Six Stechers: Tessa and Annie

At 22 months, the "babies" are really little girls now! They are still very similar in a lot of ways, but have many differences. And, just when we think we have them figured out, they switch roles on us. They take turns being the cuddlier twin, and are both developing their own unique little attitudes. Tessa has started to mimic some of Bridget's mannerisms, especially her dramatic pouts with her eyes closed and chin in the air. But, they're incredibly sweet with one another. They do fight over little objects, but seem to have more compassion for one another than a singleton would (at least in our family). If one asks for something saying "please," the other will usually surrender what they're fighting over. They totally get the concept of sharing and taking turns, and are already pretty protective of one another. I can't wait to see how their little bond develops over time.

They both talk up a storm right now, with lots of complete sentences, and more words every day. Some highlights include, "I want to get down!" "I want a granola bar." "I want my hat." "I want gogurt." I know -- lots of want, want, want. Sigh. Still, a lot of it is pretty indecipherable. I'm not sure if this is "twin talk" or just normal, but they do seem to understand each other! When Sara and I were small, our parents set up a tape recorder in our room as we were (supposed to be) falling asleep, and they got some entertaining audio of the two of us jabbering in complete nonsense with one another. We have yet to do that for Tessa and Annie, but should!! They babble together for upwards of an hour sometimes at nap time and bedtime. Lots of deep conversations, I'm sure.

More than anything, Tessa and Annie are closing the gap with Megan and Bridget. They are more a unit of four than a "big girl" set and a "little girl" set. Just today, I realized that I can take all four to the playground without a stroller, and actually carry on a conversation with other moms while they all just...play! I don't need to hover under the play structures to spot anyone, or coax anyone down from where they shouldn't be. They all go down slides like pros, and the four of them run around like a little pack.

The same is true at home. Baby gates are only used for containment, and they all play together for long stretches with minimal involvement from me. Sure, there's usually a mess involved afterwards, but that's the price I pay for some "alone time" to do the dishes! People often comment that I have my own little preschool with these four, but if that's the case, then I am definitely not the teacher. It's Megan, who is alternately "reading" stories to her students, or directing activities and doling out parts in her little plays. The babies have slipped seamlessly into all of the girls' games, and I've yet to hear a complaint from the big girls. More often than not, they can be seen (and heard) running from one end of our second floor to the other in a little stampede, all carrying dolls, princesses, purses and various other accessories. The footsteps are punctuated with urgent cries of, "Mommy, it's raining! My dress is getting wet. Hurry inside!" or, "Oh, no! Sweetiepie, let me help you!" The Mommy is not me in these scenarios. At least once a day, I yell up there, "Are you talking to me?" They may or may not call back, "No!" depending on how lost in their game they are.

So, yes, Tessa and Annie engage in lots of pretend play, but they also like their downtime - in front of their cartoons. Dodo and Gogo, to be exact. That's Dora and Diego to everyone else. They're not picky about where they see them. They're equally comfortable with the TV, iPhone and iPad. While they don't know a thing about how to operate the television remote, they are eerily adept at selecting their shows from the instant queue on Netflix on the phone or iPad. They're limited to maybe two shows a day, but they would watch those all day if they could!

Tessa (in overalls) and Annie pause for a snap-happy mommy. They are obviously immersed in something fun, that only they understand. And, Dora, as always, is tucked securely into Tessa's overall pocket :)

Annie's all bundled up and ready to go somewhere...anywhere. They both love wearing their jackets in the house, at the ready should I choose to bring them somewhere more exciting than our house.

I just love these pictures, even though they're blurry, especially the last one. The babies love to play with the curtains in their room, and get endless entertainment from them. Tessa is in red with the Crocs, her shoes. It's funny - most of their shoes are hand-me-downs from the girls, and they each have very distinct taste. They never fight over shoes (so far!).