We started the weekend with Davin having a random puke. This was definitely not a Mother of the Year moment. At 5:30 am I thought I heard Mara throwing up, so I went and checked. She was fine, so I left the room. Yes, when I entered the room, I thought I smelled the distinct smell, but I never thought to check Davin because I thought I heard Mara. Three hours later, I went to get him out of his crib and realized he had been laying in his vomit for the last three hours. I felt horrible, but I guess he couldn't have felt that bad since he fell back to sleep. I don't know why I didn't think to check him....oh well, it was done.
On Saturday, we had a multiples Christmas party, which was a lot of fun and then the Sheldon get together, which was also a good time. Everyone was fine. Sunday was a great day as well. We finished by having a family dance party, baths, and then Jayna and I decorated a gingerbread house when the twins were in bed. I commented to Derrick that days like this made it easy to be parents. We both agreed.
And then it was 12:45 am and Jayna let out a scream. I realized when I opened the door that she was throwing up. Thank goodness Derrick was there to deal with the mess as I dealt with Jayna. This happened a few more times over the next couple hours, so needless to say I'm at home with Jayna today. There aren't many things that are worse than watching your kid get sick and not be able to make them feel better. I was very proud of myself, since I don't deal well with puke, but you just suck it up when it's your own child. Despite being sick, Jayna was still her independent self and had to put her nighty on "all by myself". That made me laugh.
I haven't mentioned that she missed the bus ride to the mall to see Santa. She seems much better, thank goodness, but then Derrick came home around 9:30 and he was sick. He's been in bed sleeping ever since. Hopefully the twins manage to by pass it and I'm hoping that my Giesbrecht stomach of steel holds up. My JV girls have their first game tomorrow and I need to be there. I already missed practice this morning, which I feel terrible about, but that's life.
I'm also trying to mentally prepare myself for Davin's surgery next Thursday. I know he'll be fine, but no mother wants to see their child in pain. I'm assuming the recovery part of the surgery will be the worst. I've heard from other mothers whose boys have had the procedure, that they act as though nothing happened afterwards. He will get an afternoon with just mom and the following day all by himself with Gramma! I know she's looking forward to the cuddles, since she never sees Davin by himself.
On a happy note, I have loved this Christmas season so much. It's been a lot of fun already. It really is so much better with kids. Jayna has been amazing this year and we still have a couple more weeks to get some other activities done with her as well.
I hope everyone else is having a great holiday season and enjoying their friends and family.
A blog about surviving parenthood with a set of twins and a three year old.
Monday 10 December 2012
Wednesday 5 December 2012
We survived the first year!!!!
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've felt very overwhelmed with emotions today as I remember being thrust into the world of parenting multiples a year ago today. I started by feeling guilty because Mara and Davin were still sleeping because I had to get to practice for 7. While driving to work, I felt sad because my babies are no longer babies (Davin walked as much as he crawled at daycare today!). I also didn't want to put them to bed tonight because it would be the end of their first birthday and we will never experience that with our children again.
I vividly remember the moment they handed me Mara and Davin and I looked down at them and wondered, "what the hell am I supposed to do with two of them?" There were many smiles, laughs, as well as moments of me snapping along the way, but overall, it has been a great year.
Is it weird that I think of the last year as the hardest thing I've ever done, but also when I look back, I think, "ah, it wasn't that bad"?
We could never have survived this year with our marriage intact and healthy without our amazing friends and family. Thanks to everyone.
The overwhelming feeling for me is the emotions I feel about Derrick and I. From the moment we found out we were having twins, I knew we'd be fine, but I didn't think we would actually be better now than we were a year ago. We have definitely had our moments, but we always worked it out. I couldn't do it without a super supportive husband who is also an amazing father. Thanks honey!
I've seen some slide shows and videos that people have made of their child's first year. I thought about doing that, and then laughed, because I don't have the time to do that right now. I'm sure I could pull it together, but it wouldn't be as nice as I'd like to it be and that would bother me even more.
Instead, here are a few pictures from throughout the year.
I've felt very overwhelmed with emotions today as I remember being thrust into the world of parenting multiples a year ago today. I started by feeling guilty because Mara and Davin were still sleeping because I had to get to practice for 7. While driving to work, I felt sad because my babies are no longer babies (Davin walked as much as he crawled at daycare today!). I also didn't want to put them to bed tonight because it would be the end of their first birthday and we will never experience that with our children again.
I vividly remember the moment they handed me Mara and Davin and I looked down at them and wondered, "what the hell am I supposed to do with two of them?" There were many smiles, laughs, as well as moments of me snapping along the way, but overall, it has been a great year.
Is it weird that I think of the last year as the hardest thing I've ever done, but also when I look back, I think, "ah, it wasn't that bad"?
We could never have survived this year with our marriage intact and healthy without our amazing friends and family. Thanks to everyone.
The overwhelming feeling for me is the emotions I feel about Derrick and I. From the moment we found out we were having twins, I knew we'd be fine, but I didn't think we would actually be better now than we were a year ago. We have definitely had our moments, but we always worked it out. I couldn't do it without a super supportive husband who is also an amazing father. Thanks honey!
I've seen some slide shows and videos that people have made of their child's first year. I thought about doing that, and then laughed, because I don't have the time to do that right now. I'm sure I could pull it together, but it wouldn't be as nice as I'd like to it be and that would bother me even more.
Instead, here are a few pictures from throughout the year.
Saturday 24 November 2012
Ever changing
Lately, I can't help but be thinking about where we were a year ago. For example, this morning we were all in the living room/dining room and I was watching the kids play and thinking about how a year ago, we were still a family of three. At that moment I was remembering when it was a lot quieter and less hectic. At the same time, I wouldn't change the never ending craziness for anything.
A year ago, I was sooo uncomfortable and wanted these babies out, but at the same time I was super scared of what that would mean. I was worried about being able to care for the twins, and I was really worried about how Jayna would react to the new additions. Fortunately, Jayna could not have been a better big sister. She was usually pretty gentle and she loved the babies from the start. Almost a year later and she is still super helpful and just adores her brother and sister. She is always proud to tell people they are her Mara and Davin when we are out.
I've heard many multiple parents say that the first couple years are a blur and I can completely understand. I just said to Derrick last night that I know that there were many rough days and it seemed like the end of the world at the time, but looking back now, it could have been so much worse. Both of our children were healthy, born after 38 weeks, and all around pretty good kids. Life could have been a lot rougher, as it is for some other families.
In 11 days we will be waking up the babies and saying happy birthday. I can't believe how much life has changed in that year. As much as I know their birthday is about them, I don't really see it that way. For some reason, I see a bigger picture and I feel as though it's a celebration for Derrick and I, since we have survived the first year. There is no doubt in my mind that if we did have a good relationship, we would no longer be together at this point. I would venture to say that our relationship is actually better than it was before.
Part of me is always a little sad when we see the last of the firsts in our house, yet at the same time, I'm so happy we never have to go through the newborn stage again. Last night, Davin was a walking machine. It has yet to be replicated today, but I'm sure he will and I will hopefully get some video.
Well, off to play with the kids and hope the aren't too intrigued by the Christmas tree we put up downstairs last night.
And as promised, here are some pictures from their cake smash done by Robin Marchadour (www.robinmarchadourphotography.com). We are once again so happy with the product. What a talent you are Robin. Thank you so much for giving us amazing pictures of our babes as newborns and now a year later!!! You always surpass our expectations and we get so many compliments.
A year ago, I was sooo uncomfortable and wanted these babies out, but at the same time I was super scared of what that would mean. I was worried about being able to care for the twins, and I was really worried about how Jayna would react to the new additions. Fortunately, Jayna could not have been a better big sister. She was usually pretty gentle and she loved the babies from the start. Almost a year later and she is still super helpful and just adores her brother and sister. She is always proud to tell people they are her Mara and Davin when we are out.
I've heard many multiple parents say that the first couple years are a blur and I can completely understand. I just said to Derrick last night that I know that there were many rough days and it seemed like the end of the world at the time, but looking back now, it could have been so much worse. Both of our children were healthy, born after 38 weeks, and all around pretty good kids. Life could have been a lot rougher, as it is for some other families.
In 11 days we will be waking up the babies and saying happy birthday. I can't believe how much life has changed in that year. As much as I know their birthday is about them, I don't really see it that way. For some reason, I see a bigger picture and I feel as though it's a celebration for Derrick and I, since we have survived the first year. There is no doubt in my mind that if we did have a good relationship, we would no longer be together at this point. I would venture to say that our relationship is actually better than it was before.
Part of me is always a little sad when we see the last of the firsts in our house, yet at the same time, I'm so happy we never have to go through the newborn stage again. Last night, Davin was a walking machine. It has yet to be replicated today, but I'm sure he will and I will hopefully get some video.
Well, off to play with the kids and hope the aren't too intrigued by the Christmas tree we put up downstairs last night.
And as promised, here are some pictures from their cake smash done by Robin Marchadour (www.robinmarchadourphotography.com). We are once again so happy with the product. What a talent you are Robin. Thank you so much for giving us amazing pictures of our babes as newborns and now a year later!!! You always surpass our expectations and we get so many compliments.
Saturday 17 November 2012
Working Mama
I've just completed my second week of work and everyone keeps asking me how it is. I'm not sure quite what to say. I thought motherhood was a giant roller coaster of emotions, but I seem to be on an even bigger roller coaster for the last two weeks. Anyone who knows me, knows that I was really excited to go back to work. One of the reasons is that I know that I don't have it in me to be a stay at home mom. Other reasons were that I love my job, I love feeling like I'm a part of something bigger, I love the social aspect of working (my department is amazing and super fun), and I was looking forward to missing the twins and have quality time (vs quantity).
After the first day, I realized that I made the right choice and I truly do love my job. I was super happy and flying high after that day. As the last two weeks have gone on, I've settled in at work (as much as a Phys Ed teacher can settle in, there's always a billion things going on), but I've also felt very overwhelmed and like my wheels are spinning. I'm teaching two sections of Phys Ed and two sections of Family Studies. I'm finding prepping for the new course to be challenging, as it's not where my heart is, although I do enjoy certain aspects of the course. The first week back, we were hosting conference volleyball playoffs so we were run off our feet and I put it two really long nights. Last week marked the beginning of basketball season, which means I'm going to be out for some portion of the evening at least 4 nights a week.
I had a basketball meeting Thursday after work and I was feeling extreme guilt that day about not being home and spending a lot of time with the kiddos. I got home about 6:15, 15 minutes before the twins' bed time and had the best time. I kept them up a little later so I could enjoy them and it was well worth it. The kids were all happy to see me, climbing on me, laughing, giving hugs and kisses (Davin and Mara both took a step!). For half an hour, I truly enjoyed my children without any interruptions. After feeling ridiculous amounts of guilt, I realized that I shouldn't stress about it. That half an hour was more enjoyable and had more quality than some days on mat leave when I was just struggling to get through the day.
Unfortunately, guilt comes with the job of being a parent. In some ways, I'm sure it makes us better parents, as it keeps us accountable, but I think we also need to keep it in check and to not let us be overcome with guilt too often.
People have also asked me how I get everything done and the answer is that I don't. First of all, I have an extremely helpful and supportive husband and that helps a lot. Secondly, I'm ok that not everything is done. Sometimes it kind of drives me crazy, but I'd rather go outside and play with the kids or decorate for Christmas than fold laundry. On that note, there are probably four loads of laundry that are sitting in the laundry room waiting to be folded and put away. I'll get to it tomorrow, and if I don't oh well. My kids are clean and they have clean clothes, so what if they're not folded. Life is about priorities and spending time with my children is way more important than a little bit of dirt or some folded laundry.
