(Here is the link to original post. My comments below.)
Being a parent twins or multiples is an experience full of ups and downs. There are many challenging times, for sure, but also plenty of moments where you feel so lucky and blessed to have them. These are some of the things that I love most about being a mom of twins.
1. Armfuls and Handfuls: Every child fills their parents' hearts and home with joy. That's what I really love about having twins or more. The love and joy are compounded. Cradling two twinfants in my arms was so incredibly, almost unbearably, sweet. Holding hands with two toddlers -- one on the right, and one on the left -- while crossing the street made me feel complete. Double hugs, double kisses, mommy-in-the-middle "sandwich" cuddles on the couch... life just doesn't get any better than that.
2. Single-Mindedness: Parenting happens in stages. For people with a one-track mind, like me, it's much easier to manage two infants, two toddlers or two 'tweens, than to juggle the needs of a baby and a preschooler. The phases of parenthood are experienced more intensely, sometimes, because they are simultaneous, but I love it that way.
3. Shared Accomplishments: It's always exciting to see your child meet a milestone. But when two or more multiples accomplish their goals simultaneously, it's a wonderful experience for a family. For example, I was bursting with pride when both of my twins made honor roll on their last report cards, but the achievement was even sweeter because they were happy for each other.
4. Private Jokes: It's such fun to hear them share jokes, call each other by nicknames and role play their special scenarios. Once when they were babies, 10 months old, we were driving down the road, when giggles erupted from the car seats in the back seat. As one laughed, the other broke out in giggles; they spurred each other on the entire ride home. What a sweet sound those baby giggles were; it is still sweet to hear them laugh together, not at each other, but with each other.
5. Alike, But Different It's fascinating to be an observer of twins. With so many similarities, but such stark differences, it's always interesting to see how they develop as individuals. Where parents of singletons may say, "Oh, you are just like your sister was at that age," parents of multiples have an instant basis of comparison and contrast among their children.
6. 2-For-1 Bonus Short and sweet .... one pregnancy = two babies! Such a deal! Although a pregnancy with multiples may have more risks, and sometimes more complications, it truly is a two-for-one deal.
7. A Sense of Status Okay, I admit it. I get a little thrill of pride in being a mom of twins. It's like being a part of an elite club. You feel an instant bond with other parents of multiples. I love the reaction I get when I tell people I have twins. "Wow!" "I always wanted twins..." "I don't know how you do it..." It's almost like we enjoy an exclusive status in the parenting world, earning a slight nod of respect for pulling double duty.
8. Sharing Twins share everything -- their birthday, their parents' attention, and many of their belongings. Although they may get frustrated with their situation, as a parent, it's very gratifying to witness their "what's mine is yours" attitude in a moment of unselfish benevolence.
9. A Beautiful Bond The twin bond is more enduring than any other relationship on earth, starting even before birth, and often outlasting many friendships and even marriages. Despite their squabbles, it's comforting to know that they will (hopefully) enjoy their unique relationship for all of their lives. As their mother, I feel really privileged to be a party to their special bond, and to have the opportunity to nurture it.
10. Confidence in Companionship I love the confidence that my twins exhibit simply because they have always had each other to rely on. I love to watch them enter new, unfamiliar situations with total surety because they are together. I love seeing all the ways that being a twin shapes their personalities, both as an advantage and a disadvantage. They have never known loneliness because they've always had each other as a companion.
****
This nearly made me cry reading. I already feel so many of the things that she expressed and look forward to experiencing and feeling the others for myself later in our lives together.
I am so blessed. I could make a list of one hundred things that I love about being a mom of twins, but I have to say that these are a most excellent top ten.
Enjoy right now!
Cara :)
Showing posts with label twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twins. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
You Know You're a Mom of Multiples When...
I had to laugh! And share of course. (here is the link to original) My favorites below and a integrated comments of my own. :)
When you're a mom of twins or multiples, you learn to do things just a little differently. Juggling the care of two or more same-age children simultaneously requires special multi-tasking skills, a double dose of patience, and a great sense of humor. Plus, who else can explain why boy/girl twins can't be identical or buys two of everything? Share your comments on mothering multiples by completing this sentence: "You Know You're a Mom of Multiples When..."
Strategic Shopper
You pass up a great deal because the coat only comes in a color one of your twins likes. We always need two similar coats, but in different colors.
—Guest ShariSchmidt
This is so true! Only with me it is sizes, not colors. :)
Double Shopper
You always buy things in duplicate, no matter what it is, even if you only need one at a time. (two boxes of cereal, two packages of toilet paper, two kinds of ice cream).
—Guest Pam
I was just thinking about writing a post about how I have to get tow of every single thing. If they are even similar, it doesn't work, they have to be the same and then one gets a mark and the boys somehow know that they are playing with the "damaged" toy. Little stinkers.
