Back to School

First day of kindergarten. To Garrett, this means claiming Blake's school as his own and making new friends (in his words). First day of first grade for Blake means playing on the BIG playground and seeing some of his old friends (in his words). For me, it means letting go (whether I want to or not), having faith in my children, myself as a parent, and in their teachers. I hope they make good choices, learn from their bad ones, make good friends, foster a love of learning and have a great time doing it! Best of luck, Blake and Garrett, you'll do great!

...And they did. The after-school report from Blake was that school was really, really, really fun. He loves his teacher and is excited to have several existing friends in his class. I think Garrett had fun too...once the shock of kindergarten wore off. Who can blame him when he went from a nurturing, protective preschool environment where there were twice as many teachers and twice as few students to the big world of public school with a lot of rules and even more expectations. I know he'll adjust fine (if he can save his comedic impulses for the playground) and I can't help but be especially proud of my little Garrett who is so eager to make friends, have fun and please his teacher.

The Journey: Twelve Years

"It was a perfect summer evening, just before sunset. They sat on the rocks which were nested in the sand. He began by confessing that the evening's plans weren't what he originally told her, and that, in fact, the dozen long stem roses weren't for just any occasion, and that the new clothes he had on weren't just because he needed them. This night was special and it was going to change their lives forever.

He wrote her a story about the journey of life; its peaks, its valley, its rivers and streams, and now...its ocean. With tears in his eyes and a ring in his hand he knelt, proclaimed his everlasting love, and asked her to journey the rest of the way with him- she accepted, of course. So there they sat in front of the beautiful blue ocean, the great unknown. Although what lies beyond that horizon is a mystery, they look forward to discovering it...together."

This was from our engagement announcement (August, 1996). We were married a year later, twelve years ago today. The journey (so far) has been incredible. We've climbed mountains, sailed smooth seas, been tossed about by wild rivers and been gently carried down stream. No matter what unpredictable path life has us navigating, we are fortunate to make the journey together. Not just as husband and wife and mother and father, but also as best friends. Here's to another twelve amazing years and beyond...here's to love, life, family, happiness, faith and hope, and the little things in our lifelong journey together.

I love you, Brian. Happy Anniversary.

Teacher, Teacher!

Looks like I'm not the only one who's excited for school to start back up again...

Nine more days (but who's counting?).

Happy Birthday, Chella!

I knew that the twins' first year would be over before I knew it... and I was right. I'm convinced that the side effect of sleep deprivation is amnesia. Funny how even those endless nights are just a distant memory now. What I do remember (and cherish) is watching our little, tiny babies grow chubby thighs and cheeks, give first smiles and giggles, get first teeth, first finger foods, first hair cuts, first words, first rolling, then crawling, cruising and walking. First hugs, first kisses, first playing...and fighting. We've seen the incredible transformation of their personalities and the fascinating and polarizing differences between them. Yet, you can just tell they love each other. We are incredibly lucky and blessed to have two very special little people who add so much to our lives.

ELLA, while intense and reserved at first, has developed a more outgoing, happy disposition. Once the "easy" baby, she has now become the more "demanding" baby (good thing she's so darn cute at the same time). You may have an entire conversation with her, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, as indicated by her vocal inflection but have no idea what you just talked about. She loves a good game of peek-a-boo, which will instantly put a smile on her face. And she is quite the acrobat. She can wiggle out of most unwanted positions...like car seats, high chairs and diaper changes. I'm pretty sure we have a gymnast on our hands. Hopefully that doesn't mean she'll be a climber too...

CHASE has been and continues to be a super-happy, super-charming baby. He loves to laugh and smile (both of which are infectious) and already looks like a little boy with his haircut and dimples. And he loves to tickle you and be tickled (who doesn't eat that up?). While he's not as graceful as his sister, Chase loves to jump (in his crib, holding on to things, on his brothers...) and throw his weight around with falling hugs and belly flops. His nicknames range from "Hercules" and "the tank" to "the chiropractor". Like the rest of him, his heart is big and soft, he just hasn't learned to control his strength yet. He is happy to occupy your lap or use you as a human obstacle course by crawling under your knees, your arms or any other space that will get him as close to you as possible...since he really just wants to love you and be loved.

This first year with the twins has been more rewarding, humorous, exhausting, and fulfilling than I ever imagined...and we still have a lifetime to go! Happy Birthday, my precious babies, Happy Everyday.

Update: What's a first birthday party without the mess of cake? Judging from their faces, I'd say they liked it! Thanks to their big brothers for decorating their cupcakes.

As a side note, their stats at their 1 year exam were: Ella is 25 lbs., 9 oz., 32" and Chase is 27 lbs., 1 oz., 32 1/2". Good thing chubby babies are cute!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Even though the Tooth Fairy didn't bring Blake the $100 he was hoping for when he lost his first tooth, I think she might have pulled some strings. When we were at the dentist a few weeks ago we filled out cards for the boys to enter a drawing the office is having throughout the summer. The prize? Two (very good) tickets to see the Padres. A few days ago the office called to tell us that Blake won! How perfect, since Blake also loves baseball. And a great way to top off our summer of fun.

Here is the view from our seats.

Blake, my aspiring baseball player and avid spectator.

Let's face it, baseball isn't exactly fast-paced to begin with, but this game was painfully sloooooow. Not to mention sitting for three hours in the blazing mid-day sun. Blake was begging to leave by the third inning. I attempted to satiate him with peanuts, soda and ice cream until there was finally some excitement and then Blake got his second wind. Then he informed me that he didn't want to leave until he caught a foul ball, saw himself on the jumbo tron or got a free t-shirt (talk about high expectations!). It wasn't enough that he WON the tickets. So we stayed to watch the Padres get defeated by the Braves and Blake left with his head hung low because he had to leave empty-handed. Funny enough, I actually remember feeling that disappointment as a kid. What he doesn't realize is that he may not have a free ball or shirt to commemorate this game, he will have pictures, memories and stories about our afternoon at the ball park together. Tickets: free. Memories: priceless. No matter how you look at it, we won.