Oh yeah, and the exhaustion. I don't even know what to say about that. I'm beyond exhausted. I get up at 5:45 and I don't stop till at least 9:30 most nights.
In the end, I know everything that needs to get done will get done and life will go on if some things don't get taken care of right away.
On another note, we had pictures taken back on August 9th and we just go them back.....don't ask. I have included a couple here. I have also included one from the twins' newborn shoot to compare from when they were born. We also did a cake smash session a couple weeks ago with our friend Robin and I will be including those in my next post ( www.robinmarchadourphotography.com ). How much they've changed since August!
After the first day, I realized that I made the right choice and I truly do love my job. I was super happy and flying high after that day. As the last two weeks have gone on, I've settled in at work (as much as a Phys Ed teacher can settle in, there's always a billion things going on), but I've also felt very overwhelmed and like my wheels are spinning. I'm teaching two sections of Phys Ed and two sections of Family Studies. I'm finding prepping for the new course to be challenging, as it's not where my heart is, although I do enjoy certain aspects of the course. The first week back, we were hosting conference volleyball playoffs so we were run off our feet and I put it two really long nights. Last week marked the beginning of basketball season, which means I'm going to be out for some portion of the evening at least 4 nights a week.
I had a basketball meeting Thursday after work and I was feeling extreme guilt that day about not being home and spending a lot of time with the kiddos. I got home about 6:15, 15 minutes before the twins' bed time and had the best time. I kept them up a little later so I could enjoy them and it was well worth it. The kids were all happy to see me, climbing on me, laughing, giving hugs and kisses (Davin and Mara both took a step!). For half an hour, I truly enjoyed my children without any interruptions. After feeling ridiculous amounts of guilt, I realized that I shouldn't stress about it. That half an hour was more enjoyable and had more quality than some days on mat leave when I was just struggling to get through the day.
Unfortunately, guilt comes with the job of being a parent. In some ways, I'm sure it makes us better parents, as it keeps us accountable, but I think we also need to keep it in check and to not let us be overcome with guilt too often.
People have also asked me how I get everything done and the answer is that I don't. First of all, I have an extremely helpful and supportive husband and that helps a lot. Secondly, I'm ok that not everything is done. Sometimes it kind of drives me crazy, but I'd rather go outside and play with the kids or decorate for Christmas than fold laundry. On that note, there are probably four loads of laundry that are sitting in the laundry room waiting to be folded and put away. I'll get to it tomorrow, and if I don't oh well. My kids are clean and they have clean clothes, so what if they're not folded. Life is about priorities and spending time with my children is way more important than a little bit of dirt or some folded laundry.
Oh yeah, and the exhaustion. I don't even know what to say about that. I'm beyond exhausted. I get up at 5:45 and I don't stop till at least 9:30 most nights.
In the end, I know everything that needs to get done will get done and life will go on if some things don't get taken care of right away.
On another note, we had pictures taken back on August 9th and we just go them back.....don't ask. I have included a couple here. I have also included one from the twins' newborn shoot to compare from when they were born. We also did a cake smash session a couple weeks ago with our friend Robin and I will be including those in my next post ( www.robinmarchadourphotography.com ). How much they've changed since August!
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| August 9th, 2012 (twins 8 months old) |
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| December 11th, 2011 (twins 6 days old) |
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| Daddy's little girl! |
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| Our beautiful big girl |
Monday 29 October 2012
The end of an era
Today marks the first day of the last week of my last maternity leave. This time next week, I will be teaching my first class in 13 months! I'm returning when the twins are only 11 months (which is the same time I went back after Jayna). I will be starting to coach basketball soon, so I figured that I may as well get paid more than EI pays me!
People are asking me if I'm happy to be going back, and mainly, the answer is YES!!!! I love hanging out with the twins (Jayna's in daycare full time and has been since July), but I'm really looking forward to missing them. I'm also looking forward to the challenges of work as well as spending my days with adults who I really enjoy being around. At work, I constantly get to laugh as well.
Having said that, I know things are going to be absolutely crazy and Derrick and I are going to have to be really organized, which isn't a bad thing. I couldn't even think of going back to my job, coaching and running my own business if I didn't have such a great husband who is both helpful and supportive. It also means that after Christmas, we will be bringing cleaners back (I'm pretty fired up about that).
Looking back, it has been a crazy 13 months. A year ago, I was off work already, but just waiting for the twins. It was odd, because I knew they shouldn't be here for a while, but being twins, you never know. We were prepared pretty early and as prepared as we could be for the unexpected to happen. We were fortunate enough that that didn't happen. I ended up having to be induced at over 38 weeks. Born at 6lbs 2 oz and 6lbs 12 oz, both Mara and Davin were healthy and never had to go to the NICU. They have done nothing but grow and amaze me every day. They are crawling everywhere, pulling themselves up and walking along things as well as standing on their own. It's only a matter of time before they walk. I'm well aware that I could miss those first steps while I'm at work, but I know they'll be well taken care of and loved at their new daycare. I also think that even if I didn't go back to work, I could miss those steps while someone else watches the kids for a bit.
There are many moments when I think that having twins is the most ridiculous and mean thing you could do to someone, but there are even more moments when the dynamics and interactions of twins astound me. While Mara is crying right now, Davin is smiling at me and melting my heart. It makes it pretty easy to ignore the current sucky poo. Meanwhile, there are other times when they're both screaming and I want to pull my hair out.
There are also many times when people ask why they're such good kids when we're out, or they don't know how I do I manage to take them out regularly and not want to lose my mind. With all my children, I've taken them out from a very young age. Yes, there are times when it doesn't go perfectly, actually most times aren't perfect, but we make it. I guess I could have chosen to stay home all the time, but that doesn't sound like fun at all to me. I also think that they are well behaved when we are out, because they are used to that and we have expectations. It's all in what you make of it. Yesterday I met friends for breakfast with all three kids and Jayna went in her PJs. I didn't feel like fighting about it and she was no worse off.
In the end, I look forward to sharing the joy of my babies with someone else while they're at daycare. They are fortunate enough to have one more person to love them! I also look forward to being a better mother because of work.
People are asking me if I'm happy to be going back, and mainly, the answer is YES!!!! I love hanging out with the twins (Jayna's in daycare full time and has been since July), but I'm really looking forward to missing them. I'm also looking forward to the challenges of work as well as spending my days with adults who I really enjoy being around. At work, I constantly get to laugh as well.
Having said that, I know things are going to be absolutely crazy and Derrick and I are going to have to be really organized, which isn't a bad thing. I couldn't even think of going back to my job, coaching and running my own business if I didn't have such a great husband who is both helpful and supportive. It also means that after Christmas, we will be bringing cleaners back (I'm pretty fired up about that).
Looking back, it has been a crazy 13 months. A year ago, I was off work already, but just waiting for the twins. It was odd, because I knew they shouldn't be here for a while, but being twins, you never know. We were prepared pretty early and as prepared as we could be for the unexpected to happen. We were fortunate enough that that didn't happen. I ended up having to be induced at over 38 weeks. Born at 6lbs 2 oz and 6lbs 12 oz, both Mara and Davin were healthy and never had to go to the NICU. They have done nothing but grow and amaze me every day. They are crawling everywhere, pulling themselves up and walking along things as well as standing on their own. It's only a matter of time before they walk. I'm well aware that I could miss those first steps while I'm at work, but I know they'll be well taken care of and loved at their new daycare. I also think that even if I didn't go back to work, I could miss those steps while someone else watches the kids for a bit.
There are many moments when I think that having twins is the most ridiculous and mean thing you could do to someone, but there are even more moments when the dynamics and interactions of twins astound me. While Mara is crying right now, Davin is smiling at me and melting my heart. It makes it pretty easy to ignore the current sucky poo. Meanwhile, there are other times when they're both screaming and I want to pull my hair out.
There are also many times when people ask why they're such good kids when we're out, or they don't know how I do I manage to take them out regularly and not want to lose my mind. With all my children, I've taken them out from a very young age. Yes, there are times when it doesn't go perfectly, actually most times aren't perfect, but we make it. I guess I could have chosen to stay home all the time, but that doesn't sound like fun at all to me. I also think that they are well behaved when we are out, because they are used to that and we have expectations. It's all in what you make of it. Yesterday I met friends for breakfast with all three kids and Jayna went in her PJs. I didn't feel like fighting about it and she was no worse off.
In the end, I look forward to sharing the joy of my babies with someone else while they're at daycare. They are fortunate enough to have one more person to love them! I also look forward to being a better mother because of work.
Saturday 13 October 2012
AHHHHHH!!!
It's days like this when I don't love being a mom. It's also days like this that make me realize that Derrick and I will be fine. If we can make it through a day like today without wanting to kill each other, we pass the test with flying colours.
The twins were crazy fussy today and into absolutely everything they shouldn't be. I was out for a bit, so Derrick was on his own, and then I was trying to make some soup and supper and wasn't really helping him either. Mara got taken out by a baby gate that came crashing down, and she hit her face in the tub tonight, along with being pushed by her big sister a few times and having toys stolen. Davin face planted in the living room, kept wiping out in the tub (while he was sitting down), and then Jayna cranked him in the head with the door.
It is 6:42, and the twins are already in bed and quiet. That is a 1/2 hour earlier than usual, but they (and we) were just done. Jayna's playing nicely in the tub right now and once she's in bed, we will be cleaning the bathrooms and the floors and then sitting down for a couple stiff drinks!
Oh the life of a parent. It's only glamorous if you're famous and have a nanny, a house cleaner, personal assistant, and a cook. I'd love absolutely every minute of being a mother then too!!!!
The twins were crazy fussy today and into absolutely everything they shouldn't be. I was out for a bit, so Derrick was on his own, and then I was trying to make some soup and supper and wasn't really helping him either. Mara got taken out by a baby gate that came crashing down, and she hit her face in the tub tonight, along with being pushed by her big sister a few times and having toys stolen. Davin face planted in the living room, kept wiping out in the tub (while he was sitting down), and then Jayna cranked him in the head with the door.
It is 6:42, and the twins are already in bed and quiet. That is a 1/2 hour earlier than usual, but they (and we) were just done. Jayna's playing nicely in the tub right now and once she's in bed, we will be cleaning the bathrooms and the floors and then sitting down for a couple stiff drinks!
Oh the life of a parent. It's only glamorous if you're famous and have a nanny, a house cleaner, personal assistant, and a cook. I'd love absolutely every minute of being a mother then too!!!!
Friday 12 October 2012
Blah!
Right now I feel like parenting is one long roller coaster. There are some crazy ups and some crazy downs and you never quite know how long any of them are going to last. I'm someone who is totally fine with not having every minute planned. I'm also good at rolling with the punches and flying by the seat of my pants, but sometimes it's nice to know how things are going to go.
I'm amazed that one minute I can be so irritated with one, two, or all of my children and then in a second something changes and I love being a parent again. I find the mornings to be a little chaotic in our house, but it's also a happy time and I time when I look at my kids as they eat and enjoy it. This morning I was enjoying the moment and thankful for the new start every day. Lately, Jayna pulls her chair right next to Mara's when she eats. It's super cute that she wants to be with her sister. Jayna was announcing that she was rubbing her back and that Mara was burping. She makes me giggle. And then 15 minutes later, we are in the van and she says to Mara, "It's my song, stop listening!" Derrick and I just laughed at how ridiculous it was. I'm pretty sure that we both realized in that moment that we are in trouble for the next 18 years.
