Sunday, October 4, 2009

Ommmm.....

After a hectic day, my husband and I decided to go on a "yoga" date. So once the babysitter arrived we were out the door!

We were a few minutes late for the class and were not able to sit next to each other. That may have been a good thing, because I am not a good yoga student. Part of the problem is that I get too "hooked' on things. Once the deep breathing started, I was a goner and I don't mean that in a good way. With one eye cracked open, I start scanning the room. I noticed people's dirty feet. I checked out people's weird expressions. Where is the clock? I couldn't find the clock and I felt like going nuts. I tried to listen to the instructor and focus on my breathing. The more she talked the more I felt like hyperventilating. I needed a clock. What time is it? I needed to know!!! I couldn't focus on the breathing without knowing how much longer I was going to be stuck in the yoga room.

After a few deeps breaths, I tried to give in and except that I had to be stuck in the smelly yoga room for a whole hour and a half. I closed my eyes, but I couldn't relax. I couldn't stop thinking!!! At one point, I almost fell asleep but I woke up startled to what I thought was a lawn mower. Turned out it was the room chanting!?! Ughh...it felt like forever.

Finally it ended and I was free! I met up with my husband, who expressed a little disappointment because he was expecting a power yoga class. Me on the other hand, realized that I need the boom, boom of loud music playing in the background. I need the sweat and the aching of every inch of my body. I need the aggressive workouts. My personality is nothing but intense, so why did I think I could do yoga!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

It's official...I am a loon!

There is something wrong with me...I just can't stop. What is it that I can't stop? Well just about everything. I can't stop thinking of new and unnecessary things to do. I can't stop doing laundry, cleaning or the dishes. I can't stop thinking about my kids. When I am with them, I feel as if I need to do more for them and when I am away from them, I feel as if I didn't do enough with them! I can't stop volunteering and I can't stop thinking of new business ventures.

The fact that I'm a loon, became profoundly obvious to me last night as I was steam cleaning the family room carpet. Yes, steam cleaning the carpets...at 9:30pm! What normal person does that?!? Then after I completed my cleaning frenzy I proceeded to cast 3 concrete stepping stones for my daughter's preschool craft project. I of course volunteered to oversee it and have been obsessed for the past 3 days with creating mosaic stepping stones. Tonight, after everyone went to bed, I was in the laundry room, sorting itsy bitsy mosaic tiles into color piles. I did this because I wanted to simplify the project for seventeen 3yr olds. Like that's possible! Please don't get me wrong, I love everything I do...I feed off of the craze in my life. It is my state of blissfulness. Most don't understand me, but like I said I just can't stop!

Someone once told me that, as a mom I was too hands on. I was perturbed when I first heard this statement. I mean, how can one be too hands on? Now I realize that I may be too hands on with everything. I am confirming what everyone else knows...I am a loon!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Think twice before parking next to a minivan!

I know moms in minivans get a bad rap, but please, please think twice before parking too close to a minivan. I know cars are larger and the parking spots are smaller, but please try to notice the space in between you and the next car.

As I tried the other day to get my twins into the minivan, the car next to me was so close that I couldn't even get the carseat through. I went to the other side of the car where there was a little more room. If I had a car without sliding doors, I definitely wouldn't have been able to crack the door open enough to get my babies in. As I tried to manipulate the carseat, with my one son in it, through the tiny space, I hit the car next to me. I cringed and felt really bad. There was no damage but there was no way I could get the boys in otherwise.

I looked around half hoping the owner would come, so I could apologize and maybe politely comment on staying in the lines. Yes, a little passive aggressive, I know! But no luck, no one else was around. It was just a very crowded parking lot. So again, please think twice before parking too close...

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

And we thought we had it bad...

Today was one of those days where all the plans get tossed out the window. I was prepared to drop my daughter off at school and then take the twins to physical therapy with me. Something I really needed since my back has been aching from lugging all the kids everywhere.

But when my daughter woke up this morning, she was covered head to toe in hives. Her poor little face was swollen and so were her eyes. I frantically called everyone to cancel my appointments as well as called the doctors office to see if they could squeeze us in. Yes, they could, but we had to get there ASAP. So I ran around the house like a mad woman, making bottles, packed the diaper bag, changed everyone and threw some waffles in a bag for my daughter. We made it out of the house, into the car and arrived at the doctors office in record time, but of course we had to wait, and wait...

We waited an hour or so. The twins got cranky, because it was nap time. My daughter was agitated because she couldn't stop scratchy and me, well I was pretending not to notice the ruckus my family was making.

I think we officially scared the entire waiting room from the loud screams coming from the room we were in. A nurse knocked on the door to make sure we were alright. The doctor tried to calm the boys down. Another nurse tried to help only to be rewarded with projectile spit up from my one son. To me it was just another day with the kids. The noise just doesn't phase me, but for most it drives them nuts.

With a prescription in hand, a lab work form, my kids and I depart the doctors office. As all eyes focus on me, I survey the waiting room. Yup, lots of first time parents, embracing their little ones, afraid that their kids may catch the "screams". A few parents give me an embarrassed smile, some look at me with pity, but most just looked relived that they are not in my position. As we walk out the door, I hear one husband say to his wife "and we thought we had it bad"! That made me laugh and kept me laughing all day long. Good thing, because the tears from the kids lasted all day long too!!!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

There is something wrong with the toilet...

Just as I am about to relax, because I think all three kids are sleeping, I hear a rumbling from up above. My daughter is awake from her nap, or did she ever really nap? As she comes running down the stairs with a plunger in hand, she is yelling that there is something wrong with the toilet. This is not, what one wants to hear a three year old proclaim!

Off the couch, I start running towards her, because now the rumbling I heard from up above distinctly sounds like the toilet running over. Yikes! My daughter is so excited, jumping up and down happily declaring that she had tried to fix it. Wasn't she a great mommy's helper? Yes, what a helper she is!?!

As I assess the damage, I see that a whole roll of toilet paper is stuck smack dab in the center of the toilet bowl. A whole package of baby wipes and a little rubber ducky has all made it to the party! The floor is soaking wet as well as every towel that my daughter could find. In case that wasn't enough her little potty is full and there is some poop in the bathroom sink! How and why does she consistently do stuff like this?? Where did I fail? I always gave her plenty of attention. I mean really now, who does this????

Since my daughter was born she has always kept me on my toes. At 9 months she figured out how to "swing" her legs and up over the crib. She has disrobed and rubbed poop everywhere. She has polished her bedroom with Vaseline. She has put her potty in her bed so her toys could use it. She's broken 3 crib tents and bent her rail that prevents her from falling out of the "big girl" bed. She has covered the walls with band aids and now has a great desire to figure out how the toilet works and where the water goes!!!

Oh my! She just keeps going. Don't get me wrong, I love her zest and energy for life. I love that she is so curious and how she wants to continually learn. She makes me smile and fills my heart with so much joy. But sometimes she tests my patience like nothing else. But I guess that is what children are all about. They teach us, just as much as we teach them. She has taught me to always smile & laugh because otherwise I'd be crying, especially after seeing poop floating in the sink!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11

Today is a day that will always remind me of how precious life is and that everyday is a gift. 8 years ago my life was almost terribly altered but fortunately my story has a happy ending. My dad is a 9/11 survivor. I will never forget that day and where I was when I heard the news. I think back and realize that I was on one of the last flights to arrive into Newark, NJ. Arriving into Newark at 2am I made the drive to upstate NY to visit my family. I knew I would be delayed so I canceled my work appointments in Manhattan the day before.

As I played with my nephews & niece I remember the TV going out. Then the phone started ringing and we heard the news. It was the longest morning of my life. Knowing that my dad was in the World Trade Center and worked on one of the higher floors, it didn't seem the he could have been one of the many fleeing from the towers. Fortunately he was. Bits and pieces of what he saw has come out, but he doesn't speak about that day much. I know he saw the first tower struck by a plane as he was looking out the window drinking coffee. A kind soul let him use their phone to call us.

This morning, as I was driving I looked around. Everything has gone back to normal. A car cut me off. I saw two people arguing over a parking spot. Sometimes I think we all take things for granted. I know I do. Today, I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect, stop and think. Life goes by too fast and we can't control what's going to happen next.

As I dropped my daughter off at school, the woman in the office complimented me because I am always smiling. Trust me I am not always smiling. I truly feel that at times I have so much going on, it is easy to get overwhelmed. My survival mode is to smile and just keep going! So for today, let's all smile and count our blessings.

Monday, September 7, 2009

She's hardcore....

I have my very own personal trainer, and it's awesome. The best part is that I don't pay her, she always wants to be by my side and she's hardcore! Who is this person? Well, It's my three-year-old daughter! When I have the twins in the double Bob stroller, my daughter likes to sit on the front. If I am running, well maybe not running, considering I am pushing a 100lbs and people are passing me as they are walking by. My daughter sits in front, yelling, "Faster mom, you can do it". "FASTER...I said FASTER"!!!! Yes, she's a tough one. The other day I was about to collapse from the run and when I told her I couldn't run anymore because my lungs were burning she said, "feel the burn, now RRUUNNNNNNN"! Yes, she keeps me going...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

It was a good day:)

Every day is a good day, but today was exceptional. It restored my faith in people. For the past few weeks I have seen people not say thank you for a good deed, borrow things and not give them back or in general just be taken advantage of! I sometimes feel that I have become a source of great entertainment and amusement as people watch me struggle with my tandem stroller. I guess it may be funny for some to see me half stuck in a doorway as the door slams me in the ass!

