Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Monday, January 10, 2011

Snow Day

Love to cuddle with my girls and watch the snow.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Dear Amelia and Emma,

In five short months you girls have nestled your way deep into our hearts, it occurred to me last night that I can't even remember what life was like without you. So many people say "Oh I could never have twins" but I always think that I could never not have twins. Yes, it's double the diapers and double the feedings but it's also double the smiles and double the giggles. And there are four feet to kiss. And two bellies to blow raspberries on. I don't know what life would be like with only one of you, we are so grateful to have you both in our lives.

Amelia,
My sweet baby girl. Always melting my heart with your smile. It amazes me that you can crack a smile even with all of your fingers in your mouth. You have a new accomplishment this month. You laugh! It is so adorable. I have to stop myself from laughing along with you so I can stop and savor every second. I don't ever want to forget it. You have continued to explore all the sounds you can make. Your dad and I love listening to all of your stories and even add some ooh's and ahh's of our own, which you really seem to like.

Another accomplishment this month is you have noticed your hands and feet. We find you staring for hours at them. Looking at one, then the other and back to the first. The excitement in your eyes is so innocent and pure that it really makes me slow down and appreciate all the small things. You have always had a passion for exploring the world around you and I can't wait to see what you will find next.

Emma,
My sweet and very serious baby girl. You make my heart happy because even though you are so serious most of the time, I still know how to make you crack a smile. You are a thinker just like your dad. You want to know how everything works. And even though you don't smile all the time, doesn't mean that you aren't a happy baby. You just make us work a little harder at getting the smiles and giggles. But when you give them, you have a smile from ear to ear and a giggle that goes on forever. I could listen for hours and hours, soaking it all in.

Another accomplishment that you've mastered this month is holding up your head. I am so amazed at how strong you are. You love to sit in our laps and look at the world around you. Up, down, left and right. You want to see it all! Even during tummy time, you don't want to put your head on the mat. It is so adorable to watch you learn the world from this new angle. I can't help but think... if this view is exciting to see I can only imagine what it will be like when you are standing!

Girls,
This month has been a great one, and definitely one I will never forget. You've noticed each other. I love watching as you both look at one another, smile at one another and reach out for one another. I know this is just the beginning of a friendship that will last a lifetime. I truly cannot wait to see you both grow up together. I whisper to each of you "See your sister, she's going to be there for you always and be your best friend forever". You are both so lucky to have each other and I know it's only days before you realize this too.

It is incredible to me how quickly you've grown over the last five months. It really does go by so fast. You are little people now with your own personalities and voices. I'm not sure if this is even possible, but each month is better than the month before. I can't wait to see what January brings!

Love,
Mom

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Happy New Year!

We spent a fun New Years Eve at my parents house with Karen, Joe and Maureen. Derek was excited to bring a new game he got for Christmas, Dicecapades. Let's just say the night had many hilarious moments, one of my favorites was when Derek and Maureen arm wrestled! Derek won, but it was close... and if he wasn't cheating it might have gone the other way. (the photo captures derek's illegal left hand)


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Toy Story

When I was the girls age my parents took a picture of the aftermath of Christmas morning. In their picture I am laying on the floor with all of the presents around me, you barely notice me. I wanted to reenact that picture... it would have been really cool if I could find it, but I couldn't so you'll have to use your imaginations.

Christmas Wrap Up

We celebrated the holidays with lots of family and friends. We are so fortunate to have such amazing people in our lives. Thank you so much for all of the memories.

Christmas Cuties!

Girls posing with their loot.

"Hey where's my stocking?"

Amelia loves that thumb, best present ever... and there's two of them!

Emma wants to know why does Amelia get two thumbs...

Llama Llama's have taken over!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Christmas Morning

Every Christmas morning Derek and I have celebrated together has always started with an Easter egg hunt for Penne and Charlotte. This year was no exception. Random, yes. But they love it!



Then onto the presents:












Derek got each of the girls a special gift for their first Christmas. He included a letter with each. He wrote about his love for mathematics and how he hopes to use his gift with them as they grow up.


And, he signed the letters:
"I love you more than anyone could ever count!"

Christmas Eve


Our Family
(if you look close you can see spit up coming out of Amelia's mouth)


Amelia calling "dibs"


Posing with their Bumbo's, an early Christmas present!


9 stockings waiting for Santa

2 new ones this year!

Drum Roll....

The baby on the left of the Christmas card is.... Amelia!

Congrats to all who guessed right. When we were taking this picture, the photographer had two head bands but they didn't match. I decided that since Amelia seems sweet and innocent that she should be in pink and Emma seems to be the diva so she needed to be in black and red.