Happy Birthday

Be still my heart.

I blinked. I swear all I did was blink for just one second and there you were. Big girls.

Two short years ago I was on my way home from the hospital with a prescription for bed rest. I was so scared. Your Daddy was too. We were scared for your lives although the Doctors said that you’d be fine even if you came early. I took solace in your kicks and pushes in my sore, huge belly. You made it hard to breathe and now you take my breath away all the time. Two short days after they sent me home you swept into our lives like a tornado. None of us has slowed down since.

You’re supposed to be napping right now but you’re giggling and “reading” a book together instead.

Once upon a time, when we shared a body, you were the intruders into my life and now the tables have turned. Although, now that I think about it, you must have thought me rude to separate you to begin with. You’ve always shared your own little world. I pray that that never changes my loves.

I’m so proud of you my girls. You are perfect and beautiful and so so funny.

I see remnants in you of so many people who have gone before us but would have loved to be here with you. I see my Pawpaw’s smile in your mischievous grin. His gift to all of us. I see your brother and sisters in you too.

Yet you are still perfectly yourselves. Your DNA may be identical but your spirits, while connected, each occupy their own space.

My daughters I pray every day for you to know your strength. Never forget that you came into this world fighting. With your first breaths in this world you unleashed your battle cries. You sounded your barbaric yawp and I pray that you never stop.

Happy Birthday my Hun and Conqueror. I love you more than life itself. Now please, slow down and let me hold you for just a minute longer just the way you are right now.