Derrick and I were fortunate enough to be gone from Monday to Friday on a trip to Vegas. We had a great time. I didn't come back rested, but I definitely came back rejuvenated. My mom looked tired when we arrived home and she said that it was a challenging time, although the next day, she was able to share some funny moments with me and laugh about it.
Before we went away, people kept telling me that I didn't realize how much I was going to miss my children. I don't think they realize how time consuming three kids two and under are. We went away last year when Jayna was just under a year and yes we missed her, but it was also nice to be away and reconnect as a couple. This is going to sound really bad, but this time, I was even less affected by missing my children. I did miss them and I thought about them regularly, but I think I was just so tired of all of the work involved in the daily grind since the twins were born, that it was nice to not have to do anything but enjoy myself. Speaking of the work involved, I really have to tidy my house today and probably do about 6 or 7 loads of laundry. It feels as though we never left!
Leading up to the trip I kept telling my mom that it would be tough, but she would also get a lot of good times out of the kids that she otherwise wouldn't have had. My mom was the lucky one who got to see Mara roll over for the first time, about an hour after we left the house. Mom also got a kick out of some of the things Jayna did and she realized how much of a little mother Jayna tries to be. Moments like those helped her get through the lack of sleep.
Not long after my parents walked out the door, Jayna threw a huge tantrum and I looked at Derrick and said, "this is why we went away and I have zero guilt!" And then there are moments like last night when Derrick let Jayna go to sleep with a flash light and we went to look in on her and there was a glow in the room. We got a kick out of it. Of course, Derrick says, "I told her to turn it off." Right, like a two year old is going to listen when no one is watching. My cuddles with Jayna while the babies slept this morning were also great and make it well worth all of the craziness of being a parent.
While we were away last year, there was an older couple that we talked to at one point and they said that it is important to get away as a couple once a year. I agreed with that statement then and now with three children, I could not agree more. It may not be a trip to Vegas, but Derrick and I will always try and get away for a weekend throughout the year to just enjoy us.
A blog about surviving parenthood with a set of twins and a three year old.
Sunday 29 April 2012
Friday 20 April 2012
Where does the time go?
I have been asking myself (and Jayna) this question lately....How did she get so big? Not only is she quite tall for her age, but I've been wondering when she became a big girl and how did it happen so fast? She is now potty trained and drinks from a big girl cup without spilling. This last one seems like no big deal, but it's just one more thing in a series of events that means my little girl isn't so little anymore.
I said this at my parents' house one day and my mom glared at me and said, "How do you think we feel?" I guess they must think the same thing seeing their grandchildren growing up and remembering when my brother and I were at those stages.
Derrick and I are really enjoying the stage that Jayna's at right now. She is a very fun girl and she's learning so much so quickly. It's also nice to be able to take her places and do things with her that she enjoys and remembers. For example, whenever we pull up to either grandparents' house, she goes bananas because she's so excited. She also get fired up when you mention the zoo or bath. I now feel like one of those crazy parents since I've started spelling out the words so as to avoid disappointment.
As for the twins....they are huge. Davin is 17 and a half pounds and Mara is almost 15 and a half pounds. They are both almost 27 inches long and are wearing 12 month clothing. Davin has even grown out of some 12 month clothing and they have yet to turn 5 months. I think this is definitely a sign of things to come. Jayna never grew out of her clothing this fast. The twins have become much more social and they love watching what's going on. They like the exersaucer, the Bumbo, and they spend a ton of time on their playmats. I love when you just look at them across the room and they smile at you. I'm watching Mara in the Bumbo right now and she is working on grabbing toys.
I was looking at pictures the other day and I can't believe how small they were. I find this really sad as we will not be having any more children. As happy as I am to get clothing and toys out of my house once the kids are done with them, it makes me sad as well.
My suggestion to parents with children of any age; it's not too late to start taking pictures. You'd be amazed at how much you forget. I love looking back at them and having it jog my memory. It also makes me teary eyed. Without those pictures, I wouldn't have noticed how much Mara resembles Jayna at her age. Mara reminds me a lot of Jayna. She loves seeing what's going on, fighting sleep, and eating blankets, all things Jayna did when she was little.
