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!!!!!

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...

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?"

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:(

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!!!!

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...

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!

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!

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!

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?

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:(

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!!!!

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!

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...