Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

*I have been trying to post pictures as well, but my computer is acting a little crazy.  I have many to share!
When I last blogged, Brooklyn had a stuffy nose and Tayden was a little stuffy.  Brooklyn made a quick recovery, but Tayden's stuffy nose turned into a terrible cough and then double ear infections.  He would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and we had no idea what was wrong.  We didn't know how to help him - a terrible feeling!  Tim and I have both been battling sinus issues and bad coughs as well.  Tim took Tayden to the doctor on Wednesday and he is now on an antibiotic and ear drops.  He seems to be feeling much better!!! 
Despite our entire family being sick, the twins' 1st Christmas was wonderful!  We spent Christmas Eve at my sister Jamie's house and then went to SueSue's on Christmas Day.  The twins loved spending time with the family and playing with their cousin Payton.  Santa definitely found our house and brought the twins a playhouse, books, bathtub toys, Taggies, a doll for Brooklyn, and balls for Tayden.  Tim and I got them an activity table, a shape sorter, and a few other goodies.  We brought them in the living room to see all of the presents and they weren't quite sure how to react.  After we opened everything, they were most content with their old toys and Tim's shoelaces - go figure!  Brooklyn has started to figure out how to work her playhouse and loves standing up at the activity table.  Tayden has figured out how to pull up on the table as well!  She has perfected crawling and can get anywhere quick - her target lately has been Sambo's food dish.  She will crawl all the way to the bowl and then look up at us as if to say - I'm not supposed to be here am I?  Tayden prefers to roll everywhere and can get across the living room rather quickly.  Brooklyn still tries to grab anything that he is playing with, but he is getting better about holding on tight and not letting go.  Tayden now has his two bottom teeth fully in view and Brooklyn has one on the bottom.  They are both interacting with each other a lot more which is really neat to watch.  Brooklyn will wave hi and bye bye and has even said bye bye a few times.  They both give kisses - so sweet!!!  Tayden's appetite has been a little weak, due to being sick.  Brooklyn on the other hand, has decided she likes table food like scrambled eggs and rice.
My grandparents and uncle came to visit this past Monday.  They got to see all of the babies new tricks and love on them for awhile.  It was so good to see all of them and celebrate Christmas.  I wish that they lived closer!!!
I had surgery on Wednesday to repair some things that were damaged during my pregnancy, so Tim and SueSue have been on full-time twin duty.  They have both been great and I have been able to get some good sleep and just rest.  Who knew having surgery would be like a vacation?  I was able to pick the babies up for the first time today.  I am still a little sore, but feeling okay.  We had a low-key New Year's Eve - ordered some Italian food and stayed warm.  Brooklyn was alseep by 10:00, but Tayden was up to see the ball drop at midnight.
2010 was an extremely eventful year for our family.  There were times of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, excitement, celebration, love, and a deep sense of joy.  Joy that neither Tim nor I had ever experienced before or knew was possible.  We will always remember 2010 as the year God allowed us to become parents to the two most amazing gifts - Brooklyn McCarty and Tayden James.  We look forward to 2011 and all of the milestones it will bring, but above all we are praying for good health and great happiness for our family and all of you as well.  Your continued love and support mean so much to us and each one of you is a blessing we thank God for daily.