You know you are a mother of twins when you can answer "5 minutes" to anyone asking you the age difference in your boys.
Enjoy right now!
Cara :)
When you're a mom of twins or multiples, you learn to do things just a little differently. Juggling the care of two or more same-age children simultaneously requires special multi-tasking skills, a double dose of patience, and a great sense of humor. Plus, who else can explain why boy/girl twins can't be identical or buys two of everything? Share your comments on mothering multiples by completing this sentence: "You Know You're a Mom of Multiples When..."
Strategic Shopper
You pass up a great deal because the coat only comes in a color one of your twins likes. We always need two similar coats, but in different colors.
—Guest ShariSchmidt
This is so true! Only with me it is sizes, not colors. :)
Double Shopper
You always buy things in duplicate, no matter what it is, even if you only need one at a time. (two boxes of cereal, two packages of toilet paper, two kinds of ice cream).
—Guest Pam
I was just thinking about writing a post about how I have to get tow of every single thing. If they are even similar, it doesn't work, they have to be the same and then one gets a mark and the boys somehow know that they are playing with the "damaged" toy. Little stinkers.
You know you are a mother of twins when you can answer "5 minutes" to anyone asking you the age difference in your boys.
Enjoy right now!
Cara :)
Meaningful Family Together and "Alone" Time
Parents Magazine article.
#39 Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
Independence
I recently told you how one of my sons is super independent and wants to do everything himself... almost. I think I took a good look at this bit of advice and recognized where he is coming from.
From the Beginning
He is a little boy who wants to learn and grow. From the get go he was the smaller embryo and the smaller fetus. he was just slightly bigger for a few days, than his twin brother, but he is small.
He didn't want to be held back... who can blame him. he was stuck under my ribs for months!!! he was breach just about the entire pregnancy and he was stifled in there. So when he got out, he didn't want to be stuck anymore.
Amazing Little Boys
He is amazing! He is smart and funny and kind. He is the bigger sharer... If he has the bowl everyone gets some of what he has: "Here you go." Whether they take it or not, he will offer and share.
Underpants to Sleep Time Rituals
He wants to put his underpants on by himself... looking back, he always wanted to take his diaper off by himself too. He just always has to be moving and doing something. When he gets sleepy, he bumps up the activity level to stay awake. He doesn't want to miss anything. When he does go to bed he has to pull his own blanket up and tuck himself into bed.
Independence vs Alone
Being independent, and being alone are very different things. He doesn't like to be alone. but he likes to do things himself.
Individual Solitude
I think that everyone needs a little solitude... I read somewhere ,before the boys were born, to get two playpens for your twins. They will love to be together, but they will love to be able to be "alone" once in a while. I only had one and they always played nicely, but I realize that there was a point that they needed to have the second crib set up so they would be "alone" together. :)
Personally
I slept MUCH better when they were sleeping on my bed with me (when they were tiny) I could watch them and feel them and smell them. When they were in their bed, I was "alone". I needed them.
Then they got big and they took over our bed without meaning to and I was always stuck in between two giant babies in the most awkward positions... my arms would fall asleep and I couldn't move them without getting screamed at.
Meaningful Together Time
When the boys and i have meaningful time together. when i give them even just a few minutes of my undivided attention. they are happy to play on their own for most of the day, and even be kind to one another almost the entire time.
Independently Together
Remember, being alone and being independent are very different things. Independently i can do the dishes while the boys play at the table or with the magnets on the fridge. I can do them all alone if they are asleep. It is nice to do it with them there.
Individual Attention
Make sure you do have some alone time for everyone. There are those days when one or the other wakes up and the other on is still sleeping. it is nice to have that time with one of them alone together and get closer.
Twins Together
Being a parent of twins is kind of hard when you know they need individual attention. Someone is always interrupting. I think that we are blessed with them, because we will choose the best ways to help them together. Just be the best you can be, no matter your circumstance.
Enjoy right now
Cara :)
#39 Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
Independence
I recently told you how one of my sons is super independent and wants to do everything himself... almost. I think I took a good look at this bit of advice and recognized where he is coming from.
From the Beginning
He is a little boy who wants to learn and grow. From the get go he was the smaller embryo and the smaller fetus. he was just slightly bigger for a few days, than his twin brother, but he is small.
He didn't want to be held back... who can blame him. he was stuck under my ribs for months!!! he was breach just about the entire pregnancy and he was stifled in there. So when he got out, he didn't want to be stuck anymore.
Amazing Little Boys
He is amazing! He is smart and funny and kind. He is the bigger sharer... If he has the bowl everyone gets some of what he has: "Here you go." Whether they take it or not, he will offer and share.
