a year of twins

i can not believe these little guys are one. here are some of my favorite memories of ben and jack's first year:

my big bother.

little did i know how temporary this joy would be.
and i will never forget how big he looked when he jumped into my bed after the babies arrived.

"are they twins?"
it is unbelieveable how many people ask

 umm, no...?

 they have been dressed same or matching every single day. matty used to tell people who would approach with the crazed grin "yes, they're twins. two boys. c'mon mom." he got sick of people asking and yes, people would often guess "a boy and girl, right?" yes, in their identical blue outfits.

 seriously people. 

the ouchie-outie belly button

 sorry jack. if it is any consolation, i am now an outie. no matter how many crunches i do or miles i run my button is an outie and i have saggy stomach skin and it's is half your fault. and half ben's.

my sweet baby w

(snort, gargle, belch, choke, cough, bark, snort, whoop, whoop, choke, gargle. snort.)

extra funny now because he is just so darling.

and i will never forget laughing hysterically at god-knows-what-time-in-the-middle-of-the-night with my mom about 'when nicole has a baby' and the bowl of percocet. good luck aunt ninny! (today is her due date, and i hope the little one comes today as this date will always be special to me.)

this picture:

it looks so sweet but my heart was racing and i was thinking 'how the &%@# do i put them down?'

and this picture:

taken on their actual birthday. just a funny moment i am so glad to have captured in a picture. it was a true role reversal for these two.

my twin survival list:

sleep. any and all.

my mom who always--i mean always--answered the phone and listened. and gave me my often used mantra: i am bigger. i am stronger. i am smarter.

journey and boston. thank you for the energy on many a weary morning.

mum mums. best baby snack ever.
boppys and bjorns.
my friend lori, for always holding or feeding a baby while chasing her own two. and being pregnant.
coffee.
the handful of other local twin moms who are so encouraging.

and although we battled fevers up to 101.7 last week, we still had fun on the big day. (well maybe except for jack.)

i am at my limit with photos on the blog, and had to purchase more space and waiting for it to arrive (? whatever), so many more photos to come.