One Year, Ein Jahr, Ett Ar, Bliain Amhain

Man, one year ago we were T-minus 1 hour till Critter Time. At this point I think that Rian and I were waiting in the prep room before the surgery, I think that I was playing with the barf bag.

Critters:

I cannot describe the joy that you have brought to our lives. Each one of you in your own particular way have added so much to your mother's and my life, albeit a few sleepless nights thrown in. You guys are getting so big, and are growing at a rate that I am even astonished at. I can remember hearing from a multitude of people that we need to brace ourselves for the problems that come along with having multiples, but you guys seem to have given that train of thought the middle finger.

Hadley Ann: The big sister. Numero Uno. Daddy's Girl. You are our fearless little Critter. This was on full display when we took you guys to the beach. You went full tilt into the water and never looked back, the only time you got upset is when I tried to take you out of the water. While you are our fearless one, you also need to feel secure. Secretly one of my favorite times is when you wake up and need to be cuddled to go back to sleep. This usually ends the same way each time, I get you out of your crib and we go sit on the couch, you fall asleep on my shoulder, then I fall asleep, waking up exactly an hour later to put you down. I think that you will be our observant child, you love to take everything in and let it marinate. I think that you take a lot after me in this aspect.

CarCar: You are the most independent and stubborn little Critter I know. Somehow God figured out a way to have you mother cloned. You do things when you want to, how you want to, and at the speed you want to. And while you are extremely independent you also every now and then show us that you are a baby and just need some cuddling. You also have the most heartbreaking cry, it is as if the world in ending around you, when in reality your lovie is just on the floor. CarCar, I love your independent streak and the fact that you will be the ringleader for all of the shenanigans later on in life.

Reese (Brother): What can you say about brother. The little big guy, although these days you are just the big guy. You have come so far from that little guy born weighing 3.6 lbs. You are quite possibly the sweetest child on the planet. You have this ability to tell stories with your eyes. I know that it doesn't seem like it now, your sisters think the world of you and I think that they will be uberprotective of you whether you like it or not. There is no doubt that you are a momma's boy, you love you some momma and brother time. I know that you will grow into something truly wonderful and you will go on to do great things big guy.

I love you guys so much and you are going to have a great couple of days. Much like your mother it seems that it will not just be a birthday, but rather a birthweek.

Chris