Underpants to Sleep Time Rituals
He wants to put his underpants on by himself... looking back, he always wanted to take his diaper off by himself too. He just always has to be moving and doing something. When he gets sleepy, he bumps up the activity level to stay awake. He doesn't want to miss anything. When he does go to bed he has to pull his own blanket up and tuck himself into bed.
Independence vs Alone
Being independent, and being alone are very different things. He doesn't like to be alone. but he likes to do things himself.
Individual Solitude
I think that everyone needs a little solitude... I read somewhere ,before the boys were born, to get two playpens for your twins. They will love to be together, but they will love to be able to be "alone" once in a while. I only had one and they always played nicely, but I realize that there was a point that they needed to have the second crib set up so they would be "alone" together. :)
Personally
I slept MUCH better when they were sleeping on my bed with me (when they were tiny) I could watch them and feel them and smell them. When they were in their bed, I was "alone". I needed them.
Then they got big and they took over our bed without meaning to and I was always stuck in between two giant babies in the most awkward positions... my arms would fall asleep and I couldn't move them without getting screamed at.
Meaningful Together Time
When the boys and i have meaningful time together. when i give them even just a few minutes of my undivided attention. they are happy to play on their own for most of the day, and even be kind to one another almost the entire time.
Independently Together
Remember, being alone and being independent are very different things. Independently i can do the dishes while the boys play at the table or with the magnets on the fridge. I can do them all alone if they are asleep. It is nice to do it with them there.
Individual Attention
Make sure you do have some alone time for everyone. There are those days when one or the other wakes up and the other on is still sleeping. it is nice to have that time with one of them alone together and get closer.
Twins Together
Being a parent of twins is kind of hard when you know they need individual attention. Someone is always interrupting. I think that we are blessed with them, because we will choose the best ways to help them together. Just be the best you can be, no matter your circumstance.
Enjoy right now
Cara :)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Fraternal Twins... Yes, Definitely Fraternal Twins
My twin sons are so fraternal.
Every single thing about them is night and day.
They most definitely look like siblings, but they are very different from one another.
Exciting News!
By the way!!! General Potty is essentially potty trained! He is the one that would hold it through sleeping and even for long period of awake time, but when it came right down to it, would go on the kitchen chair, in the front room, or wherever he was, instead of going in to the toilet/potty.
Potty Trained
A couple of days ago, he woke up came in and smiled at me (oh it was so very sweet) gave me a kiss and ran into the bathroom pulling his pants down on the way. grabbed the stool that we stack under the other stool that is for them to wash their hands (we desperately need to remodel our bathroom) and put it in front of the toilet, sat down and went potty on the toilet.
Sleep Is The Trick
It was so very exciting! Since then he has only had two, yes 2, accidents and both times he was incredibly tired. I tell you that sleep has everything to do with every one in the world functioning properly. Why do we not all have Siesta and why on earth are they trying to change that where they do have it?
Poop On The Potty
He has told me every time he needs to go potty and will poop on the potty. He will grab the potty chair if the toilet is unavailable for any given reason. He is a 100% potty trained toddler, who is allowed an accident or two for now. :)
Elephant Poop
While he is pooping on the toilet he is saying "Big Poop!" "Big Elephant Poop!" And Sargent Potty is on the sideline saying the same thing. Oh it is hilarious!
Elephant At The Zoo
We went to the zoo again the other day and the Elephant pooped right when we walked up, rather close to the fence. The boys thought that was a big huge pile of poop that was bigger than they are, put together almost, and they couldn't get over the stench.
BIG Stinky Elephant Poop
So now anything related to poop is a "Big Stinky Elephant Poop!" (with a scrunched up face and hands stretched to either side yelling the word "BIG".)
Pull Ups Training Pants
Sargent potty will go sit on the toilet after he has already gone in his pants. We did invest in Pull Ups... I know I didn't want to buy another diaper of any kind, but he just is too easily distracted and whenever he doesn't have something on to sleep he comes running in to me when he wakes up wet and doesn't get a good nap, or nights sleep.
"Me do it."
Basically in the "Not quite ready" category. He gets it, just is too independent to want to worry about it right now. It wasn't his idea yet. He insists on dressing himself and does it quite well. General is just fine with mom helping him. Sargent's favorite phrase of late is "Me do it." and if he doesn't get to do it... I wonder what the neighbors think I do to him...?
Twins Are Different
I have to go into the other differences. Apparently Sargent Potty is underweight... he is in the 10Th percentile on height and 25Th on weight. General is in the 98Th percentile on height and 50Th on weight. I don't know how to pump Sargent up without General also gaining... they eat the same things... just different amounts.
General is dark blond, Sargent is very blond. You could say he has white hair on some days. :)
Twin Teeth.. Nope!
General got all his teeth almost all at once. Sargent's teeth would start to come in and make him very sick... throw up sick for a week and then decide to go away... about 5 times each tooth. UGH!! Did I not call him Sargent High maintenance or something at some point in time? Everything about his is high maintenance. he has to be held, he has to have a cracker...