But today, all the stars must have been aligned! It started out as I dropped my daughter off at school. The woman in the office kindly offered to watch the twins while I ran my daughter downstairs to her classroom. Then during a Target run, I noticed the woman in front of me at the register, buying a Leap Frog Reading Toy. I was thinking of buying it for a Christmas gift and once she noticed me peering at her item, she offered to run back to the toy department and get me one. It was on sale for $12.00 from $50! Another man offered to load my cart and then another person offered to help get the cart to my car. This was amazing, since I am so used to pulling the shopping cart behind me as I push the double stroller with one hand. Since the twins were born 5 months ago, not one person has ever offered to help while I've been out. So this truly caught me by surprise and I was so overwhelmed with the generosity of it all. As I rambled on to each person about how kind they were, they were amazed that I was amazed! It was a good day indeed.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Day glow pink....

If you've been following my blog, you'd know by now that I have a very creative 3yr old with an incredibly active imagination! The days of her stripping, pulling her poopie diaper off and finger painting on the wall are gone. The bedroom has been emptied of anything that she could possibly have fun with during naptime. The lamp has been removed, so she can't wear the lampshade on her head as she dances around the room. The toy bin is gone, so she can not line up her dolls and stuffed animals, then cover them with band aids. Most of the art has been removed from the walls, so she can't rearrange it.

So what is left for her to do doing during naptime? Sleep, I would think, but now who am I kidding! So now really what is there left to do???? Well, to take apart her bed, of course and "paint" the walls with Vaseline! As I stared in wonderment at her room. I keep thinking how could this happen? I had removed everything that I thought she could get! The only thing I had left in the medicine closet of her bathroom was a small jar of Vaseline. A small jar of goo, aka Vaseline, would be way too appealing for my daughter. And now how did she reach the medicine cabinet? Well, she had opened each drawer of the bathroom vanity to create her own steps!

She explained to me that she was "cleaning" and the furniture needed to be polished. As I assessed the situation I see that she had "polished" the entire bed, 1/2 the wall, her bedding, and the mirrored closet doors. Yes, she was a busy bee! To top it off she pulled out the decorative flowers on her bed that covered the screws that hold her bed together. I am positive if she had been able to rig something together to get the screws out, she would have!

After all said and done the room is back to normal. It did take several washings to remove all of the Vaseline from the linens. The only hint left from the crime scene is the shiny patch of paint on the wall that now looks like a day glow pink!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

We stole shoes:(

For some strange reason I thought it would be a fun adventure to head to the mall with the 3 kids. Now what was I thinking? Not only was it one of the hottest days of the year, but it was a little too close to feeding time for the twins. But I figured what the heck, let's go! In the beginning things were going well. At the first store we purchased some shoes for my daughter, along with a pair of angel wings, a cookie and 3 helium balloons. This didn't seem too bad. In hindsight, it was just a case of overconfidence!

With the helium balloons secured to the stroller, my daughter happily eating a cookie and angel wings strapped to her back we moved onto the next store. We arrived at Stride Rite, tried on what seemed like every shoe in the store and finally purchased one pair. My one son starts crying, and we head to the bouncy castle. My plan was that while my daughter was jumping, I'd be able to feed the twins. As we get to the bouncy, the crying turns to high pitch wales and his brother chimes in. The twins are now crying in stereo. As I bend down to take my daughter's shoes off, but what is on her feet but a pair that we had not purchased. We stole shoes! Yikes...not good!!!

I pick up my daughter, we can't scuff the shoes now! She starts crying because she thinks she can't bounce. The boys are crying. I am holding my daughter, pushing the double stroller, getting poked in the eye with an angel wing and getting slammed in the head with 3 helium balloons. I walk faster, start sweating, walk even faster, and the crying is getting louder now. The walk turns into a jog. Still more crying. I'm hot, the kids are hot. We finally made it back to Stride Rite to return the shoes. We retrieve my daughter's beat up old Crocs and head back to the bouncy castle. I am now sweating like pig, have two crying babies on my hands and one very confused 3yr old! Things were not good. I think I have learned my lesson. We'll head back to the mall again, but maybe for a nice leisurely walk and to enjoy the bouncy castle. As for running errands and shopping, I think I'll leave that to the Internet. That way I'll know that I have paid for everything!!!!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

What's in your underwear drawer?

Every morning I start my day with a smile. It's not necessarily because I had a great night sleep or that I am this wonderful optimistic person who wakes up ready to take on the day. It's because every morning I find a "surprise" in my underwear drawer.

At this point in time it not only holds my undies, but it is the new storage space for the Hungry Hungry Hippo's marbles, a pacifier and a few random papers. This is the place of choice for my daughter to put her prized possessions. So every morning I have to laugh, because everyday it's something new. So what's in your underwear drawer?

Sunday, August 23, 2009

What's wrong with me????

I recently went to dinner with a good friend of mine and half way through dinner she decided that I needed serious therapy. Normally, I would have been insulted, but I really respect my friend and maybe she was on to something. So the next day I discussed it with my husband and he declared "yes, that there is something wrong with me"! I sat there with my mouth wide open...almost speechless, but much to my husband's dismay not entirely speechless! So what is my problem? Well I can't let go, I am a helicopter mom, I can't say "no", I keep taking on new projects and the list goes on and on. First off, my daughter starts preschool on Thurs. I have called the school and almost canceled her enrollment. Changed my mind, found a different preschool and signed her up. I changed my mind once again and decided she was going to the original school. I then made special drop off and pick up arrangements to fit into the twins schedule. I have been crying for weeks that she is leaving. Left the purchasing of her school supplies until the very end, just in case I change my mind again. Now that I am committed (at least for today) I volunteered to be the classroom head mom. So when I told my husband I wanted to be classroom mom, he asked me if that was a really smart thing to do? Didn't I have enough going on? Yes, I have a full plate. I have a small import business, my custom art business, my blog, my baby product review site, I am a co-chair for the San Diego Chapter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, I have 3 kids, a husband, do an endless amount of laundry, grocery shopping & cleaning. To top it off last week I felt as if I was running an at home daycare. Last week I watched my kids, another 3yr old and a 6 month old! So why, oh why can't I let go? Why can't I just be a mom.That is really all I want to do and it should be fulfilling enough, right? Every time I take on a new project, in the back of my mind I know I shouldn't, but I just can't stop. So maybe I do need therapy after all. Well, at least to learn to use the word "NO" and be okay with it!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Go Daddy!

This evening, when my husband arrived home at 5pm, he surprised me by saying that he had made an appointment for a one and a half hour massage at 6pm and that I should take it. Well, it didn't take me long to grab my keys and run out the door! Then it dawned on me that he would have all three kids. With no dinner made, all three kids to feed and needing to put down for bed, I retreated back into the house. He said he could handle it, he'd figure it all out and I should relax and enjoy the massage. What a guy!!!! Well when I returned home at 7:40pm, the house was quiet. Could this be? Did he do it? As I tip toed up the stairs, I heard him and my 3 yr old daughter singing soft lullabies. There she was tucked neatly in her bed, my husband in the rocking chair burping a baby and a satisfied smile on his face. Yes, two down, one to go! As I fed my other son, I thought about what a great job my husband did. Not only did he make a shrimp and linguine dinner, he managed to get two bottles made, 2 kids fed and tucked in. As I finished feeding the last baby...time check 7:55pm, all I could think of was "Go Daddy, go"!!!

8am to 8pm

It amazing to have gone from being completely exhausted to feeling human again in just 4 short months. Thanks to Babywise the twins go down around 7pm, I sneak in and feed them at 8pm and the don't make a peep until 8am! What a blessing. So many people say I am lucky. Yes, I know I am, but I do think it's not just luck. I put a lot of time into sleep training my kids. In the beginning it was round the clock every 3 hours for the first 6-8 weeks. I did what everyone thought was foolish, I woke not one but two sleeping babies! The Babywise premise is it to get the infant on a schedule. So you get them fed before they get too hungry, too agitated and too hard to calm down. For me it worked, but you have to be dedicated and disciplined. So it is not for everyone. My daughter is a perfect example that Babywise works. The first time around I may have chalked it up to "luck" but now that the twins are here and they are sleeping well I have to believe it was my diligence to follow a schedule. So, this evening I am looking forward to laying on the couch and watching a movie with my husband by 8:30! Wow, even I am amazed!!!!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

It's not you, it's me!

We've all been there at some point in our life, when we've had to break up with a boyfriend who was text book perfect, but yet something was just not right. I myself have had to use the "it's not you, it's me" line, and recently I found myself almost having to use that line again. Seems rather strange to me since I am happily married and have three kids, but there was a person in my life who had been sucking the daylight out of me. When I would tell my dilemma to other friends, I was advised to "dump her" or "break up with her". I found this so disturbing, even though after every time that particular friend and I would talk or meet, I left feeling unsettled, aggitated and even sad. I couldn't quite forget how she was there for me or what a reliable friend she was. But when does the bad out way the good? This was and still is my greatest struggle. I kept making excuses for her unkindness or her rudeness. Eventually I did "let go" of the friendship as hard as it was for me. Almost instantly a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I was able to focus on my family with pure joy. This is when I knew the decision was right. Now that we have broken up, it is interesting to see things more clearly and recognize how much time I wasted discussing her issues with my husband. I am only sorry that I didn't do it sooner. Now if only I can get my husband to break up with the downer in his life...

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Poo Pooo Poker Face?????

