three hundred and sixty five days

I have had the absolute privilege of spending an entire year with the sweetest most loving little babies. I remember the first week perfectly. I remember all the excitement and happiness these two brought to our family. I remember staying up all night watching holiday movies on the hallmark channel and feeling happy and blessed. This week Stephen and I have been reminiscing of all the cute little newborn things they did. I love it, we have such fond memories (and a lot of "blur") The first year holds so many changes! Every time we got set in a rhythm they would grow out of it and we would find a new balance. once I got used to the idea of them rolling they started sitting on their own then crawling! We got the hang of nursing and pumping then we moved on to solids then formula then real people food! Every day brings something new for them to explore and figure out. We are on the walking phase currently. Bear loves walking with his little truck and pushing his sissy along. Its the most adorable thing you will ever witness. But I have had to force sis to do some of the walking, and she has decided she'd much rather ride. We have to make sure brother is busy with a different toy because he thinks its his job to push and he is very good at it. Maybe we need two:) He got to the point of taking a few steps without holding on then full on just took off the other day. It takes my breath away almost to see it! Who would have guessed this could be such an exciting thing. Bear has 6 teeth and Charlee has a whopping 2. It has been so entertaining to watch who accomplishes what first. C nursed better then B took a bottle faster then C rolled first B ate solids better C slept better B said "bababa" first C crawled first B got the first tooth C stood up on her own first B climbed the stairs first C clapped first and now B is walking first. At least its been pretty equal! They take turns:) Some of my favorite things charlee does right now are-- stick her tongue out, I mean that thing is everywhere! I don't want to say this out loud but it makes me think of Miley Cyrus (reference the 2013 VMAs) it is hilarious. She also sticks her lips out like a pucker and blows. She is pretty funny. She also likes to try to get in/out of the bath tub. She gets her little leg up there and it's just the most adorable thing. Now if you could imagine the tounge and leg combo and it's just too much cuteness. She's very wiggly. Once she starts walking she is going to be wild! She loves the toilet and my shoes. Bear loves the bear crawl. He walks with his tiny steps as best he can but still knows that crawling on his toes and hands is the most efficient route for him. His auntie Camber got him some bear claw slippers and we got the cutest video of him bear crawling in them. He loves to be chased! He thinks its the funniest thing. Especially when I go to get them from their cribs he will run and hide in the corner laughing. So fun. Now when he is walking to you he puts his arms straight out in front of him like Frankenstein and sometimes waves them in the air while letting out happy screams. They both really like to be held and played with, which makes my days rather tough yet fun filled. They love being tossed on the bean bag and it's a special treat when mom turns on the radio and we have a dance party. I love when they start laughing and burry their faces in the bean bag! They are into EVERYTHING so I am especially grateful for this small space we are in currently, it makes one man defense manageable. They are so smiley and happy its hard to get mad. We spent every moment we possibly could outside this fall (this whole year really) the weather was absolutely gorgeous. They ate plenty of dirt rocks leaves grass and tomatoes from the garden. We took several trips (way more than I planned-mainly because they love to ride in the car) we spent loads of time at grandparents houses getting spoiled rotten (this continues on a daily basis due to the fact we live with my parents right now) I could go on and on about how wonderful this year has been and how awesome adorable sweet and lovable my kids are... but for some reason I keep looking ahead. Once they fall asleep at night I love looking back on pictures. Its probably my favorite pass time ever. But as much as they have learned this year I anticipate all they will learn! If I thought this last year was hard at all...I have a strong feeling this next one will give me a run for my money. I nervously await all the trouble and messes these two crazy kids are going to cause. But I excitedly await their first REAL words, all the giggles, running, jumping, tripping, hand holding, treats, adventures, love, cuddles etc that will heavily outweigh all the messes. This next year will be a busy one that is for sure with starting construction on our new home in February. What a blessing it is to be living with such great babysitters and to have our new home just a mile away. We are beginning a new and unknown chapter in our lives and very anxiously await everything 2014 has in store for us while appreciating all the blessings and memories 2013 gave us. We love you more than anything Bearett and Charlotte. You have brought nothing but joy and sunshine into the lives of all who have been privileged to meet you. Thank you so much for being such good and happy babies. Thank you for choosing our family. Happy birthday Twins.

Charlee taking some selfies