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20 Weeks pregnant with my little boys

Hi I'm 20 weeks pregnant with twins - boy's. Boy what a huge surprise. we had our 12 Week ultrasound 2 days before flying out to Thailand.. We had the

twin pregnancy question

I'm having twins but only have one placenta is it

Thanksgiving: It’s What’s For Dinner

Well, I’ve officially begun the process of readying the house for our Thanksgiving guests. The pantry has been organized, the fridge and the oven are next. (Who doesn’t love cleaning the oven?) This year will be my first year at hosting a family Thanksgiving (Brad’s side), but everyone’s pitching in, so I’m in no way responsible for the entire meal. Pheewwww!

Both Brad’s family and my own are known for the traditional Thanksgiving spread:

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Corn, Rolls, and Pumpkin Pie

I can almost smell it!

If I get everything checked off my list, I’ll be making my Carrot Cake. I got it from a school carry-in a few years ago, and I’ve been highly addicted since. If I don’t get around to it, I’ll leave you the recipe so you can tell me how absolutely amazing it is! Seriously, I consider myself a bit of a “Carrot Cake Connoisseur” and this cake is the best I’ve ever eaten! _________________________________________________________________________________

Make It From Scratch Because It’s So Worth It Carrot Cake Recipe

2 c sugar 2 c flour

2 tsp. cinnamon 3 eggs beaten

1-2 tsp. Allspice 1 c chopped walnuts

1 c oil 1/2 can crushed pineapple partially drained

3 c grated carrots

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into two lightly greased cake pans. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 - 8 oz pkg. of cream cheese 1 stick of butter

1 1/2 c powered sugar 3 tsp. of vanilla

Mix cream cheese and butter together until well blended. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy.

A couple of tips:

* I would definitely use a food processor for grating your carrots, or you’ll spend the entire duration of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade shredding carrots and your knuckles.

* If you don’t have Allspice on hand you can substitute equal parts nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves

* If you really like icing (like I do) you might want to make a double batch of icing

_________________________________________________________________________________

What’s on YOUR Thanksgiving menu? A traditional meal? Out to eat? Regional tastes? I’d love to hear about your favorite fixin’s!

our trip to the philippines backfired a bit. the kids loved it. had a great time. made friends immediately (of course they were objects of interest to the slum kids, they were visitors, they would be giving away their clothes...

Nov 21, 22 Weeks Twins Belly!

22 weeks with Identical twin boys! my stomach measures 27 weeks and I've already gained 25lbs! luckily no stretchmarks

Nov 21, Almost 20 Weeks With Twins

Twins due near the end of March! 1st pregnancy! Still not sure if they are boys, girls, or one of each. Pretty sure they are fraternal though. We find

Nov 21, 16 Weeks Twin Pregnancy Picture

having twins. dont know the sexes

Nov 21, Twin Belly Picture - 13 1/2 Weeks

In this picture I was 13 1/2 weeks, and I am now 15 1/2 weeks and we found out we are having twins BOYS!!! Yaaay!! So exciting :) Im in the Houston

A post script to my story yesterday

Upon arriving at home from school yesterday, Nate proceeded to almost shut Alex's fingers in the inside part of the door jam (the one near the hinges). The only thing that stopped Alex from having crushed fingers was me screaming STOP! NATE! STOP! (One of our naming prerequisites was something easy to yell. This has come in handy - NaynaynaynaynayNATE!!)

Since Thursday's demonstration did not include the other part of the door jam, I decided to use the pretzel trick Ann mentioned in her comment except we did not have any pretzels. I decided a pita chip would be big enough. I would put the pita chip in the door, close the door, and break the pita chip to get it through their heads and then this would never happen in my house again.

I gathered the boys and lined up the pita chip. I closed the door and yes, part of the pita chip fell to the floor. However the majority of the pita chip ended up crushed in the doorframe and stuck to the door. The boys found this hilarious and Alex rushed to pick up pieces and eat them.

LauraC, yet again proving that book smarts do not equal street smarts.

New & Improved Mimitens Mittens {Review}

In my initial review (which can be found here) Mimitens were already the very best mittens for infants and toddlers hands down. Imagine my utter surprise to hear, that these warm fisted favorites of mine were new and improved.

I contacted owner, Anna-Maria, a week ago to let her know that her Canadian made Mimitens were going to be included in our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. She then informed me she was glad to hear that they had been selected, but that a new review was needed as she had improved upon the original design.

I have to admit, I was a bit concerned they had tweaked something that didn't need to be tweaked. Anna Maria sent two new pairs of mimitens, which arrived a couple days ago for my updated review. The improvement is the cuffs of the mittens. A knit by a sockmaker is now being used which adds to the overall design in a couple key ways.

Functionally speaking, the sock like stretchy cuff made of cotton and lycra really does keep those mitts high up on those wriggly little arms. The original cuff was longer than normal mittens, but not as long or stretchy as these new ones. The twins will never have cold and snowy wrists again in these, especially since there is an added feature of a top-band which further ensures they really aren't going anywhere.

From a fashion perspective, the striped tube cuffs are super cute! They truly add to the overall funky vibe these have. It's clear the colors have been selected to enhance the threaded embroidery on the mitt.

And what if these little wonders get muddy in a snowball fight or sled ride? Can they still be laundered with ease? Yes, simply hand or machine wash in cold water and then tumble dry at medium heat.

The verdict? Mimitens remain the best mittens I have ever used on small children. Competitors be warned, the changes made have further widened the gap.

Watch for a Mimitens giveaway when our Holiday Guide is released!

