This past weekend was filled with immense joy and celebration as we marked a significant milestone: the ninth birthday of our beloved twins, Hayden and Josie! Watching them grow and blossom into the incredible individuals they are today has been the most fulfilling journey, and their ninth year felt particularly special. It’s truly amazing how quickly time flies when you’re navigating the wonderful adventure of parenthood, especially with two little ones experiencing everything together.
From “The Babies” to “The Twins”: A Journey of Identity
When Hayden and Josie were born, I vowed never to refer to them simply as “the twins.” For a considerable time, they were lovingly known as “the babies.” Even now, they will always hold that precious title in my heart, forever my babies. However, as they transitioned into elementary school, using “the babies” in conversation sometimes garnered curious glances. It’s a subtle shift, but one that many parents of multiples can relate to.
Of course, we call them by their names, Hayden and Josie, and we cherish their unique personalities. But in the flow of everyday conversation, when discussing them collectively, it becomes almost second nature to say “the twins.” It’s a shorthand that truly clarifies their relationship, especially as they’ve grown. Interestingly, Hayden, who we playfully called “Baby A,” arrived exactly one minute before Josie. He frequently reminds her of his elder status, a playful sibling rivalry that brings laughter to our home. Josie, on the other hand, seems to embrace her role as the slightly younger, but equally spirited, twin.
Our Miracle: The Story of Their Arrival
We were incredibly blessed when our twins arrived healthy and with reassuring weights. Their birth story, however, was quite an anxious time. I spent three days in the hospital prior to their arrival, battling toxemia. The doctors were carefully monitoring us, hoping to reach the crucial 34-week gestation mark. The day we finally hit that milestone was intense. I recall being weighed at 8 AM and then again at noon, only to discover I had gained four pounds in just four hours. My body was retaining so much water; my feet resembled something out of a cartoon!
My doctor, seeing the rapid progression of my condition, decided we could wait no longer. We had already prepared for a C-section because Baby A (Hayden) was in a breech position. Despite the prior knowledge, I was naturally apprehensive, never having had a C-section before. What started as a planned procedure quickly became an emergency C-section, as the urgency of their arrival became undeniable. Ready or not, our little ones were making their grand entrance into the world!
And so, Hayden and Josie were born, weighing a healthy 6.4 and 6.5 pounds, respectively. The immense relief and gratitude we felt upon hearing their first cries were indescribable. Miraculously, they were strong enough to bypass the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and went straight to the regular nursery. It was a moment of profound joy and a testament to God’s blessings. Those early days, filled with tiny fingers and toes, were a blur of love and exhaustion, a period I wouldn’t trade for anything.
For the first two years, their weights remained remarkably close, often within a few ounces of each other. Then, Josie experienced a significant growth spurt that hasn’t seemed to slow down! I know that one day her brother won’t be bothered by her outweighing him by over ten pounds, but for now, it’s a running joke (especially when he weighs in for sports!). These days, people often question whether they are indeed twins or just siblings close in age. So, I suppose referring to them as “the twins” still serves its purpose, clarifying their unique bond and shared birthdate.
An Artistic Celebration: Their 9th Birthday Party
For their ninth birthday celebration, Hayden and Josie chose a wonderfully creative venue: a local business called CREATE. This place is an absolute gem, offering all sorts of art projects and activities for all ages. My children adore attending their camps during the summer and school breaks, so it was a natural choice for a fun-filled birthday party with their friends. It provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable and engaging celebration tailored to their artistic interests.
At CREATE, the kids had a fantastic time painting canvases for their rooms. They experimented with a variety of paints, stamps, and stencils, letting their imaginations run wild. Kiersten, who was guiding the children, did an absolutely outstanding job, encouraging their creativity and making the experience truly special for each child. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of youthful artistic energy, a joy to witness.
After their artistic endeavors, it was time for gifts and, of course, the highly anticipated treats! The highlight was undoubtedly the tie-dye cupcakes that the three of us – Hayden, Josie, and I – had lovingly prepared together. Baking these vibrant cupcakes was an art project in itself, making them perfectly suited for the party’s theme.
To further enhance the artistic theme, I arranged the colorful cupcakes on a painting palette. This simple touch transformed them into an edible work of art, delighting all the children. The vibrant swirls of color truly captured the spirit of the day.
