Dear Drake and Hunter ...

My sweet boys,

In a matter of 24 hours you are going to turn a year old. As I put you to sleep tonight I had tears in my eyes of what the past year has meant to your daddy and I. There are just no words to explain the amount of love I feel for you. Only when you become a parent will you understand. I have so many things I want you to know, and I hope that one day you will read this blog and it will mean something to you!

In October of 2010 when I found out I was pregnant with you two, I was terrified. I have always been a planner, and this was not in my plan. There was a point I wondered why I was having twins when all my friends GOT to have one baby? I know that is terrible sweet boys, but I was scared. I was so wrong. I would not change one day of my pregnancy with you boys. I loved you so much and was determined to hold you in as long as possible! I was blessed to make it to 35 weeks, Easter Sunday 2011. You completely changed our world. I had prayed for you to be healthy for months. When daddy came in the operating room with Hunter I was so happy! You were perfect! We had been told you were going to be around 4.5 lbs and  you were 5 lbs 10 oz! Then they told me I was not going to see you Drake because you were having breathing issues. My world was spinning. I had made it so far, why would you need to go to the highest level NICU?!?!? As they wheeled me into the hallway I got to see you. I was able to put my hand in the incubator and touch you. Daddy went with you since you were having some issues with breathing. I know this had to be even scarier for daddy to go with you. Hunter you went to meet our family in the waiting room! They were so excited to meet you, but concerned about mommy and Drake. They got to see how much hair you had and look at your chin to see if you had daddy's dimple! Of course, you had daddy's dimple :) 

Drake you spent a day in the level 3 NICU and then moved to be with your brother in the level 2 NICU. The night nurse said she held you all night because she knew you were too healthy and would be transferring soon! You were right next to each other! The two of you needed to learn to drink your bottles better. You were "growers and feeders." You spent 10 days in the NICU and there are no words to express how hard it was to leave you there. Mommy and Daddy shed many tears. On May 4th we got to bring you home!!!!!

I gave birth to you 365 days ago and I can remember it like it was yesterday. You boys have made the past year the most amazing year of our lives. Now, I know I was CHOSEN to be a mommy to you boys. I was BLESSED with twins. My friends will not GET to experience the amazing moments I do with you two! I cannot imagine having any other life. You are great babies, and make it easy for us. Watching you two interact is the best part of having twins. You boys will have a bond your entire lives. Being identical twins is such a special bond that only identical twins can understand. Even mommy and daddy will not understand everything you guys experience. 

In the past year your personalities have not changed much from when you were in mommy's tummy. Drake you were always incredibly active, and you are still this way. You are a little dramatic like your mommy ;) You started walking this week. You have not crawled in two days! You are a snuggle bunny! You love to lay your head down on our chests. You enjoy being held by mommy and are definitely a mommy's boy! You have an electric smile that lights up the room! Hunter you are SO laid back like your daddy! When you were in my tummy, you moved so little it worried me at times. This helps more than you know when Drake is having a moment ;) You are very independent and on the go! You are not quite walking, but are taking steps when you want to! I know it will be a matter of days and you will start! You have the sweetest smile. I cannot explain the sweetness that you have Hunter Paul. You both give kisses that melt mommy and daddy!

I hope you are always close with each other, and know that your mommy and daddy love you to the moon and back !

Happy 1st Birthday my beautiful boys! 

Love you,

Mommy