THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF OUR "Ordinary Miracles"

Today Nick and I are celebrating the second anniversary of our little "ordinary miracles" on an extraordinary day!

January 21, 2010 forever holds a very special place in our hearts...

Exactly two years ago today, we watched the monitor in surgery at Mayo Clinic, at the exact moment our two embryos were being injected into my uterus.

It's hard to describe just what we were feeling at that moment. One may think we thought about how it'd be a lot more fun to be making a baby by having sex for free, rather than paying thousands of dollars surrounded by a bunch of Mayo Clinic Reproductive Endocrinology doctors! How romantic, right? But I can honestly say I didn't think that at that moment. (Although I had thought it often before!) At that time, we were focused on the hope of our miracles.

Little did we know at that moment that both of those two precious embryos would attach and grow into our beautiful, precious, twin boys that are running around like little maniacs today!

Some people may think it's weird to celebrate the day your child was conceived, and maybe it is, but I don't care what they think. :) It's another reminder of our precious miracles and that deserves all the celebrating there is...

I am constantly amazed of the medical technology of IVF and am truly grateful for it. Because without it, I probably wouldn't have my children. I just can't truly wrap my brain around that advanced technology. How could it be that our two little babies were made outside of my body and put back inside of me? Our little test tube babies. Incredible! And we watched it happen. That is something special. Something so extraordinary. Something that is nothing short of a miracle.

My heart smiles every time I think of it. It just blows my mind. I know it's okay that I don't really understand all the medical terms and advancements. Because I know it's a miracle...God's handiwork. And that's all I really need to know...

For those of you out there who read my blog for hope and encouragement, it is my heartfelt prayer and hope that you trust that your "ordinary miracle" will happen for you. Because it will. God has a plan. A plan that is better than the plan you have for yourself.

And for those of you who already have your "ordinary miracle(s)", never ever ever take them for granted.

I am grateful. I am blessed. And I believe in miracles, in every walk and season of my life.


That's right, Elijah and Will, you were wanted. Like WAY WAY wanted.

And you always will be.


.

BABY LEGS, NEW SHOES, AND DIAPER BOXES

I neglected to post this back in December when things got a little crazy with Christmas! But this was the afternoon of December 17th. And a fun afternoon it was.


Peek-A-Boo little cuties!


Look who I found quietly reading in their favorite nook?


Our sweet little bookworms





The boys finally fit into their "Baby Legs" that we received from a dear friend. They are little leg warmers that are oh, so adorable! I think it's hilarious that they are called "baby legs."

Don't they look cute?





The boys got new shoes today. They are geeky "old man" velcro shoes. But hey, the twins make them look cool.

Elijah wasn't too happy when we first put them on.


Nope, still not happy.


Definitely not happy. But at least he's walking in them!


But Will was all smiles and just cruised along.




Here they are taking a break to read books! (Even though we took their shoes off, you can clearly see Eli is still peeved and traumatized. But Will is happy as can be! )




Causing a ruckus in the kitchen


I wish we had a video of this. But this photo is of Eli grabbing and pulling on both door handles shaking them viciously trying to get the cupboard open. And Will is hanging from the oven door handle. Oh my...oh my. The life of toddler boys!




We had gotten back from running errands and the boys had fun pushing around their Target diaper boxes that we hadn't put away yet. Apparently pushing diaper boxes is super fun. Here's a video to prove it:

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A MOM OF TWINS WHEN...

* I thought this was pretty funny and oh, so true!

1. You have a closet just for diapers and wipes.

2. Every where you go you are looked at like a circus clown.

3. People feel the need to ask VERY personal questions. EXAMPLES - What did you do to get twins? Are they natural? Are they identical? Were they early?

4. You use your feet as two extra hands.

5. You see people with one baby having a hard time and think, "One baby?...I laugh at your one baby!"

6. You get excited when you see a buy one get one free sign.

7. When you were pregnant, people pointed and looked at your belly, saying "WOW!"

8. Your diaper bag looks like you are going on vacation.


9. In public, people look in horror (or laugh) when your kids run in separate directions.

10. You give a blank look to the person asking what are your kids names, because you honestly can't remember, due to sleep deprivation.

