My Sweet Daughters,
Today, you are one
year old. Exactly a year ago, Heavenly Father was scooting you out the door to
start your journey here on this earth with your dad and me. And my goodness, we
were scared. You came 13 weeks too early. I wanted so badly to keep you in my belly,
to grow, mature, and (selfishly) be as close to me as you'd ever be. When you
came, you were perfect. Tiny, but perfect. You had 10 fingers and 10 toes. You
had hair - lots of it! And I immediately fell in love with you.
Now here we are,
one year later. And you two are growing like crazy! You're so aware of your
surroundings. You're learning, absorbing, taking in every little bit of life.
And you're happy! I think it's because you have each other. Do you realize you
each have a best friend for life? No matter what, your sister will be there for
you. You get to grow up with your best friend by your side. You get to
experience the highs and lows with someone who is at that exact same stage of
life. Your first day of school, you don't have to walk through those big doors
alone. When life gets hard, you get to run to the arms of someone who gets it. Yes, your dad and
I are always here, to hold you, to comfort you, to raise you up. But you also
have a sister who understands your feelings better than anyone else. You two
have a bond no one can break. Friends will come and go, but you'll always
have each other. What a special gift.
I also want you to
know that although you have each other to hold onto, you are each your own
person. You can dress however you want. You can do whatever
sports/extra-curricular activities you want. You are NOT defined as person
by the fact that you're a twin. That's why your father and I have worked so
hard, from the very beginning, to let you know that you're an individual. We've
never dressed you alike. We've given you each your own toys, binky's, etc.
We've given you each one-on-one time. Yes, you're twins, but the way we see it,
you are sisters who were coincidentally born on the same day. In your life, you
are going to be referred to as "The Pearman Twins", but please don't
let that define you. You do not have to do something you don't want to, just
because your sister does. And if you want to do everything together,
that's great too! Just know you have the choice to be whatever person you want
to be.
I hope you both
know how incredibly loved you are. Your father and I worked so hard to get you
here and we don't want to take any second for granted. I savor every single
snuggle. Every open-mouthed kiss you so lovingly give. Every laugh. And every
time you cry in the night because you just want to know we're here. Because soon,
that will all go away and we'll miss it oh, so much.
I love you forever, baby girls,
Mom
