of trouble. Give him some toys to naw on, and he's generally happy. He has been known to escape the chair, but at least our chances of keeping him safe are better in the chair than out.
The babies have also grown more idependent in their ability to help themselves. Will is *this* close to holding his own bottle and feeding himself (Apparently, I wasn't feeding him fast enough!), and Maddie is now able to pop her own pacifier back in her mouth! The twins have even stolen each other's pacifiers right out of each other's mouths!
When we visited the pediatrician for the twins' six month well check, she confirmed that both babies' teeth are ready to pop soon! No teeth have appeared yet, but Maddie and Will must certainly feel their impending arrival! EVERYTHING goes in the mouth these days, and both twins keep thrusting their tongues in and out of their mouths as if they can feel their little toothers under their gums. Both babies love any toys or books that they are able to hold and put in their mouths.
Much to Will's liking, the babies were introduced to more solids this month. Thus far, the twins have tried oatmeal, apples, bananas, pears, peaches, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Maddie still doesn't take to food with the passion that Will does, but his love for food may go unmatched. I am convinced that he will eat anything. Not only does he devour his own food with gusto, but he watches Jim and me eat as though he is going to rip the food out of our hands at any moment. As long as he continues to enjoy physical activity as much as he enjoys eating, Will can eat as much as he wants!
Month seven brought the babies' first colds just in time for Halloween and Will's helmet casting. Despite one rough night during which I slept on the floor in front of the babies in their bouncers, the battle against the colds went as smoothly as possible. The twins celebrated their first Halloween with a trip to see Connor and Emma, Mimi and Papa, and Great Grandma, followed by a short visit with their Auntie Sue and Cousin Dakota. Maddie and Will wore their costumes for each visit, but they didn't put up with them for a long time. Will seemed to truly despise his lamb costume. I can't say that I blame him - he went through a lot in those last days of October.
Will received his helmet about a week and a half after the October 31st casting session. He has taken to it without complaints; he really doesn't seem to notice it on his head. It probably has protected him from head injury on several occasions already! By the babies' seven month birthday, Will's head already looked as if its shape had improved! I guess it really does work! As long as all continues to go well, his helmet will be removed on February 1, 2013, which will be here before we know it! In the meantime, Will will continue rockin' the helmet!
The twins' seventh month marked my last weeks of maternity leave and our last days of afternoon walks, lunch dates with friends, and late afternoon/early evenings trips to Target and Starbucks. The twins will spend their afternoons with their nanny, Renee, for the remainder of the school year. Meanwhile, I will return to teaching - whether I am ready or not. It's time.
On to month eight, a month filled with holiday firsts - first Thanksgiving, first Christmas carols, first Christmas lights, and first Christmas gatherings. We can't wait!
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