A Moment

We had one of those moments, when we stand back and realize how lucky we are, while decorating the Christmas tree this year.  I have been having many of these lately and feel like I still can't comprehend how fortunate my family is.  It all could be so different, that I do understand.

This year, when pulling out the ornaments, I took a big deep breath.  I had been told all day how excited my girls were to decorate the tree.  I knew they planned to hang the ornaments and I worried what kind of disaster the experience would be.  I figured there would be grabbing, dropping, complaining, and a lack of patience on my part.  I was surprised when I realized it was going to be an ENJOYABLE experience.  My girls are growing up!

It seemed like I didn't have to tell the girls to be careful or to wait their turn.  The just did it.  There was no need to be the one to hang their ornament first or the one to hang the the most ornaments.  They were just happy to be around the tree as a family.  I often heard the girls helping each other find a hook or see an ornament that they knew the other would like and hand it over.  There was a moment when I had tears in my eyes.  My sweet loving girls were interacting just as I had dreamed.  They were loving, kind and joyful.  It was absolutely amazing!

The girls told me time and time again how beautiful they thought my ornaments were.  There kindness was overflowing.  Lila even felt the need to come up and kiss me from time to time.  It was really cute when they all stood back and looked the tree.  They were very proud of the job they did.  There was an obvious cluster of ornaments at the bottom of the tree but it just made me smile. 

 We ended the night with some therapeutic belly time which strengthens the twins' core and shoulders.  It was magical as we passed the snowman stacker around and watched every family member take their turn while using the tree a source of light.

These girls are so good!!!

Holiday Happenings

It has been a crazy past couple of weeks.  We have been gearing up for the holidays while trying to keep pace with our hectic everyday lives.  Here are a few events worth reporting.

The girls made their annual trip to see Santa.  Sadly, Savannah thought that she was too young to make Santa a gift this year.  In years past she has made sure that she brings Santa gifts in fear that he is the only one that doesn't get one on Christmas.  Savannah did make sure we stopped to get Rudolph some glowsticks for his harness so she isn't too old just yet.

The girls were so excited and came with lists in hand.  They know exacly what they want Santa to bring and made sure to point out each item.  Santa listened carefully but was a man of little words.  It was sort of disappointing.  The girls jumped up in his lap and smiled for the best Santa picture yet.  Leave to me to not make it home with the picture.  I can't believe I sat it down somewhere when it so cute - the cutest one  to date.  Ugh!

Next on the Savannah's agenda was a Christmas craft. Luckily, I was able to pull some odds and ends together which helped each girl creat a cute Christmas tree. I was really suprised at how percise each girl was with their artwork. It is a sign that the little girls are getting older.

Adeline got creative and made her favorite - a Baby Einstein caterpillar.

Savannah's tree took on a life of its own. I didn't help her create the scene at all. She drew it, colored it, cut it, and taped it up all by herself. I find it pretty amazing.

Now that we had Christmas trees made of handprints, it was time to and get a real one.  We all managed to have fun though.  The girls liked riding the train to the trees even if it was super cold. Well, I should say that Adeline and Savannah enjoyed themselves. Lila said that she was sick that morning and by the time we got her to the tree farm, it was clear she didn't feel good.

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.  The Anstine family was kind enough to host us yet again.  We may be changing our last name because we certainly feel as if we are part of their family.  I recognize how lucky we are to have such wonderful friends who surround us with love not only on the holdiays but during our daily lives as well. 

Here is a picture of us after dinner.  I look at it and realize all the wonderful blessings our family has been given over the years.  Four years ago, we ate Thanksgiving dinner with Lila and Savannah at home while Adeline was still in the NICU.  The following weekend, Adeline was faced with a true fight for life.  We weren't sure if we would ever bring her home at that point.  I am overwhelmed when I think about it.  Especially, when I have a picture such as this four years later. 

Lila's Pow Wow

While Lila has visited Adeline's classroom a number of times, Adeline had never visited Lila's until now.  Lila's teacher was nice enough to allow Adeline to come to Lila's Pow Wow because I was the volunteer parent for the day.  It was a lot of fun watching the two hang out together in a typical classroom environment.  I have to say that Adeline fit right in.  She tried to sing and dance with the others and was very good at following all of the directions.  I guess this is what it feels like to have your twins go to the same school.

