I don't miss the days of nursing babies around the clock, changing a diaper every hour of the day or scarfing down my dinner so quick I could barely taste it because there were two little babies crying out for their Mama. I don't miss carrying two ten pounders in infant carriers, one on each arm through a crowded store simply because the store setup did not allow for my double wide stroller. I don't miss the sleepless nights, the dark circles under my eyes or even the countless loads of spit-up, peed on or poopy stained sleepers, the nights I would get a restless baby rocked to sleep and lay them down just for another to wake up. Those were days and weeks I felt like I was living my own groundhog day.
Today I can honestly say I don't even remember the full magnitude of those emotions and events. Thank you, God! His mercies are new every morning and his grace IS enough!
Tomorrow morning when I wake up and head downstairs for my coffee I know that within 30 minutes I will be greeted by the two of the most excited children on the face of this earth. Tomorrow I will have TWO six year olds! Some days it feels like just yesterday I was laying in a hospital bed looking through tears at two of the most beautiful little ones God has ever blessed me with. While some days I think I forget it, I could not be happier or feel more blessed to have been given the opportunity to be called Mama.
Madison Grace and Noah James are a couple of the most fabulous, talented, kind, loving, creative little souls I have ever met. Their heart for the Lord and others is so true and pure. Madison was born at 1:37 pm on April 15th, 2005. I remember the most amazing tears of joy streaming down my face when I heard that I had a baby girl. Then, at 1:38pm Noah James was born. After I got over the shock of just giving birth to twins I was beside myself. A perfect little girl and the sweetest little boy had just entered ours lives and we were changed forever.
Madison is my sweet, sensitive, girly girl. She has a heart of gold. I love the way she cares for each person in our family. She is responsible, loving and almost always has a smile on her face. Each afternoon when she walks in the door from school she still gives me the most welcoming smile. Madison is a very talented artist. She is completely creative and also can replicate almost any picture, drawing or sculpture she sees. She has a shy front but the more comfortable she gets she just beams with joy. She loves to ride bikes, take her little sister for long walks in the wagon and do anything alone w/ her Mama for some quality girl time. She is really an amazing big sister and she's so helpful. I know I can always count on Madi when I need a compliment or encouragement. She's such a true joy and her laugh melts my heart w/ it's genuine happiness.
Noah is probably one of the kindest young boys I know. He loves to build, work and loves learning to read. Noah is so enthusiastic about school it's fun to see. He seems to be soaking up knowledge like a sponge and he has this drive deep inside that pushes him to test his (good) limits. Noah can follow directions from a 400+ piece Lego set and built the entire thing by himself. He can do puzzles that if left out I have a hard time doing. He's also very creative and seems to be following his big brother's footsteps w/ his natural love for math. We're pretty sure he's going to come up some new mathematical theory or equation before the age of 10. Noah loves the Chicago Cubs and doing anything we title "work." He's a very hard worker and really enjoys school. He seems to really love the independence. One day I was at school volunteering and decided to pick the kids up and drive them home so they didn't have to take the bus. Noah walked right out of his classroom and passed me in the hall and gave me that "this is my territory, Mom...see you at home kind of look. He actually chose to take the bus!
I can't really can't even express how privileged and blessed I am to be their Mom. The joy they have brought to our lives is endless. As I sit here and type...(yes, I've completely neglected this blog for far too long and the only reason I'm on tonight is because I believe I've caught one of the kids colds/possibly strep)...I cannot help but feel so proud of who the Lord is growing them to be. It's never easy to watch while your children need you less and less but I could not be prouder of who they are becoming.
Happy Birthday, Madison Grace & Noah James! We love you so much and you are both a constant joy and rich blessing. May this year bring you even closer to Him and I hope you get to experience blessing upon blessing as you grow and walk down every new path God has laid in front of you. "Trust in the Lord w/ all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."
