Well, we made it! Yep, the twins turned 1 today. The first year is in the books. (insert sigh of relief here)
I have to say, it feels good. After all, we’ve come a long way from this day one year ago. I remember looking at those sweet, needy newborn faces in the hospital and wondering how in the world I was going to manage everything that I knew to be ahead. Yeah, yeah. I get it …The real work is really just beginning, but there’s something about that first year that’s unique and difficult. I imagine that’s even more true for first-time moms like me.
There wasn’t much fanfare over the birthday today. We did the big celebration (you know, the cake smushing, presents, etc.) on Sunday, so today was low-key. It was OK, though. I actually found myself to be introspective, thinking about where I was last year at this time. I didn’t expect to be sentimental about it, but I kind of was. The reality is that I have changed a lot this past year – in a good way – and learned a lot about myself in the process.
I learned … that poopy diapers aren’t that big of a deal when coming from the butt of someone you love. That I actually kind of like the smell of spit up on my clothes. That I can get by on four hours of sleep. That I do significantly better when I’ve had six. That I have a short memory – I remember the good stuff from this past year way more than the bad stuff. That I can love two people the exact same. That I worry a lot. That kids really are sick a lot and that taking care of sick kids really sucks. That I enjoy being a working mom and refuse to feel bad about it. That it does no good to compare myself to others (or my kids to others, for that matter). That I have more compassion for others than I thought I did. That my family really is more important to me than anything else and that my most important job each day to make sure my kids know that. Oh, and I learned that minivans aren’t all bad.
It’s been a roller coaster for sure, but overall a good ride. I wouldn’t take back a minute. Happy Birthday, G&G!
Newborn Grayson
Newborn Graham
We're 1!