Colby G is 3!

 Hey Colby G - you are three! But of course, you already knew that :) You hold your three fingers up so carefully and proudly to anyone who looks your way. You are not a baby, you proclaim, you are a big kid.  I hate to admit it, but I agree. You run, jump, climb, swim, and swing a hockey stick just like the big kids. You keep up just fine. Although, one of my favorite things about you is that you aren't shy to hold my hand on walks or snuggle up for a good hug. You are still the snuggliest guy around.

 At three, you love your Gunner fiercely. You are often hugging him, laying on him or giving him kisses. He waits for you at the bottom of the stairs each morning and you look for him as soon as I lift you from your crib. Yes, still a crib my big boy, but no diapers. You are balancing perfectly on the edge of baby and big boy.
You play street hockey all day with your brothers and asked for ice skates for your birthday. Im curious to see how skating goes this winter! They call you the "bird" because you flock to food, often carrying your own fork, to share whatever they are having - despite having just finished your own meal! You love your Uncles, ice cream and the playground. You run to help whoever is about to start a job - especially if it is outside.
Colbs, you make us laugh all the time. Your dance moves are epic, your funny faces adorable, and your crazy ways infectious. We all wish we could understand you better, but it adds to your charm! Tyler is your best translator, happy companion, and your worst enemy all in one. Drew is always ready to help you reach something or get a toy to work. Ella reads to you every night and sings songs as you fall asleep.
We are all smitten. Happy Birthday to the happiest most awesome 3-year old. xoxo

I Scream

 Far Far's, Dairy Queen, Nona's, Dairy Twist, Sweet Frog, Creyo....the good ol' ice cream truck. If there is an ice cream spot we haven't tried, just wait a day and we will find it! I pretend that ice cream is what summer is all about, but really ice cream just happens to be one of my favorite things - made better only by four cute kids who are always ready to indulge with me.

 Ella prefers soft serve twist in a wafer cone with rainbow sprinkles. If the shop only serves hard ice cream she will chose cotton candy, bubble gum, or oreo (in that order :). Drew has fallen in love with Dairy Queen M&M blizzard or cotton candy in a dish with rainbow. Tyler likes a swirl in a cone or cotton candy as well. Recently he discovered Captain's favorite the Black & White Frappe. Colby is adventurous and has me read the list several times before he choses - oreo, chocolate chip, moose tracks.

For 10 minutes or hopefully longer, we sit, enjoying our ice cream and each other. Everyone happy. It's no wonder I love ice cream so much.

My Twins

Its been awhile since I wrote about my twins. When they were little I thought about and talked about the fact that they are twins so often. People asked about them all the time. Their daily care was a challenge. They way they interacted was fascinating. That has faded quite a bit. 

They are never recognized as twins anymore. I am often asked how close in age my kids are and when I mention twins, people assume Ella and Tyler are the set (she is a little peanut!). I never thought I would miss the near constant "Oh, twins!" but somehow I do. Because as challenging as those baby years were...I loved them. I loved seeing two sets of toes peeking out of the stroller. I loved two little hands hanging on to fingers on either side of me. My favorite was the two highchairs pushed together. 

Last night, I laid down in Ella's bed. She talked about how her report card was better than Drew's and how she can swim better than him. She mentioned that he can ice skate better than her, but only because he practices more.

I launched into my mommy/social worker speech of how we are all different. Of how it doesn't help to compare ourselves to anyone else. Only to do our best and to be proud of ourselves. And Mommy and Daddy are so proud of her. Oh, I went on and on and on...its shocking she didn't fall asleep.

She responded, "It is different with me and Drew. Because we are the same. We are exactly the same age, and have the same family. I have to be better than him."

I don't know where her little thoughts came from or why. I do know that it is hard for anyone who knows them not to compare them. I know that she has a little competitive spirit that we are trying to harness for good, not evil :) I know that this is one of the challenges of twins.

I also know that they love each other, like brothers and sisters do, but with maybe a little extra. When she gets a little nervous (not that she will admit it) she finds comfort in being with him. When she isn't on an adventure with him, he wants to bring something back for her. They both watch each other play sports with pride and interest.

A lot has changed in 7.5 years since I first met my twins. Im still hanging on for the ride, with wonder, love, and total fascination.