30 weeks 2 days twin boy belly

Gained 33 lbs so far. Happiest pregnancy of all 4. No morning sickness, just fatigue, back pain, bedrest and eating like a newborn (every 2 hours lol)

15 weeks pregnant with identical twins

I am 28 years old first time pregnant. Surprised when I found out that I am having identical twins. Do not know the sex yet, hopefully next week! I

Christina's 30 week twin belly

Twin boys. 30 weeks. On bedrest. Feeling fatigue and eating like a newborn (every 2 hours) lol. Very excited to see our boys yet relishing each and

Six girls are nice for the Carins family (Tasmania Examiner)

Naturally conceived triplets account for one birth in 8000. Born at 37 weeks, the babies weigh five pounds nine ounces, (Holly), four pounds 15 ounces …

Woolum triplets are here (Jackson Times Journal)

Mr. and Mrs. D. Keith and Heather Woolum Jr. of Hillard, Ohio are proud to announce the birth of their triplets. The children were born at Riverside …

Triplets born at newest Palm Beach Co. hospital (WPTV)

Triplets NeKayla Legros, Necler Legros IV, and NeKeela Legros. (Courtesy: Health Care District of Palm Beach County) BELLE GLADE, FL –Three new bundles of …

Johnston Triplets (Trenton Republican Times)

Clay and Amanda Johnston of Kansas City are the parents of triplets, born on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. …

Terrific triplets leaving school (Gold Coast News)

NOTHING can separate Mermaid Waters triplets Leah, Emma and Samuel Kershaw — not even graduating from high school.

Phone Photo Friday

Despite being on facebook and twitter (friend me!), I try not to duplicate information I plan to write about here. Last night I broke my rule and mentioned on facebook that someone put the first hole in a door in our house. Nate and Alex had been slamming the downstairs bath door into the wall so Jon installed a doorstopper. We've told them a bazillion times not to do it. Nate slammed it open again while yelling at Alex about something and the doorstopper failed.

Half of the doorstopper broke off and fell off into the door. The other half dented the doorframe.

But I did save some of the story for you! This happened literally as we walked in the door from school. Nate got sent to time out. I later sent Alex upstairs to get Nate out of time out. Alex is in this crazy door locking phase and he accidentally locked me out of the house on Tuesday night. Well Alex locked Nate's door from the outside, went into Nate's room and shut the door, thus locking both of them in. Alex went bezerker so I let them both out and told them to wash their hands.

They came downstairs and as Alex walked into the bathroom, Nate slammed the door on Alex, shoving him into the bathroom. Alex was fine but Nate went straight back up to time out. When he came back down, I set up a big demo on how you can break someone's fingers, someone's arms, and someone's legs by slamming people in doors by putting Nate's appendages in the doors, mock shutting it, and explaining what could happen.

This was the first 15 minutes upon coming home. I can't describe my joy when Jon finally got home from his business trip at 11PM last night.

Leave a comment if you play along!

Some Playskool Toys that work for my Twin Boys

Toy shopping can be tricky when you are buying for twins. Despite the sage advice to buy two of everything we have heard in the past, it is often not financially possible, feasible from a space concern, or even the "right" thing to do always. Much can be gained by teaching your twins to play together on something or even by requiring them to take turns.

With these special needs in mind, Playskool sent some terrific options for joint play in the twins 18-36 month age range.

Mr. Potato Head Spud Bud Pets:
One Playskool hit was a new twist on the classic Mr. Potato head called Mr. Potato Head Spud Bud Pets. The unique take on this Mr. Potato Head toy by Playskool is that you have multiple potato heads included. With 3 potato bodies in total, the twins aren't fighting over who gets to put the pieces on this toy. Better still, is the $9.99 suggested retail price for a toy that can accommodate two.

The Clipo Creativity Table:

The second Playskool toy we were sent is the Clipo Creativity Table. This nifty little desk allows easily for two to sit on the floor and build together. Plus it includes a rotating area, enabling your little ones to push a button and see their newly built creations spin. This is super cool stuff to my little men! A shape sorter and a drop slot are also incorporated into the desk for added play options and all the blocks neatly tuck inside when it is time for clean-up. You can even add on to the fun with this item by purchasing the additional Clipo block sets that are sold separately.

I should mention there is a bit of a learning curve for the little ones in regards to getting the blocks to click together. I've read some reviews that consider this as negative, but I didn't find that to be the case. I thought it was fascinating to watch my boys try different approaches and techniques, and at times even fail to attach the blocks. After a while they were both old pros, and as an additional plus we found these blocks much easier for little ones to take a part. We will definitely be asking Santa to add to the twin's Clipo collection this year.

And Twins make 5! invites you to join Totsy

Totsy is a private shopping network for moms on-the-go and moms-to-be.

Membership is by invitation or request only. And while it costs nothing to join, the savings you'll experience will mean everything. With your membership, you will gain access to sales, up to 70% off retail, just for you and the kids, ages 0-7. Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children's clothing, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best. Each sale lasts 48 to 72 hours and includes amazing deals from quality brands.

And if potentially saving a lot of cash is not enough, you can save the environment too. Totsy is the first company in private sales to take on sustainable and socially responsible initiatives in all areas of business. They are 100% green. Recycled paper, renewable energy, less packaging, and close attention paid to what we use and how we use it keeps us environmentally conscious while our products remain environmentally friendly.

Here is your invitation to check out Totsy.com if you are interested.

To Infinity And Beyond!

Thanks to free kids movie rentals at Family Video and a couple of pairs of hand-me-down PJs, our boys have been introduced to the wonderful world of Disney Pixar. Toy Story is my favorite Pixar film, so it’s fun to share a common love with my boys. (Helicopters, fire engines, Bob the Builder, and dinosaurs just don’t seem to do it for me personally.)

It didn’t take them long before they caught on to the main catchphrase of the movie, “To Infinity and Beyond”. One night the little orange PJs inspired them to run laps shouting this line for over 20 minutes!

Don’t worry, I clipped it down to a less than 2 minute clip. However, if you experience motion sickness on carnival rides, I would recommend at least one dose of Dramamine before viewing.

Toy Story 3 will hit the theatres in June 2010, perhaps that will be the boys’ first movie to watch at the theatre?

My first trip to the movies was to see Bambi. I went as a tag-along with my brother who was in high school and his date. What was yours?

Ladybugs are a sign of good luck? I think not....

We have a tree in our front yard. Usually it's swarming with hornets or filled with birds' nests. A few days ago, the kids noticed that the hornets and birds have long abandoned the tree, having been replaced by ladybugs. TONS of ladybugs.

These are just pictures of the trunk of the tree. There are ladybugs on the leaves, on the branches...everywhere.

Supposedly, ladybugs are a sign of good luck and good fortune. Really?! Could've fooled me.

If ladybugs are representative of all things good, then explain to me...

--How come at least one of my kids drops something heavy on the pinky toe of my right foot EVERY. SINGLE. FREAKIN. DAY.