As fun as Jayna is right now, the twins are at the fun stage where every day they are doing something different. It's always exciting to watch the world change for them as they become more independent.
Here is a picture of all three of them on December 11th (the twins were 6 days old and Jayna 21 months) and then more recent pictures of the twins.
I try to not dwell on the fact that all three kids are getting so big and growing up so fast, but it's hard not to. In the meantime, I will try to enjoy every moment and document as much of it as possible.
I said this at my parents' house one day and my mom glared at me and said, "How do you think we feel?" I guess they must think the same thing seeing their grandchildren growing up and remembering when my brother and I were at those stages.
Derrick and I are really enjoying the stage that Jayna's at right now. She is a very fun girl and she's learning so much so quickly. It's also nice to be able to take her places and do things with her that she enjoys and remembers. For example, whenever we pull up to either grandparents' house, she goes bananas because she's so excited. She also get fired up when you mention the zoo or bath. I now feel like one of those crazy parents since I've started spelling out the words so as to avoid disappointment.
As for the twins....they are huge. Davin is 17 and a half pounds and Mara is almost 15 and a half pounds. They are both almost 27 inches long and are wearing 12 month clothing. Davin has even grown out of some 12 month clothing and they have yet to turn 5 months. I think this is definitely a sign of things to come. Jayna never grew out of her clothing this fast. The twins have become much more social and they love watching what's going on. They like the exersaucer, the Bumbo, and they spend a ton of time on their playmats. I love when you just look at them across the room and they smile at you. I'm watching Mara in the Bumbo right now and she is working on grabbing toys.
I was looking at pictures the other day and I can't believe how small they were. I find this really sad as we will not be having any more children. As happy as I am to get clothing and toys out of my house once the kids are done with them, it makes me sad as well.
My suggestion to parents with children of any age; it's not too late to start taking pictures. You'd be amazed at how much you forget. I love looking back at them and having it jog my memory. It also makes me teary eyed. Without those pictures, I wouldn't have noticed how much Mara resembles Jayna at her age. Mara reminds me a lot of Jayna. She loves seeing what's going on, fighting sleep, and eating blankets, all things Jayna did when she was little.
As fun as Jayna is right now, the twins are at the fun stage where every day they are doing something different. It's always exciting to watch the world change for them as they become more independent.
Here is a picture of all three of them on December 11th (the twins were 6 days old and Jayna 21 months) and then more recent pictures of the twins.
Tuesday 17 April 2012
Blog response
When I started this blog, I thought it was more for myself to document our life right now, kind of like a journal. I also thought if other mothers of multiples found it and it helped them in some way, then great. I really didn't think many people would actually read it.
Since I have been blogging, I have had many friends and colleagues comment on how they love reading my blog. All of the comments have been unprovoked, as they have brought up the topic without me acknowledging the blog (I just assume no one reads it).
I've had friends, who are also mothers, say that I have shared what every mother has felt, but doesn't have the nerve to say. This makes me feel really good because I think there is a huge misconception about motherhood in society and that mothers put way too much pressure on themselves to try and be perfect. Any mother realizes that there are times when we need and actually really want to get away from our children, whether it be for a night, a weekend, or a week. Some people who don't have children assume that we love being mothers more than anything else all the time and that we love the fact that we have given up so much of ourselves. People forget that we lived a life as having our own identity and desires and needs for many years before we became "___________'s mom". It's hard to give that up sometimes and you do feel like a terrible mother for feeling this way, but it is important for you to have your own identity as well and to take time for yourself.
I had one colleague comment that reading my blog makes her thankful that she gets to leave her "kids" at 3:30. Yes, the beginning has been a bit rough, but I will for sure be posting some fun stuff at some point. There are many enjoyable moments as a parent as well. For example, Mara and Davin are cooing, smiling, and laughing a lot more. It is very precious and makes me stop whatever I am doing to just enjoy that stage and the moment. They are also very close to rolling over. It always brings a smile to my face and allows me to realize that I really do enjoy being a mother despite the craziness. I'm actually laughing right now because Jayna just took her giant stuffed Cookie Monster and yelled "Time out now" very angrily and marched him down the hallway and plunked him in her usual time out spot. Jayna is obviously the only one that knows what Cookie Monster did to deserve this time out. There have been many moments like that lately that make Derrick and myself realize how much influence we have on our kids.
