That being said, this weekend is also a busy one in our local sports community. Both UNCW and Topsail will be playing important games. Not to discount what’s at stake for them, but I won’t be around to see it. I’ve taken time off to be with my girls. My family. The choice was an easy one. So for those of you out there who will no doubt take exception that our coverage may not be up to the usual standards this weekend, I’ll say I’m sorry. But I’ll also hope you understand.
To Madison and Kaitlyn.
Today is the first anniversary of your births; and so much has changed in a very short 365 days.
When your mom and I learned that we were having not one, but two children, you were immediately referred to as Twin A and Twin B. But now, you go by many names. At first we teased your grandparents by telling them you were going to be named Paris and Britney, two pop references I hope will have disappeared by the time you’re able to read this. Your given names of Madison and Kaitlyn bear no family significance, which now seems fitting because despite being ‘identical’ you both have truly become individuals in your first year of life.
Mads, Madzooks, Madzilla are just some of the names you’ve picked up as our first born. But Madison, ‘mad’ would be the last word I’d ever use to describe you. Day in and day out you’re quick to smile, laugh, and seem to enjoy the moment. By doing so you’ve touched the lives of so many; and so many that we don’t even know. Both you and your sister were a traveling circus in your first year. No matter where we would go people always had to stop to see the girls. It was irritating at first, but what I grew to appreciate was how people’s spirit seemed to be lifted, if just for that moment in their day, when they came in contact with you, and it still fills me up with pride.
Kaitlyn. My little bug. I’m not sure where that came from but it’s stuck and it’s been the only other name you’ve had. You’re my little fighter. One day we’ll explain to you the reasons we didn’t think you were going to make it, but you proved everyone wrong. You’ve caught up with your ‘big’ sister and challenge her, and us each day. Even in your first year you show a strong will, which I know is what brought you through the rough times before you were born. You’re inquisitive but at the same time timid. You’re quiet yet playful. You are a true mix of your mom and dad. I think the best of both of us.
Over this first year you’ve gone from fragile little babies who had to be fed through a syringe a milliter at a time to girls that are eating solid foods, holding their own bottles, taking first steps and trying to put together a language. You’ve come so far. Your mom and I should have taken the hint when you were born at 34 weeks and came straight home. There will be no holding you down.
But not everyday has been cotton candy. You’ve had your share of ups and downs. A five-week cold that led to sleepless nights and a faucet for a nose. A ‘female’ issue just before your first birthday. Visits here and there to the doctor just to put our minds at ease. But over the months of watching you grow we’ve been told time and again how fortunate we are to have such healthy and good girls.
As you continue to grow life will no doubt throw many things your way, and while I want you to experience everything, know that in one way or another I’ll always be there for you to help you find your path.
Until I met you both I didn’t know what it meant to truly love someone or something. Thank you for filling my heart.
Happy Birthday babies!