Birthday Traditions: A Weekend of Feasting
While the party unfolded on Saturday, their actual birthday fell on Sunday. True to our family tradition, the twins got to choose their favorite meals for me to prepare. With twins, this often leads to interesting culinary negotiations! This year, since their birthday landed on a weekend, they cleverly conspired to enjoy two special meals: a decadent breakfast and a delightful dinner.
For breakfast, Hayden made his choice clear: Dad’s famous omelets. My husband truly makes the best omelets, a breakfast masterpiece that’s always a hit. It’s a wonderful way for them to start their special day, with a meal made with love by their dad.
For dinner, Josie’s pick was our family-favorite Shrimp and Crab pasta. This dish has been a staple in our home for years, and its rich, savory flavors always bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The recipe is truly exceptional, and you can find it HERE on my blog. It’s moments like these, gathered around the table enjoying their chosen meals, that truly make their birthday unforgettable.
Sweet Endings: Birthday Cakes and Pie
No birthday is complete without dessert! Josie, taking after her mom, is a devoted pie enthusiast. Her request was a classic Village Inn French Silk pie – a rich, chocolatey indulgence that never disappoints. Hayden, on the other hand, opted for his favorite: an ice cream sandwich cake. This is a dessert I’ve made countless times over the years, and each time it’s slightly different, a testament to its versatility and ease of customization.
DIY Delight: Creating Colorful Tie-Dye Cupcakes
I had never attempted tie-dye cupcakes before, but I’d seen them online and always wanted to give them a try. An art-themed birthday party seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally experiment! There isn’t a rigid “recipe” for these, but I’m happy to share my simple method for creating these psychedelic treats that were such a hit at the party.
Tie-Dye Cupcakes Recipe
First, prepare a white cake mix according to the package instructions. Once the batter is ready, divide it evenly into several bowls – I used four, one for each color: red, blue, yellow, and green. Using gel food coloring, carefully tint each portion of batter until you achieve your desired vibrant shades. The more color, the more dramatic the tie-dye effect!
Next, spoon small dollops of each colored batter randomly into your cupcake liners. Don’t overfill the liners; aim for about two-thirds full. After all the colors are in, take a toothpick and gently swirl through the batter a couple of times. Be careful not to overmix, as you want distinct swirls of color, not a muddy blend. Bake them as directed by your cake mix instructions, and prepare to be amazed by the vibrant results!
For the frosting, I used my favorite buttercream recipe and flavored it with almond extract, which my kids absolutely adore. I then tinted portions of the frosting to match the cupcake colors – red, blue, yellow, and green. To achieve a smooth, paint-like finish that would complement my artistic display, I frosted them with a knife. Arranged on the painting palette, they truly looked like dabs of colorful paint. Ta-Da! A perfect treat for an art-themed celebration!
Crafting the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
The ice cream sandwich cake recipe I use comes from Kraft, and it’s a revelation in simplicity and deliciousness. I first made this for Easter a few years ago, and the kids devoured it! It’s one of those magical desserts that always turns out slightly different each time, allowing for endless customization. For Hayden’s birthday, I made it with Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches, which added a fun swirl of flavors. For this particular cake, I followed the basic recipe, topping it with extra hot fudge and Hayden’s choice of colorful jimmies. I also sprinkled more cookie crumbs around the base for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Last year, for my oldest son’s birthday, I truly went all out! I tripled the recipe to create a monumental ice cream sandwich cake for him and his friends. It was an impressive sight and a definite crowd-pleaser, proving just how adaptable this recipe is for any size gathering.
To ensure you can recreate this fantastic dessert, I’ll share the link to Kraft’s original recipe. But remember, the beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to use your imagination! Experiment with different ice cream sandwich flavors, vary the toppings with different candies, sauces, or crushed cookies. The options are truly endless, allowing you to create a unique dessert every time.
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe
Kraft OREO & Fudge Ice Cream Cake
Reflections on a Joyful Birthday
I sincerely hope Hayden and Josie had an absolutely wonderful birthday. Judging by their beaming smiles, infectious laughter, and enthusiastic enjoyment of all the festivities, they certainly seemed to! This past weekend was a beautiful reminder of the precious journey of parenthood, the unique joys of raising twins, and the enduring power of family traditions. Each year, watching them celebrate their special day fills my heart with immeasurable pride and love.
Happy Birthday, my sweet BABIES! May your ninth year be filled with even more creativity, laughter, and cherished memories.