I had a friend send me a message on the weekend, in response to the blog. Something that she said really stuck with me and it was that she hadn't talked to me in a while because she didn't know what to say. After reading my blog, she began to understand a bit what life was like in the Sheldon household and she offered some encouraging words as well as offered to help out.
I have also discovered that there are people reading my blog that I thought would never read it. Some have sent me messages via Facebook and others I have found out about in round about ways. I find that interesting and I hope people feel they are gaining something from it.
Although I'm not on a mission to change the world, I hope that I can help at least a few mothers realize that no one is perfect and we all have rough patches (these could be moments, days, weeks), but in the end, we all love being mothers.
I'm also surprised at how many people have viewed my page. I'm at almost 1000 hits and I'm shocked by that. I haven't even forwarded the link to my family, I just post it on Facebook. Thanks to everyone who reads it. I'm enjoying blogging a lot more than I thought I would and I look forward to hearing peoples' reactions to my blog. I'm also amazed at where the page views have come from in the world. Some I can figure out because people I know live there, but I have no idea who is reading my blog in Russia, Germany, and Latvia, but thanks.
Since I have been blogging, I have had many friends and colleagues comment on how they love reading my blog. All of the comments have been unprovoked, as they have brought up the topic without me acknowledging the blog (I just assume no one reads it).
I've had friends, who are also mothers, say that I have shared what every mother has felt, but doesn't have the nerve to say. This makes me feel really good because I think there is a huge misconception about motherhood in society and that mothers put way too much pressure on themselves to try and be perfect. Any mother realizes that there are times when we need and actually really want to get away from our children, whether it be for a night, a weekend, or a week. Some people who don't have children assume that we love being mothers more than anything else all the time and that we love the fact that we have given up so much of ourselves. People forget that we lived a life as having our own identity and desires and needs for many years before we became "___________'s mom". It's hard to give that up sometimes and you do feel like a terrible mother for feeling this way, but it is important for you to have your own identity as well and to take time for yourself.
I had one colleague comment that reading my blog makes her thankful that she gets to leave her "kids" at 3:30. Yes, the beginning has been a bit rough, but I will for sure be posting some fun stuff at some point. There are many enjoyable moments as a parent as well. For example, Mara and Davin are cooing, smiling, and laughing a lot more. It is very precious and makes me stop whatever I am doing to just enjoy that stage and the moment. They are also very close to rolling over. It always brings a smile to my face and allows me to realize that I really do enjoy being a mother despite the craziness. I'm actually laughing right now because Jayna just took her giant stuffed Cookie Monster and yelled "Time out now" very angrily and marched him down the hallway and plunked him in her usual time out spot. Jayna is obviously the only one that knows what Cookie Monster did to deserve this time out. There have been many moments like that lately that make Derrick and myself realize how much influence we have on our kids.
I had a friend send me a message on the weekend, in response to the blog. Something that she said really stuck with me and it was that she hadn't talked to me in a while because she didn't know what to say. After reading my blog, she began to understand a bit what life was like in the Sheldon household and she offered some encouraging words as well as offered to help out.
I have also discovered that there are people reading my blog that I thought would never read it. Some have sent me messages via Facebook and others I have found out about in round about ways. I find that interesting and I hope people feel they are gaining something from it.
Although I'm not on a mission to change the world, I hope that I can help at least a few mothers realize that no one is perfect and we all have rough patches (these could be moments, days, weeks), but in the end, we all love being mothers.
I'm also surprised at how many people have viewed my page. I'm at almost 1000 hits and I'm shocked by that. I haven't even forwarded the link to my family, I just post it on Facebook. Thanks to everyone who reads it. I'm enjoying blogging a lot more than I thought I would and I look forward to hearing peoples' reactions to my blog. I'm also amazed at where the page views have come from in the world. Some I can figure out because people I know live there, but I have no idea who is reading my blog in Russia, Germany, and Latvia, but thanks.
Friday 13 April 2012
If you don't like poop, don't read this
Further to my last post...
