I've been meaning to post this for about five months now. But today seemed to be the perfect occassion. I love an excuse for a fun celebration, and a very sweet little miss is
6 months old today!!
I remember it like it was yesterday, literally. Going over to Brandon and Michelle's house to go out for the twins birthday dinner, like we do every year. The car ride there was filled with anxiety and discussion between Daniel and I, as to if the subject came up, how we were going to tell them that I could not partake in a birthday "cheers" at the restaurant since it was still so fresh, and we were worried to tell anyone.
Oh, how little did I know....
When we got to their house, Brandon let us in and told us it might be a minute before Michelle is ready because she isn't feeling good. A few minutes later when she came downstairs, she had a smirk on her face as she sat on the stairway and started to tell me the real reason she wasn't feeling good, and that she would not be able to cheers to the twins birthday that night. I was in complete shock! Without thinking twice, I gave Daniel the "uh oh, it's going to just come right out of my mouth without your consent" look and said, "funny...me either." And so it began....our journey to become parents...together.
Of course, as the wives of very close, identical, twins...we were fairly used to nodding our heads at people when they saw we were doing the same thing, going the same places, or wearing similar outfits. But this was no wrestling tournament we were attending to watch our husband's coach together....this was the biggest adventure we could ever imagine. After the shock wore off, we both knew we would likely have to tell everyone (once we actually told everyone) that NO... we didn't plan this.
How could we plan to get pregnant just two weeks apart!?
6 & 8 weeks, birthday trip to Atlantic City
Admittedly, there were days or weeks that I was simply shocked to be sharing this journey, others that I was excited to swap stories and feelings, and even a few days I was sad we weren't going through it separately, since through life the twins have always been a "collective one," and this was a very personal adventure. Overall, I think it was the best blessing God has ever planned for our husbands. They empathized with each other late at night when the hormones got the best of their once sane women. They laughed when we talked to friends without children about the fun symptoms and side affects. And Michelle and I welled with emotion every time we imagined the future with our babies being closer than ever. We both grew up with cousins that had an inseparable bond, and being far away from them has been difficult on both of us. So how perfect was this situation?
Through the ups and downs that are pregnancy, it was nice to laugh and talk about it all with my "sister." We had a secret look in the early stages at events before it was public knowledge and we had to explain that we were "driving, so water is fine for tonight." And the multiple...and I mean, multiple bathroom breaks were always interesting to explain. Daniel and I knew when they broke their news, we would come shortly after, being as we were only two weeks behind them. It was very hard to bite our tongues when everyone called us to wish us congratulations on becoming Aunt and Uncle. Then our turn came, and, as predicted...the shock and surprise "no way! did you plan that?!" came from every single mouth we called and told. It still makes me smile to revisit the reaction of the twin's parents, because for them, this journey was very unique.
24 & 26 weeks
31 & 33 weeks
What a blessing it has been! Little did I realize when we were pregnant that the stories and swapping of information would continue, even more so, when the babies arrived. I remember the excitement and overwhelming emotion Daniel and I felt the night we got the call that little miss Harper Danielle was making her debut. I was up all night, and could NOT wait to meet her! We saw her that morning, and fell in love. Chalk it up to the hormones, or just the bond of family that I grew up with, but I instantly felt connected to this little girl (with PERFECT lips, haha). I felt the need to whisper her advice, pray for her everyday, brag about her, snuggle her, protect her, and tell her everyday how special she truly is.
I truly believe that family is the strongest thing you will ever encounter or experience. If you have love within, nothing...and I mean NOTHING can get in your way. I learned in my pregnancy that even in loss, the bond remains. I am so happy that my family is growing, and that my sweet boy has been given someone to bond with. They have, and it melts my heart. A month apart, and inseparable already...just like their daddies.
I'm sure in the future we will have our hands full with these two trouble-makers. But I hope they love each other, grow closer, and learn to navigate this crazy world together. I can't wait for vacations, birthday parties, holidays and family dinners.
Happy half-birthday sweet baby girl!! You are my sweet, spicy and loving niece, and I can't wait to see what the next six months holds for you. Thank you for showing me this kind of love, that only a little girl can. And take it easy on your momma's lip, you feisty little thing! Auntie Sara loves you!