As I was driving in my minivan the other day, with all 3 kids, my daughter started singing and asked if I could play her song in the car. I couldn't quite figure out what lyrics she was saying, so as we went through each CD that was in the car, she kept rejecting song after song. No it wasn't "Row, Row, Row Your boat", "Twinkle Twinkle", "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "I Eat Apples & Bananas". For the life of me I couldn't figure out what she wanted. Finally she said "no it's not mommy's music", as if I truly enjoy the themes from every nursery song blasting from the speakers of my car, but it's daddy's music. I turned my head suddenly and shot her a look that even she couldn't believe. As I asked her to sing a little louder and a little slower the song became clear. In her sweet helium balloon sounding voice came "P-P-P poker face, P-P-P poker face, I won't tell you that I love you, kiss you or hug you, cause I'm bluffin with my muffin". I guess the word muffin really got her, because at that moment she burst out laughing. I on the other hand did not! She even continued to tell me that it was sung by Lady Gaga Goo Goo. Okay, well at least she brought the name down to her level. Yes, I was shocked and I think my daughter realized that I was not happy because she looked at me and said " Does Daddy need a time out?"

Thursday, August 6, 2009

I will always be in your heart!

Yesterday, I started reviewing the list of school supplies that my daughter would need when she starts preschool in Sept. Not only was I overwhelmed with how much she will need, really she's just 3, so I don't understand why the supply list is a full one page but I was saddened at the prospect of dropping her off each morning. As my daughter was trying on her little school jumper, my lower lip quivered and my eyes welled up with tears. My daughter consoled me and said "don't worry mommy, I will always be in your heart when I am at school". Yikes! That's what I used to say to her when I would have to leave to run errands and we were dealing with separation anxiety. When did our roles reverse? As I think about it, maybe I was the one with separation anxiety and never her! Could that be?!? How sad:(

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

10x's in 3 1/2 hours!

I really haven't found time yet to get to the gym. I have gone twice since the twins were born and I keep beating myself up, with that fact that I still can't fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. As I found myself exhausted, and my arms sore and my quads feeling like they had gotten a workout, I started to wonder if maybe all this "mom" stuff that I am doing is actually contributing to my weight loss. So as I thought about my day, I came to the revalation that in a period of 3 1/2 hours I had put the twins in and out of the car 10 times. The reality is that I had picked up the 20lb carseats with my 14lb boys tucked safetly inside 20 times total and that's not including chasing my 3 year old. That's madness! Now how could that possibly be, well I'll tell you...
8:45am- Put all three kids in the car. (1)
9:10am- Take all three kids out of the car. Walk my daughter to class. (2)
9:20am- Put the boys back in the car. (3)
9:50am- Take the boys out of the car. Visit my husband at work, show off the twins. (4)
10:40am- Put the boys back in the car. Drive to the doctors office. (5)
10:50am-Take the boys out. Visit the doctor for their check up. (6)
11:30 am- Put the boys back in the car. Drive to my daughter's school. (7)
11:45am- Take the boys out. Get my daughter. (8)
12pm- Put all the kids back in the car. Drive home (9)
12:15pm- Home, take all the kids out! (10)

Wow, now wonder I am tired!!!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

When everything goes awry.

I don't know what to do? After 3yrs of carefully screening what my daughter watches, who my daughter plays with and keeping close tabs on her to ensure that she properly behaves, all that goodness flew out the door in the one hour that I left the house for a manicure! She had a playdate with acquaintances of my husband and learned how to push, spit and empathetically say "no way Mom". Yes, my beautiful blond daughter with the doe eyes and the look of pure wholesomeness is now hocking major luggies. What to do...I just don't know? It has taken me three days now to deprogram her and I don't even know if it's a success yet. I know I can't shelter her forever, but my theory was that if I kept her away from the bad behavior for as long as possible she's would recognize it and know to do the right thing. For a 3 year old this is an impossible task. Now who was I kidding...

Sunday, July 19, 2009

My very own economic stimulus plan.

Since the twins have been born, it seems as if I can't stop spending. I would love to say that I am treating myself to mani/pedi's and new clothes or splurging on my daughter or the boys, but that is not where the money is going. It is unbelievable to me how many times I order diapers, formula and wipes. Every time I think I have enough, it turn out it's not. So diapers.com comes to the rescue. I love that website, because it's free shipping and no tax! Even though I am embarrassed that the driver is at my door once a week, it beats me having to lug all that stuff from the store. So I guess eventually I will be able to cut down on spending, but at this point at least I am doing my part to stimulate the economy!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

I am embarressed to say...

I think any mom can find fault when someone else watches their babies. I know I feel this way, especially when my husband takes charge. Please don't get me wrong, he does an amazing job, but sometimes I would do things differently. A perfect example is when I looked out the window the other day. My husband and my daughter had been in the pool swimming when suddenly I noticed them off in the corner of the property by a tree. As I watched in disbelief, my daughter with her bathing suit off, squatting and peeing in the bushes. If I had not been feeding one of the twins I would have ran outside and stopped the madness. When they both returned inside, I of course, had some choice words for my husband. He explained that she wouldn't have made it if they had come inside and did I really want them running in, soaking wet and making a mess? I knew I would not win this battle and my husband being a man would not see my side. So now, I am embarrassed to say, that skill set he taught her actually came in handy when we were going for a long walk and my daughter declared that she had to go. Alone with the twins in the stroller, no spare clothes and not a potty insight, I spotted a large shady tree. As I looked around to see if anyone was looking, fortunately the coast was clear, she was able to not have an accident. Did I ever think that I would be in that situation? Absolutely not. But I guess, as the saying goes, when you have to go, you have to go!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

I'll bring the drinks?!?!

Sometime I wonder what goes through my daughter's mind. I was at Mommy & Me Spanish class arranging a playdate for her. As I was finalizing the plans, the other little girl looked at me and said "yay, I am going to have a party". Before I could respond my daughter piped up and said "I'll bring the drinks". Yes, I am in trouble!

And they laughed at me...

I remember when the twins were born I did a posting saying that I had the boys on a 3hr schedule. Several people laughed when I wrote that and were way too happy to tell me that it wouldn't last and I was in la la land. Well, I am happy to say it lasted and that the boys are now feeding every 3hrs during the day and go from 11pm all the way to 8am. Yes, blissful sleep is almost happening. That doesn't mean that I am sleeping solidly though, I still go in to check on them because sometimes they are just too quite and at other times they are very loud. The other night my baby monitor bars were solid red, when I turned the volume up, I didn't hear crying. So I went into the boys room to investigate and what I found made me smile ear to ear. The two of them cooing up a storm talking to each other:) Let the fun begin!!!
Thank you Babywise for a good night sleep!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Just too smart...

As I was playing with my daughter and the twins were in their cribs for the evening, I heard one of the baby's crying. My daughter looked up at me and said "don't you know if you leave them alone, they'll cry for a minute and then they'll stop"! I stopped in my tracks and looked at her, when she continued and said "really mom, you just fed & changed them, they'll be fine". Now when did my 3 year old get so smart?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

I can't let go....

Yesterday my daughter's Fall Preschool tuition bill arrived. I think a majority of Mom's out there would be jumping for joy with the prospect of having 3-5hours of free time. I on the other hand, burst into tears of the reality of "missing" my daughter for that long. As I read the list of supplies that my daughter would need, I felt a lump in my throat and the tears started rolling. My husband looked at me with pity and I started to tell him all the reasons my daughter did not need to go to school. We reached a compromise that she would go in the fall and it she didn't like it I could pull her out. I was overcome with relief...but what if she likes it???? What will I do!! I know I have the twins but she's still my baby:(

Friday, June 26, 2009

I love my Wii Fit

As a mom of three (I still can't believe it!), I find it hard to cram in any time for myself. If I do have any free time, I usually am doing dishes, laundry, cleaning or showering and not really doing anything fun. But recently I broke out my Wii and started working out with my 3yr old. I absolutely love it. It is a good way for us to spend time together, laughing and having fun as we do the hula hoop or go for a "run" together on the Wii Fit. It has become the only way I can sneak in a little exercise and my daughter loves laughing at/with me while I jump around like a mad woman. I have fallen in love...with my Wii Fit!!!!


Thursday, June 11, 2009

A little too creative...

The "big girl bed" has arrived! I am a sap, because of course, I cried once it arrived. How fast time goes by. Now that my daughter is not "trapped" in her crib, her imagination has gone wild. The first night, she was so excited that she fell fast asleep in her new bed without even realizing that she could escape. That didn't last long. The next day at nap time she figured out that she could jump all over the bed. Then she proceeded to get in and out of her bed over and over. In and out she went, under the covers, out of the covers, pillows tossed on the floor and then back on the bed. I am of the mindset, that I don't care what she does, as long as she is quiet and stays in her room. Well, that may not be the smartest philosophy. As I watched her in the video monitor, with the lampshade on her head, her clothes on backwards, I noticed a strange object in her bed. At this point I knew I had to go in. Once I entered the room, it was hard not to laugh and I wasn't sure if I should be mad or not. All of her toys and stuffed animals were lined up perfectly on the bed. Some were covered in band aids, a few had books placed on them, some were covered in toilet paper (clean thank goodness) and the strange object was her potty and Raggedy Ann was "using"it! In the sternest voice I could muster, I inquired as to what was going on. With her eyes wide she looked at me as if I was the biggest fool on the earth. Her toys were sick and she was taking care of them and Raggedy Ann had to use the potty, of course she couldn't go in her pants! I was thrown off guard. I truly didn't know what to do and the way she answered me, so matter of factly made it even harder. I think every parent wants their child to be creative, but can there be such a thing as a little too creative? I think so!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Call me bitter?!?

