The rest of March and the Boys' Birthday!

If you don't live in the South, then you may not understand much about Spring here. It is so unpredictable. It will be 80 degrees one day, and then 30 the next. And then back again. We had some really nice days in March and we spent our time playing out on the park and taking walks around the neighborhood. I thought it was funny that both boys were chewing on the straps to the stroller. Now, it doesn't seem that funny.

I can't believe that I boo-hooed like I did over the boys turning one, and then waited till just now to post pictures of their birthday! We went up to Tennessee to celebrate, since Craig and Jaime were in McMinnville, and my parents were there, too. We went out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, and the waiters really seemed to like the boys. They brought this mini-sombrero over to let them try it on. William seemed to like it pretty well.... Jonathan... not so much! My mom and I stayed up till 2:30 am making the boys cake. (Well, more like just decorating the cake.) I bought the cake already made and iced (the bottom layer) so that I didn't have to mess with that. Then, I bought more icing, had it tinted, and then finished decorating the cake myself. Emma and I saw a cake like this one someone else's blog, and Emma wanted baby brothers to have one like it. (If she didn't want them to have one like it so bad, I probably would have just had the bakery finish decorating it.) She wanted to be sure that I put plenty of "bull rushes" on it. Isn't she sweet? Here it is again in case you need a closer look. Feel free to tell me how cute it is. It is the first cake I have ever decorated. I made the boys each their own "smash" cake. William seemed to know what was coming and dug right in. He really liked it. Jonathan didn't seem to sure about the whole thing. (And I thought they would go nuts and demolish these cakes, which is why they are in the buff.) William again. I am sure he was thinking, "Mmmm, cake." Jonathan must have been thinking, "What is this? Why is everyone staring at me?" He never did do much with the cake. I think I actually let all the kids eat this one. Which was fine. Leave the good buttercream frosting for me!

It was a nice little birthday for the boys. We enjoyed the time that we got to spend with our family that came.

March

Ugh, I am so behind on my blogging. Things have been really crazy around here, and they are finally starting to calm down, so back to the blog!

Anyway, here is the rundown from March (or at least the pictures that I have downloaded to the computer). The first Sunday of March, we had a snowstorm. Wait, after living in Utah, this really only qualified as a light dusting. This was the only snow accumulation we had all winter. And I have to say, I am not very sad about that! The house and yard. On a side note, we got out of church an hour early this day. You know, because of the snow. Emma and Aaron built a "snowfriend" that Emma called, Fred. He was as tall as she was and lasted about three days. (Notice all the grassy spots in the yard from building him!) This was three weeks after our snow. I got the boys these little swings from a friend (who was going to sell them in a consignment sale) for $5. For both of them. The boys LOVE them!

William

Jonathan

March for Babies

You may have just noticed that I added a March for Babies sponsor thing to my blog. Aaron and I are walking the March of Dimes on April 25. This is walk that I wanted to do last year, after the boys were born, but it is a 5 mile walk and I couldn't exactly do it only a month after having them. So, we are going to walk this year! If you find that you can, or would like to help us in our goal, you can donate by clicking on the link on my page.

If times are a little tough for your family, and you don't have extra money to spare, consider this: My local grocery store chain (Publix) is also taking donations for the March of Dimes. If your local store is also taking donations, and you can spare an extra dollar on your next shopping trip, consider giving to the March of Dimes. If you need a reason to give, just think of us.

Like I said, I know that things are financially hard for a lot of people right now. I just wanted to put our cause out there.

Love, Haley, William and Jonathan

One year ago, today

One year ago, to the day, we brought the boys home from the hospital, after an 8 day stay in the NICU. They were both less than 5 pounds when they came home. It was a rainy, spring day here in Georgia. Aaron got off work and came to the hospital to meet me and get the boys. Driving home, in the rain and heavy Friday traffic was the longest car ride of my life! I panicked with every single little noise they made (or didn't make) on the way home.They were so tiny in their little carseats. I had to buy one new one (since we only had 1 to begin with) but when they did their "car seat test" to make sure they could stand a ride home, the nurses informed me that the car seat we used with Emma wouldn't cut it. The straps didn't tighten down enough. (On a side note, the boys no longer use the head support, and their straps are in the top strap slot now.) I remember when Aaron and I got the boys out and laid them on this blanket. I was so nervous! I felt so overwhelmed. I remember Aaron and I looking at each other and feeling happy to have them home, but terrified wondering if I could take care of them!

I still can't believe how tiny they were.....

You may see another post or two like this in the coming weeks. This is really a tender time for me, and I have a lot of feelings that are resurfacing. I just kind of need to get them out.