Samuel & Asher celebrated their 2nd birthday on Monday. Yep…TWIN TODDLER BOYS in the “TERRIBLE TWOS!” Can we all take a moment to say a prayer for me to have strength? (Or we can all sit in a circle and sing Kumbayah ….whatever floats your boat…we just appreciate any support and good wishes you can send our way) 
Brothers Lookin’ For Trouble!
The last 17 months have been a blur. My house is a wreck. We are exhausted. It is HARD WORK growing Ethiopian twin baby boys. Especially when they had as rough a start as they did. And when you already had 3 kiddos in the house ( a 3 year old, 5 year old, and 7 year old when we brought the twins home). Would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!! (And hope to sooner rather than later…but shhhh! don’t tell Kindred yet)
Papa called to sing Happy Birthday!
The 2 year “Well Check” at the pediatrician this week for Sammy & Asher felt like crossing a finish line. I was waiting for someone to come running out waving a bottle of champagne for us to celebrate. We did it. Both are solidly on the charts for height and weight. Both are healthy, “normal” (whatever that means), thriving children. It is time to potty-train (oh, Dear Lord….) They truly are miracle children.
Carson & William
Sweet Emmy
If you are an adoptive parent, you can probably relate to a lot of our fears & concerns the first few months home. It is emotional. It is a lot of guess work, a lot of tests, a LOT of bloodwork, a lot of doctors visits. It is physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It is just hard. But it is worth it. SO, a big huge “shout out” to all those mamas out there- both adoptive and biological- who work so hard to give their babies what they need. You Rock. And, if I lived closer, I would bring over a bottle of champagne so we can toast each other.
There is a line in ”What to Expect When You’re Expecting” where one of the dudes says something like, ” I may be a lackluster husband, but I am an above average father.” I love that line…..makes me cry everytime. (yes, I have seen the movie 3 times already!)
Carson & Asher exploring
I may be dropping the ball in a whole lot of areas, but I am pretty darn good at growing baby boys. Happy Weekend, Everyone!
Brothers Chillin’
Jun 01, 2012 @ 00:12:43
The boys pic from People is on our fridge. After I explained for the 5th time to our five year old that we cannot adopt them (or trade our twins for them – no lie) Wyatt asked if we could at least be cousins. I said yes! Hope you don’t mind! Didn’t think you would. I still owe you the mailing. Will do so this weekend when Tarren is home to cover for me. And what is with all the bloodwork anyway?! Our Asher’s veins were so small it was such an ordeal each time. Congratulations getting to the two year milestone!!! That’s a huge relief, eh?
Jun 01, 2012 @ 11:32:02
Anna-
UGH. I actually FORGOT about the drama with their veins being so small. Geez. Could have done a whole post about that heartache…..it was that way for both of our boys. If I remember correctly, especially Sammy (severely malnourished). I do remember one time we were literally at the Dr. for HOURS trying to get a little vial or 2 of blood….and they eventually sent us home to return in a week or so when they couldnt’ get enough, and there was no where else to poke my sweet babies
Oh- and yes. Cousins. Love it. I think that means you are late sending a birthday gift for the twins then. Don’t cousins do that?!?!?
Jun 01, 2012 @ 10:20:37
Happy Birthday Boys, what a family love all the pictures, and you are very uplifting in your message.
Jun 01, 2012 @ 15:25:43
Happy 2nd Birthday Samuel and Asher!! Well done Howard Family!! God Bless you all.
Jun 01, 2012 @ 18:27:10
All love and cuteness………I cant take it
Jun 07, 2012 @ 22:06:22
Meredith, I love your posts! Happy Birthday to the little cuties pies! I would SO love to toast a glass of champagne with you! Well, I guess we’ll just have to plan another get together soon ( ;