Today was the first day of my husband's "vacation" from work. We decided not to go anywhere because the twins are just 8 weeks and it would be easiest to stay local. So I hired extra help to have some free time. The morning did not start off well. My husband took his car in to get fixed and the shop found a few unexpected things wrong with it. Not a good start. As we drove up to Legoland California with our 3 year old, I could see my husband start to relax. We arrived and everything was going well, nice weather, nice lunch, nice rides, but everything went south real fast, once my husband lost our daughter in a play area tunnel. Yes, not good, and I was not a happy wife. Fortunately, I found her in the midst of a ton of kids having a blast, fully unaware that I had half of the play area park attendants looking for her. So maybe I am bitter, but it's not why you may think. It's not because my husband lost our daughter, not because I am tired, or not because I have spit up constantly stuck on my right shoulder. I am believe it or not, all fine with that. But what I am not fine with, are the wise asses that call my husband and ask him if "he's ready to go back to work, yet?". So I have to wonder what type of "friends" would do that? Is it because they are SO miserable at their jobs that they wish they could take two weeks off? Or is it because they are miserable when they are home with their families and want everyone else to be just as pathetic? Now really, why would anyone ask that question? You know, they only want to hear the bad stuff, and they are not asking to lend support or empathize. They just want a good laugh. Well, knowing that we have 8 week old twins, a 3 year old toddler and no family in the area to help, all I have to stay is yes, things are stressful at times. Sometimes 3 kids cry simultaneously, laundry is piled up, but we are surviving and it's NOT as bad a people would like to hear. The twins are on a 3 hour feed schedule during the day and sleep 5-6hrs each night and my daughter is in bed no later then 8pm. So yes, things are on the upswing and we are getting out of the trenches. So a word to the wise DON'T call and ask if my husband is ready to go back to work, as if that is a place of sanctuary and we are the worst things to be around. If you do, be prepared for the Italian wrath of words. I will start calling you at work and ask if your day sucks, if business is bad and don't you wish you were home? And if you are home I will hunt you down there and annoy you. So really people, come on lets grow up because we've all been in the same boat...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Towel bars are NOT for swinging!

Just when I think life is calming down and the routine seems fairly manageable, life or in this case my daughter decides to throw me a curve ball! So far I have been impressed with her maturity when it comes to the twins. We've had no major breakdowns, she sings to the boys when they cry, gets me a burp cloth when I need, and has been an incredible helper. Just when I forget that she's only three, she does something to snap me back into reality. So this, morning as she was brushing her teeth she leaned over, grabbed the towel bar and decided to hang from it. As I was trying to get her off, explain that she could get hurt, she decided what a fun torturous game this would be for me. The harder I tried to get her off, the louder she yelled, "swing me mommy, faster mommy". Yes, she was not getting that I was trying to pry her little hands from the death grip she had on the towel bar and get her to stop. Instead she decided to look at it is a new found "ride" that was attached to the bathroom wall. I had visions of huge holes left in the drywall of the bathroom, and just when I thought the towel bar would collapse, she decided the ride was over, at least for today...

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

One handed wonder.

I am always amazed at the things I can do under pressure. Lately, I have mastered doing everything with one hand. I can email, cook, make bottles, clean and even help my daughter go potty all while holding a baby! Now if I could only figure out how to feed both babies with one hand I'd be all set.

Monday, May 25, 2009

The writing is on the wall.

I have come to the conclusion that my daughter is going to be one of my biggest challenge's. She is head strong, determined and ever the party girl. We are working on transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed and all in all, it's going well. The crib tent was removed a few weeks ago, one rail half way down last week and now both rails are down. Next week we will turn the crib into a toddler bed. In general she hasn't climbed out but one of her favorite things to do is have a crib full of toys and books in bed with her. I don't mind, as long as she stays in bed. The other day though, she was having a full on dance party in the crib and using it as her very own personal jumpy castle. As I watch in the video monitor I was floored when she leaned over the crib rail and proceeded to grab the lampshade and put it on her head. Yes, the writing is on the wall, she loves to party! I hope my boys will be more mellow. If not, I am in big trouble!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

It's all smoke and mirrors!

I am grateful to all the people who compliment me on how I am handling my new life as a mom of multiples. I am even surprised at how easy I make it look, although I have to admit it's all a facade. Yes, maybe the laundry is done & folded, everything seems to be in it's place, my house is vacuumed and dusted. It's all been completed after the 3am feed. I may look semi okay; concealer, foundation and caffeine are a must! But as many know, appearances can be deceiving. Yes, I am doing it, but I have a great husband and help. Help that in the beginning I resisted but finally succumbed to once I realized that I could only do so much on my own. So as I except each compliment I feel a little bit like a fraud. I may have a smile on the outside and I may look well rested, but truth be told I am a frazzled mess who has had a maximum of 4 hours sleep for the last 6 weeks, have spit up caked in my hair and typically down the back of my shirt. So if I look decent, well rested or have wrangled all three kids up and into the minivan for an outing, it's just because the caffeine has kicked in and I've had a burst of energy, but by 8pm I am a goner!

It's all about choices...

Overnight, I became a mom of three. Going from a mom of one, to a mom of three has been challenging. I was prepared for the fatigue, the constant diapers, burping and laundry but what I wasn't prepared for was the emotional guilt I feel each time I have to chose which child I am going to attend to first. I was advised to go to the oldest child first because she would remember what you do. I have tried my best to give each one the attention they need and in general everyone gets my attention when they need it most. At times I feel everything is just a little too methodical and not spontaneous enough. I go from feeding, changing, burping one baby to the next and then running after my oldest. There isn't enough cuddle time during the day for the babies. It makes me sad to think back to when my oldest was born and how I spent every minute of the day snuggling and fussing over her. I feel that I don't give the twins enough individual time. And for me I am guilt ridden each time I have to choose who to feed first. Of course I go to the one who is crying the loudest and as I feed one, I try to rub the other's head. But it breaks my heart each time one is crying and the other is looking up at me with his big eyes, in despair. As I snuggle & feed the one, I am always am looking at the clock trying to figure how much time it will take me before I can get to the other. This is not how it should be, but it's my reality. I know I am doing my best, but at times I feel it's just not enough and once I add my daughter in the mix, it just makes me feel even worse. I know that this will be a constant battle for me. One that I will need to continually work on. It's very hard to except, but I do get that it is all about the choices...

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Manners no more

Several weeks ago if you came for a visit or stopped by, I was the perfect hostess. Ice tea, coffee, water, something to eat? Something would always be offered. But, now that is no more. If you stop by expect to be handed a baby, a bottle, a diaper, trash or even a vacuum. Then maybe after that is accomplished, you'll get some water. Enter at your own risk!

Friday, May 8, 2009

I love a good photo!


When my daughter was born almost 3yrs ago, I couldn't take enough pictures of her. My friends and family were sick of the constant emails with multiple jpg files attached. I took so many because I just couldn't get "the shot". Now, I have moved on to having someone else take the photos. Last fall Pottery Barn Kids had a promotion and I met an amazing photographer named Amanda Dahlgren. She captured my daughter's personality so well, that I decided to have her photograph our family at Christmas. My husband wanted big belly photos of me, again I called her. So now that the twins have arrived, it was time to have her visit with the camera for some great baby photos. After 3 hours of her persistence and patience, she was able to proclaim that she thought she had some really great shots. You have to realize my house was a zoo while she was trying to work. If one baby was quiet, the other was crying. If they were both peaceful, one would poop suddenly and if that wasn't enough, my husband kept asking "if we were almost done" and my daughter was jumping in circles all over the room on a major sugar high. I am surprised after this last experience she hasn't blocked my phone number or my email address. Amanda was kind enough to email me a sneak peak of what I could expect and now I can't wait to see all the proofs. I have a feeling I will want to buy them all! Check out her website at http://www.amandadahlgren.com

My personal best!

So it was off to Mommy & Me Spanish class this morning. Sometimes I get up and am so tired, I wonder how will I ever survive the day. Thanks to a lot of caffeine and the fact that I have no other choice, I just continue moving forward. So this morning, being a little more tired then usual, somehow I managed to get all the kids in the car in less then 15 minutes and made it to my daughter's class only 5 minutes late. Yes, that was my personal best so far. Now being the overachiever that I am, I decided to make a game out of it, because if you can't have fun in life, what's the point! My goal is to see how fast I can get the kids in & out of the car, to and from without any tears. Can I do it in 10 minutes and make it to class on time? We'll see...

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I don't know when she changed!

About a month ago, I thought my daughter was just a petite, itty bitty thing. Now that the twins have arrived, so small and fragile, my daughter looks like mammoth woman. Her personality has also changed dramatically. Fortunately, we haven't seen any hostility towards the twins. She is extremely sweet and loving, her typical self. But what has changed is that she suddenly has a sense of confidence, a maturity that I did not see before. When did this happen? My first baby, my precious little girl, who is no longer a baby, but a full fledged person with an opinion! I don't know when she changed, it seems like overnight. It makes me so sad because life is flying by. I know once she starts preschool, I will be the crazy mom hiding in the bushes outside her classroom window peaking in...I should be happy that she evolving and growing. Why am I not happy that she is becoming more independent giving me a little more time to spend with the boys? I love that she can now entertain herself with crayons, paint or PlayDoh. So why oh why do I still feel guilty?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

It's just killing me...

Being a mom of newborn twins, I expected to be fatigued and overwhelmed. I can handle that because I know soon enough this period will end. The one thing that has taken me off guard is the stench that is coming out of the nursery. My beautiful fresh smelling home now has the notorious scent of baby poo wafting throughout. I just don't know what to do. I didn't have this problem with my daughter. Is it because there is twice as much poop? Is it because they are little boys and this is a sign of things to come? My Glade scented air fresheners are working double duty and there are not enough cans of Lysol to dissipate the smell. The stench is just killing me! Any suggestions?