--Why I was stupid enough to leave a bowl of delicious tuna salad on the counter uncovered, while our cat paced the kitchen just waiting for me to turn my back so she could devour my lunch

--How come I'm always the "mean one" because I won't let the kids eat candy 24 hours a day like Daddy does

--Why I thought letting Landon out of the shopping cart at Target while we were looking at (breakable) Christmas ornaments was a good idea

--Why I'm always "that mom" whose spawn run around the store like wild animals on crack

--How come my husband's idea of romance is to come up behind me, rub himself against my backside and say, "Do ya feel like having a German sausage for dinner?"

--Why it always seems to be my luck that as one of my kids is in my face telling me something, he sneezes so hard that his snot actually explodes all over my face

--Why did my morning have to start off with me slipping my ice cold feet into my slippers, only to find out the slippers were soaking wet. And then one of my toddlers proudly announcing, "Me peed on it", after I asked, "Okay, who spilled water on my slippers?" Of course, he wouldn't want to tell me that BEFORE I put the slippers on.

Then again, I've also heard that ladybugs are a symbol of love....which probably explains why after having a week like this, my heart is still overwhelmed with love for my rowdy, snot-infested, mischievous children, as well as my amorous yet perverted husband.

It's a good thing God sent a TON of ladybugs my way....

Forum Friday: Staying Sane At Home with Twins

aprilelizabeth writes: "I am hoping to get some good advice on how to stay sane while staying at home with my 2 and 1/2 year olds! I have boy/girl twins and some days feel as though I am losing my mind. Is that normal? ...though my family tries to be helpful, I don't know anyone personally who has had twins and have come to the conclusion that it is a unique experience that only someone who has been there can understand. I am a stay at home mom so I am also looking forward to speaking (or rather typing) with an actual adult!"

The isolation of being a stay-at-home mom can be overwhelming. Women who are accustomed to interacting with other adults in the workplace, find themselves in the company of babies or toddlers every day, and yearning for social connections. Mothers of twins or multiples may feel even more secluded. Not only are they meeting the demands of more children, but their feelings and circumstances don't match the experiences of moms of singletons.

Thank goodness for the Internet! It gives mothers easy, round-the-clock access to fellow moms of multiples. Just like aprilelizabeth, they can reach out to other moms for advice, support and companionship, and instantly connect with women around the globe. Stop by the message forum and join in the conversation. Find fellowship and friendship with other parents; share your wisdom and experience with others who are seeking advice. It just may save your sanity!

Forum Friday: Staying Sane At Home with Twins originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 01:49:37.

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Check out my nursery & tips on DiaperPail.com!

Have you heard? Munchkin has partnered with ARM & HAMMER to create an innovative Diaper Pail featuring clever design and complete odor control. Check out this new pail on it's own special site, www.diaperpail.com.

In addition to information about this unique pail, you'll find sneak peeks into the nurseries of real mom bloggers, who offer their own fresh and natural nursery tips. Don't miss the nursery I created for my twins, it is featured along with my tips on keeping it fresh. Who are the other mommy bloggers with featured nurseries? You'll just have to go and check that out for yourself.

While you are there, you can leave behind some tips of your own.

I'll be featuring my own personal review of this new pail on this site soon, so stay tuned.

Mean things I have thought about other parents at day care

* I'm fairly certain this parking lot where children are picked up and dropped off is not a certified NASCAR track.

* Is it really that hard to change out of your pajama pants? At least put on some sweatpants. I'm not even in a position to judge because I don't think I've showered once in 3+ years of drop offs, but I can see through that hole and it skeeves me out.

* Karma is going to get you for holding the door open for my boys to run outside without first checking with me to see if that is acceptable. Hold the door open for them to go IN? Fine. Hold the door open for them to go OUT? DUMB.

* Tantrums on sidewalk - fine. Tantrums in hallway - fine. Tantrums in classroom - fine. We've all been there. Tantrums in the parking lot taking up parking spaces - you need to pick that child up and put them somewhere else.

* When/if you have a second child, you will understand why it takes me so long to get the boys corralled and going in the same direction without resorting to physical restraints. At least you're not waiting on me to pack up and move two newborns - those parents had reason to be impatient. Seriously... put two kids in car seats or stroller, pack up 8 bottles, grab changes of clothes, review status sheets and talk to teacher about any issues with two babies... that took a LONG time. I would have been impatient. But now? Relatively fast, even for someone with two kids.

(Don't worry - a post on what things other parents must think of US is coming up!)

Adorable Kinders, Dolls for Everyone {Review & Giveaway}

Granza, Inc. is bringing back the classic rag doll for today's child. The company's Adorable Kinders line features 26 multicultural 18" rag dolls. Boy dolls, Girl dolls, Dolls with Blonde Hair, Dolls with Brown Skin; you are certain to find the perfect buddy for that special child on your list.

Granza, Inc. sent each of the twins one of these 100% soft cloth made in USA pals for my review. Dolls, "Thomas" and "Landon", each arrived in their own tissue lined box ready for gift giving and included an internet key-code to access the Adorable Kinders eSchool online. As a Mommy of kids with allergies, I was thrilled to find out that these dressable dolls were stuffed with non-allergenic 100% polyester.

The Adorable Kinders Line has already won seven of the top toy industry awards in 2009, including being named to Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Toys of 2009 List, and earning a NAPPA Gold Award. The Toy Man gave the Adorable Kinders four awards.

Awards aside, the true test is always how children respond to their new potential friend. My twins took to these new pals immediately and at just 2 lbs. they are able to comfortably bring their new friends everywhere they go. In the short time they have been with us, the Adorable Kinders have gone on many car rides, received lots of sloppy kisses and hugs, toured our home, and run some errands. Luckily both the Adorable Kinders rag dolls and their clothes are all washable, because they are bound to get smudged up a bit at this rate.

Readers can utilize the coupon code "AKBLOG25" good through December 31, 2009 for 25% off the entire purchase price on www.adorablekinders.com. Additionally, we are giving away 1 doll of the winner's choice.

Enter to Win: Simply visit Adorable Kinders online and choose a favorite doll then come back here and comment below with your pick.

Optional Additional Entries:
1 additional entry for becoming a fan of Adorable Kinders on Facebook.
1 additional entry for following @andtwinsmake5 on twitter & tweeting about this contest.
1 extra entry if you follow this blog.
1 extra entry if you subscribe to this blog's feed.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to this post.

Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to USA only.

Ends on 12/14/09 @ 11:59PM CST.

Thanks for Entering and Good luck to everyone!

Interview with the experts, Part 3

The theme this week is "SuperHeroes" ....

If you could be a super hero, what would your super hero name be?
Cole: Dinosaur Holder
Bella: Werewolf Woman....Wait, no, I'd be Supergirl

What would your super hero power be?
Cole: I'd be strong, like seriously strong. And I can fly and smell dirt. My eyes would be really good at seeing bones
Bella: I'd be really strong so I could kick down doors. And I'd be able to hear everything so no one would be able to tell secrets anymore

Would you need to eat special food to maintain your super powers?
Cole: Yes, chicken and turkey
Bella: Beans and crab, but not together because that would be gross

Would you sleep or stay awake at all times?
Cole: I wouldn't be able to stay awake all the time so I'd lie down at 100 (One hundred) o'clock for about 80 minutes
Bella: I think I would go down at 6:00, 7 times a day for 80 hours each time. And Monday would be Tuesday all the time.

As a super hero, how would you help people?
Cole: I can understand dinosaurs...see, cuz I'm the Dinosaur Holder. So I'd listen to what the dinosaurs say and then tell the people what they have to do to get the dinosaur to go away.
Bella: I don't know. I'd just run around town saving people all day long.

Would you wear a costume?
Cole: Yes, my costume is green with a picture of a dinosaur on it
Bella: I'd have to wear a costume and it would pink with purple sparkly things on the front. I'd also have a cape that's shiny and purple. With some lace on the edges. I'd wear my hair in a ponytail and purple sparkly nailpolish.

Do other people know that you're a super hero or do you do it on the sly, like Spiderman does?
Cole: No one knows that I'm Dinosaur Holder. They think I'm just me but I'm not me.
Bella: No, no one knows who I am but if I forget to take off my costume, then they might know. They'd say, "Hey, I know you" and I'd say, "No, you don't". Then I'd send them away.

What would someone do after you rescued them?
Cole: They'd invite me over to their house to play with their trains or they could make me some brownies with frosting
Bella: They would say "thank you for rescuing me" and I would say "you're welcome". If they forget, I'd say, "HELLO....manners please?" You need to thank someone after they rescue you. It's the polite thing to do.

Some super heroes have enemies. Would you have any?
Cole: No, everyone would love me
Bella: The bad witch from Wizard of Oz would be my enemy. I'd catch her and make her wash the green stuff off her face. She looks ugly like that. I'd let her put on a little bit of make-up but only if she did it the right way, like the good witch with the pretty dress

What would you do if you had to go potty right in the middle of rescuing someone?
Cole: Uh, I'd just pee on the floor.
Bella: I'd excuse myself and tell the person "I'll be right back. Try not to mess things up". I'd go home and pee. Then I'd go back to rescuing the person.

How does one become a super hero?
Cole: Well, you have to be a good listener and eat lots of vegetables and some fruit. Lots of vitamin C. And then if God is happy with you, he turns you into a super hero.
Bella: You're just born that way. Some people got it and some people don't.

Go ahead and have some fun with this....ask your kids the same questions and see what they come up with!

Different age, same witching hour

When I had newborns, I dreaded the witching hour. Nearly every child had one, it seems. And they were almost always somewhere around 5-7pm. And while the 6:15 bedtime helped cut it short, there was still often a somewhat unpleasant time in the late afternoon and early evening. And while nothing compares to the experience of [...]

Thankful for Twins

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, one of my favorite times of the year. There is something very fortifying about taking time to gather with family and friends and count our blessings. It makes you appreciate how very blessed you are.
In preparation for Thanksgiving, take a moment to tell me why you are thankful to have twins or multiples. Granted, there are some moments of the day when you don't feel so thankful, for example when they are fighting, making a mess or crying incessantly. But in the big picture, most parents of multiples agree that they wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here's my list: 10 Reasons I'm Thankful for Twins. Please add your own reason!

Thankful for Twins originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 01:31:15.

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Nov 19, Mono Mono Miracles

After finding out about having Twins around 13 weeks my wife was having a pretty normal pregnancy. At 24 weeks during another routine ultrasound the

HALO SleepSack GIVEAWAY

If you’ve been around the block with us a time or two, you know that we’ve been HUGE fans of HALO SleepSacks. You’ve pretty much witnessed our boys grow-up inside these wearable blankets! It seems like once you try them, you become an instant advocate. We were given 4 SleepSacks by our friend Carrie when the boys were tiny and we never looked back! It’s a product that I recommend to every mom, so why not give one away to a blog reader, Courtesy of HALO?

Not only do I credit Halo SleepSacks for their assistance in keeping my 4 toddlers diapers on during naps, keeping them from climbing out of their cribs (they couldn’t use their toes to climb), and keeping them warm through the night, I loved the extra assurance that I was doing my part to fight SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Our preemies were at a higher risk for SIDS, so I followed the safe sleeping tips such as using a firm mattress, not dressing them too warmly to sleep, and removing all soft bedding and toys from their cribs. (Click to find more tips on Safe Sleeping.)

HALO offers a variety of sizes, patterns, and thickness (we used the light cotton in the summer and fleece in the winter) as well as several different lines to choose from including: HALO SleepSacks Swaddles, HALO SleepSack Wearable Blanket On-the-Go, HALO SleepSack Early Walkers, and HALO SleepSacks Organic.

Here’s how you can become the owner of your very own HALO SleepSack:

After checking out the HALO SleepSack Site, leave a comment telling me which Halo SleepSack product is your personal favorite. (Make sure you leave your email address or way of contacting you if you are chosen as the winner.)

For additional entries (separate comment for each):

Subscribe to my feed or leave me a comment telling me you already subscribe
Follow me on Twitter (@quatro_mama) and tweet about this giveaway: “I just entered to win a @HaloSleepSack from @quatro_mama: http://bit.ly/2RDqQg”
Grab our button (right sidebar) and link your blog to ours
Become a fan of Halo SleepSacks on Facebook

That’s a total of 5 ways to win! I’ll pick a random winner via Random.org Monday, November 23rd!

It’s the Little Things

The boys started a tumbling class recently. We’ve never been able to afford the kid classes before because with two, costs get pretty crazy. But our new neighborhood has a community center across the street from us and a local gymnastics teacher thought to supplement her normal classes by offering classes to our [...]

