1st Birthday Party (x2)

Well we did it! Last Sunday we threw the big 1st birthday bash, with you know, about 30 of our family and closest friends. It was a perfect party. I would only change 2 things. Our Linc-man was soooo sick, but he was a trooper and definitely didn't disappoint when it came to digging in to the cupcake. Also, I left my camera in the car after the dedication. I was so busy during the party, I couldn't remember where it was. So thanks Dad for getting these shots. What an amazing day, shared with the people we love, in honor of our double blessings.

I made all the decorations. Yeah, I have way to much free time.

The only shot with the lighted candle. Dang it!

She's Walking!!!

Oh did I forget to tell you??? Our baby doll has been taking steps for several weeks. First 2, then 4, then 6 all the way up to 15. But it was just steps, and it was mostly the 'Walk-to-mama' kind of steps. The past week we have seen Miss Pearl shuffling to get to places she wants to be. Well in the past 24 hours it happened. Full-on happened people! Our sweet baby girl is walking! From room to room, from toy to toy. I don't how it all changed over the last 24 hours, but it has. We didn't think this girl could be more adorable, but seeing her walking around--so proud of herself--she absolutely has!

Park Days

Parks rock!

Walking

Walking with these babies is a must. I have walked with these babies almost every single day since we came home from the hospital. The babies were only 6 days old on our first walk. It was a clear day, but about 30 degrees and freeeeezing! I didn't really walk, more like shuffled...very slowly. (Notice I still couldn't button the bottom button of my jacket!)

The babies love the fresh air, and I love the change of scenery. I need the change of scenery...

Have you heard it rains a lot here in Seattle? Well when it does, like today, this is how we roll...

***Jemi, we L.O.V.E the hats!!!***

Baby Dedication

Remember that baby dedication I blogged about? Well here is pic from that morning.

Random Thoughts From An Overtired Mama

Here are just a couple of my random thoughts before I hit the sack after one crazy-beautiful, almost-perfect and all around fantastic day....

*This morning we dedicated our babies at our home church. It was quite fun to see both of our families in our church on a Sunday morning. (Lila + Lincoln were super-adorable and on their best behavior.) What a full-circle moment to be standing in front of the church, holding our 2 precious babies, and saying a prayer over their lives. It doesn't seem that far ago that we were standing in that same church praying for a baby (or SURPRISE! 2 babies,) to become a part of our lives. After that we were praying for a healthy pregnancy, a full-term pregnancy, and for 2 healthy babies. Wow. Wow. Yep, that deserves another WOW. (Lila says 'wow' by the way. Sooooo cute.)

*We have amazing, amazing friends AND super-wonderful families. I mean, can you imagine ME, this football-loving girl scheduling a 1st birthday party on Superbowl Sunday....during the Superbowl?!? Yah, my life is so crazy I didn't even realize the oversight. But did that stop the people who care about us and the L's from coming? Nope. I kept thinking how blessed we are to have these people in our lives. And now, how blessed Lila + Lincoln are to have these people in their lives. So some are a little crazy. Ok pretty much everyone we know and like are a little crazy, but that is how we prefer it and we wouldn't dream of it being any other way. So thank you old friends, new friends & family--our hearts are full. (And our pocketbooks are not hurting either since we won 75% of the money in the bets on the game. There should be a rule against hosts winning bets next time. NEXT TIME!)

I have pics of their birthday and party I will post soon. But this girl is tired so it will have to wait. So in the words of one of my beautiful nieces Lucca, 'Peeece'!

364 Days Old

When we put our babies to bed tonight, we kissed our less-than-a-year old twins goodnight. Tomorrow, well tomorrow they will be 1. ONE!!! (Deep breath Karla.) Insert every cliche here and it would be true. This is what I know for sure, when I attempted to go to sleep 1 year ago, I felt excited, anxious, nervous and uncomfortable. I couldn't wait to meet the babies we dreamed about and prayed for. All babies are miracles no doubt, but some babies start in your heart long before they grow in your belly. Lila + Lincoln were 2 of these babies. I knew I would love these babies, but my mind had no understanding of how much and how immediate the love would flow. We are talking tidal wave here people! The whole birthing process was a dream. I enjoyed every. single. minute. In fact, I have enjoyed every single moment of this whole entire (sleepless) year. But can I be a little honest for a second--this birthday is also a little bittersweet. I'm a little sad that this baby phase is coming to an end. Hard work no doubt, but some of the sweetest moments of my life.

Here are some pics of the whole damn fam before bed tonight. Yep, this is how our family pics will look for the rest of forever I'm sure. (That is until we add another turd to the photo....)