Comprehension and communication

Amanda and I have been continuously talking to Sam and Max since their birth, and it has always been a mystery how much they understand. Now we're certain that they understand things, because they react to what we say. Just in the past few weeks they've developed the ability to respond to certain commands. For example, when we say "Clap!" Sam or Max will clap their hands together with glee (if they feel like it). Note that we only say the words, we don't do the motion ourselves, so they're not simply mimicking our movements, but they are actually comprehending our words and reacting. Since this development, Sam and Max have quickly learned to follow a variety of commands including clap, wave, kiss, stick our your tongue, and dance.

Max clapping

Max dancing

Sam showing us his tongue

In similar news, both Sam and Max have said their first words! For the past few weeks Max has been saying buh (ball) and just in the past few days Sam has started saying cah (car). Just this morning Sam was carrying some toy cars and we asked "Sam, what are you holding?" and he said "Cah. Cah." It was really cute. So there it is, car and ball are Sam and Max's first words. I suspect these are common first words for babies, but that doesn't make it any less exciting for us. Anyway, you're all really just here for the rest of the photos from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Mom and Sam

Max looking forlorn, wishing he was outside

Max making a big mess at dinner

Sam looking like a little boy in his shorts and Canada t-shirt

Mom and Max

Max and Sam looking pleased with the chaos they've created

Sam meets some new friends, Bronn and Suzanne

Sam taking a closer look at Charlie

Max and Sam feeling very American in their Fourth of July outfits

Sam making a face, with Grandpa Doug in the background

Sam enjoying a toy from his cousin Diane

Sam and Max doubling up in the toy tub

Amanda and I have no idea how the boys got themselves into this position. No matter how it happened, they were having a lot of fun squirming around in the tub.

Grandpa Rob and Sam

Sam and Max enjoying the pool party

Sam playing with some buckets

Max lookin' cool

Sam diving for the best toys (always on the bottom)

Mom, Max, Sam and our friend Nancy

One other command that the boys respond to is "What's in your mouth? Come here!", and they'll immediately start running in the opposite direction. The insubordination begins.