I'm sitting in our big chair eating birthday cake and basking in the happiness that was today. We celebrated our twins' first birthday, a huge milestone! I'm still getting used to the onset of emotions that tends to set in when my child's birthday rolls around. The nostalgia, the warmth, the bittersweet of they'll-never-be-this-little-again, the immense joy of simply getting to know them and watch them grow. And this time, I'm feeling it all twice as much!
I've been tempted to think, "Wow! All of a sudden I have one-year-olds. How'd that happen?" but I won't be so easily fooled. This turning one business was no all of a sudden thing. The last 364 days were filled with unique moments in every single day. I don't want to think of this first year as just a survival year or refer to it as one big blur. It wasn't that way for me. I distinctly remember certain phases, with highlights of each one. Here's a simple commemoration of the past year with my two littlest pookies:
The Early Days (October-December, 0-2 months):
I tend to think of these as the three-stage feeding days. Lots of breastfeeding, bottles lined up on the headboard, frequent pumping with around-the-clock, every-three-hours feedings. Plus doctor's appointments, constant swaddling, diaper changing, and tummy time. I didn't spend a whole lot of time with NLW and I tried to nap as much as I could. My parents were in town making our house run smoothly :) Little blips of celebration: NLW's 2nd birthday, my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas!
The So Many Naps Days (January-February, 3-4 months):
I just remember there were several weeks where I was managing nine separate naps a day. Four for each twin and one for NLW. I didn't mind it, as it brought a certain rhythm to the day. But man, when I say it out loud, it sounds intense! This was when we started working with our amazing nanny Nicole and had a lull of visitors. The biggest highlight was the huge snowfall on Valentine's Day!
The We're Hitting a Groove Days (March-April, 5-6 months):
Moved into a three-nap-schedule routine. More active and engaged with one another. Lots of sweet faces, smiles, giggles and expressions. Transition period in sitting up, starting solids, and introduced loveies. Daily bathtime at 6:15pm :) My parents visit again!
The Rotating Door of Visitors Days (April-August, 6-10 months):
We had family stay with us almost every month in this time period. It was super fun to host, incorporate special trips and outings into our day and enjoy lots of time outside -- in the swing, in the water, and in the backyard. First wading pool, swimming pool, and new stroller! Sitting up, crawling, on knees, and starting to pull up.
East Coast Days (August-September, 10-11 months):
First flight and a red-eye at that! Spent three weeks in Connecticut with Mr. Fleece's family. Lots of pool time, water table, wagon rides, first boat ride, and new toys. Kept up an amazing schedule sleeping 12+ hours overnight and two two-hour naps. Lots more solids and finger foods. Highlight was meeting their cousin.
Sick and Re-Set Days (September-October, 11-12 months):
Upon returning home from the East Coast all five of us got sick with colds and runny noses. It was a pretty brutal turn of events and a milestone of its own. Passing germs is nothing new, but I'm not looking forward to this playing out again in the future. We have been trying to find a new rhythm, especially an eating schedule ever since. We love pulling to stand, climbing the stairs, and our morning walk in the stroller. Highlight was my two college friends coming to play and help!
Birthday (October 12, 1 year!):
We celebrated by going to a pumpkin patch, opening gifts, taking photos all day, and eating cakes that a friend made. I loved playing with you in the garage, watching you splash in the bath, and having simple one-on-one time with each of you in the backyard. Happy birthday, you two!
No photo will ever be able to capture how special you are or how much you mean to me.
- SJW