Friday, May 1, 2009

It's all about the boob!

So the interesting thing about having a baby is that one of the first questions out of most people's mouths is "Are you breast feeding"? Not, how are the twins, how are you, are you sleeping or do you need any help? I find this obsession with the boob and it's feeding ability fascinating. Almost 3yrs ago, I found the question annoying, intimidating and it would many times bring me to tears. Back then, I was a first time mom, trying to keep up with the standard and what is socially acceptable. I was tired of defending myself for a choice that I really didn't want to make, but after trying every pump and every herb out there, breast feeding was not happening for me. This time around, I made the decision to just go with the flow (literally & figuratively), if it happened great, but if not that was fine to. We have all heard "Breast is Best" and have heard all those breast Nazi's out there basically chanting that phrase. I have read all the articles about how I am not giving my child the best and they will probably end up sicker, fatter and dumber then the breast fed baby. Now really, when you watch all the kids at the playground, do you think that kid can't climb the monkey bars, what an idiot, he must have been bottle fed? I know I don't! So this time around I have a refreshing new outlook. Instead of getting annoyed or defensive about whether or not I am, I just smile and listen. Recently, someone suggested that they send their boob lady over to massage my boobs to help with milk production. Call me conservative, but I just thought that was gross and a little disturbing. So, again I smiled and said thank you for thinking of me. I love the people who declare how the breast milk is so much superior. A majority of these women are the ones who are typically drinking a glass of wine with their meals, and drinking caffeine. The last time I checked, there was no alcohol or caffeine in a can of formula. But what do I know, apparently nothing? So I guess, I just have to recognize because of my choice my children will be the slowest ones at the playground...or will they???

It's all doable...

I know people think I am a loon! It has now become a joke when people come over and notice that everything is labeled and sorted. Every basket in the nursery is labeled; burp clothes, onesies, mittens, booties, diapers & wipes. The toy room is organized beyond belief and my daughter's room is the same. I don't even want to discuss what I've done in the garage...yes, call the therapist NOW! I really don't know when this obsession of mine started. I just know that is has become worse and worse over the years. If you ask anyone in my family if they ever expected this behavior or odd habit from me, they would say absolutely NOT. You have to understand that my entire time throughout high school and college, I was unable to open a blind or a window in my bedroom. Why, you may ask? Well, it's because I was a sloppy teenager and never hung anything or put anything away. So it was impossible to make it to the windows without stepping on something and I just never cared. So I have gone from one extreme to the next. Can you say MANIC?!?

I am finding that this craziness has finally served a purpose. Because of this crazy skill, I am finding each day manageable. Everything I do is very methodical, but it is the only way I am surviving. I have my boys on a 3hr feeding schedule and fortunately my daughter's schedule seems to fit right in. This morning, I woke up at 7am and showered. From there the craziness began. I fed, burped and changed my one son at 7:45am, did the next one at 8:20am, got my daughter out of bed at 8:45am. Bathed and got her ready. Had the whole crew downstairs and ready for breakfast by 9:15am. Decided I needed a Starbucks run by 10am. Packed each one, one by one into the car, drove to the Starbucks drive thru by 10:20am, was home by 10:55am. Did the 11am feed for the boys, followed by tummy time with each one, all while helping my daughter color and paint. Put the boys down for a nap. Made pigs in a blanket with my daughter for lunch, read to her in my bed, got her ready for her nap. Had her down by 1:20pm. Put a load of laundry in, folded the stuff in the dryer. Started the 2pm fed for my boys. Put them on their playmats for some stimulation, folded more laundry. Put the boys in their swings. Wiped down the kitchen, called a friend. I got my daughter out of bed from her nap at 4:15pm. Read her a book, put a Leap Frog video in the DVD for her to watch while I did the 5pm fed. At 5:30pm, my husband arrived, he made my daughter dinner, while I cleaned up. We all sat down to eat, my daughter with her grilled cheese and my husband & I with a meal that I made during yesterday's nap time. My husband gave my daughter a bath while I played with the twins. We switched off and I read my daughter a book and put her in bed at 7pm. Had 30 minutes of alone time my my husband. Started getting the twins bath ready. With the help of my husband washed one twin at 7:45pm and the other at 7:50pm. Did the 8pm feed. Had both boys down by 8:40pm. Folded more laundry. With my husband relaxing on the couch watching some nasty UFC fight, I retreated to the bedroom for some sleep. My husband did the 11pm feed so I could sleep and I just finished the 2am feed. So yes, it's all doable. Thank goodness for my organization skills because I'd never make it through the day. I guess a higher power stepped in and made me this crazy structured freak because if it wasn't for that I'd never survive! Well, back to bed I go...because it all begins again in a few hours:)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

No longer pregnant and still getting fondled!

I cannot believe it! I am finally getting back to normal and have been relishing in the idea that my body is no longer a free for all when out of the blue I see a hand reaching for my stomach. My one pet peeve from when I was pregnant was the idea that people felt that it was okay to rub my belly as if I was a Buddha. So the other day when I was waiting for my coffee at Starbucks, a woman suddenly reached over and said "how's your abs"? Yes, she knew I had twins and decided it was her place to see if my middle was soft and mushy. As she tried to feel my belly up, she declared that I too will be needing a tummy tuck eventually. How rude, not to mention incorrect! When will the madness end???

Monday, April 27, 2009

She's gonna blow!

Once again, my life has become a world of poop & pee. If I am not changing one of my sons diapers or getting peed on by them, I am running after my daughter to make sure she has used the potty. My daughter & I have come a long way. She has finally gotten over her strip teases, where she totally disrobes, with a diaper full of poo, smeared all over every inch of her bed, walls and herself. Gone is the duct taped diapers secured on her with the footed pajamas placed on backwards and the feet cut off. We have evolved to nighttime pull ups and no tape. The unfortunate side is, that we still have "poopy issues". The main issue is, that she typically poops while she is sleeping within the first hour of being in bed. So as each day passes with out a poop, the bedtime ritual becomes more of a fear. Is this it the night she is going to blow! My husband & I both fear the "big one" and unfortunaltely tonight was the night. After my husband & I both fed, burped & changed the boys we were both anxiously awaiting an early evening of sleep, but as we heard the voice of my daughter yelling from her room, the fanatasy of sleep quickly diminished. So it was back to changing and bathing her and washing the crib sheets. As we worked together we realized that it was almost time to feed the twins again. So yes, my life is all about poop & pee...it should end in a few years, right?!?

Saturday, April 25, 2009

The things I love!

Overnight I went from having one child to suddenly having three children. I have found that there have been certain things that have made each day more & more manageable.

I am grateful for the friends who have brought me meals. It is such a small thing but it has touched me in such a profound way. Every few days I "hit a wall". As if someone is looking out for me, it always seems that those are the days that someone kindly rings the bell with a wonderful meal for me & my family.

The gifts of diapers have been another one of my favorite things to receive. If you would have asked me what the best gift ever would be, I highly doubt in the past I would have responded "Pampers Swaddlers". But at this point in my life, diapers are better then diamonds! I just can't get enough:)

Whom ever invented the premade swaddle blankets, I salute you! Those swaddle blankets have helped ensure many good night sleeps or at least decent sleep in 3hr intervals. To me the swaddle blankets are a must have.

I love the Wubbanub. What is a Wubbanub? Well, it's a pacifier attached to a small stuffed animal. The stuffed animal adds just enough weight so if the twins spit out the pacifier, it just doesn't go very far. Another life saver, especially in the middle of the night!

So these are just a few of my favorite things...at least for today!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

I did it!

So it's day 16 since the twins were born and today was the day I decided to venture out with all three kids on my own. Over the weekend we had gone to the beach & the park as a family, so I new it could be done...but I had my husband with me. So as the alarm clock went off at 6am, I raced through a shower, fed, changed and burped the twins, and got my daughter out of bed. I helped my daughter wash her face, brush her teeth, brushed her hair, got her dressed and fed her. We were able to accomplish all this by 9:15am. As I piled each one into the car, we raced off to our Mommy & Me Spanish class. Class started at 9:30am. Of course we were not on time and we arrived 15 minutes late, but we got there! The key to my success was to just go on "auto pilot". I knew if I started to really think about the logistics and everything that could go wrong, I would never leave the house. I am amazed that we made it to and from without any tears, especially mine! So now I have the confidence I need to keep going. Today was school, tomorrow the grocery store!?1?

Monday, April 20, 2009

Little men, big men, they're all the same!

Today, as I was changing one of my son's I heard the loudest, most obnoxious sounding fart. I looked around because I thought for sure my husband must have come home and was somewhere in the nursery. As I turned my back to see where the sound had come from, I realized that fart came from the inside of the crib. How could my little man, a whole 5 1/2lbs create such a loud manly man fart sound? I don't recall my daughter ever doing that then or even now. So I guess it's just a "guy thing" and little men & big men are all the same!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

I just can't stop crying!

Thanks to my husband, I was able to bask in an early morning shower. As I stood in the shower enjoying every minute of the clean soap smell and the warm water, all I could think of was how fortunate I am. This is a daily ritual that so many of us take for granted. As I began to really relax, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes,and my lower lip starting to quiver. I couldn't stop thinking about all the people in the world who don't have clean water. That is when I knew it was all over, I quickly was turning into sniffling mess. So, I tried to go to a happy place...it didn't help. As the tears rolled down my face, I thought about how my husband took over every feed last night, shut off my alarm clock and snatched the baby monitor from my nightstand. He did this so I could get a full night sleep...and I cried even harder. I thought about how sweet my boys are, and just kept on crying. Then I thought about my adorable daughter and cried even more. Today at lunch, my husband and I were talking and I was overcome with an enormous amount of gratitude and respect for him, and yes, I cried again. This evening we had friends stop by for a visit and after they left I couldn't help think how fortunate that we have such amazing people in our lives and cried once more. Yes, the waterworks are on and I just can't turn them off!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Do I Dare???