11. You can't buy anything on sale because you can never find two.

12. You get mad when you see one baby in a double shopping cart.

13. You sometimes have to take a double look to figure out who is who.

14. Your biceps are as big as a man's from carrying 2 car seats around.

15. You realize to be somewhere early, you need to start getting ready 2 hours before.

16. You have the urge to smack every person who complains about being tired.

17. You have fifteen minute conversations about your multiples with complete strangers at any given store.

18. You have an incredible mental tally in your head. (who you last held, who pooed, who ate, who had Tylenol and at what time, etc.)

19. You consider it a major triumph if you shower by noon.

20. You dress your twins the same not because its cute, because its easier. (And you secretly like it when people can't tell them apart!)


21. You have learned the art of picking two babies up at a time.

22. You approach a twin mom without hesitation.

23. You imagine hurting your singleton mom friends when they mention being tired or how hard work it is with one baby.

24. You leave for a date with your hubby with your diaper bag instead of a purse.

25. You have given the evil eye to all the singleton moms in baby shops choosing their single stroller from a choice of hundreds.

26. You drop something and without hesitation pick it up with your toes.

27. You can't go out the house without being gawked at or stopped by random strangers.

28. You have a whole photo album of ultrasound photos.

29. You watch shows like "Jon & Kate Plus 8" and "Octomom" to make yourself feel better.

30. You avoiding going places because your double stroller won't fit through the doorway.

PLAYING OUTSIDE. JANUARY 10. 52 DEGREES.

Yesterday the boys and I went outside for a walk...in 52 degree weather...on January 10th...with no snow in Minnesota. (Well, except for the little bit of snow you can see by the curb in the first photo!)

In case you aren't familiar with a Minnesota winter, this is unusual.

Extremely unusual.

In fact, I believe it was around Thanksgiving where we went out for a walk and I remember saying, "This will be our last walk outside until probably April!" Then we found ourselves out for a walk on Christmas Day! And I was for sure that was the last until April. But nope, I was wrong again!

On a walk over to Uncle Barry and Auntie Jesse's house


Once we got there, we decided to play outside. It was really the first time the boys have been able to play outside in the grass since they both have become full time walkers. They had a blast running around, falling down, and giggling like crazy. I finally got the chance to experience what people have warned me about. I now know what it's like to have two toddlers running in opposite directions. WOW! But their cousin, Cora, did a great job of helping me keep track of them and catching them before they tried to crash onto the cement or off the curb!

Playing with Cora


Emma was outside too!



Soon, all the neighbor girls were out to play with us!


Elijah enjoying the swings being pushed by all the girls!



Will enjoying the swing and his chance with the girls!


Here's a photo of our house on January 10th, 2012. No snow.



This is more like what our house normally looks like in Jan/Feb!

Our house. February 13, 2010


Once again, this is just CRAZY!

The boys playing with my sister's neighbor's dog, Baxter!


Here's a video of the twins playing outside with Baxter. They LOVE dogs and aren't scared of any, no matter the size. How cute!! I could never get enough of those little boy giggles.



I must mention that of course today it was 20 degrees, windy, and snowing.

Gotta love Minnesota!!

A FEW FUN PICS

Just a few fun pics from last week...

"Has anyone seen where my cracker went?"


Will looked over and saw Eli's cracker pasted on his head. So, then Will tried to get his own cracker to stick on his head just like Eli's! :)


He thought he was hilarious with the cracker stunt! Will laughed and laughed trying to get that cracker on his head!


My sweet, silly boys!


Carseat fun!

WILL'S FIRST HAIRCUT

Will had his first haircut today. (On his Grandma Cox's 58th Birthday! Happy Birthday Grandma!!)

I'm happy to report we all survived.

BEFORE PHOTOS:

He has what I call the "reverse mullet." It's long in front on top and short in the back. It's all "party in the front, business in the back!"


The hair on his forehead was getting a bit too long.


Will says, "But mommy, I love my hair, it just screams 'WWWWEEEE for Wild Will'! Please don't cut it!!"