I feel as though I've struggled this week. It's been a blah week. I haven't felt like doing much and the kids have been a lot fussier than they usually are, so I've been very annoyed by that. I think that part of my blah feeling is stress related. I worry a lot about when I go back to work, which is in three weeks. I'm so excited to go back and laugh every day and have quality time with my little ones, but at the same time, I worry about making it all work. I just keep reminding myself that I can't be everything to everyone all the time. I know that it will all work out and that we will find a groove. I also know it will be fine because I have a very supportive husband who is a great dad. I am also ok with my kids spending a lot of time in the gym as they grow up (there are worse places they could be).
Another part of me really hopes we win the lottery tonight and then I would have to stress about different things, which I'm sure I'd be ok with!
I was just talking to a friend yesterday and we were discussing all of the things we would like to do around our houses. We both realized they will take a while to happen and we were good with that. We both have three healthy kids, great husbands and a roof over our heads, as well as supportive friends and family. In the end, we have more than a lot of people do and we are very fortunate. I guess I'll learn to love my original kitchen cupboards and enjoy the small things!
In the end, I've decided to look at my week this way.....it was a low on the roller coaster and there isn't anywhere to go but up. Next week is a new week and I will be productive! I'm looking forward to a great weekend.
I'm amazed that one minute I can be so irritated with one, two, or all of my children and then in a second something changes and I love being a parent again. I find the mornings to be a little chaotic in our house, but it's also a happy time and I time when I look at my kids as they eat and enjoy it. This morning I was enjoying the moment and thankful for the new start every day. Lately, Jayna pulls her chair right next to Mara's when she eats. It's super cute that she wants to be with her sister. Jayna was announcing that she was rubbing her back and that Mara was burping. She makes me giggle. And then 15 minutes later, we are in the van and she says to Mara, "It's my song, stop listening!" Derrick and I just laughed at how ridiculous it was. I'm pretty sure that we both realized in that moment that we are in trouble for the next 18 years.
I feel as though I've struggled this week. It's been a blah week. I haven't felt like doing much and the kids have been a lot fussier than they usually are, so I've been very annoyed by that. I think that part of my blah feeling is stress related. I worry a lot about when I go back to work, which is in three weeks. I'm so excited to go back and laugh every day and have quality time with my little ones, but at the same time, I worry about making it all work. I just keep reminding myself that I can't be everything to everyone all the time. I know that it will all work out and that we will find a groove. I also know it will be fine because I have a very supportive husband who is a great dad. I am also ok with my kids spending a lot of time in the gym as they grow up (there are worse places they could be).
Another part of me really hopes we win the lottery tonight and then I would have to stress about different things, which I'm sure I'd be ok with!
I was just talking to a friend yesterday and we were discussing all of the things we would like to do around our houses. We both realized they will take a while to happen and we were good with that. We both have three healthy kids, great husbands and a roof over our heads, as well as supportive friends and family. In the end, we have more than a lot of people do and we are very fortunate. I guess I'll learn to love my original kitchen cupboards and enjoy the small things!
In the end, I've decided to look at my week this way.....it was a low on the roller coaster and there isn't anywhere to go but up. Next week is a new week and I will be productive! I'm looking forward to a great weekend.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Funny kids
I have kept Jayna home the last two days because we had playdates with friends. I don't do this all the time, and there is usually a point in the day where I really regret having kept her home (granted, there are also times throughout the day when I'm really glad I kept her home). Yesterday we went to Earl Grey Community Centre and the kids all had a blast. It was really fun watching Jayna amuse herself and she absolutely loved the bouncer. I also realized how weird my kid is because I mentioned that we were going to go grocery shopping later. She proceeded to beg me to go shopping now. How many kids really love grocery shopping? I love that I can make her happy while accomplishing a task!
Anyway, while we were shopping, Jayna didn't want to walk. I didn't fight about it since she is a really good walker (we can take her to the zoo and she will walk for 3 hours). I had the twins in the upper cart and then Jayna was in the lower part. The twins started getting fussy because they were tired and then Jayna was yelling "Swiper no swiping" really loudly while staring at a can of Dora Alphaghetti. After she was done, she started with Twinkle Twinkle, over and over. Needless to say, I walked through Superstore with a smile on my face laughing at the fact that this was by far the worst shopping experience I have had with my children and it wasn't even really bad. Jayna also wanted to help scan everything and that didn't go over well, but a crisis was averted. This trip made me realize how great our kids are and how lucky we are.
Today we had a playdate with a friend and her two boys (who are the same ages as our kids). The kids all played so nicely and we never once had to break up a fight during their 3 hour visit. My friend and I were both amazed at how well our kids played together. Once they left all three of my kids slept for two hours, which never happens. Her kids also slept at the same time, so we will be doing this again!
While I was cutting potatoes for dinner, Jayna was playing with the toy cell phone that she found. She informed me that she was going to her Uncle's house and I told her she wasn't. She responded with, "I pretending Mommy" for the first time. Her next conversation was with her daddy and wishing him a happy birthday and asking what he would like. She asked him if he wanted shoes. This is especially funny to us since she keeps telling us she wants shoes from Santa. Santa is on the lookout for some awesome runners.
I looked at Jayna earlier today and still couldn't believe that Derrick and I created her. She's such a cute, fun, loving child and I can't wait to see all three of our kids grow up. Mara and Davin's personalities are really coming out. We have also discovered that they definitely know when the other one is hurt or in distress. I know there are going to be MANY bumps along the way, but I also know there will be MANY great times.
Also, I guess this entry will put me over the 2500 views mark, which is crazy to me. I never thought I would have that many people take an interest in my blog. Thank you very much!
Anyway, while we were shopping, Jayna didn't want to walk. I didn't fight about it since she is a really good walker (we can take her to the zoo and she will walk for 3 hours). I had the twins in the upper cart and then Jayna was in the lower part. The twins started getting fussy because they were tired and then Jayna was yelling "Swiper no swiping" really loudly while staring at a can of Dora Alphaghetti. After she was done, she started with Twinkle Twinkle, over and over. Needless to say, I walked through Superstore with a smile on my face laughing at the fact that this was by far the worst shopping experience I have had with my children and it wasn't even really bad. Jayna also wanted to help scan everything and that didn't go over well, but a crisis was averted. This trip made me realize how great our kids are and how lucky we are.
Today we had a playdate with a friend and her two boys (who are the same ages as our kids). The kids all played so nicely and we never once had to break up a fight during their 3 hour visit. My friend and I were both amazed at how well our kids played together. Once they left all three of my kids slept for two hours, which never happens. Her kids also slept at the same time, so we will be doing this again!
While I was cutting potatoes for dinner, Jayna was playing with the toy cell phone that she found. She informed me that she was going to her Uncle's house and I told her she wasn't. She responded with, "I pretending Mommy" for the first time. Her next conversation was with her daddy and wishing him a happy birthday and asking what he would like. She asked him if he wanted shoes. This is especially funny to us since she keeps telling us she wants shoes from Santa. Santa is on the lookout for some awesome runners.
I looked at Jayna earlier today and still couldn't believe that Derrick and I created her. She's such a cute, fun, loving child and I can't wait to see all three of our kids grow up. Mara and Davin's personalities are really coming out. We have also discovered that they definitely know when the other one is hurt or in distress. I know there are going to be MANY bumps along the way, but I also know there will be MANY great times.
Also, I guess this entry will put me over the 2500 views mark, which is crazy to me. I never thought I would have that many people take an interest in my blog. Thank you very much!
Thursday 27 September 2012
Vacation!!!
I remember being in Vegas for the first time and talking to an older couple. We had told them that our almost 11 month old daughter was at home with my parents. They told us that it was important to take a trip every year without the children. At that point I figured it sounded like a good idea and it would be doable, even if it was just a weekend in Grand Forks. I do believe that many people don't put enough time and energy into their relationship after children are born. Once we found out we were having twins, I thought we would never be able to go anywhere again. First of all, I thought no one would ever want to watch all of our kids and secondly I never thought we'd have any money to go. Well, we went to Vegas again in April and I came back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated as a parent. Not long after we got back, we had friends offer to use their Air Miles to fly us all to Toronto this coming weekend and go to a Bill's game in Buffalo. I know that technically, we should have said no, but how do you turn down an almost free flight? Neither Derrick or I have ever been to an NFL game, so we are quite excited.
When the offer came up, Derrick thought we should arrange for someone to watch our kids. I'm not usually one to take this for granted, but I knew that because it was a weekend and such a short time, we could arrange people easily enough within our family. I posted something on Facebook about having a trip booked and now just needing someone to watch our kids and my friend answered that they would watch them. She has almost 8 year old triplets and two of them just love kids and will be super helpful. I talked with her and she said she was serious. I figured, why not? If someone's offering, that's great. Jayna is super excited for Melanie to come stay with her. Thanks again Melanie. You have no idea how thankful we are!!!! For the last few days, when we go out, Jayna asks if we are going on a plane.
The before shot
The after shot
When the offer came up, Derrick thought we should arrange for someone to watch our kids. I'm not usually one to take this for granted, but I knew that because it was a weekend and such a short time, we could arrange people easily enough within our family. I posted something on Facebook about having a trip booked and now just needing someone to watch our kids and my friend answered that they would watch them. She has almost 8 year old triplets and two of them just love kids and will be super helpful. I talked with her and she said she was serious. I figured, why not? If someone's offering, that's great. Jayna is super excited for Melanie to come stay with her. Thanks again Melanie. You have no idea how thankful we are!!!! For the last few days, when we go out, Jayna asks if we are going on a plane.
Here's to a weekend away from the kids with great friends! I can't wait to experience my first NFL game (and see Tom Brady in person!).
Derrick and I are by no means perfect, but we are well aware of our ups and downs and we work hard to make sure our marriage stays strong. We have just had a bit of a rough go the last couple of weeks with his back not being great. Although it wasn't easy, I knew it would pass and we'd move on. Thank goodness that is happening! We may not always get out without the kids, but we make time for each other at home. Sometimes this is just watching a show together or being an old married couple and playing cards, while sharing a bottle of wine of course!
In other news, Davin had his first hair cut on Tuesday. It was just a little trim to get the hair out of his eyes, but it was successful. He was quiet, and barely moved. Here's a before and after shot. I've also included some pictures of the twins' first experience with lasagna. Thank goodness for bath night!
The before shotThe after shotFriday 21 September 2012
Still in disbelief
There are many times when I look at my two little ones and think.....really two? I still can't believe we have twins. They are changing so much and learning new things every day.
Mara and Davin are crawling everywhere, pulling themselves up constantly and Davin really wants to walk, but he's just not quite there. Yesterday he did stand by himself for a few seconds and went back to holding onto a bin, didn't even fall down. Mara likes to climb. She has managed to do a few stairs and she lifts her leg like she's going to climb the couch, but it's still too high for her, thank goodness. They are both starting to take steps along the couch, or while pushing one of the chairs.
I just can't believe how quickly this happened. They are definitely busy and keeping us on our toes.
Today as I write, it's a great morning. I've been able to get some work done and the twins have been playing very nicely. The most heart melting thing is watching them interact and play together. When Davin sees his sister in the morning, he just lights up (it's mutual). The same goes for them and Jayna. She can't wait to run into their room in the morning and entertain them (or "make them happy" because they're usually crying at that point).
I love watching them play with a toy. If you watch, it looks as though they've learned to take turns, which means one will steal it and play for a bit, while the other watches and eventually steals it back. Pretty good system for only 9 months old!
