A love letter to my Valentines

Dear Ben & Hannie,

I am the luckiest Momma - I get to have YOU BOTH as my Valentines! I love you so much sometimes I can't even express it. I never knew there was a feeling like that of a Momma to her babies. It's awesome and I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to experience it through you.

Today, Ben you are sick with a fever. At first I was disappointed we couldn't go about our usual Thursday business and we won't get to go to ECFE this afternoon. But, what better thing to do on Valentine's Day than cuddle on the couch with one of your sweeties? I love you snuggled up next to me. I hope I comfort you as much as you comfort me.

Hannie, today you really adapted to a different routine. You can be so independent that it frustrates me at times, but today it was great to have a little lady who can do what she wants all on her own. You played by yourself great this morning while I took care of Ben. And you never went too far away from him; you kept coming back to make sure he was OK. What a good Sissy!

Today is Valentine's Day, so everyone in the world is expressing their love for each other. But you know what? We do that for each other every single day. It is one of my favorite things in my life! I love that Ben gives me big sloppy kisses. I love how Hannie giggles and asks for more kisses when I blow raspberries on her neck. I love how you both love each other. Just yesterday I was fixing lunch and the conversation at the table was this:

Ben: "I love you Hannie."
Hannah: "I love you Ben."
Ben: "I love you Hannie."
Hannah: "I love you Ben."
(for *at least* 5 more repeats)

You can't beat that! My heart exploded then!

Lovey siblings holding hands at storytime

Since it's lovey holiday, I thought I'd write you a lovey poem. Here goes:

My kids are named Hannie and Ben.
I can't imagine my life without them. 
They like to snuggle and play
And be silly all day.
Each one is truly a gem.

One of the things I love most about you right now is how passionate you both are about the things you love! Ben - trucks, trains, hammers, firetrucks, buses, Dobby, books, the ABCs, Daniel Tiger you love it all and show such excitement and happiness when you play with your favorite toys. I love it. And Hannie - you're a girl who doesn't go far without her Nummy or Kitty. Sometimes I think you think you ARE a kitty. Such passion is adorable and I hope you never lose the passion for the things that are important to you in your life!

My little loves, getting ready for movie night

I love you B&H, more and more every day. I hope sometime in your life you get to experience the sort of powerful love I have for you. It will knock you out!

You are my best little Valentines!

Love, Momma

Random Words - QOTD

Sometimes I just have to shake my head and wonder "WHERE did they learn that?"

Today we were going downstairs to play and Ben said:
"Hurry! I'm going quick!"

Hannah replied:
"Be careful, please!"

I just had to laugh at that. Silly kids.

Thick as Thieves

One common question I'm asked when out and about with B&H is "What's it like to have twins?"

Usually, I don't have an answer. I mean, I don't know any different. I can't compare it to anything else and I can't imagine it any other way. This is my family, we do what we have to do. Such is the life of any family out there. I don't think it's any harder or more work or busier than any other family out there. I don't think of my hands being full. I don't wonder how I do it. I do consider myself lucky, though. (But more that B&H are my children, not necessarily that they are twins).

Well, this weekend it came to me an answer to "What's it like to have twins?"

It watching two people become life-long best friends from the very day they were born.

Even as infants, I could tell that B&H were drawn to each other.

Remember this:

And they have always had a playmate right there! It's so wonderful for us all that they can count on each other to join in the fun!

But recently, B&H have really "gotten" that they have a built-in best friend. We talk about how they are twins a LOT. And they understand that they are each others' twin. And we notice other twins around and they find like things at home (like 2 of the same Little People toys) and call them twins. So cute!

But above all - aside from being twins, they really are each others' best friend. They don't often go long without knowing where the other is. They don't often play in different rooms of the house. Even when they fight over toys or books, more times than not, they eventually settle down together with the item. It's amazing!

And lately, their language explosion has shown their connection. Just a few recent quotes about being twins and best friends. 

While heading downstairs with Hannah, Ben not far behind

Hannah: "C'Mon, Ben! Let's go downstairs together!"

As Hannah was at the store with Daddy

Ben: "I need my Hannie-B."

And of course, I can't forget their giggles, hugs, & "I love you"s! They really are thick as thieves!

Big Kid Quote of the Day

I've called the Babies "The Babies" (or "Baby" singular when talking to just one) for their entire lives. Like, "Good Morning, Baby!" or "Do you want more milk, Baby?" or "The Babies didn't take a good nap today." (an unfortunate truth from time to time).

It doesn't really fit anymore. I sort of realize that. They really realize that.

Today I was met w/ opposition from both of them. I said something like "Do you like your eggs, Baby?" Here are the responses I got:

Ben: "Not baby. I BEEG (big) boy."
Hannah: "Hannie big girl."

I guess it makes sense. I mean, look at these two. These are babies;

Or even these two *could* be babies.

These are def. not babies.

Sigh.........

I'm begging for time to slow down! 

Many Faces of Hannie

Oh, dear. Two months have passed & I haven't blogged.

I'm trying to decide if I should go back and update or just move forward. We'll see. I'm leaning toward moving forward - but then I won't get their 2nd birthday or Christmas 2012 documented. Heavens. I'm far behind.

But - today I have just a few photos to share of my precious gal. Oh, Hannie. these faces. They make me laugh, cry, sigh, and smile all at the same time. You are surely showing your different moods lately! I cringe at thinking about your teenage years...