To the New Year!

2011 brought a lot of good memories our way. And with two fresh faces in our home, a few lessons in parenthood as well. :) I learned when it is time to move up in diapers (eek), the perfect bottles to use, how important it is to nap when your sweeties do (if possible), the perfect rocking technique for each twin, their favorite foods, and LOTS more. I have also learned that having children makes you less selfish and more spiritual, less insecure and more comfortable in your own skin, and it fills gaps in your life that you never knew were there and makes you feel so fulfilled.

God has blessed us so much, and I can't help but feel a little undeserving. I still remember how excited I was to see Billy IV roll over for the first time at fourth months this year, and then how thrilled I was to hear Broooklyn say da-da on an afternoon stroll through the neighborhood at five months. I was so proud to see Billy IV army crawl (faster than you could imagine) for the first time at 8 months and then for Brooklyn to take slow, exaggerated crawls on her knees while she was still holding onto a little baby fat at nine months. haha I suppose we will see our first steps in 2012!

I feel so incredibly proud of the two individuals they are becoming.

We had our 12 month check-up this past Thursday, and I must say, it was HORRIBLE. Six shots and two foot pricks were just about enough to put this tough mommy under. Billy handled his shots pretty well, but poor Brooklyn cried and cried. I could tell her feelings were really hurt. I cried right along with her. As a mother, it is of course my natural instinct to protect my sweeties from any possible pain. And while I know the shots were necessary, it didn't make them any easier. But at least we went one for two regarding how they handled them. The nurses gave them suckers afterwards, and Billy immediately cheered up and gave the impression that he would take on another shot if it meant he got another sucker. It was so sweet. He is a tough cookie like his mama. I can tell he is going to have a high tolerance for pain.

The twins are coming along! Brooklyn weighed 19 lbs 15 oz and was 29.5 inches long. Billy weighed 18 lbs 12oz and was 29.5 inches. Brooklyn is headed towards the 50th percentile but Billy still has a ways to go. But he will get there! I was always a skinny minny growing up, and I think he has a little in common with mommy.

During 2012, I plan to make a few changes to my blog (if I can keep up). I am going to divide it in three sections and write three times a week. I am going to write about spiritual life on Mondays, new recipes that are tried and true on Wednesdays, and then I am going to do a general update on the Helton household on Fridays. It is mainly something I am doing for me so I have a little "project." :) Now let's see if I can stick to it!

Happy New Year! I hope this year brings many wonderful blessings your way!

Joy in the simple things

It's hard to believe my two "babies" are 13 months now. The other night they were standing up by the changing table in their room, and I caught a glimpse of how much longer they have gotten in length, and it tugged at my heart a little.

With each new day, I get to see new expressions, hear new words, and witness new areas of growth in their development. And it is happening so quickly.

Right now, the twins favorite menu items consist of apples and chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, grapes, goldfish crackers, and mixed berries. We have quite a time getting the twins to eat as much as the "charts" say they should. ;) I often refer to it as my "patience builder." haha But as we introduce more and more table foods, it is becoming easier and they are eating better.

One of my favorite moments with the twins right now is when we get out of the car with them after going on a car ride and arriving at a location. It always makes me smile to see them pop their heads up and look around to see where we are. The world is so fresh to them. They are so inquisitive. I don't know what it is about it, but it is so sweet.

As you probably know, the twins pretty much spend 24/7 together. They eat together, play together, laugh and explore together. The other day, Billy took Brooklyn with him to run some errands so they were apart for a few hours. As soon as they arrived home, Billy IV threw his arms in the air and immediately started smiling and hugging Brooklyn. It is amazing to see how much he looks up to and loves his bigger sis. Ah you say, they are only one minute apart. But it is amazing to me how much I can tell that Brooklyn is big sis and Billy is little brother. It is so precious.

I was thrilled to receive a new journaling Bible and devotional book on Joy from my hubby as one of my Christmas gifts. We do the "12 days of Christmas" and try to get a gift for each other for each of the twelve days. Being a mommy of two 1 year olds, I feel like I am constantly moving, and I am trying to put extra effort into my spiritual life right now. It is so easy to get caught up in everything going on within our four walls, and I want to make sure that my focus is continually Christ-centered. After doing just one of the devotionals tonight, I already feel a sense of peace.

I am so exciting about spending this holiday season with our familes. This Thursday, we are heading down to Arab to have our immediate family's Christmas party. Then on Friday, we are having our extended family's Christmas get-together at my grandmother's house. On Saturday, we will be back in Lawrenceburg to go to Billy's grandparent's home for Christmas. And finally, We are planning to spend the night with Biff and Penny Saturday and Sunday night to celebrate the festivities further. We are so lucky to be blessed with two AMAZING families.

This year, it will be exciting because the twins will be aware of the gifts they are receiving and will be ready to play. Last year they were snoozing the whole time. haha

Here is to hoping for a happy and safe holiday season from our home to yours!