Happy Birthday x Two!

My babies are now one whole hand old. Not really babies anymore. I'm not exactly sure how it's been five years already since they joined our family, while at the same time I can't believe that it's only been five years.

My "babies" can feed themselves, make their own PB&J sandwiches, use the potty, swing themselves, walk to the bus, communicate their wants, needs, hopes and dreams eloquently with words, write their names, sing songs, dribble a basketball, ride a bicycle with training wheels, play hopscotch, blow bubbles, wink their eyes, whistle, buckle their own seatbelts, climb a ladder, jumprope, twirl until they can't stand up anymore, turn on the TV and find their favorite channel, brush their own teeth, wash their bodies in the shower, lather their hair, and the list just goes on and on...

I've been there for all of their firsts, and look forward to the many firsts that are still to come as they continue to learn and grow and become people who are independent of me. I applaud that independence and encourage it and will do everything I can to allow them to be strong, happy, and independent adults some day.

At the same time, I will be sure that they know that there is always someone that they can come to for a hug, a kiss, and a listening and nonjudgemental ear. Someone who will cheer for them and encourage them anytime they need it, no matter how many hands (or feet!) it takes to count their age.