The Twins’ First Year!

I can’t believe that the twins are already one-year old. The time went by both quickly and slowly. Slowly the first six months when they were on their own schedule. Very quickly the past six months.

The boys enjoying dinner.

When I finally brought them home at six weeks old, they were helpless little tadpoles who needed something every thirty minutes.

Now they sleep for 11-12 hours at night (thriving on a schedule), observe EVERYTHING, prefer to feed themselves (finger foods), and have very distinct little personalities. Right now, Christopher is the funny guy. He’s very unique and loves to make everyone laugh.

Baby Christopher

Christopher is:

• dramatic
• obstinate
• loves books, balls, playing peek-a-boo
• persistent
• loves to share with adults (but often not his brother)
• doesn’t get frustrated very easily
• can sign the word, milk
• says “egg,” “mama,” and “da da.” But he says “egg” far more often than the other two words
• has eight teeth already
• gives fish kisses
• makes bird-like noises
• will laugh when he hears you laughing
• high-fives you when you ask him to
• wants to pull up badly, but is still having trouble because of upper body weakness, due to his first two heart surgeries

He’s overcome a lot in this first year. He’s an inspiration. I’m so very proud of him.

Ryan loves to analyze everything. Especially the wheels on his little Fisher Price fire truck.

Ryan is:

• extremely strong and athletic
• gives great bear hugs
• eats books
• loves to cuddle stuffed animals
• been pulling up the last three weeks and manages to stand on his own as long as he doesn’t realize it
• loves Curious George & Cat in the Hat
• says “mama,” “da da,” “god”  and “dog.” Also, “egg-gaga.” His first word was “mama,” when he was 5 months old.
• gets frustrated easily (although I think it’s just a stage; for a long time there he was the laid back one)
• has eight teeth, too
• loves to chase the dogs

He’ll be walking any day now. I’m a little surprised he hasn’t yet. They both love to dance, laugh, play bumper cars in their walkers, struggle when you try to change their diapers.

They’re both also excellent eaters and love a wide range of fruits and vegetables, tastes & dishes. They also love each other. A lot.

The boys' first photo together. It was the night before Christopher's first heart surgery. A nice nurse put him in his brother's bed so that they could be together for a few minutes. They hadn't seen each other for seven days, since being taken from the womb. Christopher is on the left. Ryan on the right.

When one is upset and the other is near, he reaches out to touch him. Ryan also often looks at Christopher adoringly. He’s done that from day 1.

It’s so sweet.

Taking a bath. Christopher on the left. Ryan on the right.

My mom, stepfather and friend, Sage, flew in for their birthday party on Saturday. The last of the three just left and I think we’re all feeling a little sad. The boys don’t usually have a difficult time going to bed at night, but they did tonight.

The past 12 months have been my toughest by far. But it’s also been my best (by far). I never quite grasped what it was that parents were talking about when they said you had to be a parent to understand what a parent feels for their children. It’s so true.

Before this past year, I could only imagine… and I was way off. I’ve never loved anything or anyone the way I love these boys. I’ve also never been so selfless–and it’s never a chore.

Ever.

Happy first birthday, boys. Mommy loves you!