I'm also loving seeing their personalities come out. Davin is the sweet charmer and when he gets fussy, music will make him happy. He is the quiet chatty one and he is very much his father in terms of personality. If we are out and about, he sits and takes it all in and looks very serious. Mara is just like her mother. She is more outgoing, more likely to give you a smile and a lot louder. She tends to be happier, but she angers very quickly. She is also our trouble maker. I'm sure Mara and I will butt heads regularly for years to come.
The last week and a half have been a bit frustrating for me since Derrick threw his back out last week. I've been left to take on even more than usual. He's getting better and I can't wait till we're back to normal. I've also started running a few times a week in the mornings. I hate getting up at 5:45, but I feel great after. It's been about a month and I've noticed a difference already. I've taken advantage of the kids sleeping better and creating a habit before I go back to work. Once I'm back at work, it'll be much easier to fit my workouts in. I don't have much of an excuse when the gym is 5 steps outside my office. For now, while it's still decent in the mornings, the peace and quiet are enjoyed!
I'm looking forward to a good weekend and I will definitely have pictures to post after the Corn Maze on Sunday. I'm sure that will be a gong show and a blast all at once, which is pretty much how our life is nowadays. Derrick and I often have the conversation about trying to figure out when exactly our house became a gong show. Was it right when the twins were born? In the end it doesn't matter, but it makes us laugh.
Mara and Davin are crawling everywhere, pulling themselves up constantly and Davin really wants to walk, but he's just not quite there. Yesterday he did stand by himself for a few seconds and went back to holding onto a bin, didn't even fall down. Mara likes to climb. She has managed to do a few stairs and she lifts her leg like she's going to climb the couch, but it's still too high for her, thank goodness. They are both starting to take steps along the couch, or while pushing one of the chairs.
I just can't believe how quickly this happened. They are definitely busy and keeping us on our toes.
Today as I write, it's a great morning. I've been able to get some work done and the twins have been playing very nicely. The most heart melting thing is watching them interact and play together. When Davin sees his sister in the morning, he just lights up (it's mutual). The same goes for them and Jayna. She can't wait to run into their room in the morning and entertain them (or "make them happy" because they're usually crying at that point).
I love watching them play with a toy. If you watch, it looks as though they've learned to take turns, which means one will steal it and play for a bit, while the other watches and eventually steals it back. Pretty good system for only 9 months old!
I'm also loving seeing their personalities come out. Davin is the sweet charmer and when he gets fussy, music will make him happy. He is the quiet chatty one and he is very much his father in terms of personality. If we are out and about, he sits and takes it all in and looks very serious. Mara is just like her mother. She is more outgoing, more likely to give you a smile and a lot louder. She tends to be happier, but she angers very quickly. She is also our trouble maker. I'm sure Mara and I will butt heads regularly for years to come.
The last week and a half have been a bit frustrating for me since Derrick threw his back out last week. I've been left to take on even more than usual. He's getting better and I can't wait till we're back to normal. I've also started running a few times a week in the mornings. I hate getting up at 5:45, but I feel great after. It's been about a month and I've noticed a difference already. I've taken advantage of the kids sleeping better and creating a habit before I go back to work. Once I'm back at work, it'll be much easier to fit my workouts in. I don't have much of an excuse when the gym is 5 steps outside my office. For now, while it's still decent in the mornings, the peace and quiet are enjoyed!
I'm looking forward to a good weekend and I will definitely have pictures to post after the Corn Maze on Sunday. I'm sure that will be a gong show and a blast all at once, which is pretty much how our life is nowadays. Derrick and I often have the conversation about trying to figure out when exactly our house became a gong show. Was it right when the twins were born? In the end it doesn't matter, but it makes us laugh.
Monday 10 September 2012
Burned Out
I don't quite know what to say, but I realized yesterday that I'm feeling extremely burned out. Not about everything, just about parenting.
Yes, the kids have gotten easier, but right now, I feel like all I do is think about what comes next. I have to make sure there is food in the house for three meals (and those meals have to be suitable for five people, two of which can eat most things, but not everything), plus snacks, I am also the one who has to make sure there are diapers, wipes, clean clothes and all that fun stuff. And somehow, I'm the one that's always having to plan when I'm going to fit shopping for it all into my schedule. It sounds like it would make sense since I'm home all day, but running around with two kids isn't exactly ideal all the time.
Friday, I got a call from Jayna's daycare. They couldn't find a main course in her lunch. We had packed yogurt, a banana, and a granola bar. I know it wasn't a lunch that would help me get nominated for Mother of the Year, but come on, it's not that bad is it? I'll be honest that that phone call made me feel like a terrible parent and I felt like I was extremely judged. When I picked Jayna up, one of the daycare workers (the only one that irks Derrick and I) said that they called because Jayna always has a main course and she was looking everywhere for it. That made me feel a little better, but not really. I'm pretty sure everyone has had a day when they go to make their kids lunch and realize that they need to hit the store.
I haven't even factored in all of the stuff that has to get done around the house, while there are two or three kids home.
I don't feel like going on a huge rant, because life isn't all that terrible, but I had to share my burned out feeling, as I'm sure most parents have felt this at one point or another. In the back of my mind I know it's a phase and it will pass, but right now it sucks.
On a happy note, Davin and Mara don't stop moving all day, even when you change them. Davin pulled himself up for the first time Saturday and hasn't stopped since. Now I think it's just a matter of time before the two of them walk......oh my.
Yes, the kids have gotten easier, but right now, I feel like all I do is think about what comes next. I have to make sure there is food in the house for three meals (and those meals have to be suitable for five people, two of which can eat most things, but not everything), plus snacks, I am also the one who has to make sure there are diapers, wipes, clean clothes and all that fun stuff. And somehow, I'm the one that's always having to plan when I'm going to fit shopping for it all into my schedule. It sounds like it would make sense since I'm home all day, but running around with two kids isn't exactly ideal all the time.
Friday, I got a call from Jayna's daycare. They couldn't find a main course in her lunch. We had packed yogurt, a banana, and a granola bar. I know it wasn't a lunch that would help me get nominated for Mother of the Year, but come on, it's not that bad is it? I'll be honest that that phone call made me feel like a terrible parent and I felt like I was extremely judged. When I picked Jayna up, one of the daycare workers (the only one that irks Derrick and I) said that they called because Jayna always has a main course and she was looking everywhere for it. That made me feel a little better, but not really. I'm pretty sure everyone has had a day when they go to make their kids lunch and realize that they need to hit the store.
I haven't even factored in all of the stuff that has to get done around the house, while there are two or three kids home.
I don't feel like going on a huge rant, because life isn't all that terrible, but I had to share my burned out feeling, as I'm sure most parents have felt this at one point or another. In the back of my mind I know it's a phase and it will pass, but right now it sucks.
On a happy note, Davin and Mara don't stop moving all day, even when you change them. Davin pulled himself up for the first time Saturday and hasn't stopped since. Now I think it's just a matter of time before the two of them walk......oh my.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Work
Today is the first day back to work for my fellow teachers. I've had some weird emotions throughout the last week. Last week, I felt like I should have gone into work a couple of times. I woke up this morning and felt as though I was late for work (the worst feeling). I remember feeling the same way when I was off with Jayna, but now I find it's even more weird. I feel extreme guilt because I know I'm not going to be off ever again, since we are not having any more children.
I poured my cup of coffee into a mug that says "teacher have more class" on purpose today. I think it was my way of reminding me that I'm still a teacher and it's not that long before I return. I definitely don't want to wish the last two months away, but I am really looking forward to life moving to a new kind of crazy. I was complaining about wanting to back to work the other day and Derrick told me that if I thought life was crazy now, it's only going to get worse. I know that and I worry about how everything's going to get done, although I know it will (I'm also hoping to be able to hire the cleaners back so it's one less thing to do). The main reason I look forward to returning to work is so that I can feel normal again. When I go to work, it's about me and I don't have to worry about my family's needs for a little while. I really look forward to laughing every day with my colleagues. My kids make me smile, but they don't make me laugh like my PE department does. I also really miss the students and the excitement of the building!
Aside from my disappointment of not returning to work, we had a great long weekend. We hung out with family and friends, went to the park twice, the zoo, and Jayna got to go bowling for the first time. She loved it and as we were walking out the doors, she said, "I come back here again one day!" We went with Derrick's family including some aunts and we played pass the babies while we took turns bowling. Since Jayna liked it so much, we will take her all by herself one day.
Jayna and I were leaving the house on Saturday and it stunk outside. My comment was "oh it stinks". Jayna responded with, "yeah Mommy, bunnies poop outside". So random and cute!
Mara and Davin have been a joy to watch over the last few days. They tend to play in the same areas and Davin has really sped up in the crawling department. They are pretty much done with formula, we only give them formula in the their bottles at bed time since we may as well use what we have left. They don't even get bottles during the day, their milk goes in sippy cups. These kids also eat pretty much anything, which is a little more convenient! I'm also happy to say that they are still messy eaters, but the mess has decreased significantly. They are also crazy in the bath together and are quite chatty throughout the day. It's a lot of fun to see their connection and their big smiles when they see the other one. The same goes for Jayna who will greet them in their cribs in the morning and they get crazy excited.
I will continue to enjoy the next two months, all the while looking forward to returning to work and living our new kind of crazy.
I poured my cup of coffee into a mug that says "teacher have more class" on purpose today. I think it was my way of reminding me that I'm still a teacher and it's not that long before I return. I definitely don't want to wish the last two months away, but I am really looking forward to life moving to a new kind of crazy. I was complaining about wanting to back to work the other day and Derrick told me that if I thought life was crazy now, it's only going to get worse. I know that and I worry about how everything's going to get done, although I know it will (I'm also hoping to be able to hire the cleaners back so it's one less thing to do). The main reason I look forward to returning to work is so that I can feel normal again. When I go to work, it's about me and I don't have to worry about my family's needs for a little while. I really look forward to laughing every day with my colleagues. My kids make me smile, but they don't make me laugh like my PE department does. I also really miss the students and the excitement of the building!
Aside from my disappointment of not returning to work, we had a great long weekend. We hung out with family and friends, went to the park twice, the zoo, and Jayna got to go bowling for the first time. She loved it and as we were walking out the doors, she said, "I come back here again one day!" We went with Derrick's family including some aunts and we played pass the babies while we took turns bowling. Since Jayna liked it so much, we will take her all by herself one day.
Jayna and I were leaving the house on Saturday and it stunk outside. My comment was "oh it stinks". Jayna responded with, "yeah Mommy, bunnies poop outside". So random and cute!
Mara and Davin have been a joy to watch over the last few days. They tend to play in the same areas and Davin has really sped up in the crawling department. They are pretty much done with formula, we only give them formula in the their bottles at bed time since we may as well use what we have left. They don't even get bottles during the day, their milk goes in sippy cups. These kids also eat pretty much anything, which is a little more convenient! I'm also happy to say that they are still messy eaters, but the mess has decreased significantly. They are also crazy in the bath together and are quite chatty throughout the day. It's a lot of fun to see their connection and their big smiles when they see the other one. The same goes for Jayna who will greet them in their cribs in the morning and they get crazy excited.
I will continue to enjoy the next two months, all the while looking forward to returning to work and living our new kind of crazy.
Friday 31 August 2012
Thank goodness for pictures
I just spent the last couple of hours (of course it takes longer than it should because I'm interrupted a ton) sorting through our last Costco run of pictures, dating them and putting them in the childrens' books. I'm a little crazy about their photo albums. When we had Jayna, it was pretty simple, I would print pictures and every picture with her would go in her album and if I had a picture that didn't have her in it, there was another general photo album for that. While now with the twins, I have chosen to have an album for every child. If Jayna and Davin are in a picture, then I print it twice and put it in both of their books, if all three are in it, then it's printed three times. I think you get the point.
