Almost a year...

We are just over 2 weeks shy of Riley & Ryan's first birthday! I can hardly believe how time has flown by right before my eyes. As I reflect back on this first year we've come so far. I'm still amazed by them each and every day as well as being blessed with such a wonderful partner in this journey. Kevin is not only a great daddy, but he had gone above and beyond what most men will do these days. We are truly partners and for that I will be forever grateful. Riley is on the verge of walking. She is pulling up on everything and "cruising" from one thing to another. Ryan is getting more and more vocal each day - even sometimes repeating after me. He especially loves to talk (very loudly) when we are in the car. Riley has learned to let us know (right away) when she is done with something or is no longer interested. Ryan still loves to cuddle and just relax with you, while Riley is up for any new adventure. Ryan is tender hearted while Riley is tough as nails and very determined. They both have great smiles that can light up a room and the very best belly laughs that only I can get out of them on demand. They love to eat (just about anything) and are great sleepers. They love to be out and about and experience new things. They are happiest when we are on the go (just like their mommy).

I went through their many many hand-me-downs tonight and was going through some old clothes and just had to reflect. I remember very clearly this time last year looking at the 3-6 months clothes thinking how huge they were and now they are so very tiny. Someone gave us a pair of 12 month pants for Ryan when he was born and I thought - he will NEVER wear these - and he wore them today. They have grown so much in size but it's also been amazing to me to see them develop mentally. They catch on to things so well now and are sponges. I realize the responsibility we have and I am almost overwhelmed. How will we ever teach them everything they need to know? ...but I know we will. We've almost survived the first year of twins, right? So many people say that if you can survive the first 18 months to 2 years with twins that the hardest part is behind you. I've thought all along that this has been fairly easy (considering we didn't really know how we would do this a year ago), but mobility has brought on new challenges. I've been more overwhelmed and had more feelings of helplessness and sheer exhaustion in the last few weeks, but also had a greater sense of joy from my time with them. I guess the good times are getting better and the hard times harder...thus the theme of parenthood. Can't wait til their teens!

So enough of the reflection... just wanted to capture some of my feelings since we are almost at a milestone! We had the fall festival this weekend at their school and it was a fun time. Gramma and Grandaddy came to play with us and the weather could not have been any more perfect. I worked with the silent auction, so I was preoccupied toward the end, but I think overall it was a success and everyone had a great time. Ryan has some long patches of hair, so we bid on a gift certificate to SuperCuts and won! We will be making a trip there this week so he'll be stylish for the big party! We will leave on Saturday for a week in Destin, FL with our friends, Joy & John and their 2 boys Candler and Palmer. It should be an interesting week, but we are looking forward to a change of scenery and the beach should be beautiful this time of year. We'll see if they take to the sand any better now than when we went 6 months ago. That's all I have for now. I'm off to bed to get some much needed rest!

Web Albums Added:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080909HangingOut#
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080920Play2Grow#
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20080920FallFestival#