1 Year, 2 Months

About a third of the way into their fourteenth month, in the space of a few days, both boys took their first independent steps. They'd been able to take a step and a half or so previously before falling, but this time they took five or six full steps, and looked fairly pleased with themselves. A week ago, something seems to have clicked with Henry, and he can now walk independently from one side of our living room to the other. He's a little unsteady, but gaining confidence fast and seems quite happy with his new skill.

In less desirable skill development, about a week after their first birthday, Henry figured out that he could intentionally hit his brother with toys (in that case, a plastic stacking cup). They've since figured out how to slap each other. Fantastic. We really look forward to continued development in that area.

Henry left, Jack right, delighted as they pull all of the books from the bookshelf and fling them on the floor:

Mealtime
Henry discovered gargling at the table, resulting in hysterical laughter from Jack. I believe it was our first moment of laughing as a family at something silly one of us did.

Can you believe how cool this spoon is!? I just can't even! (Henry flings food at Mom)

The boys have both learned to point. Henry demonstrates:

If you don't get the idea the first time...

... Jack will employ the double-point for emphasis.

What Cheerio? On my head, you say? (Jack fools around with his food)

Dinner table smiles from Henry:

We believe in providing enrichment for creatures in captivity. Steve places snacks on the baby gate for them to retrieve:

Jack may suspect something:

"Helpers"

Doing laundry (Jack left, Henry right):

Running the carpet sweeper:

(Henry left, Jack right)

Jack

Summing up Jack's character at this point in his life: clever and mischievous.

Rocket Jack (who quickly upon receiving this toy figured out how to push the buttons, climb on and off, and scoot himself around the room on it): 

Much like a cat, Jack has never met a box he won't climb into, whether or not it's already filled with toys:

Showing off his expanding arsenal of oral weaponry:

He's got something up those adorable sleeves:

Henry
Summing up Henry's character at this point in his life: sweet and stubborn.

Helping Dad play the Wii:

Selfie time:

You did not just take your phone away from me!

Definitely not trying to get at Daddy's keyboard:

Posing with the newest addition to his favorite series of books, Good Night Yosemite (courtesy of my traveling parents mailing books to the boys along the way):

The boys love story time. They like to bring books over to us, and will happily gather around anyone willing to read to them.