On a day when I really didn't feel like dealing with my children, I've had to deal with them way too much.
Just after I posted the last entry, I put all three children to bed with the dream that they would all be quiet for at least long enough for me to watch Grey's Anatomy. It is a dream that I will continue to have.
About an hour before nap, Mara had pooped while she was in the exersaucer. If you have children, you will understand what kind of a mess this can cause. As I put the twins down, I realized that Davin was poopy. Upon opening his diaper, I realized that this was also an exersaucer poop. I was not impressed.
After I got Jayna down, I went downstairs to watch Grey's in silence. That lasted about half an hour when I heard Mara crying. I dealt with her, then Davin was crying. I decided to bring Davin downstairs for some cuddles when I noticed Jayna in her room saying potty. Upon opening the door, I could smell that she had pooped. I got that cleaned up and she was washing her hands when she had to go again. This time it was in the potty, thank goodness. She went back to her room for nap time and I went downstairs with Davin. I was down for maybe a couple minutes when I could hear her saying potty again. I ran up only to deal with another accident.
It's a good thing it's bath night tonight and the weekend as well.
Needless to say, if I have to deal with another ounce of poop today, I will lose my mind.
On a day when I really didn't feel like dealing with my children, I've had to deal with them way too much.
Just after I posted the last entry, I put all three children to bed with the dream that they would all be quiet for at least long enough for me to watch Grey's Anatomy. It is a dream that I will continue to have.
About an hour before nap, Mara had pooped while she was in the exersaucer. If you have children, you will understand what kind of a mess this can cause. As I put the twins down, I realized that Davin was poopy. Upon opening his diaper, I realized that this was also an exersaucer poop. I was not impressed.
After I got Jayna down, I went downstairs to watch Grey's in silence. That lasted about half an hour when I heard Mara crying. I dealt with her, then Davin was crying. I decided to bring Davin downstairs for some cuddles when I noticed Jayna in her room saying potty. Upon opening the door, I could smell that she had pooped. I got that cleaned up and she was washing her hands when she had to go again. This time it was in the potty, thank goodness. She went back to her room for nap time and I went downstairs with Davin. I was down for maybe a couple minutes when I could hear her saying potty again. I ran up only to deal with another accident.
It's a good thing it's bath night tonight and the weekend as well.
Needless to say, if I have to deal with another ounce of poop today, I will lose my mind.
Rough night = rough day
Today is one of those days when everything annoys me and my kids cannot go to bed soon enough. Oh yeah, and I just had to break up the twins first fight!!! I really don't feel like dealing with kids today, and I'm definitely not in the mood to deal with anyone not cooperating. This is a day where the children get to practice their independence. Thank goodness for play mats, exersaucers, bumbos and swings. I'm also thankful that Jayna can amuse herself and doesn't need me to always play with her. I'm hoping the twins go for a nap soon and then I'll put Jayna for "quiet time with books on her bed", which means she'll probably sleep as well. I'm not actually thinking that this will pan out for me, but I'm dreaming that it will.
When people used to ask if I was getting any sleep after the twins were born I would say that we were lucky. The twins used to pretty much only wake up to eat in the night and that was it.....until last week. For the past week or so, the nights have been a lot rougher and I don't know how much longer I can handle it. I have a cold that I just can't seem to get rid of, but when you're away a ridiculous number of times in the night and then being awake for a chunk of an hour or more on top of that, it's no wonder I can't get rid of this cold. We have done the Tylenol/Advil thing because the kids are teething and sometimes it helps, but last night it didn't really. We also let them cry it out at times as well. The kids usually don't eat until early early morning (between 3 and 5), but last night Davin wanted to eat at 1. He hasn't eaten at this time for a long time, so it took me an hour of trying everything else first to finally realize he wanted to eat.
One of the reasons that the kids waking up so much bothers me is because in a week, my mom will be here for a week to stay with the kids while we go to Vegas. Some people have made comments about how hard it will be for me to be away from the three little ones (obviously they haven't spent too much time in my house or around me), but the thing that will be nagging me in the back of my mind is wondering if the kids are behaving or making life difficult for my mom. I feel bad when someone else has to deal with my children when they are being difficult. Yes, I will miss the three, but I will definitely enjoy not having to deal with kids for 4 days and not having to do laundry, dishes or cook! I will also enjoy spending time with Derrick and not having any kids around.
