Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

Alexis and JJ have not yet discovered the phenomenon of possession and as a result, have yet to display any signs of jealously.  For example, if JJ takes a toy from Alexis, instead of getting upset, she's merely interested in what he does with it.  If she takes it back, JJ watches her and either finds something else to play with or returns the favor.  But they never get upset when a toy is yanked from their hands.  If we're playing with one and making them giggle by tickling them or tossing them in the air, the other twin across the room will stop what they're doing and laugh just as hard.  They don't yet crawl over to demand their turn--they just delight in the fact that someone, somewhere is happy.  Even more sweet is when they learn new skills.  I was in the room when JJ pulled up for the first time in his crib about a month ago.  He was so excited he stood there and screamed with delight.  Across the room, Alexis was in her own crib watching JJ, smiling and laughing.  When Alexis did the same (almost a month later), JJ clapped.  It's awesome to watch.   

We know that this behavior will not last... but we are blessed to have two babies that remind us right now what the Christmas season is all about.

In other news:

• They had a great trip to Utah, they spent some time in the mountains and at the zoo, they got to see a lot of friends and relatives and even got to ride on two trains. And of course, they got to try some turkey.
  
• They're both crawling and pulling up all over the place.  JJ started crawling right before we left for Utah, and finally crawled across the room on Thanksgiving day.  Alexis, who never even showed the slighted interest in moving (except walking holding onto our fingers), got on all fours and started rocking the day JJ finally crawled (after 2 months of JJ  rocking/swimming), and mastered crawling less than 2 weeks later.  She seems to be a quick learner. 
  
• JJ has developed some separation anxiety which means he now cries for 5 minutes or so when we leave their bedroom--he gets over it quickly though.  He's even more upset if Alexis isn't there.  
  
• Alexis still doesn't like to be fed from a spoon (she'll take a couple of good size bites, but then turns her head and spits).  She'd rather feed herself.  JJ eats better, but we're trying to teach him to open his mouth wider.  They still get food all over the place.
• They both love to clap now (which is a relief since at our last pediatrician appointment, the doctor asked us if they can do patty-cake to which we sheepishly replied that we had no idea what patty-cake is).

The last month's photos and videos are now on Dropshots.  Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!