Charlie's smile really lights up his face and his laugh is a long high-pitched squeal. He rolled from front to back when he was only a few weeks old - then didn't start rolling again until the past couple of weeks. He loves to jump in their jumperoo and attack the blue elephant hanging in their activity mat. Of all the babies, he seems to be the most aware (and upset) about the vaccination shots and also notices (and cries) when our attention shifts to one of the other babies.
You pretty much just need to make eye contact and smile in order to get a smile back from Tommy. He usually just gives big smiles, but also has a cute little giggle when Daddy tickles him. He's always loved tummy-time and seemed very strong. He rolled front-to-back in February and then didn't start rolling again until the past couple of weeks. Now that he's figured out how to roll - he's a rolling machine. He loves to play in the exersaucer and spin around to play with the various toys. Tommy is also getting quite good at pulling his pacifier out of his mouth and putting it back in all by himself.
Grace started rolling in early April - less than a week after Haddie started to roll. She really loves to be tickled by her Daddy and also loves to grab and reach for people's faces when they are holding her. She loves to hang out in the jumperoo/exersaucer and can really spin the little cylinders fast!
Haddie was the last one to start smiling and for awhile she really made us work to get her to smile. She is starting to giggle - but it almost seems like she's trying to hold it in when we tickle her. The nicknames for Charlie, Tommy, and Grace were just random nicknames (or nicholasnames) that I made up that stuck. But Haddie's two nicknames came from her grandmothers. Joby's mom came up with "Haddie-Daddy-Doo-Dah-Day" and sings it to her whenever she comes to visit. My mom came up with "Somei-San" - since Haddie's middle name is "Somei," which is my mom's maiden name. Haddie was the first to start consistently rolling and is our little roly-poly. She loves to roll and doesn't care what (or who) is in her way.
I'd like to take a moment to also thank those that didn't know about our infertility struggles. After we went Facebook public back in May 2013, you all overwhelmed us with your support and love after hearing the story. We think this ending is a great story of love and hope and were happy to share it. And were so touched to have it shared via the amazingly written article in the Columbus Dispatch.
And last but not least, words could never express how thankful we are to our family and friends that have been following us on this journey. We apologize for the emotional roller coaster ride we've put you on - but we never would've made it without each and every one of you. We know what a bumpy ride it's been and we know you've been hoping, crying, and praying right there along side of us every step of the way. Who would've guessed back in 2010 when I started this blog that this is how things would turn out? Definitely not us - but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.