beach babies

September 3 2013

I’m admittedly a lake girl at heart and mostly hide from the sun-a successful beach trip for me means coming back as pale as I left. However, we really wanted to give the babies their first sand + surf experience, so we drove a few hours to the lovely beach town of Avalon, NJ, after my friend Terry graciously invited us to join her family. I found myself reminiscing about happy days spent on the jersey shore as a child…the beautiful breeze, the tall grass, the family fun. For the kids, apprehension turned into wonder. While Henry preferred to spend his time playing in the sand, Marie charged boldly into the water. She is pretty fearless, that girl. We were only on the beach for an hour, but we were all exhausted. It was definitely a challenge (and we’re still finding sand everywhere), but it was well worth it. Farewell summer!

(for the record…they did have hats on but they hated them + it was too windy…mom guilt for ya)

happy birthday babies

July 13 2013

Dear babies,

One year ago today we met for the first time. The months before our meeting is a bit of a blur now-such a whirlwind of events and emotions. It was a difficult time for me physically, and although you were flourishing in my womb, I found it hard to connect with you. I was anxious and excited to meet you-I’m not very patient, so 35 1/2 weeks seemed like an eternity! As much as I had dreamed and wished to be a mommy, I wasn’t sure I was ready.

Then I heard you, Marie. Then I saw you, Henry. In that instant, my heart multiplied by two…overwhelming love.

Life became a blur again for a while…a blissful blur. It took a few months to understand your needs, and find my footing as a mother. But by the time you were three months old, I was madly IN love with you and giddy in my new role. Each day brought new experiences, for you and me…and there were so many firsts that we shared (I have each and every one documented). Gradually your unique personalities started to emerge, and not surprisingly…just as you are our physical “mini-me’s”, you also share our personality traits.

At one year of age Marie, you are walking with pride, exploring and observing with great curiosity, smiling at strangers, giving big open mouth kisses, making your brother laugh, dancing to music, attempting to sing, and talking a whole lot of babble (plus saying mama and dada), which melts us to pieces. Your intelligence scares us at times (in the best way), and we hope we can keep up with you as the years go by! Your personality shines and lights up a room-you command attention. You are beautiful beyond words, inside and out, and have a maturity beyond your age…an old soul.

At one year of age Henry, you are speed crawling and standing with confidence, studying everything you come across, belly laughing when tickled, gently cuddling, forcefully playing and wrestling, being a bit reserved with strangers, and kissing so very sweetly. You are incredibly observant and thoughtful…your actions have great purpose. Your loving eyes and handsome face can melt hearts-it does mine every day. Your sweet smile radiates so much love and warmth.

It’s true what they say-the days are long but the years are short. Even though some days seem never-ending, this first year feels like a blink. These twelve months have been the hardest and happiest of my life. You are my loves, my heart…my life.

happy birthday babies

one | three | six | nine | twelve

a twin picnic

July 8 2013

We had planned on a picnic this weekend, but the weather forced us to remain indoors and in air conditioning. It seems everywhere is hot + muggy at the moment…I like to call it “summer soup”. So until we can comfortably breathe and not soak through our clothing in a few minutes…this fun twin fashion moment will have to suffice. I must admit-we really have the best of both worlds with baby clothes shopping! What did you do this weekend? Do you enjoy the heat?