And Just Like That...

...a year comes and goes.  We made it!  My goodness how time has flown.  It's so hard for me to believe how in just one short year's time two people can go from this: 

Just minutes before going in for C-section...

...minutes after being born...

...to this:

One Year Old!

When we began this journey, others that have been down the same road told us that the first year with the twins would be the toughest.  Now that I'm on this side of it, I believe it!  It has been quite a challenge...but even more than that it has been a tremendous blessing.  We have certainly had some low moments this past year...most being the result of severe sleep deprivation!  Thankfully we have had some awesome highs in between.  It has been quite an adventure, but one I wouldn't trade for anything.  I can't wait to share with them the story of how they got here...and how hard we fought to get them here safe and healthy...and what a privilege it is to be their mama!  

Our little family tradition...birthday morning muffins

Just for comparison here is Kate on her first birthday.  

Matthew devoured it

We had to help John a little...he wasn't as wild about it

Sissy loves birthdays and blueberry muffins!

We are ONE!!!

Later that day Grammy and Grandpa came in.  They came bearing presents:

Opening birthday presents

Our new truck!

John LOVED their new toy!

Matthew loved it too, just not at this particular moment!!

John couldn't get enough of the birthday train...

This is our neighbor Mr. Keith.  He is an identical twin himself!  He loves to tell me stories of all the trouble he and his brother got into when they were young, even though I beg him not to share them with me!!  We love our sweet neighbors Keith and Kelly.  They are so good to us!

Saturday we celebrated their 1st birthday with a pool party up at the neighborhood pool.  We had such a great time!  Thanks to our friends and family for coming out to celebrate with us! 

Daddy and John-John

Daddy and Matthew

Matthew and Nana

Sweet Greer

Thank goodness for the pool...it was a hot day!

Kate swimming with Aunt Julee

Great-Grandaddy & Grandmama

Some of the party crew...

Grandpa did the grilling for us...great job, Grandpa!

Phil, Tyler, and Papa

Matthew letting everyone know he is "one" ;) Like Matthew and Grandpa's matching floppy hats?

Sweet Mrs. Kelly and John-John

Erin and Mrs. Kelly with John

Birthday boys goofing off with Hugh

Joshua and Papa

Precious baby girl Charlotte.  Pure sweetness!!

Mommy and Daddy with the birthday boys

Birthday snacks before cake time

Smash cake #1...

...and #2.

The "Big" cake!

John really got into the whole cake thing...

...Matthew liked it too, although he needed a little assistance from Daddy ;)

Family shot

Opening gifts!  Not so proud of our football program lately, but make no mistake these children will still be raised right. ;)

Matthew sticks out the tongue when concentrating.  Opening gifts is hard work!

Sissy pitching in to help

"Wow!! Are all these really for me?!"

Two blessed little boys!

Thank you again to everyone for being there to help us celebrate!  Your support and prayers the past year and a half have meant more than we can express.