So now that I am beginning to see the return of my feet, I hesitantly eye the scale in my bathroom. When I first found out that I was expecting twins, I was told to expect to gain about 60lbs. Now I started at 135 and I remember doing the math...that would bring me close to the 200lb mark. One evening I was out to dinner with a friend and her husband, the big joke became, why not just go for it. What other time in my life would I ever have the opportunity to reach that weight. Yes, this is a twisted way to think about the weight gain. But hey, why not? I truly did watch what I ate, stayed as active as I could, but the closer it got to D-Day, the closer my weight came to obtaining a goal that I never wanted to make. At the very end I did throw in the towel and bask in the glory of eating everything under the sun and more. As the bloat and the swelling set in, I realized that there was absolutely nothing I could do. I no longer had control over what my body was doing or looked like. It has been 10 days since the twins have been born and I am slowly shrinking. Slowly is the key word! I am starting to see my toes again, the outline of an ankle. Is that my feet I see? Hello feet, it's been a long time. I really would like to see where I am weight wise. I am afraid though. So do I just do it? Do I just stand on the scale and see what happens? Do I dare? Maybe...tomorrow.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

My week in review...

I cannot believe how fast the last 9 days have flown by. Two weeks ago if you asked me, I could actually tell you what was going on in the world and well, since then my brain has gone to mush. I really have not a clue as to what is happening outside of my “little baby world”. I know taxes were due on the 15th and that the American captain was freed from captivity off the coast of Somalia. Other then that I don’t know a thing about the “real” world. The few things I know right now are; that I have gone through 190 diapers in 9 days, have done 5 loads of baby laundry in a day, have been peed on at least 3 times on in a day, went through 4 baby outfits, 2 swaddle blankets and 1 changing cover pad in just one diaper change. How can that be?!? It is strange how life changes so fast but at the same time can stand so still…at least for me that is how it is!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Seven days and still sane?!?

It’s been a full seven days since my baby boys were born and it is amazing how life has changed. I know everyone says this, but now that they are here I cannot remember what my life was like before their arrival. I remember thinking how can I handle two babies at once or how can I give them each the attention that they will need. But I can honestly say I can’t imagine what it would be like if there were to be only one baby. Somehow I have found my rhythm with the two boys. I think back to when my daughter was born, and how overwhelmed I felt. Was it because I was a first time mom? Was it because I feared every little cry or whimper? Was it because I wanted to be perfect? I really don’t know. The one thing I know for sure was that this time around, I had no expectations of how life would turn out once the boys arrived. I had planned for the worst. I had planned on being sleep deprived. I had planned on being cranky. I had planned on being crazed. Yes, all those things have happened, but each time I look into one of my sons faces, see their little scrunched up faces, their petite little noses and their cute little cupid lips…. I realize that nothing else matters!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

It's all about the timing.

Many have told me that I am a "Type A" personality. I never really thought about it, until today. I am still in the hospital from having my twin boys via csection and will be here until Sat afternoon. I think a normal person would be sleeping while their babies are sleeping or doing anything but what I have been doing. But I am not normal, I now realize. What have I been doing? Well, in between visitors, I have moved my bed...it needed to be closer to the electrical outlet, so I can plug my laptop in. I organized my room and sorted the babies clothes. Who does this 2 days after having twins and in a hospital, no less?!? Emailed a few friends, arranged a photographer to come to the house in 2 weeks to photo our happy family, planned the Easter Meal menu...like I'm really going to cook or even grocery shop, but it's a nice thought! Signed my 2 1/2 year old daughter up for a trial ballet class for this upcoming Tues. Now really what am I thinking???? And somehow managed to get the boys on a 3 hour feed schedule, at least for the day. Yes, I am a little wacko and believe I am officially a "Type A", but I would like to rationalize it all as being super organized and having just good timing...should I just call the therapist now?!?

I am in LOVE!!!!

After months of waiting, my baby boys made their appearance on Tues April 7th. I feel so blessed that they are both healthy. Somehow both weighted in at almost 6lbs each, which is great for twins and made me feel good about my massive weight gain. At least now I can declare that I was carrying 12lbs of baby and the rest, well can that be water weight?!?

It is simply amazing to look into their small little angelic faces and recognize how vulnerable they are and that my husband & I are responsible for their well being and safety. It seems like such a daunting task and all I want to do is wrap them up in my arms and never let let go!

Last night, my husband went home to stay the evening with our daughter and I was alone with the babies in my room. I have to say that I was and still am on a "mommy high", was blissfully carrying both babies in my arms, rocking them and just totally enjoying our first true private time. Then it dawned on me that I was alone and could I really do this? I started to feel overwhelmed! As quickly as I felt that dreaded feeling, was as quickly as I snapped out of it. After all, they are just two tiny babies. I knew there was no other choice but to rise up to the occasion and to be a Mom. Luck was on my side and the boys were great. I was able to feed, change and burp both boys on my own for most of the evening. I do have to admit I was "christened' by my one son because I forgot to cover his privates and like a fire hose on the loose, pee pee went every where! I felt like a first time mom all over again. Once this happened and he was covered in his pee, as was everything else, I did ask for help and quickly buzzed the nurse! Thank goodness for her because at that point my other son needed to be changed...

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Hospital Bag Checklist

Now that I feel like I am a pro with my many visits and stays at the hospital. I feel as though I have perfected my hospital bag contents. Here are a few must haves to include in your bag:

Comfy sweats or pjs- Who wants to wear the ugly open butt hospital gowns? I know I don't. I felt much better once my husband arrived with my favorite flannels. Pack more then one, if you think you may be there for more than a day or two.
A Good Trashy Book or Magazines- Lets' face it, a trashy book is one of the best ways to take your mind off of things, plus make the time fly by.
Toiletries- Nothing can make a person feel better then a nice warm shower with all of the amenties from home. Don't forget the shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush, blowdryer & moisturizer. And for the ultimate for the pick me up, don't forget your makeup bag!
Your own pillow and blanket- Sounds strange, but nothing was better or made me more comfortable, then when my husband brought my favorite blanket that is usually on the couch and a soft, broken in pillow!
Your cell phone & address book-My iPhone helped keep me sane during the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Plus once you have your baby you'll be able to call everyone and let them know the good news.
A going home outfit for baby-Don't forget booties and mittens, some new baby's fingernails come out long and the mittens will help prevent scratches.
A going home outfit for you-Bring something that is comfy and will make you feel good about yourself!

Now all I need to do now, is go to the hospital, have my babies and return home with them. I am a little tired of spending so much time at the hospital and coming home with nothing more then a hospital band!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A little extra attention...NOT!

The other day I had the opportunity to watch ABC's new Show "In the Motherhood". Although I found the show funny at times, there were parts, I just couldn't relate to. As I watched the character played by Megan Mullally, I was fascinated with the depiction that as a pregnant woman she was able to "work the system" to get more attention, cut to the front of lines and even get someone to buy her coffee. I was reminded of this as I stood in line yesterday, waiting for the elevator at my doctors office. Now you have to understand, I am very, very pregnant. Not only pregnant, but pregnant with twins, so I am extra, extra large. As of recently, belly has began to drop, it is now hanging down to my knees, and there is no mistaking me for anything but pregnant. So, I stood in awe, as the elevator doors opened, I was literally caught up in a stampede to enter. I could not get over how many people appeared out of nowhere and ran into the elevator. Apparently they all MUST have been late for their appointments, because why else would there be the need to push a pregnant lady out of their way to get in. As I watched the doors close before my eyes, with me still outside of the elevator, I took a quick assessment of the people who beat me into the elevator. It struck me as funny that they were all fairly young, and looked like they were in relatively good health. I even spotted a few pharmaceutical reps with their rolling suitcases. I guess sales must be bad for them to have felt it important to basically bowl me over to get in. So I must surmise that I am doing something wrong. Maybe my independence is coming through, maybe I need to start complaining out loud, or moaning as if I am in labor. I should call the writers from "In the Motherhood" to find out how I can get all the fringe benefits of being a pregnant whale. All I know is if I want a little extra attention, I need to figure it out quickly, because the boys are due any day now!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Men, you gotta love them!

I love my husband and really appreciate everything he does to make my life easier. I know so many women who love to get together and "bash" their husbands. And I do realize, at times it could be pretty easy to focus on the bad or the ignorant moves many husbands make. Do I get annoyed at times with my husband? Of course I do. But I also realize, I am not perfect and am probably a pretty tough person to live with. So today when I heard this "husband story" I had to laugh. I know the wife was not too happy, but I did feel bad for the poor sap! Apparently, this first time mom ran out of diapers and asked her husband to go to the store to pick some up. After being away for 45 minutes, the dad arrived home from what he thought was a successful trip. Two cases of diapers, how could she not be happy! The only problem was that the diapers were Depends, and they didn't come close to fitting the 7lb baby. This story made me laugh so hard, because I knew that prior to having a baby, I could have made that mistake. Well probably not...but my husband could have! Of course the woman had choice words to describe her husband. I am sure in about 15 years she'll be able to laugh about this story, but right now she couldn't see past her husband's ignorance. Men, you really gotta love them!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Getting organized....