Do Twins Wake Each Other...?
Now I am not a mother who generally gives in to every whim of my children, but i noticed that I kind of do with him. From the get go General has been really low key and all I had to worry about was not waking him up. Sargent... well he is the one who I tried to keep from waking up General.
Noisy, Wiggly Boy
So I would always scoop him up when he grunted for more than five minutes when he was tiny. he was noisy and wiggly. He hasn't changed much, but I don't worry about him waking his brother anymore. They say that you never have to worry about that actually.
Stubborn Boy
He is the kind of child that will not relent. He will ask me for a cracker for an entire hour (yes, I tested this a few times). Even though he knows that it is almost snack time, he will ask for it, yell for it, whine for it... he wants his cracker NOW.
Twins are Amazing
I am grateful they are so different. I know that even identical twins are different, but these two boys are too cute. I know you think I am just a bragging mom, but they are beautiful boys. and they are both beautiful. Unique and beautiful. Inside and out.
What Sibling Doesn't?
They are so tender and loving and kind. they share and they take turns. They play and laugh and fight and get frustrated and irritable, but they are fantastic! I couldn't love them more than I do... I don't even understand the depth of the love I have for them. They are amazing and fantastic to me.
Enjoy right now.
Cara :)
Every single thing about them is night and day.
They most definitely look like siblings, but they are very different from one another.
Exciting News!
By the way!!! General Potty is essentially potty trained! He is the one that would hold it through sleeping and even for long period of awake time, but when it came right down to it, would go on the kitchen chair, in the front room, or wherever he was, instead of going in to the toilet/potty.
Potty Trained
A couple of days ago, he woke up came in and smiled at me (oh it was so very sweet) gave me a kiss and ran into the bathroom pulling his pants down on the way. grabbed the stool that we stack under the other stool that is for them to wash their hands (we desperately need to remodel our bathroom) and put it in front of the toilet, sat down and went potty on the toilet.
Sleep Is The Trick
It was so very exciting! Since then he has only had two, yes 2, accidents and both times he was incredibly tired. I tell you that sleep has everything to do with every one in the world functioning properly. Why do we not all have Siesta and why on earth are they trying to change that where they do have it?
Poop On The Potty
He has told me every time he needs to go potty and will poop on the potty. He will grab the potty chair if the toilet is unavailable for any given reason. He is a 100% potty trained toddler, who is allowed an accident or two for now. :)
Elephant Poop
While he is pooping on the toilet he is saying "Big Poop!" "Big Elephant Poop!" And Sargent Potty is on the sideline saying the same thing. Oh it is hilarious!
Elephant At The Zoo
We went to the zoo again the other day and the Elephant pooped right when we walked up, rather close to the fence. The boys thought that was a big huge pile of poop that was bigger than they are, put together almost, and they couldn't get over the stench.
BIG Stinky Elephant Poop
So now anything related to poop is a "Big Stinky Elephant Poop!" (with a scrunched up face and hands stretched to either side yelling the word "BIG".)
Pull Ups Training Pants
Sargent potty will go sit on the toilet after he has already gone in his pants. We did invest in Pull Ups... I know I didn't want to buy another diaper of any kind, but he just is too easily distracted and whenever he doesn't have something on to sleep he comes running in to me when he wakes up wet and doesn't get a good nap, or nights sleep.
"Me do it."
Basically in the "Not quite ready" category. He gets it, just is too independent to want to worry about it right now. It wasn't his idea yet. He insists on dressing himself and does it quite well. General is just fine with mom helping him. Sargent's favorite phrase of late is "Me do it." and if he doesn't get to do it... I wonder what the neighbors think I do to him...?
Twins Are Different
I have to go into the other differences. Apparently Sargent Potty is underweight... he is in the 10Th percentile on height and 25Th on weight. General is in the 98Th percentile on height and 50Th on weight. I don't know how to pump Sargent up without General also gaining... they eat the same things... just different amounts.
General is dark blond, Sargent is very blond. You could say he has white hair on some days. :)
Twin Teeth.. Nope!
General got all his teeth almost all at once. Sargent's teeth would start to come in and make him very sick... throw up sick for a week and then decide to go away... about 5 times each tooth. UGH!! Did I not call him Sargent High maintenance or something at some point in time? Everything about his is high maintenance. he has to be held, he has to have a cracker...
Do Twins Wake Each Other...?
Now I am not a mother who generally gives in to every whim of my children, but i noticed that I kind of do with him. From the get go General has been really low key and all I had to worry about was not waking him up. Sargent... well he is the one who I tried to keep from waking up General.
Noisy, Wiggly Boy
So I would always scoop him up when he grunted for more than five minutes when he was tiny. he was noisy and wiggly. He hasn't changed much, but I don't worry about him waking his brother anymore. They say that you never have to worry about that actually.