We have started the twins on cereal. Davin has really taken to it, but Mara is struggling a bit. She's improving though and today at lunch was the best feeding of cereal for her yet. I'm hoping this helps them to sleep a bit better at night as well.
Parents, do you remember what it's like to eat a meal without being interrupted by kids or have your kid want to eat some of whatever you are eating at the moment? What about taking for granted that you could pee in silence or eat a hot meal whenever you wanted? Thank goodness for the great things about being a parent, like your child smiling at you or giving you a big hug and telling you that they love you. If it wasn't for things like that, I don't know how any parent would survive this job.
I realize this was a very random post, but oh well.
When people used to ask if I was getting any sleep after the twins were born I would say that we were lucky. The twins used to pretty much only wake up to eat in the night and that was it.....until last week. For the past week or so, the nights have been a lot rougher and I don't know how much longer I can handle it. I have a cold that I just can't seem to get rid of, but when you're away a ridiculous number of times in the night and then being awake for a chunk of an hour or more on top of that, it's no wonder I can't get rid of this cold. We have done the Tylenol/Advil thing because the kids are teething and sometimes it helps, but last night it didn't really. We also let them cry it out at times as well. The kids usually don't eat until early early morning (between 3 and 5), but last night Davin wanted to eat at 1. He hasn't eaten at this time for a long time, so it took me an hour of trying everything else first to finally realize he wanted to eat.
One of the reasons that the kids waking up so much bothers me is because in a week, my mom will be here for a week to stay with the kids while we go to Vegas. Some people have made comments about how hard it will be for me to be away from the three little ones (obviously they haven't spent too much time in my house or around me), but the thing that will be nagging me in the back of my mind is wondering if the kids are behaving or making life difficult for my mom. I feel bad when someone else has to deal with my children when they are being difficult. Yes, I will miss the three, but I will definitely enjoy not having to deal with kids for 4 days and not having to do laundry, dishes or cook! I will also enjoy spending time with Derrick and not having any kids around.
We have started the twins on cereal. Davin has really taken to it, but Mara is struggling a bit. She's improving though and today at lunch was the best feeding of cereal for her yet. I'm hoping this helps them to sleep a bit better at night as well.
Parents, do you remember what it's like to eat a meal without being interrupted by kids or have your kid want to eat some of whatever you are eating at the moment? What about taking for granted that you could pee in silence or eat a hot meal whenever you wanted? Thank goodness for the great things about being a parent, like your child smiling at you or giving you a big hug and telling you that they love you. If it wasn't for things like that, I don't know how any parent would survive this job.
I realize this was a very random post, but oh well.
Saturday 7 April 2012
Update
It's been almost a month since I have written anything. I guess I haven't felt the need to post something in a while since things are seeming to get easier in a lot of ways (although it's still crazy). Things have been really busy around here, yet I feel like we've accomplished nothing. The weather has been nice and we've been taking advantage of that. I feel as though the nice weather has made life a lot easier and it makes me a lot happier. It's always nice to get outside and watch Jayna play or to go for a run by myself.
We are also always trying to organize our house. It's a battle that I don't think will ever end, but we are slowly making improvements. The latest task is organizing our bedroom so that my mom can stay here for a week while we go to Vegas!!!! We weren't planning on this trip, but there was a really good deal and my mom asked why we weren't going. I said that we have three little ones to pawn off on people and I didn't think that was going to happen. My mom then said something that I'm sure she wishes she could take back now. She said that her and dad could stay here to watch the kids. I didn't think much of it at the time, but when I got off the phone, I looked at the deals and then asked Derrick if he could get a week off. Everything fell into place and we are leaving on the 23rd.
