Happy 4th Birthday Preslee and Mason

they have magic in their eyes.



do you see it? the wealth of possibilities just bubbling over? they believe absolutely anything is possible. they think i can do anything….and are just beginning to question if i will be around forever.

they make me want to wear a cape, to sweep them away from any tough situation, to wrap them in my arms and keep them safe. everyday.
today, my babies, these tiny, little 34 week preemies made me a mommy.
it sounds so trite to say the last 1,460 days have been blinked away, but it most definitely feels as though they have. i blinked and they were born. i blinked and they could walk. i turned around to cook dinner and they were talking. i stopped for 15 minutes to have another baby and they could sing, turn a cartwheel and play soccer. i ran to the grocery store and they have almost finished their first year of pre-school.

of course, what i’m neglecting here, are the million hugs and “i love you, mommys”. each one of those is etched into my soul. they are the most special because it means they feel loved, they feel cared for and respected.

i have tried and failed no less than a dozen times this week to write down how i feel about my daughters, preslee and mason. a quick note to my birthday girls:

My Sweet Girls,
When you were born, I was so taken by your soft hair and your big beautiful eyes, I couldn’t bear to look away. I forced myself to let other people hold you, if only to spread the joy that seeped from your pores.I now find myself having a similar experience. While you have grown from helpless infants to an ’I can do it’ toddling toddlers to the independent little treasures you are now, I have often held my breath, hoping I would know when to hold your hand and when to stand behind you with a little push. When I look into your eyes, I see possibilities. You truly believe ANYTHING can happen.

And that is magic….
The kind of magic I will bottle and do my best to sprinkle over you as you sleep each and every night. You can’t put a price on that kind of faith in the world.

During this last year – your fourth, I have seen the most significant changes in you – more than walking, more than talking. As these are tremendous milestones, they seem rooted in the physical. What I am witnessing now is the growth of your mind, of your heart. You are learning compassion and empathy. You are learning to give, to hurt, to be you.
I am so incredibly proud of the little girls who wanted to make just one more box at Christmas to give to other children. I am in awe of the sweet girls, once so timid, who made a huge birthday invite list – unwilling to leave anyone out.

You are these beautiful little souls. From you I have learned patience, I have experienced family, and I have evolved. I am a better person for having you in my life. I loved watching you become not only sisters, but friends. A friendship that started long before you were even born. You still reach out for each other, just like you did as baby's, just to make sure the other one is there. I love even more your friendship with Finley and how much you adore her. I know that the three of you will grow up to be the best of friends.

Happy, Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girls..wishing you a million days that reflect the possibilities you see. Thank you for giving me the best gift that anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for making me a mommy.

I love you all the love in the world.
Love, Mommy

(I LOVE this picture. You were only a few months old and I think it was the first time you realized that you were that close). You have never been far from each other since)