Is it my hearing or the boys' speech?

One of the most delightful things about 3 year olds is the talking. Or rather, the inappropriate talking. We've had the boys ask about mohawks, piercings, disabilities, and obviously bad taste (NC state fair anyone?). I view some moments as teaching moments, such as when I took Nate to Trader Joe's last week and he sat in the motorized wheelchair and proceeded to tell everyone who walked in, "I can't walk good! Isn't that funny!" Nate and I talked a lot about how that is not funny.

This morning Alex asked again to wear his beloved football shirt As I helped him get dressed he said, "Sexy myles." I said what? He said, "It's sexy myles." Again I said, "WHAT?!" Nate piped up, "It's sixty miles to Aunt Angie's house."

I didn't have it in me to explain that it was more like 600 miles to Angie's house. Nor did I ask what the distance to her house had to do with his football shirt. I was just so glad that I did not start my day explaining the concept "sexy" to my three year old boys.

Twins of the Week: Charley and Saige

Photo reprinted with permission of Cheryl Munitich.

Two in a tree! Twin sisters, Charley and Saige, were eleven years old when this picture was taken. The fraternal twins first appeared on this site when they were four years old. They sure have grown up!
• Share your thoughts, opinions and advice in the comments section.
• More Worldless Wednesday Posts on About.com.
• School-Aged Twins Photo Gallery
• Index of All Photo Galleries

Twins of the Week: Charley and Saige originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 01:02:27.

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Ode to a Nightlight

I can’t really complain. Ever since sleep training at 6.5 months, my kids have generally been very good sleepers. A hiccup here and there, but overall solid. Whatever combination of good luck and good habits have gotten us there, I am grateful. Especially so that my kids tend to start the day at the incredibly reasonable [...]

Prematurity Awareness Day

Today is Prematurity Awareness Day so instead of retelling our tear-jerking preemie story, I thought I’d feature other worth-reading “preemie parent” blog posts from today… Prematurity Awareness Day – Shouldn’t Have to Be Great quick story and poem about the loss of Baby JW. Subliminal Intervention: Prematurity Awareness Month I, too, was born in 1972, so this [...]

Please Vote For #6 Until Sunday November 22nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We made it to the Top 10 in the multiplesandmore Halloween Photo Contest. This is the last round of voting so please continue to vote until 5pm Sunday November 22nd. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

3.5

Yesterday, my babies turned 3.5.

3.5 has been easy on us. I've spent quite a bit of time thinking about why it feels this way. It shouldn't feel easy. They're louder than they've ever been. They are more opinionated than they've ever been. The messes, the fights, the back talking, the lack of listening - all crazier than ever.

I finally realized it is us, me and Jon, that have made it easy. When the boys turned 3, I realized this is it. This is my one shot at having kids and it is going too fast. They are growing up and growing away from me, a little more every day.

The epiphany came from my mother. My mom has always called me her baby, and as a teenager it drove me crazy (sorry mom, I'm making it up to you by writing about your grandkids every day). Why couldn't she see I was a mature woman? In the last few months, when I call the boys "my babies" they shoot back, "I am not a baby!" Now I understand that no matter how old they are, I will always think of them as I first knew them, as my sweet precious babies.

Now I start each day thinking about how I can make it a great day with the boys. Now I think about how I can say yes to their crazy ideas. Now I think about what really matters. I know some of this wisdom has come from my skin cancer experience this year. Some of this wisdom has come from maturing. But mostly this wisdom has come from the boys themselves. They give so much more to me when I am open to them as they are, as loud as insane as it may be.

From now on, I may call them my boys but secretly, they will always be my babies.

Happy 3.5.

Christian Siriano....you better watch out

Garrett and Landon are 2.5 years old and they have finally hit that stage where they want more control over their appearance. You know, they want to pick out their own clothes and choose which shoes they want to wear on any given day. It's a fierce battle every morning.

I have enough stress in my life so I had to let go of something. Some battles just aren't worth fighting, know what I mean?

So, every morning, Garrett and Landon choose their own clothes. I try my best not to giggle or ask them, "Are you absolutely sure this is what you want to wear today?"

As we encounter people, the first thing I say is, "They chose their own outfits"...as if I need to make up an excuse as to why my kids are walking around like fashion misfits.

Here we have Garrett....he's dressed in a lovely Lightning McQueen pajama shirt that he refused to change after sleeping in it the night before, adorable Finding Nemo underwear and stylin' rain boots. A very relaxed style...the kind of look that says, "I'm all about comfort...and the rain boots protect me against any sudden leaks. I am in the midst of potty training, after all".

"Oh, gotta run, I hear the phone....I'm expecting a call from Tommy Hilfiger. We're cutting a deal on a new fashion line for toddlers"

Next, we have Landon....he's all about keeping cozy warm as the cold weather hits but it's also important to him to flaunt the brand names. God forbid anyone finds out that his mother shops at Target and Kohl's.

Landon is modeling a Thomas the train shirt underneath his Gap sweatshirt. He has layered basketball shorts over his blue sweatpants....going for style without having to compromise comfort or the luxury of keeping warm. Mismatched socks with open-toed sandals complete the look.

A side note....the sweatshirt must have a hood on it in order to successfully pull off this look . Just so you know.

I hear Christian Siriano is shaking in his boots right now. He's going to have some stiff competition in the fashion world with these two little guys right on his heels.

Now, if you'll excuse me...I need to confirm their lunch plans tomorrow with Ralph Lauren.

Bloggers Unite: March of Dimes

Today over 400 Bloggers are participating in Bloggers Unite Fight for Preemies to raise awareness of the 20 million babies who are born prematurely each year. The March of Dimes is fighting to drastically decrease these numbers. You can learn how to help fight against premature birth here.

As a mother of four preemies, I owe an ENORMOUS thank you to the efforts of the March of Dimes. Each of our 32 weekers benefited in some way, shape, or form from their dedication to fighting for preemies and diligent research. Although our quadruplets had to put up a fight for survival (especially Clark), they came out of the NICU experience with flying colors.

Most would call us lucky.

We beat the “odds”.

We had a favorable outcome in the face of many obstacles.