Glasses and Thanksgiving Party.

Adeline is finally wearing her glasses.  She must see better with them on because she never takes them off.  She is on a loaner pair of lenses because they had to special order the ones we wanted with an anti-reflective coating.  Many of the pictures below will show why it is important to have.

Adeline's Thanksgiving party was on Tuesday.  Daddy stayed home while Lila and I attended.  Or that was at least what we planned.  I was a few minutes late to the party so the students were all sitting around in a circle when I arrived.  When I walked through the door, one of the teachers told Adeline to turn around and see who was here.  Adeline jumped up with a huge smile that immediately turned to tears.  She only saw disappointing Mommy when she really wanted to see Daddy.  Boy was she mad!  I told her Miss Lois was going to sit her in time out if she didn't settle down and she responded with, "But I want Daddy here!"  It broke my heart to see her disappointment so I got on the phone and Daddy hopped in the car.  Working from home really helps at times like these. 

Later, I was told by Adeline's teachers that she was expecting Daddy.  I was also informed that when the teachers say that the students are going to take something home and show mommy, Adeline always corrects them and says she is going to show her Daddy.  Looks like I am a second class citizen in my Belle's eyes.  It doesn't hurt my feelings because I know that the best gift I can give my girls is a strong relationship with their Daddy.  I would say that all three are well on their way but Miss Belle has sealed the deal.

Moving on to the party. . . Lila and Adeline had a great time together.  The teachers are always good at including Lila and since two of them service her for OT and SLT services, Lila feels at ease.  The girls sang and danced.  What was most remarkable was that when the class was singing a song, Miss Lois stopped singing and let the kids finish the last line of the song.  Well no one continued except Adeline.  She powered up her big girl voice and charmed everyone in the room as she finished the song solo style.  I was pleased that she projected herself in front of many parents she didn't know.  She is NOT my shy child.

Here are some pictures from day that show my little Native American sporting her new specs.

To Cross or Not to Cross

While in the car today, Adeline said, "Look, there is the red hand.  It means don't cross the street.  Look Mommy!"

I don't know when I taught her this but I remember telling her about it couple of times in the past.  However, we are rarely crossing streets with a crossing signal.  I was pretty impressed that she knew what it meant when it was said in passing long ago.

On a more comical note, Miss Adeline just had to wear her rainbow scarf to to Lens Crafters today.  While getting her glasses adjusted, she told the person helping her that she was wearing a scarf like Snoopy.

"Snoopy's scarf is red and very noisy.  I helps him fly his doghouse.  That is so silly  He flies his doghouse like an airplane.  He makes it go up high.  (insert fake laugh here)."

She then went on and told the same story three more times with just a few different twists on the tale.  I can't tell you the last time she watched a Charlie Brown movie.  This girl maybe quiet but she is taking in the world around her. 

We Did It!

Alex and I crossed the finish line yesterday - something I never dreamed I could do.  It was an experience of a lifetime!  The crowds were supportive; always cheering and giving us the extra push.  Running with 27,000 other runners is an experience in and of itself.  I can't stress how big of a role adrenaline plays when you are running with thousands and thousands of people.  When we neared the finish line, the fans read our names off of our bibs and cheered us on individually. 

I was fortunate to have my good friend Byron at the start line with me.  Considering it took 28 minutes to reach the start, it was significant support.  I guess that is what we get when we sign up to start in the last corral.  Alex started significantly ahead of us so I never saw him until he finished.

The only down side to the run is that my knees gave out and were screaming in pain
by mile nine.  I was very frustrated and disappointed because I didn't get the run the race I could.  My finish time was 2:37 which is much slower than it could have been because I had to speed walk A LOT between miles 10 and 13.

After finishing, I had a medal placed around my neck.  It was pretty neat.  Byron was waiting for me at the finish line which was so sweet.  We fueled ourselves with all of the food and drinks that were being handed out and then positioned ourselves to watch for Alex to cross the finish line.  After a 30 minute wait, we saw him.  I was so worried about his knee because of what I experienced.  He did it!!! 26.2 miles in 4:02.  Pretty impressive for an old man - 40 years old in just a few days.

Double click on the picture below and look for the guy in the white shirt and white glasses. That's my husband crossing the line.

DC here come!! March 26 is our next race. I can't wait to run MY race. Let's hope I can get my knee issue fixed before then.