tour de france bébés

tour-de-france-babies

 

You didn’t think I was going to miss an opportunity to include my babies in a Tour de France post, did you?! I’ve documented my obsession with the sport many times (one / two / three), but now I have mini enthusiasts in the making! This year is extra special…and not just because of Marie + Henry. It is the 100th year of the Tour, with many extraordinary stages, including a final one beginning at Versailles (cue the breathtaking aerial shots). I’ll be honest-I’ve missed a lot of it this year (due to my two beautiful distractions), but I intend to watch the finale on Sunday! Vive le tour!

Now if we could just get women invited to the race…what are your thoughts? Are you a fan of the sport?

birthday buzz

party-prep

What a weekend…we are still buzzing from all the excitement! It was so special to share the celebration with friends and family-we are so grateful for everyone who joined us! On that note…my bestie Angie (pictured above) and her fiancé Tim saved the day by helping with styling, installation, and a zen-like presence. You know the kind of friends that shows up to help you move? They are those kind of friends, and so much more. I can’t wait to share more from the party (shot by the talented Alison Conklin)…but in the meantime, you can see sneak peeks via the instagram hashtag #vivelestwins!

custom birthday banner by steph loves ben

happy birthday babies

dear-babies

 

Dear babies,

One year ago today we met for the first time. The months before our meeting is a bit of a blur now-such a whirlwind of events and emotions. It was a difficult time for me physically, and although you were flourishing in my womb, I found it hard to connect with you. I was anxious and excited to meet you-I’m not very patient, so 35 1/2 weeks seemed like an eternity! As much as I had dreamed and wished to be a mommy, I wasn’t sure I was ready.

Then I heard you, Marie. Then I saw you, Henry. In that instant, my heart multiplied by two…overwhelming love.

Life became a blur again for a while…a blissful blur. It took a few months to understand your needs, and find my footing as a mother. But by the time you were three months old, I was madly IN love with you and giddy in my new role. Each day brought new experiences, for you and me…and there were so many firsts that we shared (I have each and every one documented). Gradually your unique personalities started to emerge, and not surprisingly…just as you are our physical “mini-me’s”, you also share our personality traits.

At one year of age Marie, you are walking with pride, exploring and observing with great curiosity, smiling at strangers, giving big open mouth kisses, making your brother laugh, dancing to music, attempting to sing, and talking a whole lot of babble (plus saying mama and dada), which melts us to pieces. Your intelligence scares us at times (in the best way), and we hope we can keep up with you as the years go by! Your personality shines and lights up a room-you command attention. You are beautiful beyond words, inside and out, and have a maturity beyond your age…an old soul.

At one year of age Henry, you are speed crawling and standing with confidence, studying everything you come across, belly laughing when tickled, gently cuddling, forcefully playing and wrestling, being a bit reserved with strangers, and kissing so very sweetly. You are incredibly observant and thoughtful…your actions have great purpose. Your loving eyes and handsome face can melt hearts-it does mine every day. Your sweet smile radiates so much love and warmth.

It’s true what they say-the days are long but the years are short. Even though some days seem never-ending, this first year feels like a blink. These twelve months have been the hardest and happiest of my life. You are my loves, my heart…my life.

 

 happy birthday babies

 one | three | six | nine | twelve

 

baby models

little-hip-squeaks3

little-hip-squeaks

little-hip-squeaks4

Speaking of baby fashion…look at my babies! I think this officially qualifies them as models, along with Eli (a seasoned pro), Sawyer (not in these shots), and Elodie (Henry has a little crush on her)! A casual afternoon gathering turned into a photo shoot for my friend Amy, aka Little Hip Squeaks. Her line of modern baby clothing + accessories is bright, bold, and fun. Many thanks to Amy for including Marie + Henry, and if you haven’t done so yet…check out her site!

 photos courtesy of amy richardson // little hip squeaks