Stubborn Boy
He is the kind of child that will not relent. He will ask me for a cracker for an entire hour (yes, I tested this a few times). Even though he knows that it is almost snack time, he will ask for it, yell for it, whine for it... he wants his cracker NOW.
Twins are Amazing
I am grateful they are so different. I know that even identical twins are different, but these two boys are too cute. I know you think I am just a bragging mom, but they are beautiful boys. and they are both beautiful. Unique and beautiful. Inside and out.
What Sibling Doesn't?
They are so tender and loving and kind. they share and they take turns. They play and laugh and fight and get frustrated and irritable, but they are fantastic! I couldn't love them more than I do... I don't even understand the depth of the love I have for them. They are amazing and fantastic to me.
Enjoy right now.
Cara :)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
More That Every Mom Should Know
Taken from Parents Magazine, with my comments below.
#12 Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
I got my sons some white shirts... I know what was I thinking?
I think it must have been the second time they ever wore them, Mr Baby B pooped all over his white shirt. The stain is still there... but I let them wear them when we are home playing.
Honestly. I know it is nice to have clean clothes, and it is nice to look like you have perfect children that never have accidents... but do you know a single child that has never had any kind of an accident and stained an article of clothing?
I talked about the poop in the underwear a bit ago... Thank you Bronwen for the advice to save them and when they are all potty trained to then throw them out and get nice new ones. I will do just that.
It is OK to put your small children that are always getting into everything and getting dirty. as long as you wash them and get them clean... and don't wear them to dressy events, I think life will go on and you can still enjoy yourselves together.
I honestly think the same thing goes for mom's clothes. I had to stop worrying about certain articles of clothing that I would wear regularly... Guess what! I have twins! I get stuff on me all the time! I think the majority of my clothing is stained by one thing or another and I will wear my twin mommy mantle with pride and satisfaction.
Satisfaction because I kept it from being bigger or worse than it is! :) That is a very impressive accomplishment.
Enjoy Right Now!
#12 Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
I got my sons some white shirts... I know what was I thinking?
I think it must have been the second time they ever wore them, Mr Baby B pooped all over his white shirt. The stain is still there... but I let them wear them when we are home playing.
Honestly. I know it is nice to have clean clothes, and it is nice to look like you have perfect children that never have accidents... but do you know a single child that has never had any kind of an accident and stained an article of clothing?
I talked about the poop in the underwear a bit ago... Thank you Bronwen for the advice to save them and when they are all potty trained to then throw them out and get nice new ones. I will do just that.
It is OK to put your small children that are always getting into everything and getting dirty. as long as you wash them and get them clean... and don't wear them to dressy events, I think life will go on and you can still enjoy yourselves together.
I honestly think the same thing goes for mom's clothes. I had to stop worrying about certain articles of clothing that I would wear regularly... Guess what! I have twins! I get stuff on me all the time! I think the majority of my clothing is stained by one thing or another and I will wear my twin mommy mantle with pride and satisfaction.
Satisfaction because I kept it from being bigger or worse than it is! :) That is a very impressive accomplishment.
Enjoy Right Now!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Little Birthday Parties
My little sons were invited to their first official birthday party today.
The day was spent with the birthday girl and her two siblings here at our house, as we do on Mondays and Fridays this summer. We played outside, put the cats in the garage to hopefully catch the mice, and baked cupcakes, which we later decorated. :)
It was a fun day. Once that was all done and there was no nap, because of the sugar high and the anticipation of the impending party I am sure, we went to Build A Bear Workshop.
It was really fun!!
The boys were very quiet and didn't quite know what to do. General wanted a kitty... but it had to be the stuffed one on the display. Sargent wanted a tie-die looking peace bear.
General put two hearts in his bear (one is all red, the other is red gingham) and picked some vans shoes for his kitty.
Sargent picked the red heart and Sketcher shoes. neither could decide on clothes, by this time they were so far tired and beyond comprehension of anything as they were being more and more over stimulated.
After they picked the shell of the animal they wanted, they all sat down to name them. Z was helping Sargent choose a name and I was rattling off a list of twenty names to General to help him name his kitty...
I just think it is fabulous! The first name for Sargent.: Z said "Would you like to name your bear Jake?" "Ya. Jake." (he said with a scrunched up nose like he does when there is a question.)
Finally I flippantly say to General, "How about Edward?" He immediately lit up and said "YES!! Edward!"
So, my sons first Build A Bear experience brought into our home Jake and Edward. :) I love it!
Enjoy right now. :)
Cara :)
The day was spent with the birthday girl and her two siblings here at our house, as we do on Mondays and Fridays this summer. We played outside, put the cats in the garage to hopefully catch the mice, and baked cupcakes, which we later decorated. :)
It was a fun day. Once that was all done and there was no nap, because of the sugar high and the anticipation of the impending party I am sure, we went to Build A Bear Workshop.