Obstacles that included respiratory distress, a NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) scare, high billirubin levels, high blood pressure, bradyacardia, apnea, dangerously high CO2 levels, and digestive issues.

However, we know better than chalking it up to “beating the odds”. We know that “luck” discredits the true factors in our boys’ survival.

Most of all it ignores God’s ultimate plan. He chose to give us life. Sometimes He chooses to take life (that He created) away. Sometimes even to those in our exact same circumstances, or with even better “chances”. I simply can’t understand it in this lifetime.

And to be completely honest, sometimes it’s not always easy to be the “survivor” family.

~ It’s extremely difficult to watch a mother of twins next to you meet her babies, for the sole purpose of saying goodbye.

~ It’s emotionally disturbing to listen to two mothers scream in agony over losing their babies on both sides of the walls of your high-risk unit room, while you feel your four babies moving inside of you.

~ It’s gut retching to have four healthy babies safely at home and read about a mother who you’ve followed throughout her pregnancy loose 5/6 of her sextuplets.

~ It’s unbearable to watch a friend’s full-term baby be born with multiple complications, and unable to survive.

Of course it makes me thankful for the breathing, heart-beating lives of our boys, but there’s also a guilt that’s hard to explain. I don’t deserve these blessings, yet God allowed them to live; And not only live but thrive.

These are the emotions that surround me as a mother of 4 premature success stories, I cannot fathom the grief of the other side.

I cannot wrap my mind around it.

Instead, I can only choose to be grateful. Grateful for their precious miracle lives that God has chosen for us to raise another day. And thankful for how He used the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists of St. Vincent Women’s Hospital, and for the efforts made through the March of Dimes in their little lives.

And that is how we left these doors as SURVIVORS.

If you are blogging for the cause of fighting for preemies. Feel free to link up your specific post here:

Prematurity Awareness Day

November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day, part of the March of Dime's Prematurity Awareness Month. Twins and multiples are among the highest risk group for premature birth. Each year, nearly half a million babies are born prematurely, often with devastating lifelong consequences.

Image courtesy March of Dimes

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign has two goals: (1) to raise public awareness of the problems of prematurity and (2) to decrease the rate of preterm birth in the U.S. The are accomplishing these goals by funding research, educating women about risk-reduction strategies, providing information and support to families, advocating for health care, and helping medical care providers address risk factors. You can also help the March of Dimes in this endeavor. Visit their website to learn more about prematurity and find out what you can do to promote this cause. Create a virtual wrist band in honor or in memory of children you love. Band together with others to collect donations to fuel the fight. Raise your voice by posting on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.

More Resources:
• Preterm Labor in Twin Pregnancy
• Caring for Preterm Twins or Multiples
• Consequences of Prematurity
• When Will My Twins Be Born?

Also on About.com:
• Cheryl Morrissette, About's Guide to Preemies
• Avoiding Preterm Labor from About's Guide to Pregnancy
• Premature Babies Photo Gallery from About's Guide to Pediatrics

Elsewhere on the Web:
• March of Dimes Fight Prematurity Awareness Month
• Preemie Twins at TwinPregnancyandBeyond.com
• Long-Term Effects of Prematurity from the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club

Prematurity Awareness Day originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 01:54:59.

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Uh oh….

An actual conversation: Brian (calling down from upstairs): I think you should rinse your toothbrush out tonight. Me: Um… why? Brian: Because James had to wash out his underwear and while he was doing that your toothbrush fell in the sink.

Giveaway and Book Review: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins

We are giving away ONE copy of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins to one lucky sleep-deprived Mad About Multiples reader. See end of post for details. Giveaway copy courtesy of Double Up Books. Book Review: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins...

Stupid childhood stunts....

A few weeks ago, Bella finally figured out how to use the jump rope. She was so excited about it and called out to me, "Mommy, come see what I can do....". I squealed with delight as I watched her practice her newfound skill.

I said, "I used to love to jump rope too when I was your age. I'd play jump rope games for hours with my friends in the middle of our street". Her eyes got huge and she said, "You used to play jump rope too? Mommy, I'm just like you....I'm gonna do the same things you did when you were little".

Now, I suppose that should've been a proud moment for me and it was...don't get me wrong. But I quickly had flashbacks to all the STUPID things I did when I was younger that I pray to God she never repeats.

At the time, of course, I thought I was pretty darn cool....until I got busted by my parents. And I ALWAYS got busted, due to my stupidity.

Stupid Childhood Stunt #1: "Borrowing" my dad's car with my best friend when we were 14. My parents were out with friends and it seemed like a great opportunity. My BFF even traced the car keys exactly how they were laying on the counter so we could put them back the same way.

We went to a party, had a great time and then drove back to my house. Parked the car exactly where it was supposed to be and even put the keys back in the same place, same position.

Too bad we forgot to turn off the headlights and make sure that the wipers weren't laying smack across the windshield. Seriously....we were THAT stupid.

I acted all innocent in the morning when my dad asked me if I knew why his car was dead. Then he said, "I'd almost believe you, except you left the windshield wipers up".

Needless to say, I was grounded.

Stupid Childhood Stunt #2: The time I changed one of the grades on my report card from an F to a B. I erased the F very lightly and then typed over it, replacing it with a B.

I thought it looked pretty authentic but apparently my mom didn't. Instead of confronting me right away, she waited until she could get a hold of my teacher by phone. Of course, he told her I had gotten an F and they were both appalled that I had changed my grade.

At home, I was grounded and at school, I received detention. Not to mention, the teacher moved my seat to the front of the room, where he announced to the entire class what I had done and that I obviously needed closer supervision. So not cool.

Stupid Childhood Stunt #3: My mom worked full time at a hair salon and usually didn't get home until the evening. She expected my sister and I to go straight home after school. Once we were home, we were to call and let her know we had arrived there safely.

One day, I went home with my best friend, who lived a few houses away, without permission. I called my mom and told her I was home (that was before caller ID had been invented....WTF, I sound like I'm ancient).

She said, "Make sure you take the dog outside to go to the bathroom". I answered, "Okay, I'll do it as soon as I get home". STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!

She asked, "I thought you said you WERE home already". I stumbled as I said, "Uh.... I am home. I don't know why I said that. It's been a really long day". But my mom's not as stupid as I am. She slowly said, "You're going to hang up this phone. And I'm going to call you back AT HOME and you better damn well answer the phone".

