Two 2 Year Olds!

So the time has come... time to adjust to the fact that I have two 2 year olds! I am excited really, but I must say it is bittersweet! I don't want to rehash the day they were born, I don't want to really even dwell all that much on where they have come from... I am ready to look at the bright future my little men have! However, this two year mark is HUGE in my mind! Before the boys were ever born one of the neonatologists came to speak with me at my bedside. I had been on bedrest for about three days and it was inevitable at this point that these little boys were not going stay put much longer. I will just never forget her saying that having babies born at this gestation would most likely have a grim outcome. It was clear to me that they would not have the best chances of basic survival and would be guaranteed some type of delay, whether severe or minor and anything from a permanent feeding tube or other serious brain and physical handicaps. As I write this I am overwhelmed and tearful. As I write this both Max and Luke are giggling and squealing at each other up in their beds... where they should be napping! :) I am AMAZED at what God has done so far in these little men's lives!

Just yesterday they were both just blowing me away... just watching them play outside. They are starting to figure out so much! Luke, my hoarder, has now excelled to another level of hoarding! He now uses his armpits to store more toys as he gathers other things and just yesterday he figured out he can stick things between his legs to free his hands to pick up MORE things! And Max, my little cleaner, found a rag outside that was used to clean the high chairs. He proceeded to clean all the grass, weeds, dirt and random other things in the yard and then scolded me when I grabbed the rag that he had drapped so precisely on a chair. He runs up to me and says... "Mama! Dryin'!" Really?! He amazes me that he could put that all together!

They are just at that age where they are starting to become little sponges. They are attempting to say whatever they hear and are both doing much better at putting words together and connecting all those little dots! Wow! I feel like I say that everyday... wow! They are excelling in so many ways. But like most little boys we have many big transitions ahead of us... and I am now confident that we can do it! That they will exceed my expectations and continue to grow and learn!

So I want to share a slideshow I made for the boys. I vowed to make them one every year of their young lives. To showcase their growth over the past year. Today I showed them this video and they both giggled and were captivated to see each other more than themselves. Too sweet! Life has been crazy lately. It's the middle of landscaping season, lots of bookwork and long hours. I also do bookwork for two other businesses and we just purchased two apartment complexes last week. You know, because we just have that much free time?!?! We are prayerful that this new venture can be a blessing and we can also, as landlords, use this as an opportunity to reach more people and share the Gospel. But right now this transition of busy work is difficult with two 2 year olds! I was up into the wee hours of the morning drafting rental agreements and making lists and other things. But I did finish their slideshow and hope to stay on top of those things. Because in ten years I won't regret being late on a piece of paper work, but I'm sure I will regret not taking the time to document how my boys are growing! If I don't... they will be 16 before I know it!!

Dear Lukey,
You are such a stubborn, focused, determined little fighter. You like things your way and are the most particular little two year old that I have ever met! You remind my so much of Daddy everyday, and that makes me love you both more than I ever thought possible. It is so fun to watch you problem solve as you are determined to make things work and patient enough to see it through. I hope that spirit will stick with you as you grow and will pay off as you someday have a family, job, passions, hobbies, and most importantly as you follow Christ with hopefully that strong determination! You are also sweet, caring, and soft spirited which makes you such a joy! You love your mama, but you LOVE your daddy! He is the light of your life right now. However, when you are sick, and when you are tired, you remember Mama. You are quick to forgive, quick to hug and (usually) quick to share. I don't want to imagine life without your inconsistent but super special kisses and your very consistent and genuine loving glances you share with me. I love you more than words can say and pray that God will continue to bless you with many more healthy, happy years in your little life!
I will love you forever,
Mama

Dear Maxer,
You keep me on my toes, little man. In the last few months you have changed on me! You went from being pushed around and bullied by your brother to now carrying quite a large stick! You are always ready to share and always more than ready to hug and kiss anyone who is willing. You have a strong will and a very high interest in seeing things your way, but then again, you are two. You always make me smile and laugh at your silly and over dramatic expressions. I see myself in you and even though it scares me, it also makes me feel as though I can identify with your little emotions. You are loving, quick to forgive, eager to please, eager to communicate, easily excitable and easily angered. You can't wait to see Daddy when he gets home and you love to snuggle with Mama at just about any time of the day. You are a social butterfly and are quick to make friends. I hope many and all of your qualities that are flourishing continue to grow with you. I hope God uses you to touch others lives as you are living your life. In this next year I pray that God will keep you healthy and growing big and strong too! I love you so much little man!
Love,
Mama