Happy 2nd Birthday!

Harper and Jack,

Two years ago today your dad and I embarked on our biggest adventure- expanding our family by 20 little fingers and 20 little toes. I had felt grumpy all morning and like something just wasn't "right", but I thought I was having a mood swing and getting antsy from being bed ridden. Little did we know when we made plans for brunch to be brought by the hospital that the two of you would be making your debut. That morning was the scariest morning of my life thus far; your dad and I were worried that the birthing process would be hard for you, and we didn't know how you would fair in the real world so soon- too soon.

But, Jack and Harper, you proved your fighting spirits from the moment you took your first breaths. Hearing your cries were music to our ears, and now, even 24 months later, I still remind myself when you're crying that those cries are a welcome noise and at one time we didn't know if we'd ever hear them.

This year you have both learned so many new things: you run and chase each other (and daddy); you're  feeding yourselves so well; you try a variety of foods- even some that we're sure you won't eat, but you end up liking them anyway; you both love to read books and watch Sesame Street, and you know so many words- even three word phrases. You constantly surprise us with new sayings, new ideas, and new expressions that make your dad and I laugh and stand in awe of how curious and smart you are.

Harper and Jack, I am so proud that you are my children. Your dad and I have been blessed in so many ways, and every day I thank God that we were blessed to be chosen as your Mama and Daddy. The two of you are the most beautiful gifts these eyes have ever seen and I cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for us. 

Two years ago today at approximately 1:15 pm, our lives were changed forever in the best way possible. We love you both so much and wish you the very happiest of birthdays Miss Harper and Jackman!! Happy, happy 2nd birthday my loves!!

Here's a shot of the birthday boy and girl in their big kid booster seats at lunch today- the days are long, but my how fast the years fly by!

Merry Christmas from the Family

Our Christmas was jam-packed with travel and family, and Tony and I wouldn't have had it any other way. We packed up and went south for Christmas to Houston where we got to spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family, and Christmas morning and the remainder of the week with Tony's family.

We had a great time everywhere we went, and our kids were so well-behaved and adaptable and easy going. I am so proud of Harper and Jack for being such troopers. They were even great during our drives. I don't know how we got such awesome kiddos, but I am so thankful for the two of them and their sweet demeanors.

So, here are some pictures of sweet Miss Harper and her big brother, Jack, and the rest of our family on Christmas Eve. We ate a great meal, played with cousins, opened presents, and ate dessert. In fact, Harper and Jack ate so much dessert from different people (by running person to person asking for bites of pie and cookies) that we thought they would be sick. Harper spent the night making her dress twirl and playing with Sloane's American Girl Doll tea set; Jack had a great time playing and running through the house. Both kiddos were wide awake when we got back to Papa's house at 10pm. They had to hurry to get to sleep before Santa arrived!

Christmas morning the kids were excited to see what Santa had brought, in addition to the kitchen he brought early for them two weeks ago. Jack and Harper had figured out the present opening "thing" and were quick to help Aunt Joyce and Papa with their gifts too.

It was so nice to see Tony's Aunt Joyce and the kids kept her busy asking her to play with them over and over. Harper would wake up from her nap asking for "Aunt Joyce, Aunt Joyce!" In addition to seeing Aunt Joyce, Tony's sister and her family also came south to celebrate Christmas in Texas. Harper and Jack loved playing with their cousins (who are 2 1/2 and 5) and Tony and I have noticed both kiddos talking much more since their interactions with their cousins. Here are some highlights of the last week including a trip to the pond in Papa's neighborhood, some playing in the house, a fun dinner at Benihanna's, and some cute little nappers with their guard dog Abby.

Those are just a few of the highlights from our trip; we had a wonderful time.  Merry Christmas from the Frisco Colletts!

Christmas Break

School is out, Tony is off work, and we are enjoying our time together with our family. In fact, we are both off work until the New Year and being together has been just what the doctor ordered this Christmas.

We have been playing things pretty low key here in Frisco; I'm still recovering from the flu, and we are gearing up for a short trip later in the break, so we've spent a lot of time enjoying our Christmas tree and playing with the new kitchen.

We also got a treat when Aunt Erica, Uncle Bubba, and Cousin Emmy stopped by during their travels to stretch their legs and play for a while. We were eating lunch when they arrived, and Harper started squealing and yelling "Emmy! Emmy!"  It was fun to watch them play together, and Jack held his own with the girls. Here are a couple of shots of the trio at work.

Aside from playing, we have been doing some last minute Christmas shopping. The kids were troopers as we ventured the mall and ToysRUs. Jack especially liked ToysRUs where he yelled out the names of anything he saw that he knew..."Soccer ball!" "Elmo!" "Mickey Mouse!"At least that shopping trip was entertaining to me. Tony, on the other hand, had Harper in his cart who was trying to convince him to get every baby doll in the baby section; I'm surprised Tony didn't leave there with a car full of babies.

We have also been going for walks, cooking, and doing laundry. I had some laundry helpers yesterday; my reward for putting up each basket of laundry was one push around the kitchen- it was motivation enough to keep folding and putting away.

Today, Harper has her appointment with the developmental specialist- hopefully for her last one for a few years- and we're nervously anticipating the results. If all goes well and she is meeting her milestones, then Harper will be excited from the program until she is 5 years old (they'll see her one more time before she goes to school). Tony and I have no idea what types of things they'll ask Harper to do, or how she'll preform without her buddy next to her (Jack's appointment is next week, and they were insistent that they see each twin alone for evaluation).  I'm sure Harper will do well, but I knoy Tony and I will hold our collective breath until we hear the verdict (and then again next week while we wait to hear about Jack). So, if you're a prayerful person, we would appreciate the prayers.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and I'll post Harper's results soon!!