The Big Birthday Bash

I struggled with planning the boys' birthday party this year (back in June) because I knew we couldn't afford much, but I also knew I wanted them to have the opportunity to celebrate their big days with their new friends.  I decided to throw all the Pinterest Party Ideas out the window and do a party that would make my kids smile.  The result was a combined birthday for Logan, Jack & Wyatt, where each boy invited five friends, and we rotated them and their friends through three stations. 

One station was outside, playing on the equipment, jumping on the trampoline, blowing up balloons and playing Nerf guns.

Another station was an Art station, where the kids could color, draw and create on different types of paper.

And the last station was the Lego station.  We brought the twins' two large Lego bins out and let the kids go for it, building whatever came to mind.  I think that was, by far, the favorite station.

Other than station planning, the only other thing I did was make cupcakes & Koolaid.

The boys, and their friends, had a blast!

Happy 9th Birthday, Logan & Jack

Today Logan & Jack turn nine years old.  At 2:54 and 2:55pm, just before school lets out in the last days before summer, my wee babies that came into this world at just over 4lbs and just under 7lbs will turn nine years old.  A few months from now, they will start fourth grade, and before I know it, they'll be heading towards their teenage years. I know how fast time will fly from now until then because it has flown just as fast from their birth until now.

I remember bringing them home, two babies in car seats, set on the living room floor amidst an avalanche of "baby crap" as my dad jokingly refers to all the things babies "need"-- a swing, a bouncer, a pack & play... Josh and I looked at each other from across the room and I think right there, in that solitary moment, the weight of responsibility we'd been given hit us.  This was it. Parenting had started.  And there was no stopping it now.

Things were harder then. So much harder.  Night wakings and devastating spit ups after hour-long feedings; diaper changes and bottles to wash; laundry to fold and babies to bathe... Every bit of their survival was on our shoulders.  Everyone promised me it would get easier.  But to be honest, it was hard to believe.

But now, here I am.  Nearly a decade into twin parenting, and it has gotten so.much.easier. Not only can they meet many of their own needs now (showering, dressing and eating independently), but they are able (and most of the time, willing) to help out with my and Josh's chores as well.  They unload the dishwasher, help at the grocery store and are always willing to lend Josh a hand in the yard.  They watch the baby, assist with dinner, and do the cat box.  They make their beds, brush their own teeth and help make sure we're out the door on time everyday for school. 

I am so grateful for them, for the journey we've taken, for the growing up we've done, side by side, with them getting bigger (and more independent) and me getting (figuratively) smaller (allowing that independence).  It's not easy, watching them grow...

Wondering when the last time was that one of them crawled into bed with me at night.  Wondering when was the last time they called me "Mommy".  Wondering what it is about this stage that I'll one day miss...

But it's also refreshing.  Instead of being so exhausted by meeting all their needs, I am able to enjoy them.  Instead of holding them back, keeping them safe, guarding their lives, I am letting them go, watching them fly, seeing them soar.

I get to witness as they fight through their struggles, and as they discover their strengths.  I have watched their relationship grow, stretch and change this year, as they've gone to public school, made different friends and discovered different hobbies.  As hard as it is to watch your babies grow, seeing them come into their own is like a birth in itself.  I feel so privileged to be here, walking alongside them as they figure out what it is they want out of life. 

Logan & Jack,

I love you more than all the grains of sand on every beach.

You are wonderful, funny, kind, smart, hard working boys,

and your dad and I are so proud of who you are and who we can already see you becoming.

Love always,

Mom

***

Around Here: Week 46

Celebrating... my 34th Birthday today! Wyatt and I made a cake this afternoon and Josh and I will celebrate with date night after the kids are in bed.  Homemade pizza & a movie are calling my name.
I enjoyed reading this post that I wrote on my birthday last year.  I ended it saying: "For my 33rd year, I am hoping for: a healthy baby to join our family; our family to be reunited and living together somewhere that is the perfect fit for us; and for me to remember that everyday I'm here on earth is a gift.  Especially if that day is spent with the ones I love."  Talk about dreams coming true!

Feeling... proud of my boys.  This week I had my first parent/teacher conferences, and they are doing amazing.  They are working hard and learning and making progress.  Socially, they are listening to their teachers, showing respect to all the staff and making lots of friends.  Their transition from homeschool to public school could not have been smoother. I'm so grateful.

Reading... My Side of the Mountain to the twins at bedtime (psst-- don't tell Jack, but I bought him books 2 & 3 for Christmas!) and Bird by Bird, and Flight Behavior for book club.

Watching... Carly sign "more" and say "mama" and learn to crawl! She is doing it!!! She can also pull up on the couch and sit on her knees so she can reach more easily into her toy box.  The boys are AMAZED at her pulling up and Logan busted out the camera himself to capture it the other evening.
Speaking of capturing moments, when Jack saw Logan all snuggled up with Carly the other night, he grabbed by real camera, too and took some pictures. I love that they want to capture the moment when a certain feeling comes over them, just like their mama.

Wincing... as Carly tries standing (and falling) more.  She's got bruises all over and lets out the saddest, most offended cry when she crashes down. Poor baby!

Crying... cause we burned through every season of Blue Bloods and are now left show-less.  Suggestions?

Awaiting... results from Logan's EEG.  I'd sure like to hear some good news!

Loving... reflecting on all my blessings, and posting on Instagram/Facebook the things that I'm grateful for.

Doing... a fall puzzle that I ordered myself for my birthday. I do so love puzzles!

Laughing... when Wyatt saw one of his teachers outside school this week.  His mind was blown.  He stopped dead in his tracks, turned beet red and was speechless for some time.

Looking forward... to enjoying Thanksgiving with family over the long weekend!  It will be a nice reprieve from our normal weekends and I'm so looking forward to a giant piece of pumpkin pie!

***

GOALS:

I managed to bake cookies for Logan's school this week, but I didn't get to my Christmas letter or cards.  The boys had early release all week and it was all I could do just to get my regular errands done with them in tow. Mostly I just wanted to get them home and playing outside in the gorgeous weather we've been having. So I feel good even though I didn't meet my goals.

Next week I just want to stay on top of the laundry & work on my puzzle.  Every now & then, mama needs a break!

***