These two turned 2 on friday... born at 31 weeks, 1.3kg and 1.4kg now 12.5kgs and 12.8 kgs

Today, as we c elebrate Oakley and Knox turning two years old, I find myself just wanting to celebrate them.

Let me explain. Lately I’ve been reflecting on the fascinating way my love for my boys has shifted over time. When they were first born—in those initial first weeks of helplessness and those speedy first months of development—my love for them was incredibly instinctual. It was a powerful maternal connection.

I loved my boys because they were MY babies. Now two, and it’s occurred to me that my love for them actually goes far beyond their connection to me.

I realize it when they make crystal clear requests for what they want to drink (water, juice milk)

I notice it when we are driving along and they point out what they see out the window

(Truck,car,tree)

It’s plainly apparent when they toss the clothes I picked out for the and choose new ones they like better

(Current favorites are t-shirts with the wiggles)

At two years old, they are separate from me. They are their own unique individual, and they are awesome.

As they have grown more independent and their own specific personality has emerged stronger and stronger, I find myself marveling at how incredible of a person they both are. I’ll never know if it’s true or not, but I believe that even if they weren’t my children I’d still want to play peek a boo with them, sing fruit salad and just hang out with them. They are that much fun to be around. My love for them today is based strongly on who they are as their own person—rather than on the simple fact that they are my sons.

The coolest part about that phenomenon? The realization that it’s only going to keep growing.

As my boys continue to grow and develop, so will the way I love them. As their likes and dislikes become more clear—as they face successes, challenges, and disappointments in life—my heart will expand to new places, too. So I guess my message to them on their second birthday is simply this:

You are awesome. Your boundless energy, your sweet demeanor, your creative spirit—it all comes together to make you both truly remarkable little human beings.

I feel privileged to be your mama. From a parent’s perspective, it doesn’t get any cooler than that.

As you journey into the next year—which I’m sure will be the tremendous twos, with some terrible thrown in for good measure—I’m filled with anticipation to watch you become more and more uniquely you. My heart will be right there, growing alongside you both, my love spreading to cover every new inch of you.

I love you, my awesome sons.

Happy 2nd birthday x