The first year for any baby is momentous, incredible when you think about it.
In one short year (depending on what time it is--in the middle of the night? It's looong) they go from this:
June 1, 2011
and this
To this:
and this
The first of many cupcakes, I'm sure.
But the first year of two babies? It's flown by at such a speed that I almost feel like someone stole a year of my life. That has a negative connotation, but I imagine you know what I mean. It's been a leetle busy.
With two babies, you can't help but compare personalities. And they've been different since the day we met them.
Why yes, Lucy is snacking on a lemon. Why do you ask?
Harry, who started out with a shock of black hair and brown eyes (his hair has softened to a caramely-almost-blonde- but his eyes remain firmly brown--I had to have four kids to get one with my eye color), has grown from an uncomfortable, fussy newborn with misery (for all) inducing reflux, to a jolly, low-key, independent guy, often content to sit and play with blocks and toys with buttons and tags. Until he's not, of course.
He's very much a watcher. A thinker. He takes in the world around him, studies things earnestly, but he's also quick to smile and laugh. He has a deep little voice: "A-duh" is his favorite thing to say right now. He also finds Leo to be the most hilarious person in his entire universe. All his big brother has to do is breathe and Harry comes cackling.
He started out as the "dominant one," stealing every toy he could from Lucy. Now? She takes from him, he whimpers, looks up at me (or the nearest warm body), whines, cries...well, you get the picture. He's a bit...sensitive.
Lucy, who came to us with virtually no hair and blue eyes, has blossomed into a little social butterfly. She smiles at everyone and anyone and starts every day with a gigantic smile on her face. She is the baby of whom you say "I'll have what she's having!"
She's also the confirmed Family Daredevil, most apt to be found in the corner, amongst electrical cords, trying to take down a lamp. Or an end table. Tell her to stop and she laughs at you. She mocks you, she really does. This weekend I dubbed her Evil Kaneevil. While Ellie was the baby who did exactly what she was told, I fear that Lucy is the one that says Oh yeah? And quickly runs in the opposite direction. The rate of her gross motor development is astounding (these crazy 46-chromosome kids, I tell you!), one day she's pulling up, the next day she's pushing a tiny musical table across the room (walking by Monday? It honestly wouldn't shock me).
Speaking of needing four kids to get one with brown eyes? I also apparently needed four kids to get one with curly hair. The weather around here has recently turned humid and with that has come proof of Lucy's ability to frizz and curl and ohmygoodness I am LOVING it. Finally, a child to share products and commiserate with.
Everyone I've met (at Target, at the park, at the pediatrician's office, at Costco) who knows anything about twins has said the same thing to me:
"If you can just make it through the first year..."
And well? I guess we did just that.
Harry and Lucy, your impending arrival terrified me and your presence has turned our lives upside down in the best possible way. You've taught me about our little family's boundless capacity for love and I'm proud to say I have a PhD in sleep deprivation.
And I know the best is only yet to come.
Happy first birthday, guys!