I am so thankful for all of the gifts that have been arriving for the twins. Sometimes, I get worried that I will forget to send the proper thanks or acknowledge the gift. Especially with the imminent arrival of the twins and knowing how hectic things will be, I realized it was time to get organized and create a chart to track all of the gifts and thank you cards sent. Feel free to download my Gift and Borrowed Item Checklist to help stay on top of everything. I hope it helps!

http://www.babyproductreviews.net/pdf/giftchecklist.pdf

Monday, March 23, 2009

Yellow And Blue Make Green!

I always try to do fun and imaginative things when trying to teach my daughter new things. Lately we have been working on how you can mix colors to create another color. She loves to paint and we have been using watercolors to work on this concept. So, today while we were out, she had to use the potty. To her delight the water was blue. As she was going potty she looked down and said "look mommy, yellow and blue make green". I guess she's got it!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Do I just give up & give in?

So as my pregnancy has progressed, my husband has constantly reminded me that I am eating for three. At times, I think because of where the boys are located, I am constantly full and really don't have much of an appetite, but I guess, no one has informed the scale of this fact! There are days where I just don't each much. I have watched what I have been eating, but have been known to indulge every once in awhile. So when I went to the doctor's office the other day, I was shocked! Shocked that the scale has moved upward in such a dramatic way. At this point, do I just throw caution to the wind and say "what the hell?" I have watched how eating in moderation has not quite worked for me. So I think for the next few weeks...why not? Why not indulge in that delectable cheesecake? Bring on those Doritos's. Oh yes, I can't wait for some heavenly cheesy nachos. Why not order up those fries smothered in chili? Those yummy chocolate eclairs are calling my name. So yes, I will give up and just give in...because in a few weeks or days, the boys will arrive and it will be a whole different ballgame!

Monday, March 16, 2009

It's hard to trust just anyone...

It is so hard to trust a stranger with watching my daughter. My husband & I don't live near any family, so we have always had to depend on sitters if we wanted a date night, attend a business function, or just some basic down time. I admire the few who are able to call a new sitter right off the bat, and then walk right out the door without a second thought. I, myself can't do that. I am overprotected, miss my daughter desperately, even if I am only in the room down the hall and my husband is certain, that the sitter will sell our beautiful daughter to the highest bidder. Yes, we have issues. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful sitter, who is an LVN, amazing with my daughter and accepts that I text her every 30 minutes to see how "my baby" is doing. But I know we should have a few back ups. Now that the twins will be arriving shortly, plus keeping my daughter busy, I am beginning to interview sitters, again.

The scary thing is, that no matter how well you screen someone, how many references you check, it is still ultimately a leap of faith. I would hope that everyone out there wants the best for a child, and would do anything with the baby/child's best interest at heart. Unfortunately we've all heard stories where that is not quite the case. So what should one do? I don't quite know, but I guess the best we can do is screen as vigilantly as we can. Here are a few tips that I have found helpful when looking for a babysitter or nanny:

-Hire babysitters who are knowledgeable about first aid
and CPR.
-Always ask for and validate references. Check the experience of the babysitter. What age groups did the person work with? How much time?
-Babysitters with professional training in nursing or childcare are most preferable.
-Interview the sitter to check for sense of responsibility, temperament, understanding of children, common sense, ability to understand and follow instructions, etc.
-See how your baby reacts to the sitter. Even though a sitter may sound great on paper...it all comes down to chemistry.

Feel free to download a copy of my " Questions for Babysitters". Some of the questions are tough, but I figure that if it doesn't scare or intimidate the sitter, then she has passed the first step!
http://www.babyproductreviews.net/pdf/Questions_for_Babysitters.pdf

The Dora saga continues...



Today, I noticed that the change of Dora's appearance has made Yahoo headlines. So, as I read the article, it seems as if Mattel & Nickelodeon feel that the parent's outrage is because, they just don't understand. Apparently, they are not replacing "Dora the Explorer", but adding a new Dora, that will be an interactive doll marketed to 5-8 year old.

According to Gina Sirard, vice president of marketing for Mattel, "I think there was just a misconception in terms of where we were going with this. Pretty much the moms who are petitioning aging Dora up certainly don't understand. ... I think they're going to be pleasantly happy once this is available in October, and once they understand this certainly isn't what they are conjuring up."

The new doll does not wear a short dress, but a tunic and leggings. Although she looks older, with long jewelry and longer hair, she doesn't have makeup and seems pretty much like a 10-year-old girl. I guess I may be naive, sheltered or am living in the dark ages, but I hope our 10 year old girls out there, do not look like this new Dora. I also have to ask, if the new Dora is in Middle School, living in the city and living the typical lifestyle of a girl in Middle School, why is she being targeted to 5-8 year olds???? I guess I am still confused!

Friday, March 13, 2009

What do you do all day?

Now that I am pregnant with twins and it is becoming closer towards the end of my pregnancy, my doctor has put me on moderate bed rest. What is moderate bed rest? Well, I haven't quite figured that out. I took it as, 1 free pass a day to escape from the house, but apparently that's not the right interpretation. The hardest part for me is just trying to keep still. It is not because I am too uncomfortable to stay in one place, it's just that there is still too much to do before the boy's arrive. So as I wander around the house trying to figure out what needs to be done, deep down I know I should be in bed, but I just can't stay put. As I drive around town doing all my errands, I wonder what my doctor would say. I don't think she would be thrilled. So many people say "oh you must be SO DONE", but quite honestly, I really wish I had another 4-5 months to go. Others say it must be so nice to be catching up on some good Oprah shows, but I haven't watched one yet. A few say how nice it must be to have some down time to read a few good books, but I haven't made a dent in the stack of books on my nightstand. What am I doing? I am working like a madwoman, trying to come up with names for the boys, preparing meals, doing laundry, ironing, running errands, trying to play and be an active part of my daughter's life. I know I must stop. I keep getting reprimanded by my daughter's sitter and my husband. I really don't mean to be causing them so much angst. I know I will look back and think how I should have taken advantage of the mandatory down time...but I have never been one to just relax and veg out, so it is extremely difficult to follow the doctors orders, even though I know I should. Today, I have decided that as soon as I finish my work project, pick names for the boys and paint art for their room, I will stay in bed. Unfortunately, I have a feeling the boys will be born by then!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

How does she do it?

I just can’t figure it out, but somehow my daughter has figured out how to unzip the pajamas that I have put on her. I know this may not seem like anything extraordinary, but you have to recognize that, the pajamas have the feet cut off, and are place on her backwards. Why do I do this…well, you can read an earlier blog, but basically she likes to strip off her clothes, take off her poopy diaper and then toss it around the room as well as paint the wall with the filth. She is potty trained now, but she has the tendency to poop in her sleep. So the potty training really doesn’t help. So now I just don’t know what to do. The pajamas on backwards, with her diaper taped on was working, up until today. So now what? As I hover outside her door, smelling it to see if she’s gone and my eyes are glued to the video monitor …the fear is back! At this point I just don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Why, why must things change?


I am so disappointed. My daughter loves Dora the Explorer, and it is one of the few shows that I have never thought twice about. So now that I've heard and seen the image of how Nickelodeon and Mattel plan on changing Dora, I CRINGE!! Apparently the new, improved and evolved Dora will be making her debut this fall. She will no longer be swinging in the jungle or having adventures that are targeted towards a toddler or a preschooler. She will be heading to the city, attending middle school and wearing a new wardrobe. Why is it, that someone has decided that she needs to change from the cute, tomboy persona to a tweenage girl with long flowing hair, a miniskirt and fashionable shoes? Is it that the tween age group has more purchasing power then a toddler? Nickelodeon and Mattel have stated that she needs to evolve with the times and that she has not aged in 10 years. I find this a pitiful excuse. Will Diego be growing up as well? Will he have taut abs, buff arms and a sexy physique? I have to wonder, how come The Simpsons have not aged? The Flintstones have reminded the same, and that seems to be okay. Mickey and Minnie should be walking around with canes & walkers if we were to buy into Nickelodeon & Mattel's explanation. Why do we need one more female character, that will send the wrong message to our young girls? I vote to save Dora. Keep her the tomboy that she is! I hope as many of us mom's out there protest, maybe we can save Dora. I know that once she changes, and fall rolls around, we will no longer be tuning into Dora. How sad!

Monday, March 9, 2009

A great email explanation of the Financial Crisis

With everything going on out there in the world, it has become a scary place. On a daily basis I hear about someone else getting laid off or more local companies closing. So, this morning when I received an email explaining the Financial crisis, I finally read an explanation that made some sense. I wish I knew who to give credit to, but I don't. Read on...


Now I get it!!!


Heidi is the proprietor of a bar in Berlin . In order to increase sales, she decides to allow her loyal customers - most of whom are unemployed alcoholics - to drink now but pay later. She keeps track of the drinks consumed in a ledger (thereby granting her customers loans).

Word gets around and as a result increasing numbers of customers flood into Heidi's bar. Taking advantage of her customers' freedom from immediate payment constraints, Heidi increases her prices for wine and beer, the most-consumed beverages. Her sales volume increases massively.

A young and dynamic customer service consultant at the local bank recognizes these customer debts as valuable future assets and increases Heidi's borrowing limit. He sees no reason for undue concern since he has the debts of the alcoholics as collateral.

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert bankers transform these customer assets into DRINKBONDS, ALKBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These securities are then traded on markets worldwide. No one really understands what these abbreviations mean and how the securities are guaranteed. Nevertheless, as their prices continuously climb, the securities become top-selling items.

One day, although the prices are still climbing, a risk manager
(subsequently of course fired due his negativity) of the bank decides that slowly the time has come to demand payment of the debts incurred by the drinkers at Heidi's bar.