Eli even seemed to think it was starting to be a little much...


Will also says, "Seriously, you get rid of my awesome hair and so many lives will be devastated. I mean, look at me, this is ADORABLE!"


Sorry we tortured you, Will. But it had to be done!

So far so good. He didn't cry until she put the cape on!


I don't know why he wouldn't smile for the photo. :)


As you can see, he really enjoyed it.


Poor little baby. He just screamed and cried the entire time!


No pain, no gain, little man...


AFTER:
Like my haircut? Mommy says I look more like a little boy than a baby now!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

I received this in an email a few days ago from MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers).
http://www.mops.org

I can totally relate to everything Heidi wrote! It's as if she took the words right out of my mouth. This was refreshing for me to read and even though I never make New Year's Resolutions, if I did, this would be a great one. Maybe I'll try it...



My New Year’s Resolution
By Heidi Rogers, mom of two

I am what most people would classify as a perfectionist. Type A. A goody-goody. You know, good grades, hard worker, natural-born leader…all that jazz. When it comes to life, I’ve done things “right.” I set my goals and I accomplish them.

But when it comes to mothering, all that flies out the window. I want to be patient during tantrums in the middle of aisle 12 and during colic at 3 a.m., but I find myself feeling guilty for snapping at the whining and crying over the crying. I forget to change diapers. I give up easily in the battle over vegetables. I want to scream when sleep and naps don’t take place. And sometimes I do scream.

I have never been more humbled than I am as a mother. Striving for perfection and mothering just don’t mix. As appealing as it seems to have it all together and react calmly to every hiccup I encounter, I’ve found I learn more from mistakes and seeking forgiveness. My New Year’s resolution for 2012? No more resolving. Instead, I choose to sit in the place God has placed me, and let Him shape me into the mom I could never be on my own.

Dear God, thank you for not expecting me to be the perfect mother. Show me how to step back from striving and let you transform me instead. Amen.

15 MONTHS OLD

This blog post got lost in the busy-ness of Christmas! So, here it is, a few weeks late. :)

On December 14th, Eli and Will had their 15 month well baby check. They are doing wonderful! Their shots went well, of course the usual crying, but no effects after. Another great appointment for two healthy little boys. We are so grateful.

Will
21 lbs. 14 oz. (14.79%)
30.5 inches tall (31.85%)
18 inch head circumference (14.99%)

Eli
21 lbs. 13 oz. (14.14%)
31.75 inches tall (69%)
18.75 head circumference (63%)

Playing after doctor's appointment (see band aids on legs from their shots!)


Here's a video of the boys giggling in their favorite hideout spot!



A few pics from the last few weeks:

Our little bookworms...

We even read in our diapers...

Checking out something exciting outside with cousins...

My big boys...

Best Buddies...

Looking a little mischievous here...

"Wow! That gift is almost taller than we are!!"

They love sitting on ANYTHING...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE VINCELLI FAMILY

Here is our 2011 Vincelli Family Christmas Letter. We've definitely learned a lot this year, but here are our TOP 11!


The Top 11 Things We Learned in 2011

11. We love being parents and can survive the baby year of raising multiples! (And that what we read in a book is true, "When having two babies at the same time, the blessings are two-fold, but the bother is about ten or twenty times as great!")




10. It's really awesome for Nick to not have to travel out of town for work anymore. (For the first time in his career, since August, Dr. Nick is working in ONE place only, in the town where he lives! What a welcomed change and we are grateful to have even more time together. He is enjoying Horizon Eye Care here in Owatonna!)



9. Watching brothers play peek-a-boo with each other and play "put blankets over our heads, walk around, and run into furniture" is one of the cutest things in the world. (Bye bye babies, hello toddler twins! Elijah and Will are now 15 months old and are walking all over the place. Watch out world, the Vincelli twins are officially on the go!)







8. If you have multiples, you become an instant celebrity. Everyone knows you or stops to meet you. Therefore, allow at least 15 minutes leeway every time you are out in public because you will get stopped multiple times by gawkers, admirers, and people asking, "Are they twins?" (And we love it! Although, unfortunately it's usually the scariest people in the grocery store that want to touch your babies and then cough in their hands as they walk away.)



