Party of Five: Happy First Birthday Lauren and Caleb!

I must say, I'm a little emotional writing this post. This past year was the fastest year of my life, and absolutely the busiest! We've survived the months of being sleep deprived, changing twice the diapers, and lots and lots of bottles. We've dealt with stares, questions, and rude comments from on lookers. Multiple times, we've handled two sick infants at the same time. We've spent many hours rocking, walking around, and strolling to promote sleep. But, we made it, and along the way we made many, many memories...

Lauren Wray: What a little personality you have. You are very independent, often sneaking off to climb the stairs and making it halfway up before we notice! Your smile will melt any ones heart. Lately, you've started showing some silly faces and enjoy blowing kisses and waving "bye bye." You continue to talk much more than your brother. You remain toothless and can stand on your own, but have yet to take your first real steps. You are a good eater and love to throw your cup on the floor and look at me and smile, thinking it is the best game in the world. You remain a spitting image of your older sister at this age, including your spiky blond hair, (we're still not sure where your dimples came from, but we adore them!). We love your little attitude, but predict you may be the most difficult child in the future :).

Caleb William: My little snuggler! You are a great friend and love to play with everyone at your daycare. You're the fastest little crawler and often bulldoze over your sister when you're on a mission to get a certain toy, (daddy predicts you will be a lineman someday). Your teeth have been coming in fast, and you have 4 now with 2 more on the way. You were the first to sit up, the first to crawl, and the first to get teeth, but I think your sister may be the first to walk very soon. We love your animal sounds and you have the best giggle, especially when daddy is tickling you or you are wrestling with your big sister. You love to push toys and remain fascinated with wheels. We love having a little boy!

What a fabulous birthday party you had. The rainbow theme was so much fun to plan, (thanks to Pinterest), and I'm proud to say that most of the food and decorations were homemade. All of your cousins were there and many second cousins also. It was only fitting that we had Hickory Park for the main meal, since that is where mommy and daddy had their first date.

You both enjoyed the cake, and Caleb especially understood the concept of "smash cake." It was a beautiful day that included playing t-ball in the backyard, a stroller ride to the nearby park, and trips down the middle of the street in the Ezy Roller (adults included).

It's hard to believe you are toddlers now. I'm so sad this stage is over, but I am looking forward to the next stage as I know I will enjoy that even more. It's crazy to think of what's ahead...two toddlers learning to walk, two to potty train, two little ones to drop off on their first day of Kindergarten, two high school graduations....whew, got a little ahead of myself there!

What I've Learned From The First Year of Raising Twins:
1. Twice the morning smiles and hugs.
2. You will spend A LOT of money on diapers, wipes and formula (I'm proud to say my little ones had some amount of BM their first 365 days of life!).
3. Watching each baby reach their milestones is so special.
4. Don't expect to ever sit down and eat a meal, at least during the first year.
5. Twice the sleeping babies to gaze at.
6. If one baby gets sick, it is inevitable, that the other is not far behind.
7. Carrying two infant car seats is an amazing work out.
8. Getting two babies asleep in the same room and preventing them from waking each other up should be an Olympic sport.
9. Twins talking to each other and interacting is fascinating to watch.
10. Twice the laundry, and spit ups, and diaper blow outs...
11. Twin discounts are few and far to come by, but take advantage of them.
12. Don't expect to eat out in a restaurant for the first year, or longer.
13. Shopping for matching boy/girl outfits is harder than you might think, but lots of fun if you enjoy shopping.
14. They WILL compete for your attention.
15. Twice the slobbery smooches.
16. No matter what, people will stare at you, ooh and aah, and tell you "you have your hands full or double trouble."
17. They have a built in playmate to take baths with, swing at the park with, and get into trouble with.
18. Twice the shots at the pediatrician's office-you do not want to go to these appointments by yourself!
19. Having two little ones crawl towards you as fast as they can with big smiles on their faces when you pick them up at daycare is priceless.
20. It really is twice the fun.

Happy Birthday little ones. I am looking forward to giving you each a special hug and kiss at 3:26 PM and 3:37 PM today. Thank you for all the smiles, tears, giggles, adventures, and memories!