I busted out the door and ran home as fast as I could, thinking I could beat the clock. When I got home, I sat and waited for her to call (this was before most people had answering machines...WTF, I guess I am ancient).

When she didn't call, I called her at work and asked, "Why didn't you call back? I've been sitting here waiting". She said, "I DID call. You didn't answer. That's all the proof I need to know you were lying about where you were."

I said, "Oh, well, you must have called when I took the dog out...." and she interrupted me with, "Helene, you're only making it worse....I suggest you stop while you're ahead".

Needless to say, I was grounded.

Stupid Childhood Stunt #4: My parents didn't allow us to have boys in the house, under any circumstance, unless they were home. You think that was gonna deter me? Yeah, right.

When I was a freshman in high school, I had a HUGE crush on this guy, who was a senior and played on the football team. I didn't think he even knew I existed until one day when we were in the library together, he walked over to where I was standing and kissed me. He said, "I've been wanting to do that for awhile now". Such a Cassenova, right?

Then he asked me if he could give me a ride home from school that day. Like I'm really gonna say, "Oh, I'm not allowed to have boys in the house when my parents aren't home"? That would've been SO uncool. He told me where to meet him in the parking lot later that day.

After school,he drove me home. Fortunately, FOR ME, I had somehow forgotten my house key that day. I say "fortunately for me" because obviously this guy had other reasons why he wanted to go to my house.... and it wasn't to do homework. Yeah, I was THAT naive.

I invited him onto the back porch, which, in case you didn't know, isn't technically "IN the house", according to me. However, according to my parents, the back porch IS considered IN the house. Who knew?

So my dream guy and I hung out on the back porch, where we proceeded to have a heavy make-out session. I thought I was the luckiest girl on earth...he thought he was just plain gonna get lucky.

When my mom hadn't heard from me, upon returning home from school, she got worried and came home....just in time to see us both sit up suddenly from the lounge chair we were sharing, with me scrambling to button my shirt up.

I said, "Uh, Mom....this is Darryl", hoping she hadn't noticed my buttons weren't lined up properly. She said, "Hi Darryl...Helene isn't supposed to have boys in the house without adult supervision. I suggest you leave now". OMG, I wanted the earth to split open and swallow me whole.

Needless to say, I was grounded. And Darryl never spoke to me again...

I wish I could say that there were no more stupid childhood stunts after that but there were, of course. I won't continue to bore you with the time my friend and I got into my parent's liquor cabinet one night while they were out....

So you can kinda see why I hope my daughter doesn't do exactly the same things I did when I was younger.

But then again, there was a reason my parents always seemed to know I was up to no good. Once I became an adult, I learned my dad once stole his parent's car and drove to the airport, where he and his friends hung out drinking. I also learned that my mom had snuck around plenty with a boy that my grandparents didn't like.

I suppose if Bella tries to repeat the same stunts as I did, I'll be one step ahead of her just like my parents were with me. Hopefully, she'll just stick to innocent games, such as jump rope and hopscotch, until she turns 18.

A mom can dream, right?

Parent's Poll: Right or Left?

Right or left? No, I'm not asking about your political leanings. I'm talking about hand preference.

Are your twins right handed or left handed? My twins are one of each. I never gave it much thought as my husband is left handed while I am right handed, so I just assumed that our twin daughters took after us. However, I was surprised to learn that handedness is not necessarily a genetic trait. Many monozygotic (identical) twins -- such as my own -- who share the same genetic markers actually have different handedness preferences.

What about your twins? Take this week's Parent's Poll and "hand" in your vote!

More:

• Twins and Hand Preference

Parent's Poll: Right or Left? originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 01:38:52.

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A Fresh Look for 4tunate

Well with all the “bathroom talk” yesterday, we had to “freshen” our place up a bit with a new blog header. Brad whipped this design up for me last night and I’m in LOVE! (Attention employers he’s available for hire!) =) I think it’s my favorite design yet!

Although I these 2 hold a special place in my heart as well…

Where DID my babies go? They really do grow up so fast, don’t they?

The pictures on our new blog header are just a taste of some GORGEOUS photography work that Megan from Megelaine Images captured for us a few weeks ago. I can’t wait to tell you more about her amazing talent, and share some of the pictures that brought me to tears. As a mom who’s behind the camera so often, it means the world to have pictures WITH my boys and to capture our everyday life… Okay I’m going to choke up just typing about it, so for now, enjoy the new view!

From the mouths of babes!

Evie is coloring and I don't want to color to! I know shame on mommy, but I would rather be online right now. So I told her "I love watching you color. You color so beautiful!"

Her response was, "Yes, I am!"

I couldn't help but laugh! What a little goober! Her personality never fails to crack me up. After working a few hours this afternoon I came home to a bunch of messes. I told her I wasn't happy, and she replied (very seriously) "I so sorry mama!" While she shook her head from side to side. I couldn't help but laugh! I tried to hide my smile, but I don't think I was successful. She knows just what to say and how to say it! I'm in trouble!

Please Vote Again!!! We Are #11 Now!!!!!!!!!!

The girls made it to the Top 20 in the Halloween photo contest at multiplesandmore. Please continue to vote for them using the same link from my earlier post. Thank you so much!!!

Phone Photo (and video) Friday

Want an excuse to get those photos off your phone? Play along with LauraC! Am I the lamest mom in the world, or do other people hate it when their kids want to get on the swings? Seriously, when you’re climbing or going down the slide, I can just watch. With the swing, it’s all the [...]

The irony of it all...

I've been working on a book for quite awhile now, attempting to spend every spare hour I have working on it, whether that be early in the morning or late at night. Sometimes, if I can successfully get the kids caught up in an activity together, I'll try to break away for a few minutes and write a paragraph or two.

One day last week, I was on a roll. I have to be "in the mood" to write and I was finally getting somewhere after suffering from a mild bout of writer's block.

I began to type...."The deafening silence in our home was almost too much to bear. Just another cruel reminder that I was infertile. How I ached to hear the sound of children's laughter, instead of the sound of my own agonizing wails. How I wished to be up in the middle of the night rocking a tired baby back to sleep, instead of laying awake in bed planning yet another IVF cycle...back at square one, again."