However they cannot pay back the debts.

Heidi cannot fulfil her loan obligations and claims bankruptcy.

DRINKBOND and ALKBOND drop in price by 95 %. PUKEBOND performs better, stabilizing in price after dropping by 80 %.

The suppliers of Heidi's bar, having granted her generous payment due dates and having invested in the securities are faced with a new situation. Her wine supplier claims bankruptcy, her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor.

The bank is saved by the Government following dramatic round-the-clock consultations by leaders from the governing political parties.

The funds required for this purpose are obtained by a tax levied on the non-drinkers.

Finally an explanation I understand ....

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Is anything sacred anymore?

The other evening my husband came home from work with a package that had arrived at his office. As he presented the envelope to me, he said, you won't believe this. My curiosity was peaked and I opened the envelope. In it was a book called "Just say NO, to Circumcision". I had to laugh, since I knew who the sender was, and knew it wasn't a joke. So I have to ask, why is it that once a woman becomes pregnant, it no longer becomes a personal thing? But a common bond, to a few out there,who feel that it is their pregnancy too. Why do so many feel that is okay to push their beliefs or advice on you? Is it that they made so many mistakes during their own parenting, that they now feel that this is their opportunity for a "make-up"? On a daily basis I am asked, are you going to have a natural birth or have an epidural? Will you bottle feed or breast feed? Do you have hemorrhoids or stretch marks? Will you co-sleep or have the babies sleep in another room? Most of the questions are followed up with remedies or suggestions. I do have to say this is the first time the circumcision issue has been brought up, and unfortunately, the closer it comes to when my twin boys arrive, I am sure it won't be the last. So if the people I meet feel that it's okay to express their strong beliefs about my pregnancy and my future decisions, can I express mine right back? Can I ask a man if he was circumcised, and then suggest a book that may make him feel more secure in the gym locker room, if he wasn't? Can I ask the older woman if she has hemorrhoids, and not expect to get smacked across the face? Can I tell the woman in the bad marriage, that she should leave her husband and he's is a cheat? Can I tell the man who is a workaholic, that he should go home and spend quality time with his family, before it's too late? Can I tell another that she lets her daughter wear her skirts too short? I don't think so....I just wish people would think twice before they speak. Is that too much to ask?!? Apparently so.

I would love to give all the people out there, who have made inappropriate comments, a wonderful gift. It's a great book called, "Emily Post's Etiquette.

Potty Training made easy?

Is it possible to make potty training easy? I am not sure. I think I just got lucky. Several months ago, I started introducing the "potty” to my daughter. At first she thought it was a great new toy. She’d dance around the house with her pink Baby Bjorn Potty displayed proudly on her head. After that I figured she wasn’t quite ready and to be honest neither was I. Of course, I didn’t want her using the potty and then placing it on her head, so we took a break. Several weeks went by after the “potty hat” experience; I decided to introduce her to the video “Potty Power”. I had heard great things about the video, and had high hopes that after watching the video, she’d show a little more of an interest in sitting on the potty rather then wearing the potty. Well, I can see how the video would be a great learning tool, but for my daughter, it became a great dance video. She loved the songs and wanted to watch the video and dance to the music. So, again we went on to take another break. Unlike many moms, I still was not too concerned. My life is stressful enough that I figured, why get stressed over something I knew she’d get the hang of eventually. So a few more weeks went by when I came across a book called “Toilet Training in Less Than a Day” for sale on amazon.com, used for $1.50. For $1.50 how could I go wrong? Well, straight off, I could tell that the book, originally published in 1974, was a little off from what we do in the year 2009. I did find the premise of teaching a doll a good idea. So the next day, I rummaged through my daughter’s toy box and found her doll that could feed & wet, and what do you know it worked! We sat the doll on the potty, gave the doll her bottle and watched her go. So after 5 or 6 times, my daughter looked at me and said “my turn”. She sat down, took a swig out of her juice cup and looked down but couldn’t quite figure out it why the pee pee didn’t come out immediately. It didn’t stop her though, she sat & sat, and drank & drank and all of a sudden it happened. She was so proud of herself and believe it or not, that was it. I am sure the videos, and having her be my "toilet paper helper" was a big part of it as well, but I have to believe it was just timing. We are about 3 weeks into it now, with only one accident. My husband and I still look at each other with delight each time she goes. So, I am glad that I didn’t stress or fall into the pressure of what the other kids her age were doing. I am glad that I just let her be…so far, so good!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I thought I could, but I can't...

I woke up this morning by horrible screams coming from my daughter’s bedroom. As I waddled down the hall as fast as I could, I discovered that my daughter was in the thick of a very bad nightmare. As I tired to console her, she just kept shaking her head saying “No, no” when suddenly her eyes fluttered open and she looked up widely at me a said “I want pancakes”! So at 6:30am we were off. Once her belly was full and she was snuggled in nicely on the family room couch, I attempted to something I have never done while she has been awake. I was going to take a shower. Some may think this is strange, that at 2 1/2 years into the game I have never taken a shower while she has been up. Yes, it may seem odd. I get up before she does and prepare for the day. You have to understand that my daughter loves to have fun…or as some may say get into trouble when my back is turned. This is the girl, who scales the staircase, dangles from the chandelier & pretends she is surfing off the back of the reclining chair. So yes, I typically don’t take my eyes off of her for very long. As I tuned the TV to Sesame Street, I was in awe that she suddenly went into a trance like state. It was a bittersweet moment. All this time I had limited her TV viewing because I didn’t want her to become a couch potato, but yet at the same time I wanted just 15 minutes of “me time”. Could this be…that she actually would get sucked into the horrible TV and just sit and watch? As I let out a sigh of relief, I asked if she wanted to lie in my bed while I shower. She looked up at me, rolled her eyes and with the flick of her little hand said “mommy, go already”. So I hoped in the shower and within less them 4 minutes, her head pops into the shower and states, that she needed to give Chi Chi, her battery operated toy puppy a bath. I knew this would not be good. Just as fast as the shower began, it was coming to a quick end. Full of soap and bubbles I hoped out, to find the tub getting filled with hot water and Chi Chi half submerged in the water. As I looked around the bathroom, I discovered that every towel was now on the floor, because she was cleaning, and the bag of cotton balls were thrown everywhere. Apparently her & Chi Chi had a “snowball fight” and she was hiding in the laundry basket. So what it comes down to, is that I thought I could but I just can’t…. leave her alone yet!

How to Prepare for Baby 2 & 3?

So many people keep asking me what are my plans once the twins arrive? I think it is really hard to come up with a plan, because I just don’t know. Do I go from having a part time babysitter to a full time nanny? Do I get a housekeeper to come once a week? Do I send my 2-1/2year old to preschool? Or do I just go crazy? I have struggled with all these thoughts, plus what the added expense means to my family and me. I struggle with the thoughts of having a stranger in my house, and ultimately feel uncomfortable with the invasiveness of it all. I realize that I am resistant to help and like things just the way they are. So like everything, I just have to play it day by day.

Even though I am not sure how I will manage day to day life once the boys arrive. I know I must prepare. And prepare is what I’ve done.

Here are a few things I have done to prepare for Baby A & Baby B:

1. Figure out how to order my groceries online & have them delivered. One less errand to run!
2. Make a ton of meals and freeze them, so on those crazy days it will be one less thing to think about.
3. Work the neighborhood and meet the local teenagers who can possibly baby-sit on a whim’s notice.
4. Join an online mom group. So I can log in on those days where I just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
5. Make my daughter feel special everyday. So when the boys are born her little world is not rocked too much!
6. Have small wrapped gifts (the dollar bin at Target is fantastic) for my daughter, for those days when she just a little something extra to keep her occupied.
7. Play “laundry” with my daughter. A great learning tool and gets a project done. I mean how many 2-1/2 years olds can sort darks from light! Maybe when the boys arrive, she’ll still be able to sort while I am holding a tyke or two. I know that’s nuts…but why not dream?

I know I may not be in reality yet. I know things will change dramatically and at times be incredibly overwhelming, but I figure if I plan for the worst, it can only get better, right?

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Aren’t you glad that you are not having 8?

Lately, wherever I go, people ask when am I due. Yes, I am rather large so my typical response is, “I’m having twins”. The funny thing is, the conversation inevitably turns to, “Aren’t you glad it’s not 8?” or, “What's your thoughts on the Octomom?”. I am like most people, who don’t quite get it. As a mom of a 2-1/2 year old, and expecting twins, there are times I feel overwhelmed with how I can manage. Not only manage but find the balance between the newborns, continue to make my daughter feel special and not neglect her. So it is hard for me to imagine how someone with no spouse can possibly find balance for all 14. From what I’ve heard, the Octomom, Nadya Suleman, who has no job or income, plans to survive on student loans and food stamps. Many say she may be depending on a huge book or television deal or the kindness of strangers and corporations. I find it hard to imagine that someone could actually depend on the kindness of strangers and corporations, especially with such a backlash against her. But as I was waiting in line at the paint store, a woman turned around and asked when I was due. I gave my typical response and of course the Octomom came up, but this time with a surprising point of view. This woman felt that Nadya Suleman is a blessing to the world, and has brought 8 more gifts to the universe. She & her husband were even planning on sending $5,000 to Ms. Suleman. So, I guess that’s the great thing about this world; we don’t quite have to agree with everything or necessarily understand what goes on in people’s minds, but there is always someone who is willing to lend a hand or a perspective. I came across this Squidoo Lens that pretty much sums it up:
http://www.squidoo.com/peopleshouldhavealicensetohavechildren