I really look forward to enjoying some time as a couple with no children. It is definitely needed and will be appreciated. I also look forward to the funniest things. I was telling Derrick that I was excited to be able to shower when I wanted, for however long I wanted and to take as long as I want to get ready. There are many days when I have the best of intentions to blow dry my hair and put on makeup, but the kids somehow just get in the way of that. I will also enjoy going to the bathroom without having a child bang on the door or hearing a baby cry in the background. It will be nice to put ourselves first for a few days. I will definitely miss my children, but I will not look forward to coming back to the grind.
On a totally different note, the babies are doing really well and are starting to show their personalities. Mara was always really serious, but in the last week (now that she's over her bronchiolitis) has become the happiest little girl with a smile on her face all the time. I think she's working on a tooth right now, so that causes her to wake up a bit more in the night, but we will get through it. Both of the twins are so close to rolling over. I can't believe they're already at that stage. Davin has gotten a lot stronger over the last couple of weeks and is a big boy. He weighs just over 17 pounds and Mara is at about the 16 pound mark. Davin is already in 6-12 month clothing and he just turned 4 months and Mara is getting her clothing switched out today and replaced with 6-12 month clothing.
We have also had another big change in our house. As I like to say, Jayna is now pee trained. We are working on mastering pooping on the potty, but we are getting there. We hadn't planned on potty training her, but it just kind of happened. We are really lucky. She has also not worn a diaper to bed the last two nights and she has been dry in the morning! Jayna is talking so much and is making us laugh on a regular basis. She is a very happy girl who loves her brother and sister and is very mature for her age. She is definitely a big helper for me as well. We will have a lot of fun with her this summer going to parks and pools and the beach. I must say that I am really enjoying this age (when she's not acting like a brat and reminding me of myself as a child).
Well, that's it for now, but I will be sure to post something more frequently. I hope all is well with everyone and that you've all been enjoying this beautiful spring we have had.
We are also always trying to organize our house. It's a battle that I don't think will ever end, but we are slowly making improvements. The latest task is organizing our bedroom so that my mom can stay here for a week while we go to Vegas!!!! We weren't planning on this trip, but there was a really good deal and my mom asked why we weren't going. I said that we have three little ones to pawn off on people and I didn't think that was going to happen. My mom then said something that I'm sure she wishes she could take back now. She said that her and dad could stay here to watch the kids. I didn't think much of it at the time, but when I got off the phone, I looked at the deals and then asked Derrick if he could get a week off. Everything fell into place and we are leaving on the 23rd.
I really look forward to enjoying some time as a couple with no children. It is definitely needed and will be appreciated. I also look forward to the funniest things. I was telling Derrick that I was excited to be able to shower when I wanted, for however long I wanted and to take as long as I want to get ready. There are many days when I have the best of intentions to blow dry my hair and put on makeup, but the kids somehow just get in the way of that. I will also enjoy going to the bathroom without having a child bang on the door or hearing a baby cry in the background. It will be nice to put ourselves first for a few days. I will definitely miss my children, but I will not look forward to coming back to the grind.
On a totally different note, the babies are doing really well and are starting to show their personalities. Mara was always really serious, but in the last week (now that she's over her bronchiolitis) has become the happiest little girl with a smile on her face all the time. I think she's working on a tooth right now, so that causes her to wake up a bit more in the night, but we will get through it. Both of the twins are so close to rolling over. I can't believe they're already at that stage. Davin has gotten a lot stronger over the last couple of weeks and is a big boy. He weighs just over 17 pounds and Mara is at about the 16 pound mark. Davin is already in 6-12 month clothing and he just turned 4 months and Mara is getting her clothing switched out today and replaced with 6-12 month clothing.
We have also had another big change in our house. As I like to say, Jayna is now pee trained. We are working on mastering pooping on the potty, but we are getting there. We hadn't planned on potty training her, but it just kind of happened. We are really lucky. She has also not worn a diaper to bed the last two nights and she has been dry in the morning! Jayna is talking so much and is making us laugh on a regular basis. She is a very happy girl who loves her brother and sister and is very mature for her age. She is definitely a big helper for me as well. We will have a lot of fun with her this summer going to parks and pools and the beach. I must say that I am really enjoying this age (when she's not acting like a brat and reminding me of myself as a child).
Well, that's it for now, but I will be sure to post something more frequently. I hope all is well with everyone and that you've all been enjoying this beautiful spring we have had.
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