Happy Birthday To You...

Well folks, it's hard to believe but today Eli and Jude turn two.  That's right, they've been on this planet for two years.  I know it must be shocking to you because I can barely comprehend it myself.  These last two years have been both very short and very long.  When I think back to the day they were born it seems like only yesterday.  I still remember the times before the babies (no matter what other mothers say about forgetting) and it really doesn't seem like that long ago.  But then I think back to those sleepless nights and marathon feedings and passing out on the couch while nursing at 4 AM and it all seems like another lifetime.  I suppose that this is just the nature of parenthood.

Two years ago on December 30, 2008 at 7:28 and 7:30 AM, Elijah Lee and Judah Maxwell entered this world at 34 weeks gestation.  They weighed 4 lbs 14 oz and 4 lbs 12 oz and were 19 1/2 inches and 19 inches long.  Today, Eli and Jude weigh around 26 lbs each, give or take a couple of ounces (Eli is still a little bit bigger) and are approximately 35 inches tall (Eli is also still a little taller).  They run, hop, climb, slide, and swing like pros.  They can count to five successfully every time by themselves and to ten with help.  They can recognize all of their letters and sometimes sing along to the ABCs.  They love music of all kinds but especially pop and dance music.  Much to Travis's dismay, they very much enjoy Ke$ia.  Their favorite television shows are Blues Clues, Yo Gabba Gabba, and the Fresh Beat Band.  They love dogs, cats, and ocean animals of all kinds.  They like to eat pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, clementine oranges, Eggo waffles, cheesy scrambled eggs, and pretty much anything sweet.  They are pretty good at eating with spoons and forks but still struggle a little with cups with no lids.  Their favorite playmates are still each other.

In the last two years, my babies have become little boys.  They play hard and love life.  Even though another birthday means another year farther from those precious baby snuggles and coos, it means so much more to learn about the people we are raising.  I look forward to all of the joys and surprises to come in this next year!