ONE!

I can't believe that the time has come to write this post. It doesn't seem possible that a year has passed since Oliver & Stella entered this world. O & S turning one is exciting, sad, joyous, unbelievable, scary. The one word that probably describes it best is bittersweet.

The one year mark is a big milestone in this house, as it probably is in most. It means we survived 365 days of craziness. Not only have we cared for two little beings, we have been thrown curve ball on top of curve ball. Stress fracture, walking boot, emergency appendectomy with hospital stay, knee surgery, root canals.......just to name a few. But keeping it in perspective, it could always be worse. That is what makes life interesting. And at the end of the day, the fact of the matter is that we have two healthy, amazing babies.

Here are a few fun little stats that we estimated for the last year:

4, 250 bottles

5,800 diapers

73,000 wipes (this might be an over-estimate, but it feels like it!)

365 sleepless nights

The two of them have become quite the duo and keep us guessing every minute on what the next minute will bring! They are so lucky to have each other and we are so blessed to be their mom and dad. We put together a little video of the last year (with the very amateur like editing skills we have!) and the words to the songs couldn't be more perfect. Enjoy!

Dear Stella, 

You are our little spit fire. You have so much energy and the amount of determination you show is startling (and sometimes scary!). And now that you are walking as your main mode of transportation, life has changed for everyone in the house. You are sturdy on your feet and still have a huge grin showing you are very proud of your skills.

You continue to make us laugh with your dancing head bop. And your latest favorite thing to do is lay on the ground, kick your legs, and roll around giggling.

We still like to call you Stelly Belly.

You pretty much call everything these days a dog. You are sometimes accurate but at other times you are really seeing a squirrel, the statue at the lake, or today's "dog" was the elevator buttons. You sure did think Bullseye was the best dog ever when we visited dad at work this week!

There aren't many times when we catch you relaxing but you really seemed to enjoy chillin in the pool floaty.

While you are still taking two naps, there are some days you have different ideas of what you would like to do, as demonstrated by the following video.

Your big smile with a scrunchy nose melts our hearts.

But lets not forget about the times when you are quite the drama queen. Look out world!

We love you more than we ever thought was possible! 

xo,

Mom & Dad

Dear Oliver, 

You have become quite the little man. Your smile is the perfect example of just how sweet you are. 

But that doesn't mean that you aren't a little mischievous. We continue to try to keep you out of the bathroom but you continue to find your way back in.

We like to comment that you might grow up to be a pilot. We live close to the airport and every time you hear the sound of a plane taking off or landing, you find it in the sky and try to reach for it.

You continue to amaze people with your signature butt scoot. 

You're a playful little boy that loves attention.

Even if it takes a scream to get that attention.

We are starting to notice the typical boy behaviors from you. Like banging on toys, throwing things, and the dreaded hair pulling. Something your twin sister isn't very fond of.

You are still our early riser but the clock now consistently starts with a 5 and on lucky days a 6. We have always said that you had the best "sit and reach" and you proved that a few times with the position you fell asleep in. We watched as you were sitting in your crib and rather than laying down, you simply leaned forward and fell asleep bent over. Oy! 

 

We have been blessed by our first year with you and love you so much! 

xo, 

Mom & Dad