Happy Half Birthday!

We can't believe our babies are six months old! We've had a fun day playing and reminiscing about the last six months. I can remember thinking what will they be like when they're six months old? Well, it's here and they're getting so big and are such a joy.

To our Big Boy Ryan,
You are six months old today. How the time flies! We can remember when you were so tiny, a 5 pound baby lying in the NICU bed holding in your pacifier all by yourself. Now you're a 16+ pound boy who can take your pacifier out and put it back all by yourself. You bring us so much joy and laughter. Here are a few of the ways you make Mommy and Daddy smile:

• When you give us your "flat jaw smile"


• Your giggle


• The way you constantly kick your left leg when you're sitting in your bouncer (Daddy says you're getting your leg ready for soccer :))


• Your ability to smile while your pacifier's in your mouth


• Your voracious appetite and your tongue that sticks out when your tummy's full


• The way you throw yourself back in excitement in the exersaucer and jumparoo


• We love when you reach out and touch our faces and try to get us as close to you as you can
• All your fun facial expressions
• The way you try to copy Lauren's scream, but you struggle since you're a boy :)

We can't wait to see your personality as you get older. Ryan you are such a precious boy, and truly a gift from God for the season He's given us with you. We pray you will glorify Him with your life and never leave His side. We love you Big Boy! Happy half birthday! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Then (holding your pacifier in the NICU)

Now

To our Little Girl Lauren,

We can remember when we rolled you into our hospital room, such a tiny little 4.5 pound girl. You slept so soundly then and you still do today! You didn't really want to eat much then (half an ounce was considered a good feed) but now you love your milk (you can drink as much as seven ounces)! :) What a big girl you are - six months old! You are such a blessing to us. These are just some of the ways you make us smile:

• The way your eyes light up and you get a huge smile when we sing you your special songs
  
• Your giggle and your smile that shows all your little gums
  
• The way you clasp your hands like such a polite little lady (you've done that since you were first born)
  
• When we stand you up on our laps and you try to jump - you love to jump :)
  
• We love to see you reach out for your brother and talk to him
  
• When we see/hear you talk to Caterspeller (a giant stuffed caterpillar) when you first wake up in the mornings or after naps. You love your Caterspeller!
  
• When Daddy holds you and makes you smile, then you bury your face in his chest acting like you're shy
• Your ear piercing scream (especially when you do it in church :)) and your grin that follows

Lauren, we can't wait to see what you'll be like as you get older. Each day God gives us with you is amazing and full of new experiences. We pray that you'll become God's child and live your life for Him each day He gives you on this earth. We love you Little Girl! Happy half birthday! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Then - Daddy feeding you


Now

Then - right after we brought Ryan home from the NICU

Now