Life's Curves

I thought that I was probably done blogging.  It has been so long since my last post, and I think I was okay with being finished.  Then I got a curve ball thrown into my day.  What could have been just another Facebook post by a friend, brought me here instead...

I saw this morning that a friend-of-a-friend just tragically lost one of her precious twin boys. It's simply heart-breaking and gut-wrenching.  I don't even know this family, but suddenly they belong to the same "club" as me.  I emailed this grieving mother and wanted to share with her something that I had posted many months ago. Which is how I got here.  Then when I logged in, I saw that in the lifetime of this simple blog, it has had over 22,000 views. Which is insane to me.  Nothing that I can write is possibly that interesting, so I'm guessing you all just wanted to see some adorable little kids!  So with that said, I will try to continue posting sporadic updates and pictures. I can't promise that it will be often or regular, but I will try.

And today as I'm reminded of how precious life is, I will hug my boys a little closer, smother them with kisses while they'll still let me, and thank God for every minute I have with them.  I encourage you to do the same with your kids.

John & Andrew - 20 Months

One-Year Photos

Like usual, this post is long overdue, but I wanted to share a few photos that were taken when the boys turned one.  It's amazing how much they've changed even since these were shot in January.  A special thank-you to Stephanie & Danny at Lifeworks Imaging in Rochelle for taking some great pictures and for being so patient with two tired boys who went from smiling to fussing in a matter of minutes.  Crabby kiddos?  There's an app for that...

Andrew James

John Stephen

  

  

 

How do you measure a year?

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 

525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. 

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? 

During tonight's Zumba class, our cool down was to "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent - it's a great song, so find it on YouTube if you've never heard it.  I sang it in high school choir, so I know all the lyrics and can't help but belt them out every time I hear the song.  Hearing it tonight, now that I'm a mom with one-year-old babies, the words suddenly seemed more true.  As I think back on the boys' first year, there really were 525,000+ moments that will always be so dear to me.  And those midnight feedings followed by morning cups of coffee?  I cherish those too.  The first year brought some sorrow instead of strife, but it also brought so much laughter and love.  Lots, and lots of love.

The boys are now 13.5 months, so the first year is already behind us, but I realized that I never posted any pictures from their birthday party.  Sometimes when there are too many to choose from, I end up not posting any at all!  The boys loved their smash cakes even though they were a little unsure whether or not it was okay to get messy (a huge thank you to my amazingly talented neighbor for making them)!  Overall it was a true joy to celebrate John and Andrew's first year; we have been incredibly blessed!

So here you go...some highlights from Andrew & John's "Winter ONEderland" birthday party!

 

 

 

The Boys' First Haircuts 1.10.2013

The time had come and we couldn't wait any longer...these shaggy boys needed haircuts!  After several recommendations from friends, we took the boys to Dusty's Barber Shop in downtown Sycamore.  Dusty did a great job and was amazing when it came to dealing with two squealing, squirmy little ones.  Overall, the boys handled it very well.  The hardest part was keeping them still while they wanted to turn and look at whatever tool was in Dusty's hands. There were a few tears, but what first haircut would be complete without them?

Andrew took the chair first...

We discovered that a few squirts of water helped quiet them down...they were thirsty!

While Andrew was getting his hair cut, John waited patiently in his car seat.  When his patience was all up, a friendly stranger who was waiting for his turn offered to hold John while Dad and the paparazzi (a.k.a. me) were busy.  This is just one of the many reasons why I love living in a small town.

Our little model shows off his new 'do!

John's turn next...

This kid looks like he belongs on "That 70's Show" with all that hair!

 

John was thirsty too

Andrew watches as John gets the finishing touches

 

Nothing like some snacks to finish off our trip to the barber!

 Thanks Dusty, we'll see you again in a few weeks!