Brother and Sister

Brooklyn Helena and Hudson Lee~This picture feels like it was taken yesterday and a lifetime ago. I can hardly remember my life before you were born. What did I do with all my free time? Your birth has changed our lives more than we anticipated.

Some of my favorite memories of you two is when you would hold hands while I was nursing you. So often in the early weeks you would both fall asleep after you ate, both laying on my lap and so content. I pray that this "twin bond" will only grow stronger in the years to come.

Such little peanuts at 4-5 weeks old. You were able to sleep in the same crib for 4 months. Now you both take up most of your cribs alone. Mommy was really sad for you when I had to separate you into your own cribs. I thought you'd be lonely.

Thankfully you two are used to sharing space. Your older brother and sister like to get right in your face and talk, laugh, and sing to you. You love it though and laugh and laugh.

Hudson and Brooklyn you love to talk to each other and make each other laugh. Recently Hudson you tried to crawl on top of Brooklyn. She didn't like that very much, but I suspect that's the first of many wrestling sessions you two will have.

Sweet--you both sure know how to turn on the charm for the camera! You make us all smile daily and it is so fun to watch you interact with each other and Ethan and Morgan. Our home is always going to be filled with lots of laughter and energy. Never a dull moment, that's for sure!

You LOVE bath time together. Huds you splash and splash. You get water all over the bathroom and your sister. You love to try to crawl in the bath tub, and Brooklyn your new trick is to try to stand up in the tub.

You both loved Papa and Nana's pool this summer.

Our park only has one baby swing so you two get to swing together. I hope this lasts a while because it's nicer than taking turns.

Hudson and Brooklyn you are such happy, content babies. I couldn't have asked for easier twins. I am so thankful for how big and healthy you were when you were born and how you've continued to grow strong and healthy. God has taught mommy and daddy to trust Him more. We have had to depend on him more than ever this last year. He provided for us in so many ways:

*Miss Lynette came and took care of you every Tuesday this year so that Mommy, Ethan and Morgan could go to Bible Study. You loved your special time with her and mommy loved her time away.

*The teachers at daddy's school bought us so many diapers, with those diapers and with the diapers Nana and Oma bought us we didn't have to buy diapers until you were 9 months old!

*You slept in 4 hour stretches at night from the 2nd night at home! You were both sleeping through the night by 6 months (7pm - 7am!)

*People have blessed with gift cards when we were least expecting them.

*God has given us a peace that all our needs will be met, even when we don't know how.

*God gives mommy and daddy energy and grace every day as we try to raise you and Ethan and Morgan the way he has called us to. Some days are easier than others!

We love you, our babies, and we can't wait to watch God use you in amazing ways as you grow and learn.