It was really fun!!
The boys were very quiet and didn't quite know what to do. General wanted a kitty... but it had to be the stuffed one on the display. Sargent wanted a tie-die looking peace bear.
General put two hearts in his bear (one is all red, the other is red gingham) and picked some vans shoes for his kitty.
Sargent picked the red heart and Sketcher shoes. neither could decide on clothes, by this time they were so far tired and beyond comprehension of anything as they were being more and more over stimulated.
After they picked the shell of the animal they wanted, they all sat down to name them. Z was helping Sargent choose a name and I was rattling off a list of twenty names to General to help him name his kitty...
I just think it is fabulous! The first name for Sargent.: Z said "Would you like to name your bear Jake?" "Ya. Jake." (he said with a scrunched up nose like he does when there is a question.)
Finally I flippantly say to General, "How about Edward?" He immediately lit up and said "YES!! Edward!"
So, my sons first Build A Bear experience brought into our home Jake and Edward. :) I love it!
Enjoy right now. :)
Cara :)
Twins and Sleeping & Potty Training Update
This is just a follow up on how the boys are doing with their sleeping and potty.
It is really quite nice! I honestly was a bit concerned for a little bit there. I think the habit is formed.
We do our nightly routine: Dinner, Bath, Puzzle while we get dressed, read scriptures and pray, read a story of their choosing (sometimes one and sometimes one for each) and climb into bed.
They get in bed and unless they need to go potty, they stay in their bed. General Potty is still holding on through the night and finally comes in and gets me in the morning with a smile and we go into the potty together.
Sargent Potty wears a night time pull-up. and comes in a little more wet and less happy than General Potty. He is still happy, but just not AS happy. I think that once he grasps that he will be much happier in the morning.
While I was at convention, I don't know how they did with their potty, because no one updated the chart like I asked them too...
The boys have a seven day Thomas chart (not sure where my hubby found them) that I write out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Poop, and an accident allowance square. They boys do a potty dance, wash their hands, and put their sticker on their chart. This is helping them learn what day it is and how to count. :) They count to 5 all by themselves now and even count to ten.
There are those parents who may decide to count up to as high as they can when they are potty training... mine will sit there all day to get out of going to bed some nights, so I have to count to thirty and they are done. They wash their hands and go to bed.
Back to bed :)
As long as the door is open they will stay in bed. I don't know what I did to make them hate the door being closed, but it has been their hate for a long time now. I had a warmer in their room that put off some really good light, but at the beginning of our sleep training the bulb burned out... I just never turned it back on. I am not sure if I should turn it on and if they would be OK with the door closed or not.
I think the key is that the door is open they know I am there and can hear me. I had to tell them that if they get out of bed I will close and lock the door. Like I said they stay in bed. :)
So where I thought there would be a problem teaching twins to obey and go to bed and sleep on their open, there is no problem. I highly recommend this sleep method.
They will lay in their beds and talk to each other. They ask questions and answer each other... It is really cute. I am so blessed by my babies!
The entire time I was away everyone who had anything to do with them told me how wonderfully behaved they are. I know I am blessed and could probably not be any more blessed than I am by them. We went to the carnival at convention and they just held on to the stroller that they wouldn't sit in, and danced their way around. I hope they never doubt my gratitude and adoration for them.
Enjoy right now.
Cara :)
It is really quite nice! I honestly was a bit concerned for a little bit there. I think the habit is formed.
We do our nightly routine: Dinner, Bath, Puzzle while we get dressed, read scriptures and pray, read a story of their choosing (sometimes one and sometimes one for each) and climb into bed.
They get in bed and unless they need to go potty, they stay in their bed. General Potty is still holding on through the night and finally comes in and gets me in the morning with a smile and we go into the potty together.
Sargent Potty wears a night time pull-up. and comes in a little more wet and less happy than General Potty. He is still happy, but just not AS happy. I think that once he grasps that he will be much happier in the morning.
While I was at convention, I don't know how they did with their potty, because no one updated the chart like I asked them too...
The boys have a seven day Thomas chart (not sure where my hubby found them) that I write out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Poop, and an accident allowance square. They boys do a potty dance, wash their hands, and put their sticker on their chart. This is helping them learn what day it is and how to count. :) They count to 5 all by themselves now and even count to ten.
There are those parents who may decide to count up to as high as they can when they are potty training... mine will sit there all day to get out of going to bed some nights, so I have to count to thirty and they are done. They wash their hands and go to bed.
Back to bed :)
As long as the door is open they will stay in bed. I don't know what I did to make them hate the door being closed, but it has been their hate for a long time now. I had a warmer in their room that put off some really good light, but at the beginning of our sleep training the bulb burned out... I just never turned it back on. I am not sure if I should turn it on and if they would be OK with the door closed or not.
