When the twins turned one, I couldn’t believe how much had changed in just a year. We started out in our little townhouse and ended the year in a three-bedroom house with space for them to grow and play. Jayse went through two surgeries for his cleft lip and palate—something that felt overwhelming at times, but looking back I’m so proud of how strong he was (and how much stronger we became as a family).

The year was packed with milestones: learning to hold their own bottles, graduating to sippie cups, trying new foods, crawling, pulling themselves up on furniture, and even beginning to form little words. They weren’t quite walking yet, but they were so close, and it felt like every week brought something new to celebrate.

It was a whirlwind of change, adjustment, and joy. That first year stretched us, taught us, and gave us countless memories that I’ll always hold close. More than anything, I was proud—we made it through the first year, and the kids amazed me every step of the way.

For their birthday Jayse couldn’t eat any solids yet so we didn’t do much. My mom came over and sister and we let them open presents and that was it.