Throughout this process, I have noticed a few things. One is that we still take a lot of pictures, but not as many as when we just had Jayna. The twins are not lacking for photos, but it was so much easier to whip out the camera and photograph Jayna when I didn't have three kids to watch out for. Also, we used to print pictures monthly after Jayna was born and now we wait until Costco has their prints on sale for cheap and we print 100-200 at a time.
The other things is that I'm so thankful that we take the pictures that we do. I don't have a lot of pictures of me growing up, but our kids will have a lot of great memories to look back on. Who are we kidding? It's mostly for me. I remember putting Jayna's pictures in her album when she was 2 months old. When I would do this, I'd always look at the book from the beginning. At this point I looked at the first pictures and realized that if we hadn't taken pictures, I would have already forgotten what she looked like when she was born. I feel this way with the twin's newborn photo shoot with Robin. Every time I look at them, I tell Derrick how I don't regret a penny we spent on them. They are precious and we never would have been able to capture what Robin did. We are also waiting on pictures we had done a few weeks ago and I will post some of those once we have them. Here's the first picture we took of Mara and Davin and then a more recent one.
With the new school year beginning, it's been making me think about how much things have changed over the last 9 months. 9 months ago I was still freaking out about having twins and fearing the unknown. Now, we have settled in and are enjoying watching all three of our turkeys grow. With two kids crawling, it makes for interesting times and their personalities are showing through more and more. Today, Mara and Davin have been playing together a lot and it's been very cute. I'm pretty sure Mara's the leader and trouble maker and Davin will follow and be the sneaky one. Everyday, the twins are getting closer and closer to pulling themselves up and the dynamics between Jayna and the twins is always changing, but for the most part, she's amazing with them. There is no doubt she loves them a lot, but sometimes they get between her and her toys. Watching one child discover the world at this age is amazing, but watching two do it at the same time is even more impressive, even if that includes one of them choking on a penny and a nickle already (thanks for the heart attacks Mara). Oh yeah, when you only have one little one, you don't get to watch them wrestle. Davin has got some awesome wrestling moves and we don't even watch WWE. They should have napped longer today and I was annoyed, but now they are playing so nicely, I can't even be mad.
The school year starting also makes me think about my life returning to "normal". My first day back to work is November 5th. I will have been off for 13 months already and I can't wait to go back. I know things are going to be hectic, but at least I will get a break from my children. I can't wait to return to my job that I love and the people that I love working with. I miss laughing really hard while at work every day. This working mom is ready to return to work!
Throughout this process, I have noticed a few things. One is that we still take a lot of pictures, but not as many as when we just had Jayna. The twins are not lacking for photos, but it was so much easier to whip out the camera and photograph Jayna when I didn't have three kids to watch out for. Also, we used to print pictures monthly after Jayna was born and now we wait until Costco has their prints on sale for cheap and we print 100-200 at a time.
The other things is that I'm so thankful that we take the pictures that we do. I don't have a lot of pictures of me growing up, but our kids will have a lot of great memories to look back on. Who are we kidding? It's mostly for me. I remember putting Jayna's pictures in her album when she was 2 months old. When I would do this, I'd always look at the book from the beginning. At this point I looked at the first pictures and realized that if we hadn't taken pictures, I would have already forgotten what she looked like when she was born. I feel this way with the twin's newborn photo shoot with Robin. Every time I look at them, I tell Derrick how I don't regret a penny we spent on them. They are precious and we never would have been able to capture what Robin did. We are also waiting on pictures we had done a few weeks ago and I will post some of those once we have them. Here's the first picture we took of Mara and Davin and then a more recent one.
With the new school year beginning, it's been making me think about how much things have changed over the last 9 months. 9 months ago I was still freaking out about having twins and fearing the unknown. Now, we have settled in and are enjoying watching all three of our turkeys grow. With two kids crawling, it makes for interesting times and their personalities are showing through more and more. Today, Mara and Davin have been playing together a lot and it's been very cute. I'm pretty sure Mara's the leader and trouble maker and Davin will follow and be the sneaky one. Everyday, the twins are getting closer and closer to pulling themselves up and the dynamics between Jayna and the twins is always changing, but for the most part, she's amazing with them. There is no doubt she loves them a lot, but sometimes they get between her and her toys. Watching one child discover the world at this age is amazing, but watching two do it at the same time is even more impressive, even if that includes one of them choking on a penny and a nickle already (thanks for the heart attacks Mara). Oh yeah, when you only have one little one, you don't get to watch them wrestle. Davin has got some awesome wrestling moves and we don't even watch WWE. They should have napped longer today and I was annoyed, but now they are playing so nicely, I can't even be mad.
The school year starting also makes me think about my life returning to "normal". My first day back to work is November 5th. I will have been off for 13 months already and I can't wait to go back. I know things are going to be hectic, but at least I will get a break from my children. I can't wait to return to my job that I love and the people that I love working with. I miss laughing really hard while at work every day. This working mom is ready to return to work!
Tuesday 28 August 2012
A new kind of crazy
I remember the craziness of having a 21 month old as well as brand new twins like it was yesterday. People keep saying to me that I must have my hands full and be busy. I would say that we have settled in as opposed to having settled down. Things are still crazy and I'm sure they always will be, just in a different way.
Davin started crawling over the weekend so that means that all three children are officially on the move. Mara is trying really hard to pull herself up on the couch and I'm sure she'll succeed soon. This also means that we need to be lowering their cribs :(
I had Davin at a pre-op appointment last week and he's just under 24 pounds. As you can well imagine, they are eating everything we put in front of them: Cheerios, Gold Fish crackers, chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, fruit, veggies, yogurt.....I think you get the idea. I find that this stage is fun, but also a disaster. The twins have been feeding themselves for about a month now and have mastered making a mess. At first, Mara was a complete disaster, but it seems like now she's mastered the index finger and thumb pinching. Davin tends to make a bigger mess now. I am constantly sweeping the floor and washing it, although I'm still not doing it nearly as often as I should. This morning I took them right from their booster seats to the stroller and went for a long walk. This means that I didn't sweep the floor so when we came home two hours later, Davin and Mara went to town on the muffin and Cheerios they had managed to drop on the floor. It's almost like we have a dog! I know that the mess is a means to an end and they have to practice feeding themselves. I know it will get better over time, but for now it drives me crazy.
Jayna is as crazy as ever. She's so independent, which is great, but at the same time, she doesn't stop!!!!
I'll post some pictures and/or video soon (if I can get the video to download). I hear my turkeys talking to each other in their room (a benefit of twins) and we have to pick up their big sis, who is always excited to see them.
Davin started crawling over the weekend so that means that all three children are officially on the move. Mara is trying really hard to pull herself up on the couch and I'm sure she'll succeed soon. This also means that we need to be lowering their cribs :(
I had Davin at a pre-op appointment last week and he's just under 24 pounds. As you can well imagine, they are eating everything we put in front of them: Cheerios, Gold Fish crackers, chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, fruit, veggies, yogurt.....I think you get the idea. I find that this stage is fun, but also a disaster. The twins have been feeding themselves for about a month now and have mastered making a mess. At first, Mara was a complete disaster, but it seems like now she's mastered the index finger and thumb pinching. Davin tends to make a bigger mess now. I am constantly sweeping the floor and washing it, although I'm still not doing it nearly as often as I should. This morning I took them right from their booster seats to the stroller and went for a long walk. This means that I didn't sweep the floor so when we came home two hours later, Davin and Mara went to town on the muffin and Cheerios they had managed to drop on the floor. It's almost like we have a dog! I know that the mess is a means to an end and they have to practice feeding themselves. I know it will get better over time, but for now it drives me crazy.
Jayna is as crazy as ever. She's so independent, which is great, but at the same time, she doesn't stop!!!!
I'll post some pictures and/or video soon (if I can get the video to download). I hear my turkeys talking to each other in their room (a benefit of twins) and we have to pick up their big sis, who is always excited to see them.
Wednesday 15 August 2012
On The Move
No, I'm not talking about the daycare (for those of you I met through working there, you'll get it).
Mara is officially crawling and Davin is super close. He is moving around, but gets his chubby foot stuck underneath him. I feel bad because he works so hard to try to crawl, but it's just not working out for him yet. We have also brought the baby gate back into action to close off the rest of the rest of the house from the living room/dining room. It wasn't so bad when Jayna was a baby because we didn't have a toddler who wanted to roam the house freely. She will adjust eventually.
There's a little music toy the kids play with and they have started dancing to music. Davin sits like a chubby old man and kind of bounces up and down and Mara sits there and waves her hands in the air. It makes me smile every time.
The twins are also eating up a storm. I'm nervous about the daycare bills that will start in a few months, but what I'm more nervous about is once the daycare bills stop, is that the three kids will eat us out of house and home. The whole eating more food and feeding themselves just means a bigger mess as well. Jayna took it upon herself to share her hard boiled egg with Mara the other day (after she saw me feeding them one). Needless to say there was a bunch of cleanup after that.
I weighed the twins yesterday and Mara weighs 20 lbs 12 oz and Davin was 23 lbs 2 oz. Such little chubbers. Mara is definitely rockin the 18 month clothing and Davin can wear some 24 month clothing even. Soon they'll be wearing the same size as Jayna and she's no shorty. We have discovered that we will be putting size 4 jeans on her Christmas list since we've had a couple pairs on her recently and the 3s are not very big.
People would probably be looking at us funny if we had tiny children, with Derrick being 6'4" and myself 6'2".
Mara and Davin are interacting with each other more and more. At my parents' on Sunday, they were squealing back and forth to each other. Yesterday morning, it was fart noises. Even though it's a lot more difficult with two babies, but it's also a lot more fun!
Here's an annoying twin comment I've heard a lot lately. "Oh, their eyes are different colours." I just nod and say yes (Mara's are hazel and Davin's are very blue, like Jayna's), but what I want to say is.....they have different genitals, of course they can have different eye colours.
We got pictures done last week, so I'm hoping to have some great pics posted soon. I thought that it could be a total disaster with three little ones, but it actually went pretty smoothly.
I'm off to get some work done on this rainy day.
Mara is officially crawling and Davin is super close. He is moving around, but gets his chubby foot stuck underneath him. I feel bad because he works so hard to try to crawl, but it's just not working out for him yet. We have also brought the baby gate back into action to close off the rest of the rest of the house from the living room/dining room. It wasn't so bad when Jayna was a baby because we didn't have a toddler who wanted to roam the house freely. She will adjust eventually.
There's a little music toy the kids play with and they have started dancing to music. Davin sits like a chubby old man and kind of bounces up and down and Mara sits there and waves her hands in the air. It makes me smile every time.
The twins are also eating up a storm. I'm nervous about the daycare bills that will start in a few months, but what I'm more nervous about is once the daycare bills stop, is that the three kids will eat us out of house and home. The whole eating more food and feeding themselves just means a bigger mess as well. Jayna took it upon herself to share her hard boiled egg with Mara the other day (after she saw me feeding them one). Needless to say there was a bunch of cleanup after that.
I weighed the twins yesterday and Mara weighs 20 lbs 12 oz and Davin was 23 lbs 2 oz. Such little chubbers. Mara is definitely rockin the 18 month clothing and Davin can wear some 24 month clothing even. Soon they'll be wearing the same size as Jayna and she's no shorty. We have discovered that we will be putting size 4 jeans on her Christmas list since we've had a couple pairs on her recently and the 3s are not very big.
