Identical Babies

Steve and I apparently have one mold when it comes to making babies. It doesn't matter the gender, the kid will have big cheeks, a curious expression, a rotund tummy. I saved some outfits and tried them on Caris. Who wore it best?

My 4 year old big boy!

How did this happen? You turned 4 and are now officially a big boy--you won't even let me call you my baby any longer. You really have grown so much this year. Some of the bigger accomplishments include learning to read (you like to show this skill off to your little sister), learning to add and subtract (you and Dad do "bath math"), and you are taking lessons in gymnastics, dance and music. You have really grown up to be a wonderful and kind little boy who is considerate of others. You are so empathetic, that we might have to work on making you a bit meaner. You get upset in the Strawberry Shortcake movie because the strawberries don't have water. We had to stop The Polar Express because the little girl lost her ticket and don't even get me started on Stuart Little. Your passion these days is Batman and Robin--you like to play the Boy Wonder and will cast anyone you are around as Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and Supergirl; sometimes I wonder if the kids you are around even know they have been renamed. You have taken on the role of big brother like a super hero--you have even acquired other siblings, including your twin brother Liam (you are Robin), two sisters Asha and Cookie Monster and what I think is about 24 others. If we had 28 kids like you it would be a fun but very exhausting family! Happy Birthday Liam "Robin" Luke!



Liam and Caris on 3/14/2012. Liam turned 4 and Caris 6 weeks.


Great time at a Pump it Up birthday party!



Mommy got a store bought cake this year. Went over just as well.

Happy One Month Birthday Caris!

To my daughter:
I really didn't think you were true. They told me at 20 weeks that you were a girl and I didn't believe them--I made them check again. I feel so lucky to have you and your brother that I want to wrap you both up in a cocoon to make sure you are always safe. You and Liam have completed a family that Steve and I started over 8 years ago.

These last four weeks have not been easy--you have some tummy troubles that cause you to fuss from 5-10 every night. Steve says that you seem to have three states: nursing, sleeping and crying. Truth be told, I think you are starting to have more happy and awake times...I have seen some more frequent smiles and you are focusing on faces and lights with awe.

I look at you as you sleep on my lap and wonder what you will become. Steve and I agonized over your name, wanting to make sure that you could be whatever you wanted--could there be a Caris the artist, what about a CEO or president. We look forward to the years ahead and are excited to see what you will like, what your temperament will be, what you will look like. Mostly we are excited to have you in our lives--happy one month, little girl.