Hellobee

To my sweet boys.

Today you turned four.  Oh heavens how fast it has gone.

Four years ago I was thrilled at the idea of meeting you. After a difficult pregnancy, I was just so thankful to hold you.  I still remember how nervous I was when Daddy placed both of you in my arms at the same time.  Two babies, twins, two beautiful little boys.  Even though I was a little scared of the idea of now being a mommy to three little guys under age one, I cannot explain the joy that I felt when you were born.  I have heard it said that becoming a parent is like having a little piece of your heart running around on the outside.  I have to agree.  In a short moment I had three little pieces of my heart on the outside and it was one of my greatest moments.

The night you were born, little pieces of my heart.

Three years ago you were energetic little babies. I felt like I had earned a badge of honor that most mothers of multiples wear. Mommy and Daddy survived the first year with twins. We roamed the halls while you had colic. I nursed you round the clock for six months. We took plenty of pictures to make sure that I could remember those early days in my sleep deprived state. We also soaked up every new thing you did; every smile, laugh and gurgle I cherished. We cheered you on as you learned to crawl and took your first steps (at 8 months which certainly drove me a little crazy). We took you everywhere in our giant triple stroller. We couldn’t walk through a store without being stopped while people gushed over how cute you were. It may just be because I am your mom but I have to agree; you are pretty darn handsome. When people would tell me how blessed I was, it truly was a great reminder. I was so blessed to be your mom.

Your smiles melt my heart

Two year ago you were bubbly little toddlers.  Each of you were developing your distinct personality. People asked me all the time how I could tell you apart. By now I knew every detail of your face, voice and personality. There was no tricking your momma (sometimes you could trick daddy though). I sometimes wonder what you look like to other people because in my eyes you are so very different. We had so many things going on in our lives: moving into a bigger house, waiting for your baby sister to arrive and big trips. You were my little troopers, and whatever we did, we did as a family and we were thriving.  You were talking and running and playing.  It was amazing to watch you each become a little person.  You did have your tantrum times and a decent amount of fit throwing, but to be honest those moments fade and what’s left are the memories of your laughter running through our halls.

As most mothers of twins find out, extra hands are always helpful. Thank goodness for Grandma and Grammy!

One year ago I had trouble realizing how fast it had gone.  You were having full conversations with me.  Nick — you sat on your dad’s lap for an hour and talked about bugs.  We laughed and just enjoyed your enthusiasm for talking.  Joe — you loved telling jokes and then laughing hysterically.  You really cracked yourself up.  You were both so good as big brothers.  You loved to hold and snuggle your sister.  It really let me see little pieces of your caring hearts as you wanted to make sure she was taken care of.  You were kind and generous kids.  We had a loud and chaotic household that would drive others to insanity, but I can tell you that I wouldn’t have it any other way.  The wrestling matches and rough housing amped up a lot.  You and your father liked to see how far you could push my limits before I called the match, which of course would result in a huge round of laughter.

There is something special between you two that I cannot explain, but I love to witness it.

Joseph, you are the jokester of our family.  You may have inherited your loud uncontrollable laugh from me (sorry about that).  I can hear you throughout the house as you laugh and enjoy your play time.  You are very focused and attentive to projects you take on.  You are so proud about writing your name all by yourself.  The pride you have in yourself fills my heart.  I know that you will be able to accomplish anything to set your mind to my strong and hardworking little man.

Nicholas you have a beautiful spirit.  You want to make sure everyone is taken care of. You are my little mommy’s helper.  You are very aware of things that are going on around you. You pick up on things very quickly.  I have to be a little careful about what I say because it most definitely will come out of your mouth the next day.  I love watching you think through problems and coming up with elaborate solutions.  You are a thinker like your daddy.  I love seeing some of his personality in you.

Picking flowers for mommy. Oh my boys if I could only explain the joy you bring me.

Now you are about to head to preschool.  We have been together every day and now I see the next chapter of our lives starting. At times I love it and know I am ready to be the mom of school aged children, and other times I think I would keep you small forever.  You are my babies forever.  I will never forget that first feel of your soft newborn skin, or that first smile or laugh.  There will be so many more firsts as we go through this next year.  So happy birthday my beautiful boys!  I can’t wait to see where we are in a year.

Being your mom is the best part of my life

Love always,

Your Momma