Happy Birthday to my Twin Tornadoes

So Friday (today) is the 5th birthday of Stone and Ty – our not-so-little (anymore) infamous Twin Tornadoes.

At nearly 5 am on Saturday, November 19, 2005 they each entered our world and of course, life hasn’t been the same since.

Every parent knows that parenthood itself is an adventure one is never truly prepared for in advance. Those who start with one baby have a multitude of adjustments to incorporate into their lives – feeding schedules, diapers, sleep-deprivation – everyone knows (or has heard of) the drill.

But parents of twins of course have to deal with this newness – on a completely different level. The care-taking of twin babies/infants/toddlers is nearly non-stop. Of course it has gotten much easier as they have gotten older and more independent in many ways – and for that we are grateful. Renee and I often joke (kinda) that we really don’t remember a lot of details from the first 12-18 months of the boys’ lives. We’re convinced our minds either blocked out the memories as the result of some sort of post-trauma recovery or we were simply too sleep-deprived most of the time to make mental notes and memories of incidents.

But we survived of course and I simply can’t imagine my life without Stone and Ty. So on this, their 5th birthday, I want to write them their own letters and I hope its something they are able to read and appreciate later in life.

Dear Stone:

I’m sure you already know this, but you are such a special boy. I know that you have already faced tremendous challenges in your young life that most of us can’t even imagine. Not having the ability to communicate as easily and freely as you would like must be so incredibly frustrating. I often think about how I would respond if I suddenly couldn’t talk or express myself daily – and I think I would be crazy. But you are so amazing Stone. You don’t let it affect you and your perspective on life. You are such a happy boy and you find so much fun and joy in your life – you inspire me constantly. I know there are times when you get especially frustrated when there is something you REALLY want us to know and we don’t understand – and that is natural and normal. But you are making so much progress in school – and it is so exciting to hear you talking more and more every week. I just can’t tell you enough how proud I am of you because I know it takes a lot of work for you – but you’re doing it!

And you have many other gifts that I know you’ll use to your benefit as you get older. You don’t know it yet – but you are already a very gifted athlete. You are far stronger than most kids your age and you are also an incredible runner and climber. I have no idea how or when you are going to apply these physical gifts in life – but I know you will somehow.

You are also very handsome – if they haven’t started already I know that school girl crushes will be coming soon. You have already stolen the hearts of many of our Au Pairs and everyone who meets you or sees your picture comments on how handsome you are. This year we dressed you as an airline pilot for Halloween and you looked like a real pilot! I was so proud of how well you wore the costume (and kept the hat on).

You have one of the most infectious laughs I’ve ever heard. There are many times we get to hear you laughing in your sleep – very loudly at times. It sounds so fun and funny that I always start laughing myself – even if it’s the middle of the night. I have no idea what you’re dreaming about – but I’m glad you have so many happy dreams. And I hope that your Mommy and I can help you reach many of these happy dreams in the future.

Thank you for being so special these past 5 years Stone – you have taught me more about life and myself than I ever could have learned during this time if you weren’t in my life. I love you with all my heart and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Ty,

Where do I start with you? Just like Stone, you are also a very special boy and you have amazed and inspired me in many different ways. First of all, I simply can’t get over how incredibly smart you are. You figured out how to count to 100 all by yourself – when you were only 2 years old! And you knew the full alphabet when you were 3 and you’re now reading like 2nd and 3rd graders – and you haven’t even started kindergarten yet!

I wish that I could somehow take credit for helping you be such a smart little boy but its simply a gift you have and its exciting to see you using it so much and so well. As your father, I want to continue encouraging you to enjoy learning and growing – its something I hope you continue throughout your life (not just in school).

You are also a very funny boy – you make me laugh every single day. This is something that others notice and comment on all the time too – especially your teachers and every Au Pair we’ve had. They all love being around you because of  your personality and your ability to make them laugh – that is a very special talent and one I’m so glad you have.

I think your most special gift is how much you care about others – especially your brother Stone and other children. You always go out of your way to try to help others – whether its a younger child or your Mommy. You are very considerate of other people’s feelings and that is very important as you go through life.

And like Stone, you have many athletic talents that I can’t wait to see blossom. You are a natural swimmer and you love the water – we’ll get you on a swim team very soon. And I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see you interested in other sports such as baseball now – the way you hit the ball I can tell you are going to be a very good player!

The past 5 years have been full of many surprises and I have no doubt that the future will bring many more for all of us. I want you to know and remember that no matter what, I’m always here for you and love you with all of my heart.

Love,

Daddy

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Thank you Stone and Ty for helping me learn how to be a father and hopefully an even better person in life.

Happy Birthday Guys!!