People would probably be looking at us funny if we had tiny children, with Derrick being 6'4" and myself 6'2".
Mara and Davin are interacting with each other more and more. At my parents' on Sunday, they were squealing back and forth to each other. Yesterday morning, it was fart noises. Even though it's a lot more difficult with two babies, but it's also a lot more fun!
Here's an annoying twin comment I've heard a lot lately. "Oh, their eyes are different colours." I just nod and say yes (Mara's are hazel and Davin's are very blue, like Jayna's), but what I want to say is.....they have different genitals, of course they can have different eye colours.
We got pictures done last week, so I'm hoping to have some great pics posted soon. I thought that it could be a total disaster with three little ones, but it actually went pretty smoothly.
I'm off to get some work done on this rainy day.
Thursday 2 August 2012
New phase
We have entered the new phase of moving. The twins are by no means crawling, but they get to whatever toy they want or whatever item they shouldn't be playing with. I have been dreading this moment for a while now. People would always ask if they were crawling, and I would respond that I'm okay if they are late movers. The longer they stay still, the easier it is for us!!!!
I love watching them discover things and interact with each other. There is something new every day and it always makes me smile. On the other hand, it means that I have to be on my toes as to what is on the floor and what they can get at. We haven't worried about little pieces of food on the floor for a long time now, but now I have to be more diligent with the whole housekeeping thing (which is something that I feel I'm drowning in). The twins feed themselves some foods, which means there is a huge mess that needs to be swept up regularly. We also need to make sure that Jayna isn't leaving money (she's really into having change on her) on the floor. We have been spending more time downstairs, so that we can watch the Olympics, which means the carpet needs to be vacuumed as well.
This morning, I thought Davin was about to puke, but realized he had something in his mouth. Upon taking the item out, I noticed it was a little cardboard tag from one of Jayna's toys. He hadn't been playing with it for a while, so that had been in there a while. Oops!
The twins had a bath together for the first time ever last week and it was a huge success. Moments like that make all the difficulties worth it.
We are looking forward to a busy, but fantastic long weekend spending time with family and friends outside!!!
I love watching them discover things and interact with each other. There is something new every day and it always makes me smile. On the other hand, it means that I have to be on my toes as to what is on the floor and what they can get at. We haven't worried about little pieces of food on the floor for a long time now, but now I have to be more diligent with the whole housekeeping thing (which is something that I feel I'm drowning in). The twins feed themselves some foods, which means there is a huge mess that needs to be swept up regularly. We also need to make sure that Jayna isn't leaving money (she's really into having change on her) on the floor. We have been spending more time downstairs, so that we can watch the Olympics, which means the carpet needs to be vacuumed as well.
This morning, I thought Davin was about to puke, but realized he had something in his mouth. Upon taking the item out, I noticed it was a little cardboard tag from one of Jayna's toys. He hadn't been playing with it for a while, so that had been in there a while. Oops!
The twins had a bath together for the first time ever last week and it was a huge success. Moments like that make all the difficulties worth it.
We are looking forward to a busy, but fantastic long weekend spending time with family and friends outside!!!
Monday 23 July 2012
Loving Summer
We've been taking full advantage of this hot weather and the short summers that we have. Over the last couple of weeks, almost every day, I fill up the little kiddie pool that our neighbour (who is now no longer our neighbour) bought for the kids. Jayna goes to town in the little pool and loves it. The babies also love sitting in it and Jayna loves watering them while they're in there. Mara and Davin also love sitting on the mat outside and watching what goes on. I'm very happy that our kids love being outside.
After a weekend like this one, where we've been outside for most of it, we are so thankful that we did our yard reno last year. After discovering we were expecting twins, I had originally said that we wouldn't have done it knowing that, for financial reasons. Now, we couldn't be happier that we did it. We love our yard, the kids have a place to play, and it's low maintenance. There is also a big patio where we eat dinner outside regularly and entertain with fires and drinks at night!
Jayna has been in her new daycare for three weeks now. She's doing really well and loves it.
The twins are now trying so hard to move and are being slightly successful in scooting around a bit. I'm not very pleased with this, as I know it will drastically change our lives. One moving baby is bad enough. I've seen my friend with her two busy boys, and I'm quite happy with our kids holding off on the moving for as long as possible, although it's only a matter of time.
Well, off to get a few things done around the house so that we can enjoy our company who's coming soon!
After a weekend like this one, where we've been outside for most of it, we are so thankful that we did our yard reno last year. After discovering we were expecting twins, I had originally said that we wouldn't have done it knowing that, for financial reasons. Now, we couldn't be happier that we did it. We love our yard, the kids have a place to play, and it's low maintenance. There is also a big patio where we eat dinner outside regularly and entertain with fires and drinks at night!
Jayna has been in her new daycare for three weeks now. She's doing really well and loves it.
The twins are now trying so hard to move and are being slightly successful in scooting around a bit. I'm not very pleased with this, as I know it will drastically change our lives. One moving baby is bad enough. I've seen my friend with her two busy boys, and I'm quite happy with our kids holding off on the moving for as long as possible, although it's only a matter of time.
Well, off to get a few things done around the house so that we can enjoy our company who's coming soon!
Monday 16 July 2012
One year ago
Saturday marked the one year anniversary of us finding out that we were having twins. I will never forget that day and my reaction. To read the story of my reaction, go to my first blog entry. I will never forget this day as it was such a life changer. It was definitely not something that we expected in the slightest.
I remember thinking that maybe it was a mistake, or I was dreaming. It took me a long time to come to terms with it and sometimes I still think I'm dreaming.
When I think of this day, I feel like a terrible mother. I remember feeling terrified and wondering how this could happen to us. I knew it was a good thing in the long run, but I wondered about my abilities as a mother and if I'd be able to handle three under two years old. The part that bothers me is that I still look back at that day and have negative feelings. I'm watching the twins sit on the floor and play together right now and they are so cute. I can't understand why I feel this way. They are happy and healthy babies and watching the two of them interact is priceless and brings tears to my eyes. Watching Jayna interact with them is also amazing. It's like we have two moms in the house most of the time.
When I was pregnant, and people heard I was having twins, they would say things like "oh you must be so excited", "lucky you", "I always wanted twins". These are just a few of the things they would say. I always thought, "Are you freakin' crazy? No, I'm no excited about having twins, I'm shit scared." I knew we were very fortunate, but I wasn't excited about having twins. The reality was this....how were we going to afford daycare, diapers, sports later on, family vacations? How small will our house become? How will the kids like sharing bedrooms? How hard is this going to be????? One baby's challenging enough. I really wanted to ask them to come and spend a week with us if they thought it was so great. I have never met a mother of multiples who has said they would wish having multiples on anyone. Despite all the love, what does that tell you?
I think that par of me felt irresponsible in a sense. I felt like we were for sure going to struggle financially, and it was beyond our control. We didn't choose to have a third child. Most people get to decide whether or not they can afford another child (whatever the number may be) and then go from there. We had decided we were ok with two and hadn't yet figured out if a third was a responsible decision for us. I guess there's a reason everything happens.
July 14th will be a date that I will remember forever and feel overwhelmed and scared when I think of it, but December 5th is the day that truly changed our lives and I will remember that day for all the right reasons. Being so lucky to have three happy and healthy children who make us smile (and want to pull out our hair) every day is more than we ever could have asked for.
Here are some recent pictures
I remember thinking that maybe it was a mistake, or I was dreaming. It took me a long time to come to terms with it and sometimes I still think I'm dreaming.
When I think of this day, I feel like a terrible mother. I remember feeling terrified and wondering how this could happen to us. I knew it was a good thing in the long run, but I wondered about my abilities as a mother and if I'd be able to handle three under two years old. The part that bothers me is that I still look back at that day and have negative feelings. I'm watching the twins sit on the floor and play together right now and they are so cute. I can't understand why I feel this way. They are happy and healthy babies and watching the two of them interact is priceless and brings tears to my eyes. Watching Jayna interact with them is also amazing. It's like we have two moms in the house most of the time.
When I was pregnant, and people heard I was having twins, they would say things like "oh you must be so excited", "lucky you", "I always wanted twins". These are just a few of the things they would say. I always thought, "Are you freakin' crazy? No, I'm no excited about having twins, I'm shit scared." I knew we were very fortunate, but I wasn't excited about having twins. The reality was this....how were we going to afford daycare, diapers, sports later on, family vacations? How small will our house become? How will the kids like sharing bedrooms? How hard is this going to be????? One baby's challenging enough. I really wanted to ask them to come and spend a week with us if they thought it was so great. I have never met a mother of multiples who has said they would wish having multiples on anyone. Despite all the love, what does that tell you?
I think that par of me felt irresponsible in a sense. I felt like we were for sure going to struggle financially, and it was beyond our control. We didn't choose to have a third child. Most people get to decide whether or not they can afford another child (whatever the number may be) and then go from there. We had decided we were ok with two and hadn't yet figured out if a third was a responsible decision for us. I guess there's a reason everything happens.
July 14th will be a date that I will remember forever and feel overwhelmed and scared when I think of it, but December 5th is the day that truly changed our lives and I will remember that day for all the right reasons. Being so lucky to have three happy and healthy children who make us smile (and want to pull out our hair) every day is more than we ever could have asked for.
Here are some recent pictures
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| Mara's first time at the beach. |
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| Davin's first time at the beach. |
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| Jayna, Mara, and Davin meeting their new friend for life Payton (4 days old)!!! |
Wednesday 27 June 2012
I spoke too soon
My last post was about how things were getting easier. At that point, I was getting sleep and I felt like a brand new person. I felt like I could tackle the world. Since then, Davin has become a monster at night and I'm about to snap. I just need sleep (although, finally last night was a little bit better).
Mara, on the other hand, has slept through the night for four nights. No bottles and no soother!!!! If there was ever a favourite, it's Mara right now.
While Davin's going through this brutal stage, I kept saying to Derrick that we have great babies (who aren't really little babies anymore), well that meant that they had to prove me wrong the last few days. Usually, during the day they are happy as can be, but the last few days, not so much. Not nearly enough sleep, paired with fussy kids during the day = one grumpy mom.
At one point, Jayna peed her pants on the stairs on her way up to the bathroom and I snapped. I proceeded to yell, "What did I ever do to deserve this?" As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I felt horrible. Derrick and I are so fortunate to have three healthy and pretty happy children.
I know that I'm in a bit of a "funk" right now and it will pass. I haven't felt like doing anything around the house lately, which in turn just makes things worse because there's so much to do. I haven't been overly nice to Derrick, but I keep telling him we'll get through this and things will get better. We have survived the craziest six months of our lives, I know we can make it through anything.
Last week didn't help all this as Derrick was in the emergency room on father's day and we found out he has a Hiatus Hernia. Everything's fine, it just means there are some follow up appointments, medication, and trying to figure out how to control it so that his throat doesn't swell up again. We also found out that Davin needs surgery in December. He has what's called Hypospadius. This means that what should be the urethral opening is actually just a pit and he actually has another hole a little lower down, which is functional. I once again felt like a great mother when I found out that he had another hole that we didn't know about. It's very small, but now it's glaringly obvious. It's a common procedure, but no mother likes to have their child have surgery. We will tackle that in December.
On a happy note, another milestone has happened.....the babies are officially sitters!!! Here are a couple of pictures of them sitting in restaurant high chairs for the first time yesterday
I'm feeling like today will be a better day and maybe it's the end of the funk. Hopefully Davin allows me to sleep a bit more and that will help. Right now, Mara and Davin are being super cute in their high chairs right now....looking all lovingly at each other and holding hands!
