You knew this day was coming

And in my opinion, it was long overdue. Sam and Nate got their first haircuts today at Staples Barber Shop from Jason, the coolest barber in Charlottesville. Not only that, but he is a twin, too! Both boys were great sports and sat very still for Jason. They got certificates and a special envelope for their hair clippings. What they really wanted was a sucker, but that will have to wait. They both look more handsome than ever, and Nathaniel was surprised to actually see his parents and brother clearly for the first time in over a month!

Best Buddies

One of the best things about watching Sam and Nate grow up is to see them enjoy each other more and more. This is their new game while in their high chairs ... no, the parents didn't stage this one! :)

If you want something bad enough ...

"Nathaniel, did you go around your brother?"

"No ..."

"Did you scoot next to your brother?"

"No..."

"Did you wait your turn behind your brother?"

"No..."

"Then, how did you get to that toy you wanted?"

First Leaf Pile

Sam and Nathaniel experienced their first leaf pile this afternoon. Sam was quite amused from the start, but Nathaniel was very cautious and even downright upset about the whole thing. We'll have many more opportunities for playing in the leaves before winter comes!

At their 9 month appointment, the boys were measured, and here are the latest stats:

Sam = 28.75 in (75%), 21 lb, 13.8 oz (75%)
Nathaniel = 29.75 in (90%), 24 lb, 12.4 oz (95%)

They're growing in leaps and bounds, but now that they're mobile, we'll probably see their growth begin to slow down or plateau. That would mean relief for our joints, as we tote them up and down the stairs!

A lot can happen in 276 days

Sam and Nate have waited patiently, they've watched the calendar, and the big day has finally arrived. While everyone around them was buzzing with anticipation over the election of a new president, they quietly turned 9 months old. So what has happened in the last 276 days? Let's hear from Sam and Nate:

"Well, we now prefer feeding ourselves to being fed. If we see something we want, we just go over and get it. We sleep through the night. We are more entertained by each other than by anyone else (except Dad). We can hold our own bottles (when we feel like it). Collectively, we weigh almost 50 pounds. We barely fit in 12 month clothes. We wear big boy shoes. We have teeth. We talk to each other using a language only we can interpret."

Thanks guys, that's a pretty impressive list. Gina and I are continually thankful that God put Sam and Nate in our family. They are more of a joy to us each day, and we can't wait to see what they can do in the coming months and years.