Happy 1st Birthday, London and Lyla!!

On June 20th at 6:00 am my water broke. At 10:30 am we welcomed London Parker and at 10:31 am we welcomed Lyla Jane. Our lives were forever changed!
One year ago yesterday we were bringing Lyla home from the hospital. We had to leave little London in the NICU for 3 more days. I was so happy to bring Lyla home, yet so torn by leaving London behind. I never expected to be leaving the hospital to go home with just one baby. But London came home happy and healthy on June 27th, 2009.
I just cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. Everyone always said "remember them as babies because the time goes so quickly". You never really understand how true that is until you have your own. It really does go by in the blink of an eye.
It has been the best year. There have been way, way more ups than downs. I'm proud of me and Nathan for surviving the whole year!
London and Lyla have grown and blossomed and they're starting to develop their own personalities. We fall more in love with them each day.
Here is what they are doing now and how they are now (this does change quite often!):

London: Walks along furniture and items easily, crawls FAST!, says mama, dada and other cute babbles, can do sign language for milk, mama, dog, dada, and cracker, likes toys that light up and play music, good sleeper but early riser (gets up with the sun), pretty independent, loves it when we sing to him and loves to watch me dance around and be silly, he also loves to play peek-a-boo.

Lyla: Walks along furniture and items easily and quickly, crawls, says dada, mama, dog, and other cute babbles, can do sign language for mama, milk, dog, dada, cracker, more, and ball, loves her dolls and banging blocks together, very good sleeper, more dependent and loves to be held and entertained, laughs easily at being tickled and other funny faces and noises.

They're both drinking cow's milk now, no more formula. And they are eating more and more table foods. We are still giving them some pureed food, just so that we know they're getting enough of a balanced diet. They both love crackers, Gerber cheese puffs, and graham crackers.

Their one year birthday was held as my sister's house and we had a luau theme. It was so much fun and there was a good turn out (about 30 people). There were a lot of babies and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The babies received some wonderful gifts and the slide show I made was given good reviews! :) When it was time for cake, Lyla gently touched it and lightly tasted it. London dove right in and tore it apart! They were both unsure about what they were eating, but I think they liked it.
Thanks to all that have given such support to us over the year. We love our friends and family so much!!

Here are some pictures of the day:



































Here are a few pictures from their 1st Birthday Photo Shoot:

London's First Haircut

We took London to get his very first haircut today. He's 11.5 months old, so we figured it was time. I was a little sad, only because my little baby boy is growing up!

London did great! He loved the hairdresser and sat quietly the whole time. He watched bubbles and played with his favorite toy. We asked her to keep his hair somewhat long/shaggy with layers.

They gave us a picture with a certificate and a lock of his hair in a baggy. It was a very good experience all in all.