The fourth year of my motherhood... at it's end.

4 years ago today, my beautiful little twins were born and rushed to the NICU, because they weren't breathing properly. They stayed for seven weeks, one week short of their real due date.

This morning, my son was extra tired and didn’t want to get out of bed for school.  My daughter climbed into bed with my son to snuggle. They smiled into each other’s eyes and she said to him. "I love you. You're my best friend." He didn’t reply, he simply smiled back in way that spoke volumes. 

It’s safe to assume that I cried like the babies they no longer are. 

We celebrated more officially last weekend, as parties are more fun on the weekend. If you asked the kids on the day of their party, they were 4, despite the calendar’s technical disagreement. It’s less complicated that way. And they are really proud to be 4. It’s pretty darn cute. 

We made it a home party and themed it Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The decorations were fantastically adorable. I had to exercise huge restraint in my purchases. Goody bags were insanely fun to make and the cake turned out beautiful. I actually contacted the bakery to say thank you. They even took my order somewhat last minute when my initial plans fell through. 

We had contemplated a party at an outside venue, a play zone or something, but ultimately decided against it. Our kids have never been totally at ease in those kinds of sites and it didn’t feel right to make them work that hard on their special day. Maybe next year. 

The turnout of the party was fantastic. I could not have been more pleased. 

I look back on the past year, as I suspect many people do on birthdays, I cannot help but feel a significant level of contentment. Funny how retrospect erases the minute and less significant gripes of the time, maintaining the essential. 

My children have made huge strides in the past year. They have met their struggles head on and are confidently perched to do the same with the next batch that arrives in the coming year. They are best friends and are busy making wonderful new friends in school. And you know what makes it even better? I love the friends they are picking. If I were 4, I would pick the same kids to be my friends. Friendly, sweet, cute… They have good taste. 

Shopping trips and outside ventures have gotten significantly easier as the kids learn to cooperate more with my organizational agenda. Oh, and they can now really be reasoned with on a whole new level. 

Today is a good day. A fabulous way to embark on the next year.