The twins are 5!!!

I cannot believe how quickly time flies!  It seems like just yesterday, I was shuffling my way down the hall toward to the level 2 nursery to visit my tiny preemies.  I'll never forget how tiny they were and how amazing it was to watch them move around in their incubators.  It seemed almost surreal then.  Perhaps it was the drugs that kept in a bliss like haze?  Either way, I remember how in awe I was of these two strong little fighters.

Bennett was the first born.  He positioned himself just right(footling breech)so that he was preventing Bria, who was head down, from engaging.  The little stinker! I am not sure how they grabbed him first during the c-section, but they did.  I think Chadd said they grabbed his foot and pulled him out that way.  They showed me his little face and immediately ran off with him.  I remember thinking he is just perfect.  Look at all of his hair.

When Bria was born, they whisked her right away so I only caught a glimpse of the beauty that she is.  I was so scared that something was wrong with her since they did not let me see her up close.  I was searching Chadd's eyes while asking him whether or not she was okay.  He did a great job of acting normally.  When I actually recall seeing her, I thought she was the tiniest little peep who had a face like Avery's and a nose like Chadd's. 

Now, they are five years old!  They have an affinity for one another that seems to get stronger as the years go on.  They love play dates, their buddies, school and each other.  They are both very free spirited and independent.  They are challenging in different ways and yet both of them bring us joy each and every day. 

Happy Birthday to my two darling five year olds!  You make me so proud!

I love you both so very much!

XOXOXOXO

Mom

It's my birthday

I just wanted to post that I am having an absolutely fabulous day.  I am officially 32 years old and all the wiser for it :) 

I woke up feeling great, the kids listened fairly well(especially when I reminded them that today is MY birthday) and we got out of the house with minimal stress.  My Benny really stepped it up today and for that I am so thankful.

I had an amazing workout at the gym.  My instructor told the class that I am 22 and have 6 kids.  You wouldn't believe how many people thought that she was serious! ha!  I mean, I could have 6 kids...but 22?  Yea right!

My neighbor and friend Kristi made me lunch and invited the kids over to play so that I could come home and relax(take a shower).  She is such a great friend and I am so thankful for our amazing friendship.

The rest of the day is going to be filled with love and laughter and maybe a special birthday meal out.

My mom and dad have set up a huge birthday bash for me this Friday at the Waterpark of America.  I know it is going to be a great time and I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life.

Thank you to all of you who have made my 32nd birthday so special!

XOXOXO

P.S. If you want to enter a contest for an awesome new pair of limited edition hot pink Mizuno running shoes, do so here: http://skinnyrunner.com/


Fingers crossed that I win them for my Birthday!

Turtle speed

I have been meaning to post since January 2nd.  I have written down picture numbers and notes with what I want to write about.  I have tried numerous times to upload photos and it all just takes forever or it doesn't work how it is supposed to so I get frustrated and walk away.  I have seriously thought about quitting the blog multiple times, yet something keeps me holding on to it.  I may have to quit this blog and start a new one altogether.  Perhaps on a platform that can upload my uber large picture files quickly and more efficiently than blogger does?  Who knows.  Whatever I decide, I will be to let you know.

Happenings since the first of our New Year:

We are finally back on schedule with school and activities.
Avery is enjoying dance and her teacher Heather is back from maternity leave.  She celebrated her 1/2 birthday at school and we went to celebrate by bringing Popsicles for her classmates.
The B's are having all sorts of play date action and loving every minute of it
Chadd is working his tail off as usual.  He has been bowling a lot more since he got his new ball for Christmas.  A shoe purchase for his birthday(this Saturday)is in order.
I have started a new diet lifestyle and I am really concentrating on perfecting it.  I lost 6 pounds the first 3 days and by the end of the following week I was down 8.  My goal is 15 pounds.  I am hoping that I reach that by the end of the first month.
We are heading to the Water park of America next weekend to celebrate our birthdays with my family.
I am busy planning two parties for the B's who both insist on their very own party this year...I suppose at 5 years old they should have separate parties even though they were born on the same day.

I hear that snow is on the agenda.  Thank goodness.  I cannot stand all of this cold weather if we don't have snow.  At least when there is snow, I can bundle everyone up and we can get outside to sled, snowboard or build snow castles and breathe in some fresh air.  By this time last year we had more snow than we knew what to do with and I was dreading the spring melt because it was going to close down my bridges to the other side.  I doubt we will have to worry about that at all this year.

My girlfriends and I are going to do a 7K for St. Patty's day.  I did the race last year and even though it was super cold, the free beer at the end makes up for it.  We may have to dress as a group if I can talk them into it.  You know, green tutu's, shamrock headbands....totally dorky but so much fun.

I hope that your year is off to a great start! 

Until next time(and it may be a while)! :)