Mara, on the other hand, has slept through the night for four nights. No bottles and no soother!!!! If there was ever a favourite, it's Mara right now.
While Davin's going through this brutal stage, I kept saying to Derrick that we have great babies (who aren't really little babies anymore), well that meant that they had to prove me wrong the last few days. Usually, during the day they are happy as can be, but the last few days, not so much. Not nearly enough sleep, paired with fussy kids during the day = one grumpy mom.
At one point, Jayna peed her pants on the stairs on her way up to the bathroom and I snapped. I proceeded to yell, "What did I ever do to deserve this?" As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I felt horrible. Derrick and I are so fortunate to have three healthy and pretty happy children.
I know that I'm in a bit of a "funk" right now and it will pass. I haven't felt like doing anything around the house lately, which in turn just makes things worse because there's so much to do. I haven't been overly nice to Derrick, but I keep telling him we'll get through this and things will get better. We have survived the craziest six months of our lives, I know we can make it through anything.
Last week didn't help all this as Derrick was in the emergency room on father's day and we found out he has a Hiatus Hernia. Everything's fine, it just means there are some follow up appointments, medication, and trying to figure out how to control it so that his throat doesn't swell up again. We also found out that Davin needs surgery in December. He has what's called Hypospadius. This means that what should be the urethral opening is actually just a pit and he actually has another hole a little lower down, which is functional. I once again felt like a great mother when I found out that he had another hole that we didn't know about. It's very small, but now it's glaringly obvious. It's a common procedure, but no mother likes to have their child have surgery. We will tackle that in December.
On a happy note, another milestone has happened.....the babies are officially sitters!!! Here are a couple of pictures of them sitting in restaurant high chairs for the first time yesterday
I'm feeling like today will be a better day and maybe it's the end of the funk. Hopefully Davin allows me to sleep a bit more and that will help. Right now, Mara and Davin are being super cute in their high chairs right now....looking all lovingly at each other and holding hands!
Friday 15 June 2012
Getting easier!
I have been saying now for the last week that things have been getting easier.
The twins have settled into more of a routine. They eat at 8, 12, 4 and then 630, before bed. They don't nap at exactly the same time every day, but I have a general idea of when they go down and I know what signs to watch for.
We have been quite frustrated with the twins' sleeping habits for the last few months. I wasn't sure how much longer I could handle being up 4-10 times a night sticking soothers in and doing one feeding. I'm happy to say that they are by no means perfect, but we took away the "dream feed" bottle, and they now sleep till about 1:30, get fed and then sleep till between 7 & 8. They still fuss a couple of times a night some nights, but I think that may be due to teeth trying to make their way through. I feel like a totally different person now that they are sleeping better. I think that that's why this week has seemed so easy as well. It's amazing what sleep can do for a person!
Davin and Mara are getting to be so much fun now. They are happy babies and love watching what's going on. We are now hitting a more challenging stage with Jayna as she thinks every toy in the house belongs to her. I'm thinking that if this keeps up, I'm just going to take all the toys and put them in the twin's room and then Jayna can have no toys she can't share. Jayna also loves playing with her brother and sister and she gets really close to them and they get excited, which means they kick their feet and pull her hair and she loses her mind. "No Mara!!! No Davin!!!" are regularly yelled in our house now.
On another note of craziness. I had someone over to talk about business this morning and while she was here, Jayna managed to miss the toilet somehow and pee all over the bathroom floor. Later, she went to the bathroom in the big toilet. She needs to use the stool to get up to the toilet. Somehow, she managed to get some poop on the stool. Of course, things tend to be a lot more normal when there isn't actually anyone here!
I took all three kids swimming this morning. This was Mara and Davin's first time at the pool and they were awesome. Thanks to a couple of friends for their help!! I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise. Here's a picture of them after their swim.
Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have a great weekend outside.
The twins have settled into more of a routine. They eat at 8, 12, 4 and then 630, before bed. They don't nap at exactly the same time every day, but I have a general idea of when they go down and I know what signs to watch for.
We have been quite frustrated with the twins' sleeping habits for the last few months. I wasn't sure how much longer I could handle being up 4-10 times a night sticking soothers in and doing one feeding. I'm happy to say that they are by no means perfect, but we took away the "dream feed" bottle, and they now sleep till about 1:30, get fed and then sleep till between 7 & 8. They still fuss a couple of times a night some nights, but I think that may be due to teeth trying to make their way through. I feel like a totally different person now that they are sleeping better. I think that that's why this week has seemed so easy as well. It's amazing what sleep can do for a person!
Davin and Mara are getting to be so much fun now. They are happy babies and love watching what's going on. We are now hitting a more challenging stage with Jayna as she thinks every toy in the house belongs to her. I'm thinking that if this keeps up, I'm just going to take all the toys and put them in the twin's room and then Jayna can have no toys she can't share. Jayna also loves playing with her brother and sister and she gets really close to them and they get excited, which means they kick their feet and pull her hair and she loses her mind. "No Mara!!! No Davin!!!" are regularly yelled in our house now.
On another note of craziness. I had someone over to talk about business this morning and while she was here, Jayna managed to miss the toilet somehow and pee all over the bathroom floor. Later, she went to the bathroom in the big toilet. She needs to use the stool to get up to the toilet. Somehow, she managed to get some poop on the stool. Of course, things tend to be a lot more normal when there isn't actually anyone here!
I took all three kids swimming this morning. This was Mara and Davin's first time at the pool and they were awesome. Thanks to a couple of friends for their help!! I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise. Here's a picture of them after their swim.
Davin was tuckered out and fell asleep drinking his lunch time bottle in his high chair. I went downstairs to do something quickly and came up to see him like this:
Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have a great weekend outside.
Tuesday 5 June 2012
6 months already....really??
The saying, "the days are long, but the years are short" is never more true until you have children. There are many days when I am just struggling to get through the day so that I can say I've survived another one. Meanwhile, Derrick and I can now say we've survived six months!!!!!
I remember when Jayna hit the six month mark. In the past, I had never noticed how quickly six months goes by. You never really take note of a half year mark unless you have a child, or you're in junior high and you've managed to keep a girlfriend or boyfriend that long (in which case, it seems like 6 months has been an eternity).
It was six months ago yesterday when we got the call that would change our lives and make it more chaotic than we could ever imagine. I had barely gotten off the phone with the nurse who was telling me to come in to get induced, and Derrick was already in the van and ready to leave without me. I was taking my time because I knew that this was the end of our lives as we knew it. I also had no idea what labour had in store for me and I was terrified about having an epidural and needing a C-section. In the end, I can't complain about the labour and I didn't have a C-section!
And of course, at 4:19 am on Monday December 5th, 2011, Mara Jade made her appearance in the world. Davin Frederick just couldn't wait and he snuck in at 4:23 am. We were very fortunate that they were both perfectly healthy and never had to go to the NICU. At six months now, Mara is 28.25 inches long and 18 lbs 12 oz and Davin is 29 inches long and 20 lbs 11 oz. They are working on learning new things every day. Both babies are close to sitting up on their own, they both roll back to front (Davin more than Mara) and Mara popped her first tooth last Monday! They are both working on learning to grab food and actually get it to their mouth, as well as practicing drinking from sippy cups.
Life is still crazy and I'm sure it always will be, just in an ever changing way. I wouldn't change it for the world. It is a bit easier now that the babies have a regular eating schedule and a somewhat regular nap schedule as well.
I love my babies and I'm enjoying watching them grow and seeing them develop their personalities, which are quite different. I can only imagine how interesting the next six months will be.
I remember when Jayna hit the six month mark. In the past, I had never noticed how quickly six months goes by. You never really take note of a half year mark unless you have a child, or you're in junior high and you've managed to keep a girlfriend or boyfriend that long (in which case, it seems like 6 months has been an eternity).
It was six months ago yesterday when we got the call that would change our lives and make it more chaotic than we could ever imagine. I had barely gotten off the phone with the nurse who was telling me to come in to get induced, and Derrick was already in the van and ready to leave without me. I was taking my time because I knew that this was the end of our lives as we knew it. I also had no idea what labour had in store for me and I was terrified about having an epidural and needing a C-section. In the end, I can't complain about the labour and I didn't have a C-section!
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| Happy half year birthday my little man! |
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| Happy half year birthday Mara Bean! |
And of course, at 4:19 am on Monday December 5th, 2011, Mara Jade made her appearance in the world. Davin Frederick just couldn't wait and he snuck in at 4:23 am. We were very fortunate that they were both perfectly healthy and never had to go to the NICU. At six months now, Mara is 28.25 inches long and 18 lbs 12 oz and Davin is 29 inches long and 20 lbs 11 oz. They are working on learning new things every day. Both babies are close to sitting up on their own, they both roll back to front (Davin more than Mara) and Mara popped her first tooth last Monday! They are both working on learning to grab food and actually get it to their mouth, as well as practicing drinking from sippy cups.
Life is still crazy and I'm sure it always will be, just in an ever changing way. I wouldn't change it for the world. It is a bit easier now that the babies have a regular eating schedule and a somewhat regular nap schedule as well.
I love my babies and I'm enjoying watching them grow and seeing them develop their personalities, which are quite different. I can only imagine how interesting the next six months will be.
Thursday 31 May 2012
Sleep....where art thou?
The babies were really great sleepers at the beginning, they would pretty much only wake up to feed. Lately it's been a little rough with them, but things have been getting better.
Jayna on the other hand is a great sleeper. Goes to sleep around 7:30 usually and wakes up around 7:00. If she wakes up in the night, something's wrong. That is definitely a rarity, thank goodness.
Last night on the other hand, I don't even know what to say. I noticed while Jayna was having her bath that she's getting her two year molars, but by her actions last night, you would have thought someone was murdering her. She woke up constantly until 2:30 and was screaming. We have let her cry it out in the past and have also done a bit with the babies, but this was by far the worst experience. We know that this is not normal for her at all and now she can talk and call our names, which is especially heart breaking.
All I wanted to do was sleep. It's the most frustrating feeling. After hours of trying, Jayna finally fell asleep for the night around 2:30 and then the babies were up at 3:45 (thanks to Derrick for waking me, because I didn't hear them) to eat. After that, I was able to sleep till 7:30!
Here's to a day full of coffee and trying really hard to be patient!!!! Hopefully tonight all three kids will cooperate in the sleep department. One night is all I'm asking for right now.
Jayna on the other hand is a great sleeper. Goes to sleep around 7:30 usually and wakes up around 7:00. If she wakes up in the night, something's wrong. That is definitely a rarity, thank goodness.
Last night on the other hand, I don't even know what to say. I noticed while Jayna was having her bath that she's getting her two year molars, but by her actions last night, you would have thought someone was murdering her. She woke up constantly until 2:30 and was screaming. We have let her cry it out in the past and have also done a bit with the babies, but this was by far the worst experience. We know that this is not normal for her at all and now she can talk and call our names, which is especially heart breaking.
All I wanted to do was sleep. It's the most frustrating feeling. After hours of trying, Jayna finally fell asleep for the night around 2:30 and then the babies were up at 3:45 (thanks to Derrick for waking me, because I didn't hear them) to eat. After that, I was able to sleep till 7:30!
Here's to a day full of coffee and trying really hard to be patient!!!! Hopefully tonight all three kids will cooperate in the sleep department. One night is all I'm asking for right now.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Rough day
Yesterday was not a good day. It went a little something like this:
Jayna peed all over the floor (which is really unlike her at this point) in the morning.
