On Saturday, we went to a Family Fun Center. We got to go miniature golfing, drive go-carts, walk in a corn maze, play water balloon wars, shoot guns in lazer tag, drive bumper cars, have fun in the arcades, bounce all over the inflatable moon jumpers, and eat gelato (yummy Italian ice cream). FUN!
On Sunday, we went to Grandma and Grandpa T's house and opened presents from both grandparents and ate ice cream-filled SpongeBob-decorated birthday cake. FUN!
On Monday (their actual birthday), I took them to go the dentist in Idaho Falls. NOT FUN. They had their teeth cleaned, and we learned they each have a cavity, and discovered that Jonah's two front teeth need to be pulled due to infection.
So, then I took them shopping for more birthday presents: flashlights, camping chairs, shoes. FUN!
Due to the extended celebrating of their birthday, there was some confusion all weekend as to when their birthday REALLY was. I explained to them that on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we were just celebrating their birthday, and that when they woke up on Monday morning, it actually would be their birthday. "Mom, what does celebrating mean?", Jonah asked. "It means like having a party", I replied. When we called Grandma Perkins on Sunday to tell her thank you for the gifts, Jonah made sure to mention "when I wake up tomorrow, I will be 5". So after much confusion and explanation, I think they finally understood!!!
As I sat there watching them simultaneously getting their teeth cleaned and x-rayed, I couldn't help but think back 5 years to that day. 5 years ago, I was in the same city, on the same road, in the hospital, recovering after just delivering my twins C-Section. (They are 1 month old in this photo)
That September day was the end AND the beginning. The end of life as we knew it before they were born. The end of our family with the parents outnumbering the children. The end of my horrible and scary pregnancy. The end of the waiting and wondering and wishing and worrying. It was the beginning of their premature-laden infancy. The beginning that was interrupted with a life-flight to Primary Childrens Hospital the very next day. The beginning of neonatologists, and nurses, and shots, and tests, and monitors, and "developmental delay". The beginning of a 2-month stay in 2 different hospitals. It was the beginning of double the feedings, double the diapers, double the oxygen and heart monitors, double the baths, double the laundry, double the care.
5 years ago to the day was the beginning of life as a family of 5, with the children now outnumbering the parents. (They are about 10 days old in this photo, which is the first time I got to hold them both at the same time)I was never one who wished for twins. I always thought my life would go according to my plan of having a child every two years (one at a time of course), until my family was complete with two boys and two girls. So, of course, I was completely shocked when I discovered at 8 weeks into my pregnancy that I was carrying twins. I was told from my very first appointment that one or both of them may not survive. And now they are 5 years old. I can't believe it's been that long, and yet, I remember it as such a short time ago. Although my life has turned out different (VERY different) than what I dreamed of, I am happy with the results! Our family wouldn't be the same without Jonah and Micah. We are so grateful that God entrusted them into our care. We are so glad that they survived, that they lived, that they grew, that they overcame the obstacles that plagued them.
Happy 5th Birthday to our mischevious Monkey Micah and our determined Jumpin' Jonah! We love you!
2 comments:
Happy Birthday Boys!!! I remember when they were newborns...it hardly seems like 5 years ago. They get more handsome all the time!
man I could have written that same thing, we had a very similar experience! I love those times when we can reflect back on everything and see how really blessed we are to have the little guys :)
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