HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURYN AND CLARA

So today my little ladies turn one year old. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I have been feeling a little sentimental as we all do when there is an "anniversary" of any sort. I remember being so terrified to have these little girls. I was so afraid I would die. Dave gave me a priesthood blessing and I was able to calm down. I am so thankful for the priesthood. Then they wheeled me into that freezing cold operating room. Cameron's sweet little face was one of the last that I saw before I went in to have the girls. I was so worried that he would feel replaced. How would I make sure he knew that I loved him just the same? But then that sweet little face said to me "Mom, bring me some sisters". After a year we are still waiting for the novelty to wear off. He is so proud of his sisters. He is still so excited to see them every morning and first thing when he gets home from school. I remember the NICU and wondering if Lauryn would ever eat and if I would ever get to take them home. (they were only there for 10 and 12 days but it seemed like a lifetime to me). I am so thankful to have these little girls. I am thankful for modern medicine. These little ladies have blessed our lives in so many ways. They have softened all of us. They have brought out a little girl in me that I didn't know existed. Who knew I would love shopping for ribbons and bows and especially PINK. We love playing "princess" and being "so pretty". It is so fun to watch how their personalities are developing. Lauryn is very independent. She likes to discover things and figure things out. However she is the more snuggly of the two. Clara likes to follow Lauryn and take over the things she discovers. Clara is more verbal. She is also more silly. She likes to make us laugh. Both girls love to dance. Even during Camreron' s violin lesson yesterday they were bobbing up and down. They LOVE Cameron. Sometimes I wonder why because it seems that he is mostly just pounding on them but they seem to love it. They light up when he walks in the room.

10 of my favorite things so far:

1. Cameron giving Clara the priesthood the day she came home. (she was crying so he laid his hands on her head and said 'don't worry, Clara, I will give you the priesthood')
2. Cameron reading Clara a bedtime story on the first day she came home from the hospital. 3. sleeping (snuggling) in the same crib
4. snot on not one but two pant legs
5. cheezy grins
6. Lauryn blowing the hair out of her face
7. naked bums
8. little dancers
9. Lauryn squeezing her milk on the floor so she can "fingerpaint"
10. little conversations that I can't understand

5 things I am looking forward to:

1. no more formula
2. first steps
3. toddler legs hanging from darling dresses.
4. first words (especially when they say Cameron)
5. nursery



*if you want to see the cake I made (I worked very hard on it) go to Peccole Ranchers on my favorite blogs links.