We were going out later and I wanted to bake muffins. Of course, this means she must help me but on this particular occasion, she was doing everything possible to drive me crazy and not listen.
I put the babies down for a nap in the morning and Davin napped for maybe half an hour and then proceeded to do nothing but scream for the next hour, no matter where he was. Mara also joined in on the screaming once she was awake.
I didn't shower the day before, so I had to shower on this day. By the time I got around to it, both babies were screaming and Jayna kept banging on the door the entire time. Just when I thought I could escape it all for 5 minutes. I was also hoping to blow dry my hair and put on mascara, but that just didn't happen. Thank goodness putting on a bit of jewellery makes you feel a lot better.
Where we were going involved a really short walk so I needed to put the twins in the stroller. Of course, this means that Jayna must follow me outside as well. This makes a 1 minutes job become at least 5 or 6 minutes, all the while both babies are still screaming inside. Because Mara and Davin were so cranky, I didn't even put socks or jackets on them. It's a good thing they were dressed earlier in the day, otherwise they would have gone in their pjs. It was chilly out, but it's only a two minute walk and I put a blanket on them. I still feel like a terrible mother, but I didn't want to deal with them anymore.
When we get home from our visit, I'm looking forward to quiet time. The babies cooperated, but Jayna definitely didn't. She threw a fit and then continued to play in her room for a bit. At one point, I heard a weird noise, but chose to ignore it....I will later find out what this noise was. When Jayna tells me she needs to go potty, I open the door to find her topless. She has never taken off a shirt by herself before so this caught me off guard.
Jayna gets out of her bedroom and heads to the bathroom. I went back to the living room, because she can do this on her own. She later comes out with an item that I'm sure I put up on a shelf above the toilet and she can't reach that high. I decide to investigate and I find her stool next to the toilet and the lid is down. Clearly she has climbed onto the toilet to get what she wanted. I ask her if she went pee, she says "yes toilet". I then notice that she did use the real toilet and not the little potty. By this, I mean there is pee on the floor, on the toilet seat, and her stool. Another clean up job.
Jayna comes out to play and starts moving furniture round in my living room. I didn't even ask her to stop because I am really not int he mood to deal with it at this point. It'll take me two seconds to put it back once she gets bored of this activity.
Derrick gets home from work and I'm about to take Jayna to the park for a bit. I go into her room to get socks for her and I now discover what that weird noise was earlier during her "quiet time" in her bedroom. Jayna used another stool to reach on top of her dresser and dump the entire container of fish food into the fish tank, on her dresser and the floor. I notice the fish floating at the top of the tank, but thank goodness he moved once I banged the tank. I don't particularly like cleaning the tank to begin with and this is a huge mess, which I don't need. I was not very nice and needless to say, Jayna didn't get to go to the park.
On a happy note. I went out and finished planting my flowers, (which I'm sure died last night due to frost, I'm so annoyed) and Jayna came out and "helped" me. It was nice to have a positive moment with her to end the day.
The best thing of all was that all the kids were in bed by 7:15 and then Derrick and I poured some wine and ate dinner. Then we actually talked. It was like a date, but we didn't leave the house or need a babysitter. It was very nice. I think we'll be doing that a lot more often.
end day with all kids in bed by 7 and dinner date with my hubby, no kids while we eat dinner and drink wine and we didn't even need a babysitter!
I do look forward to the babies sleeping better at night so that I have a lot more patience during the day. I'm not the most patient person to begin with, so this does not help. Mara and Davin are settling into a better sleep pattern, but we still have a bit of a ways to go. Here's to hoping this changes soon. Everyone in our house will be happier!
Jayna peed all over the floor (which is really unlike her at this point) in the morning.
We were going out later and I wanted to bake muffins. Of course, this means she must help me but on this particular occasion, she was doing everything possible to drive me crazy and not listen.
I put the babies down for a nap in the morning and Davin napped for maybe half an hour and then proceeded to do nothing but scream for the next hour, no matter where he was. Mara also joined in on the screaming once she was awake.
I didn't shower the day before, so I had to shower on this day. By the time I got around to it, both babies were screaming and Jayna kept banging on the door the entire time. Just when I thought I could escape it all for 5 minutes. I was also hoping to blow dry my hair and put on mascara, but that just didn't happen. Thank goodness putting on a bit of jewellery makes you feel a lot better.
Where we were going involved a really short walk so I needed to put the twins in the stroller. Of course, this means that Jayna must follow me outside as well. This makes a 1 minutes job become at least 5 or 6 minutes, all the while both babies are still screaming inside. Because Mara and Davin were so cranky, I didn't even put socks or jackets on them. It's a good thing they were dressed earlier in the day, otherwise they would have gone in their pjs. It was chilly out, but it's only a two minute walk and I put a blanket on them. I still feel like a terrible mother, but I didn't want to deal with them anymore.
When we get home from our visit, I'm looking forward to quiet time. The babies cooperated, but Jayna definitely didn't. She threw a fit and then continued to play in her room for a bit. At one point, I heard a weird noise, but chose to ignore it....I will later find out what this noise was. When Jayna tells me she needs to go potty, I open the door to find her topless. She has never taken off a shirt by herself before so this caught me off guard.
Jayna gets out of her bedroom and heads to the bathroom. I went back to the living room, because she can do this on her own. She later comes out with an item that I'm sure I put up on a shelf above the toilet and she can't reach that high. I decide to investigate and I find her stool next to the toilet and the lid is down. Clearly she has climbed onto the toilet to get what she wanted. I ask her if she went pee, she says "yes toilet". I then notice that she did use the real toilet and not the little potty. By this, I mean there is pee on the floor, on the toilet seat, and her stool. Another clean up job.
Jayna comes out to play and starts moving furniture round in my living room. I didn't even ask her to stop because I am really not int he mood to deal with it at this point. It'll take me two seconds to put it back once she gets bored of this activity.
Derrick gets home from work and I'm about to take Jayna to the park for a bit. I go into her room to get socks for her and I now discover what that weird noise was earlier during her "quiet time" in her bedroom. Jayna used another stool to reach on top of her dresser and dump the entire container of fish food into the fish tank, on her dresser and the floor. I notice the fish floating at the top of the tank, but thank goodness he moved once I banged the tank. I don't particularly like cleaning the tank to begin with and this is a huge mess, which I don't need. I was not very nice and needless to say, Jayna didn't get to go to the park.
On a happy note. I went out and finished planting my flowers, (which I'm sure died last night due to frost, I'm so annoyed) and Jayna came out and "helped" me. It was nice to have a positive moment with her to end the day.
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| Another cute moment yesterday. Jayna helped herself to Derrick's hockey gear. |
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| Thanks to Supper Central, we had a yummy, but easy dinner! |
end day with all kids in bed by 7 and dinner date with my hubby, no kids while we eat dinner and drink wine and we didn't even need a babysitter!
I do look forward to the babies sleeping better at night so that I have a lot more patience during the day. I'm not the most patient person to begin with, so this does not help. Mara and Davin are settling into a better sleep pattern, but we still have a bit of a ways to go. Here's to hoping this changes soon. Everyone in our house will be happier!
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Stupid things people say
I found this posted on the MBFOM Facebook group the other day and totally laughed when I read it. For most of the comments, I could sympathize as my twins are only closing in on 6 months, but we're out and about a lot and I get these questions all the time. I have added my own commentary in bold beside the original article.
Parents of twins face a special brand of stupid comments, delightfully all their own. Three friends, all moms of twins, recently gave me some keen insight from the frontlines. I've compiled their comments into a special list:
The Top 15 Stupid Things People Say to Parents of Twins
15. "I could never do it." (Oh really. What would you do? Are you suggesting I put them on the curb with signs around their necks that say, "Free to a good home. My mom can't do it"?) On a day like today, I think putting the kids on the curb is a good idea. Oh yeah, and if I don't do it, I'll have CFS breathing down my neck. My world isn't perfect and neither are my children, but we get by every day and sometimes we even have a lot of fun.
14. "Do they have different personalities?" (No. They are the same human being divided into two parts.)
13. Said by a stranger, "They're identical, right?" Mom answers, "No. They're fraternal." Stranger response, "They are NOT!" (OK. You're right. I have no idea what I'm talking about. These are not my children. I thought it would be fun to borrow them from a mom down at Baby Gap. It's been more than an hour. I guess I should return them.)
12. "Are they 'paternal' twins?" (Yes. They have a father. There was only one virgin birth.)
11. "Just wait till they're older. It only gets harder." (Thank you. I woke up this morning hoping I'd receive a word of discouragement while pushing a cart of preschoolers down the cereal aisle.) I find this one funny, because every mother of multiples has told me that it gets easier. I'm pretty sure you're not living my life right now and you actually have no clue how hard it currently is so mind your own business.
10. "When one cries, does he wake the other?" (No. Twins cannot hear each other's cries because they all communicate with their special telepathic language only.) We are actually lucky in this regard, although we get the question regularly. The babies usually sleep through the other one crying and they share a room.
9. From a perfect stranger: "Were they in the same sac?" (Hello. Nice to meet you, too. Will you be sharing your gynecological history with me as well?)
8. "Are they developmentally behind?" (Well, let's see. They're 3 years old and thus far, all their graduate school applications have been denied. We'll get back with you on that.) If someone ever asks me this, they will regret it.
7. "How do you do it?" (Haven't you seen the Nike commercials?) My response is, "You just do. You don't have a choice." If you don't....see #1 about CFS.
6. Said by a dentist: "I was shocked that they didn't have the same bite patterns." (They are two different human beings, not clones.)
5. "You must be so busy." (Are you volunteering to clean my house?) Nope, all I do during the day is sit around and drink coffee and eat bon bons. This is usually said to me while I'm shopping and I usually want to answer by saying, "Yes I am, now can you please leave me alone? I'm shopping with three kids two and under and I don't know when the shit is going to hit the fan."
4. Said to a mom of fraternal twins who are different sizes, have different eye color and different face structure: "How do you tell them apart?" (I just look at them.) For me, mine are also different genders so if I was really that confused, which I'm not because they look so different, I would just open the diaper.
3. "What do you do when they both cry at the same time?" (Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I go to Starbucks.) Sometimes I ignore them. I also realize that I cannot meet the needs of three children at the same time all the time so sometimes someone is unhappy. For the most part, they are good though.
2. Said to a mom of boy/girl twins: "Are they identical?" (Uh. Not exactly.) This is my most frustrating one. Usually after I've just said it's a boy and a girl (or Mara is clearly dressed in pink and Davin in a boy outfit), they ask me if they're identical. I bite my tongue and say no, but what I really want to say is, "take a second and think about what you just said." I'm sure if I said that they would think and then I would see the look on their face as they realized what a stupid question this was.
1. Only one comment could be voted No. 1. The choice was clear. Drum roll, please. After a stranger had been informed that the toddler boys were twins, she asked a simple question: "Are they brothers?" (Enough said.) I haven't had anything quite that stupid, but I do get asked if Davin and Mara are twins all the time. I feel like telling them that I didn't have enough on my plate with a two year old and a baby, so I thought I'd borrow someone else's baby to go do my shopping with. I may be crazy, but not that crazy.
Let's be honest. People are fascinated with twins. They don't mean to say stupid things. It just happens. It happens to all of us. Saying stupid things is one activity that joins us all together as human beings. Learn to forgive the frailties of others and enjoy the laughs later. Life is a journey. Enjoy the double-stroller roller coaster ride!
Once again, this is unrelated, but I will include these cute pictures to remind me of the good times while I'm having a bad day.
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