12 months…1 year old!

Dear Abby and George,

Today you turn 12 months…one year old…I am honestly having a hard time believing this.  I remember as if it were yesterday that I met your Daddy at the doctor's office for my 34 week check up.  My feet and legs were terribly swollen, I felt tired and very large.  I kept wondering when we would be meeting you.  Your Dad and I met at the doctor's office as we didn't think you were quite ready to make your arrival into this world.  Sure enough, I was admitted into the hospital around 5:00 pm on that June 4, 2013 day.  I was developing signs of preeclampsia.  The doctor's decided you needed to come out before things got worse.  

Abby, you were born first at 10:44 pm.  I felt so much tugging and pulling and then there you came.  The doctor's were surprised at how big you were for 34 weeks…5 pounds, 2 ounces!  I heard your scream and a tear ran down my cheek.  A long two minutes and lots more tugging later, out came George.  It felt like an eternity until we heard your cry…another tear ran down my face.  George, you were 4 pounds, 6 ounces…such a cute tini-tiny thing.  

Little did we know the next six months would be the hardest months of our lives.  The constant feedings, diaper changes, bottle/pump cleanings, laundry, etc. consumed every single second of our lives.  All of this on little sleep was hard.  Even with so much wonderful help, there were times we wondered if we would survive.  

Once we hit the six month mark, life started to get a bit easier…although, let's be honest, easy and twins don't go together. :)  You both were smiling and laughing.  You were sleeping through the night.  This alone made everything better.  Abby, you were a pro nurser and George, you loved your bottle of pumped breast milk.  We were able to get out of the house more.  We went to music class, to the gym, out to eat, to play group and on trips.  

Now that you are one year old (did I just say that??), you are so.much.fun. You both are crawling everywhere…and fast.  You are pulling up on everything and wanting to walk.  Just when I say you are at such a fun age, the next day is even better.  I love watching you learn and discover new things every day.

Abby, you are my sweet, silly, wild, woman in charge.  One of my favorite times of the day with you is nursing you before bed at night.  I love holding you close to me and snuggling with you.  The one time of the day you are quiet, still, and wanting to be held.  I love how you like to dance when music is on.  I love how you giggle so hard when I tickle you on your neck. I love how you crawl up to me and get in my lap and hug me really tight when you get scared, sad, or when you just want love from Mommy.  I love you so much sweet girl.  

George, you are my precious, little, curious boy.  My most favorite time of day with you is in the morning.  You are always up for a good snuggle in the mornings (and after naps).  Other than that, you don't sit still for long so I enjoy these sweet moments when I can get them.  I love how you do a ADORABLE little head bob when you are happy.  I love how you giggle…it's so contagious and makes everyone laugh around you.  I love how sweet you are with your sister.  I can tell you love her so much.  I love how you are all boy.  When we are out of the play room you crawl super fast for the dog's water bowl and then for the stairs.  You LOVE water…Dad and I joke that you will be the next Michael Phelps.  I love you my sweet boy.  

I never thought this whole Mom thing would be so hard, yet so glorious at the same time.  I pray every day that God keeps you both healthy and happy your entire life.  Here's to many, many more years of birthday celebrations. xoxo