I think the key is that the door is open they know I am there and can hear me. I had to tell them that if they get out of bed I will close and lock the door. Like I said they stay in bed. :)
So where I thought there would be a problem teaching twins to obey and go to bed and sleep on their open, there is no problem. I highly recommend this sleep method.
They will lay in their beds and talk to each other. They ask questions and answer each other... It is really cute. I am so blessed by my babies!
The entire time I was away everyone who had anything to do with them told me how wonderfully behaved they are. I know I am blessed and could probably not be any more blessed than I am by them. We went to the carnival at convention and they just held on to the stroller that they wouldn't sit in, and danced their way around. I hope they never doubt my gratitude and adoration for them.
Enjoy right now.
Cara :)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Sleep
I have notices something profound... This all from our recent use of "Sleep Sense"... That when you are tired you tend me be grouchy.
Being a mother of twins, and having always been one of those people who really needs a lot of sleep... beauty isn't grouchy is it?... I have always been very sensitive to the sleep needs of my sons. I realized the other day that it had gotten out of control and no one in our house was getting enough sleep. Thus the "Sleep Sense" use.
Almost immediatly I noticed that my twin sons got along so much better. There was a massive reduction in fights. Less biting, fewer tantrums, more smiles and hugs.
LOL!! They sit on their potty chairs together and put their arms around each other... it is very sweet. they even do better with the potty training when they have adiquate rest.
My husband tends to be one those pestering husbands that knows exactly what bothers me and instead of kissing me nicely or just putting a hand on my leg when he walks into a room, he immediately goes for my knees to mess with my kneecaps... Don't ask me why, this just REALLY bothers me (yes that was a yell, but not at you, it bothers me a lot).
I myself am tired today and had little patience for his obnoxiousness... and he snores and he wonders why I am tired and short with him...? Really he wonders. It is beyond me. So he decides to pester on and when I finally get mad, because when I am not tired I can put up with him for a good long while before I don't' have to get mad because he gets bored... But when I am tired and he is bugging me I have a shorter fuse.
Don't' get me wrong, my husband is really pretty funny at times and he is very sweet to me. There is no one better for me... and I am sure no one to tolerate him as well as I do. He just tends to go overboard when he is tired and more overboard when I am.
Let's all get the sleep we need so we can all stop bugging the people we love and be happy people together. :) Go to bed at a reasonable hour and stop driving like maniacs.
To Happy Sleeping!
Cara :)
Being a mother of twins, and having always been one of those people who really needs a lot of sleep... beauty isn't grouchy is it?... I have always been very sensitive to the sleep needs of my sons. I realized the other day that it had gotten out of control and no one in our house was getting enough sleep. Thus the "Sleep Sense" use.
Almost immediatly I noticed that my twin sons got along so much better. There was a massive reduction in fights. Less biting, fewer tantrums, more smiles and hugs.
LOL!! They sit on their potty chairs together and put their arms around each other... it is very sweet. they even do better with the potty training when they have adiquate rest.
My husband tends to be one those pestering husbands that knows exactly what bothers me and instead of kissing me nicely or just putting a hand on my leg when he walks into a room, he immediately goes for my knees to mess with my kneecaps... Don't ask me why, this just REALLY bothers me (yes that was a yell, but not at you, it bothers me a lot).
I myself am tired today and had little patience for his obnoxiousness... and he snores and he wonders why I am tired and short with him...? Really he wonders. It is beyond me. So he decides to pester on and when I finally get mad, because when I am not tired I can put up with him for a good long while before I don't' have to get mad because he gets bored... But when I am tired and he is bugging me I have a shorter fuse.
Don't' get me wrong, my husband is really pretty funny at times and he is very sweet to me. There is no one better for me... and I am sure no one to tolerate him as well as I do. He just tends to go overboard when he is tired and more overboard when I am.
Let's all get the sleep we need so we can all stop bugging the people we love and be happy people together. :) Go to bed at a reasonable hour and stop driving like maniacs.
To Happy Sleeping!
Cara :)
Nap Time
Nap time is getting much nicer here in our house and the boys are getting better at recognizing that it is nap time.
I love it that they are finally talking... and talking alot. The way they pronounce things is so stinking cute to me. "nap time" "sleep time" "Elmo potty" So Cute!! I wish you could hear it!
I have had a dilemma since we conceived the boys, it seems that pertinent information that I really need to find specifically for twins is never available or accessible.
I started using Dana Obleman's Sleep Sense (http://www.sleepsense.net/blog/) I really am happy with it... other than there is nothing available for twins who share the same room. It is working, just not as effectively as I am sure it works with a singleton.even older or younger siblings sharing a room isn't applicable.
