Christmas and Updates

December has been an exciting month so far! The boys turned one, Christmas is coming, they are both walking (and picking up speed), more teeth are coming in -- it's nonstop over here!

We just had their one year check up: Sam is 21lbs and in the 40% for weight, Tyler is 25lbs and in the 80% for weight (he's slimming down! he used to be 150% for weight!). They are both healthy and progressing as they should -- such a wonderful blessing from God. I thank God every day for their health. Tyler has 6 teeth, Sam has 4. We're trying very hard to progress to "real" food, but they just love their mush. Plus, it seems to be the only way to get them to eat veggies at this point. It can be quite frustrating. We are also approaching the transition to 1 nap -- if they are entertained, they can almost do without the second nap. We do struggle with getting them to go down. We simply do not have the kids that just love to go in their cribs for a nap or nighttime. Also frustrating.

Their birthday was a success. We had two parties: one with the Ploegs at our house, one with the VLugts at Nana's house. They did great at both (no major meltdowns) and they loved their cake (shocking, I know). They loved their presents too ... it's plastic toys and little people / Thomas the Train heaven in our house. They also got these little chairs that they love to climb on and sit in like little old men.

Christmas is this week and I was just looking back at some pictures from last Christmas -- they were just so small (and we were just so tired!)! A lot has changed this year! We tried and tried to get a great Christmas card photo of the family, but they didn't exactly cooperate. The result was humorous at least!

And one from last year:

Dancy Party USA - Manheim Steamroller Edition

One Year

One year ago tonight my life changed forever. One year ago tonight, at 1:16am and 1:47am, on December 5, 2009, I met the two most beautiful boys in the whole world. One year ago tonight, Jack and I went from husband and wife, to parents with a family.

It has been a crazy, but wonderful year. I can honestly say, there are months with not a whole lot of clear memories but thankfully, I have a lot of pictures and blog to remind me of some of the details that came along the way. I do clearly remember, though, all the wonderful family and friends that showered us with gifts, help, meals, laundry and prayers and I (and we) are so grateful.

Guess Who Else is Walking!

I finally caught Tyler walking -- he's just not as interested in it as Sam is but he certainly can walk when he wants to.