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Zoe often appears to be thinking and studying things before acting. She studies her toys and figures out how to play with them correctly. She understands cause and effect; quickly learning what behaviors of hers will result in desired actions by us. Zoe is wary of strangers, but becomes an incredible flirt when she decides that she likes someone. She'll make cute sounds and faces to get their attention and then let out beaming smiles to capture their smiles and affection. When Zoe is hurt, in pain, or not feeling well, she becomes clingy and only wants to be held by us. If you try to place her back down, she'll just collapse and cry louder. Zoe started tearing at an early age and has giant tears for her tiny face.
Sam just wants to have fun. He's a very happy boy, and is always ready for active physical play and a good laugh. He loves to be tossed, rolled, and tackled. He has a great throwing arm, and loves to throw blocks and balls several feet. He loves to escape when he's being changed, and loves to be chased around the room. We'll say "I'm gonna get you" and start after him. Sam will get all excited as he clumsily races away and then he'll laugh hysterically when we catch him after he trips and falls. Sam often laughs when he or others fall. The other day, Sam and Zoe were playing peek-a-boo with the pink afghan. Sam placed it over his head and walked two feet into a wall and fell onto his back. He started laughing hysterically, and Zoe joined in the laughter. Sam used to walk like a drunken sailor, but now he's practically running.
Sam is also entertained by books, music, videos, and television, and will watch and listen patiently and attentively for long periods. Sam loves music. He's very active in his Kindermusik class, and wants to play with all of the instruments. From an early age, he crawled straight for Mitch's bass guitar (on a stand) at every opportunity and joyfully plucked the strings. He loves his megablocks piano and Elmo guitar, and plays with them regularly. Sam's latest favorite activity is pushing the doll stroller around the room, carrying his girl dolls around by the hair, and sitting on the last step of the stairs. He's addicted to his pacifier, and Jodi is trying to wean him off it. When Sam is whiny, it's often because he's bored or sick. A new setting, active play, or passive entertainment easily cures him. Sam also has a tender and loving side to him. He loves to give big bear hugs and cuddle with his dolls. He is very receptive to strangers, and quickly gains their adoration with his easy smile.
Sam thrives in playground, playgroup, and Kindermusik settings. He'll happily and independently wander off exploring and playing with everything. Zoe can be equally active and content, but sometimes becomes tentative and clingy.
Sam and Zoe now have lots of tricks! Every day they impress us with a new feat. They know how to turn on and off every electronic device within their reach, including the cordless phone, television, lamp, swing, and remote controls. They point their fingers, extend their arms, and go straight for the correct button. They particularly love to turn the television on and off, on and off, on and off. One day Mitch found them both sitting in front of the TV attentively watching their Baby Mozart video. Zoe had turned on the TV, and Sam pushed the videotape in. When they're in the living room playing
