Ryan and Juliet

Ryan and Juliet,

Today you turned one.  One!  I tried to make it the best of all days.  No crying, no frustration, no stress, just happy.  Then I realized you’re still babies and we still need to get done what we need to get done.  Your diapers must be changed, you must be strapped into your high chair, and you must share mommy and daddy’s lap with your sibling.  So you both cried a little, and you both got a little frustrated, and I got a little stressed, but still, you were both happy.   We had a good day.

Really though, today  was like any other.  But there were a few momentous differences.  Like for example, I saw Juliet walk for the first time.  We went to the park as it was completely gorgeous out.  We sat in our usual shady spot.  You both explored the grass, played peek-a-boo around the stroller, ate your cheerios, and fought over sippy cups.  As I sat and pondered on the year gone by, several little girls walking through the park saw you and shouted, “Look, twins!”.  Of course, they could not resist you and walked their way over to us.  They were all very sweet and funny and oozed with excitement to learn all about you.  They played with Juliet mostly, as Ryan, you were a little frightened of so many little girls oohing and aahing over you (I imagine that one day that will change).  Juliet, you quickly taught them that if they wanted to play with you, they must play by walking you while you held onto their fingers.  And so they happily complied but unknowingly urged you to do more.   So they got you stable, let go of your fingers and off you went, taking your first little wobbly steps towards a little girl who smiled and laughed and clapped with enthusiasm.  And so on your first birthday, I announce it officially that Juliet can walk.  Of course, your Dad claims you walked to him a couple weeks ago, but it doesn’t count unless I see it.  He knows the rules!

And yes, you both ate your first cupcakes and opened your gifts.  Ryan, we got you a drum.  I hope you love it for years to come.  For now, though, it’s better you channel that energy into the drum than onto your sister.

Today you turned one.  One!  Some people consider babies toddlers when they turn one.   But do you think maybe you could just remain my babies forever?

I love you,

mom