As I sit here on the eve of another year, I'm overwhelmed with how much has happened. And even more struck by the blank pages that are waiting to be written in 2012.
It is an honor...to write the memories of their lives. I know that they won't remember the major events and little every day happenings that shaped our family this year.
And because memories will surely fail them at these young ages, I consider it my great privilege to do the remembering for them.
Here is what I will cherish about 2011...
bundling up just to watch Hubby blow the snow
playing in our jammies
homemade pizzas and pint-sized help
the sledding hill and the squeals that came with it
first hair cut
and how I crossed my fingers the whole time that her sucker would last until the last lock fell
stickers, colors, glue...
projects
projects
the look on her face when she met Dora
baking...lots and lots of baking
my baby becoming my big girl
feeling the little flutters that soon turned into big, strong kicks
being nervous about how I would share my love
and waiting....
thinking she was a boy all along
and waiting...
puzzles
puppet shows and the way she sang
"5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"
dress up and make believe
walks to the park and how she got so brave on that equipment
testing out her independence a little more each time
stepping away from us and into the big world on her own
chalk on the driveway
how I could barely get myself up off the driveway and sometimes had to wait until Hubby got home to help
the last days of the three of us
and how adorable she looked in that Easter dress
preparing the nursery
folding miniature onesies
wondering
and waiting...
an Easter miracle
meeting my daughter at 6:41 am on April 25th
realizing that she was worth the wait
a new bond
the look on Peach's face when she introduced her sister to visitors
pride that only a big sister can know
tiny everything
the garden that got me blogging
nursing
in every place imaginable
feeling like I was stretched way too thin
smiling to hide how overwhelmed I felt
first swim suit
and chubby cheeks that just begged to be squeezed
playing
and "I can do it myself!"
adjusting
until we found that cozy spot where being a family of four felt good
big steps forward
even if they did require hours in front of Hello Kitty
getting more than a little spoiled
snuggles, cuddles, being close to my heart
parades and candy
hot, hot days
bare feet
sweaty hugs
splish splashing
finding that we had a brave little fish on our hands
new discoveries
growing pains
little victories
adorable outfits
being silly and the giggles that melted my heart
our back yard
the way those toes wiggled in the wind
what the inside of a pumpkin feels like
playing on the floor
their sweet voices coming from the bedroom
language that only the two of them understood
the endless stream of library books coming and going from our little basket in the living room
projects...projects...projects
feeling like i needed a fridge the size of MN to showcase all her artwork
her all-time favorite
knowing that a promise of smarties would stop any temper tantrum
resorting to that promise only a few times - when i was really desperate
the days getting shorter
the snuggles getting longer
enjoying the last opportunities to spend the entire day outside
watching love bloom right before my eyes
the beauty of fall in Minnesota
those cheeks
and how I could not let more than a few minutes go by without kissing them
the special bond that grows between a family and a pet
and the pain that comes with letting go
giving thanks
big moments
and little ones
moving forward
what a snowflake tastes like
what it feels like to be a sister
the peace that comes with being close
how real magic comes at Christmas
the thrill of going new places all on your own
and the sweet, sweet goodness of knowing that at the end of the day, you have a house to call home and people to call family.
Although my girls may not be able to put it into their own words or remember exact details, I do believe that as this year rolled and lulled, it impressed upon their hearts a certainty that they are loved...cherished...adored.
They may not be able to remember this year, but I hope that they will somehow feel the beauty of the past 365 days.
As 2012 knocks on our door, we are so grateful for what we had, what we have and what we are being given the chance to create.
As tiring as this year was...365 cups of much-needed coffee later...
I look back on it and feel like I won the lottery.
How did I get this lucky?
And the very best part is that the next 12 months are ready...waiting to be experienced. And we get to do it together.
They are growing, but the for the next 52 weeks, these girls will still be little. Little enough to hold. Little enough to snuggle. Little enough to sit on laps and little enough to need us.
So, it is with a very grateful heart that I close the chapter of 2011 and open up to another year of loving these little people.
Mmmm...its gonna' be good.
Happy New Year's...
