Barrett & Hunter,

So clichéd, but so true.  How did this happen?  Where did the time go?  You’ve heard it all before, but it seems like only yesterday that we brought you both home from the hosptital.  After your surprising and frightening early arrivals, followed by two months in the NICU, it took me a while to feel like a mom.  I loved you both so much, but I was scared to death.  The circumstance under which we all had to live those first six months certainly didn’t help, it was trial by fire!  Honestly, the first year was such a blur that I don’t remember much, which makes me sad.  And it’s been a roller-coaster ever since.  I’ve messed up, but I’ve also learned so much.  I have so, so, so much to express to you both, but lucky for you, your birthdays fall during such a chaotic time that everyone will be spared my ramblings.  Just please know that I love you both more than I could ever have imagined was possible to love and I’m so damn proud to be your mother.

Thirteen – wow!

Love,

Mommy (or perhaps I’m mom now that you’re 13:( )