When one of them is not listening and I leave the other starts screaming and is "punished" for what the other one did... not a very fair thing to have to do.
Nap times seems to be the easier time to get them to rest than bedtime. They store up and poop at 9:00 at night... did I mention that I am potty training too? sleep and potty train at the same time. and you never know when they really need to use the potty or if they are just trying to get out of sleeping... they are good at that. especially when you are being tag teamed. :)
So I am going to do my best to share my positive experiences in regards to twins and find the information that we need.
Cara
I love it that they are finally talking... and talking alot. The way they pronounce things is so stinking cute to me. "nap time" "sleep time" "Elmo potty" So Cute!! I wish you could hear it!
I have had a dilemma since we conceived the boys, it seems that pertinent information that I really need to find specifically for twins is never available or accessible.
I started using Dana Obleman's Sleep Sense (http://www.sleepsense.net/blog/) I really am happy with it... other than there is nothing available for twins who share the same room. It is working, just not as effectively as I am sure it works with a singleton.even older or younger siblings sharing a room isn't applicable.
When one of them is not listening and I leave the other starts screaming and is "punished" for what the other one did... not a very fair thing to have to do.
Nap times seems to be the easier time to get them to rest than bedtime. They store up and poop at 9:00 at night... did I mention that I am potty training too? sleep and potty train at the same time. and you never know when they really need to use the potty or if they are just trying to get out of sleeping... they are good at that. especially when you are being tag teamed. :)
So I am going to do my best to share my positive experiences in regards to twins and find the information that we need.
Cara
Moving...
No matter how long I live my moving will always be a pain.
I decided that after we moved while I was pregnant with twins and I had to just throw everything into boxes as I could. I was going to eventually sort through everything and get it nice and consolidated.
I finally did, but then it came time to purge and sort the baby stuff.
I have high hopes of being able to conceive naturally this time. It took us three and a half years and finally IVF to get the boys. What a blessing. Because of that we have frozen embryos that after we try for at least six months to a year on our own, we will be able to utilize if I am still not functioning properly.
I just say that because I could just get rid of everything and be done with it, but we want more kids. These two are fantastic and I cannot complain about them at all. They are so different and so fantastic. I couldn't' be more blessed. I really want girls to look up to these two amazing big brothers. Oh! They will be good big brothers, to sisters or brothers. :)
So back on track. My entire life seems to have been spent in an extra double wide trailer that we just used to store things... and after we moved while I was pregnant i decided that I was really tired of living my life like that and wanted to consolidate and just keep important and useful things. We have been moving my mom to a different apartment and she has a lot of stuff...
This is where the point of moving comes in. :) She used the analogy of Monk and his brother... I don't' watch that show but I gather from the commercials that he is pretty anal and a minimalist. His brother (so she tells me) is a hoarder. anything and everything that he can keep he does.
If you are going to move... try to minimize a little bit before you ask for people to help you. it is really hard to commit a day and think you will have it done and have an epic adventure in front of you. Be considerate of those you are asking for help from.
I love my mom. I am glad to help and I hope that she can let go of the excess baggage and be content. :)
I don't plan on moving from this house for another couple of years, or at least not until we finally do have more babies (we barely fit here now).
Cara
I decided that after we moved while I was pregnant with twins and I had to just throw everything into boxes as I could. I was going to eventually sort through everything and get it nice and consolidated.
I finally did, but then it came time to purge and sort the baby stuff.
I have high hopes of being able to conceive naturally this time. It took us three and a half years and finally IVF to get the boys. What a blessing. Because of that we have frozen embryos that after we try for at least six months to a year on our own, we will be able to utilize if I am still not functioning properly.
I just say that because I could just get rid of everything and be done with it, but we want more kids. These two are fantastic and I cannot complain about them at all. They are so different and so fantastic. I couldn't' be more blessed. I really want girls to look up to these two amazing big brothers. Oh! They will be good big brothers, to sisters or brothers. :)
So back on track. My entire life seems to have been spent in an extra double wide trailer that we just used to store things... and after we moved while I was pregnant i decided that I was really tired of living my life like that and wanted to consolidate and just keep important and useful things. We have been moving my mom to a different apartment and she has a lot of stuff...
This is where the point of moving comes in. :) She used the analogy of Monk and his brother... I don't' watch that show but I gather from the commercials that he is pretty anal and a minimalist. His brother (so she tells me) is a hoarder. anything and everything that he can keep he does.
If you are going to move... try to minimize a little bit before you ask for people to help you. it is really hard to commit a day and think you will have it done and have an epic adventure in front of you. Be considerate of those you are asking for help from.
I love my mom. I am glad to help and I hope that she can let go of the excess baggage and be content. :)
I don't plan on moving from this house for another couple of years, or at least not until we finally do have more babies (we barely fit here now).
Cara
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