7. Flying with two five-month-olds is very doable, especially with prior planning and organization, which is our specialty. (We traveled to Palm Springs, California with Nick's parents and brother, Marc, to escape the snow in March. It was a wonderful trip!)





We also went on our annual Vincelli extended family golf trip up to Detroit Lakes, MN in August. (The twins aren't hooked on golf...YET!)




6. Sending the boys to daycare a few mornings a week really saves your sanity. (I am so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. The boys keep me busy and in order to keep my online crafting business, Vincelli Designs & Decor ~ www.vincellidesigns.com ~ alive, for the past three months, I have brought the boys a few mornings a week to my friend, Sara's in-home daycare. Eli and Will love it there and enjoy playing with all the other kids. Naturally, one or the other has been sick at all times during the past three months. That's okay, they are building up their immunities, right?!)





5. A new camera is a great investment. (We take photos. A lot of photos. Okay, a TON of photos. We are enjoying our new Nikon camera that we got in September. As if we didn't take enough photos already, but now we can document even more of the boys' lives with better quality!)




4. Sleep is never overrated. (After 13 months of no sleep, we found enough courage to let the boys "cry it out" and as hard as it was, realized it was one of the best decisions we've made as parents! We are happy to report they go to sleep on their own without crying and usually sleep 12 hours straight through the night! Naps are usually a different story, but hey, let's focus on the positive...)


Drawing of Eli & Will (by Pastor Russell Alan Reed)



3. A family is never too big. (We have been blessed with two new beautiful nieces this year. Emma and Ryder are the newest additions on the Cox side. My parents went from 2 to 6 grandchildren in less than 1 year!)

Emma Lynn





Ryder Lullabell



2. Never get too comfortable. (Once you think you have babies figured out, it all changes. You finally get used to them crawling, then BAM, they're walking. They are doing great eating, then BAM, they decide they won't eat any type of fruit. They nap for two hours every afternoon, then BAM, they get sick and only nap 30 minutes any more. Okay, you get the idea...)



1. We have amazing family and friends, although this we already knew! (We are grateful and thankful for your support, guidance, and love.)

The Cox Family (at Ryder's Baptism)



Grandpa & Grandma Cox with their 6 grandchildren



The Vincelli Family (minus Ron & Carolyn)



Papa & Grammy Vincelli (with 3 of their 4 grandsons!)




But most of all, this year has been a YEAR OF CHANGE and a YEAR OF FIRSTS.

Seeing the joy and excitement through two sets of new eyes is amazing. This year has been full of many firsts for the boys and for us. We are truly grateful to be experiencing all of this as a family. Just like all families, we take great joy in those funny and happy moments among the utter chaos. Raising multiples isn't the easiest job. Raising any amount of children isn't an easy job. But we are learning a lot and keep pluggin' away.












Sometimes we are happy...



Sometimes we are sad...



Sometimes we are clean...







Sometimes we are dirty...





Sometimes we play nice and share...





Sometimes we wrestle and fight...





But through all the good times and the bad, we give thanks for all that we have and especially each other.



It's a twin thing:
































Photos from their 10 month photo shoot: (by Julie Carrow)

Will & Elijah



Amy & Elijah



Amy & Will



Will Clarence



Will



Nick & Will



Nick & Elijah



Elijah Kinsley



Elijah






It's been a big year of changes as our preemie babies have grown to toddler boys. See how they've grown in just 15 months...

Newborn:


1 Month:


2 Months:


3 Months:


4 Months:


5 Months:


6 Months:


7 Months:


8 Months:


9 Months:


10 Months:


11 Months:


12 Months:


13 Months:


14 Months:


15 Months:



We praise God for another wonderful year of health and happiness. Remember the reason for the season. Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

God bless you and your family this Christmas and always.

In His Love,
The Vincelli Family
Nick, Amy, Elijah, & Will


And just in case you haven't seen enough of these adorable twins, (HA!) watch this video that I made full of photos of their first year of life for their 1st Birthday celebration in September.