Slowly, I began to lose my concentration, as the kids became louder and louder while they fought over whose turn it was to use the green crayon. Are you serious? Like there's no OTHER green crayons besides that ONE?

One by one, they ran up to me, screaming, "Mommy, I had it first", "No, I had it first and she ripped it out of my hand"...."Well, I've been waiting for my turn and he won't let me have it".

I had had enough. I finally lost my temper and in a loud, angry tone of voice, I said, "Can't you all play nicely together for just a little while? Why do you always need me to intervene? I just want some peace and quiet, for a change. Is that too much to ask? Can you all just leave me alone for a little while, PLEASE? I really need to focus!"

They all nodded their heads and walked away to resume coloring. I felt bad for raising my voice but, my goodness, I'll never get this book done at the rate I'm going.

Just as I turned back to my computer, Cole came up to me and asked, "Mommy, what are you working on?" Annoyed yet again at being interrupted, I sighed, "Cole, I'm working on my book. I need to concentrate, so can you find something to do and not bother me for a little while?"

Obviously, not catching a clue, he asked, "What's your book about?" Now I was getting super frustrated....soon, Tim would be home and I'd have to start cooking dinner. And then I'd have lost my mo-jo and Lord only knew when it would hit me again.

I answered, "It's a story. My story about how desperately I wanted to be a mother . Okay? Now can you leave me alone so I can get back to my writing?"

Oh yes, as soon as the words came out of my mouth, I had to laugh at the irony of it all. I was telling my kid to get lost for a little while so I could write about how badly I wanted children. I was asking them for peace and quiet, while I was writing a paragraph describing how the deafening sound of silence in our home made my heart ache.

I went back and read the paragraph that I had just written and I could feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes. Was I really THAT blind?

Nothing is so important that I can't take a few minutes away from my work to help my kids resolve an argument, even though I play referee at least 10 times a day, or to spend those last 20 minutes of the day reading them their favorite book.

Someday, when this book is finally done, I wish to dedicate it to them....my children, the ones who healed my heart and made it whole again. My children, the ones who fill our home with the sound of laughter and tears, so much so that I can't even hear the sound of my own voice most of the time.

I want them to be proud of the book and proud of me, not resentful of the time I spent away from them in order to finish it.

After all, my children are the reason I even have a story to tell.

Bagel Work

James got into a conflict with another child at school over “bagel work”. As far as I can glean from my child, there were no more bagels so James attempted to take one from another child; the child objected and now James is claiming that child is mean. Fiona is VERY annoyed someone [...]

Auctions for Free Stuff

Has your premature baby finally grown out of the “preemie size” clothes and you don’t know what to do with them? You obviously don’t ever wish someone you know may need to use them someday. Or have your multiples grown out of their matching twin outfits? Or (like my twins) decided they don’t want to dress [...]

this cut n paste post was inspired by recent canadian temperatures...

dear home and native land....LOVE YOU... True Canadians.... 695-t'ree t'ree t'ree t'ree (695-3333) It's time to reflect on what a truly Canadian winter is all about: WINTER POEM It's winter in Canada! And the gentle breezes blow Seventy miles an...

Evolution of an argument

I never thought I’d be tickled that my kids have started arguing. Oh, not the push-pull-gimme-mine-scream kind of arguing. They’ve been doing that for ages and there is no end in sight. It’s not pleasant. Nor am I talking about the times when they seem to be fighting over a syllable. We’ll be in the car, and [...]

No sleep and going insane!

I have had less and less sleep everyday lately. The kids as well. For some reason they keep staying up later and later. They won't sleep, and they are driving me crazy. Most nights lately it has been a bedtime battle, one I always lose! I am so wore out that I can't get anything done during the day. Everything is suffering! The house is a mess, and the kids main food group is chicken nuggets! Which makes me feel worse, and that doesn't help. I just need good sleep.

It's like they are trying to drive me insane. The kids pick the time when I need sleep the most to stage a bedtime coup! How rude! I am trying so hard not to take it personally, but most nights I wanna cry "Please let mama sleep!" Even if daddy takes over they don't let me sleep. I end up with one or both of them crawling all over me! Or crying at the door as they knock repeatedly! Thanks for loving me guys, now please just let me sleep!

I am going to try to get up earlier and make the kids get up! Easier said than done. If I can get up I am going to and so are they! If not then I am definitely working on nap time. No more than a 2 hour nap and no nap after 3 pm! No matter what. Hopefully this will help or I will need a vacation in the KooKoos nest!

terrible tess turns sensible sue?

after a two week self imposed break from running, on monday my alarm rang at 5.30am. sunday night i had slept fitfully. my body was waiting for the alarm, just as it has for the last 14 days. and when...

The Juice War

James just threw a fit because he wanted juice. Why was this an issue? Because he had already received a smoothie. AND, while I was making the smoothie he asked for a glass of milk. I informed him that he had to drink at least one of the drinks he already [...]

Vote Once Per Computer Until Thursday November 12th!!!!!!!

The girls have made it to round 2 of the cutest multiples Halloween contest. Please click on the link in the post below this one. It will take you to the website you need to vote on. There is a box with 40 different numbers about a 1/4 of the way down on the right hand side. The girls are #30. You can vote once per computer and you have until Thursday, November 12th at 6pm to vote. As of right now, the girls are way behind with only 1 vote. Please help them make it to the next round. Thank you so much!!!!

Please Vote For Us (We Are #30) Thank You!!!

Playgroups, Playdates and Parks, Oh My

As a member of Gemini Crickets, I’ve gotten to enjoy plenty of social events and monthly meetings to educate and hook up with other parents sharing the same challenges or even better, giving me a glimpse of things to come....

taking advantage of a nice day

It is unusually nice out for this time of year so we've spent a majority of the day outside. It is so nice we are only wearing light jackets. Which is crazy for northwest Indiana this time of year, but I'll take it. I am so not looking forward to being stuck inside all winter. The kids played in leaves, on the swings, slide, and dug in the dirt. They loved catching lady bugs, and getting on their cars for the last time of the season. It was great. I know the further along I get it will be harder for me to do anything with them by myself so this was a nice way to get ready for the long winter.

I'm going to learn how to fly (HIGH!)

last night i had to make a tough decision. charles was out at maryknoll, at the walk to emmaus. i had made plans to go to ursula's, to eat a fantastic curry dinner and watch FAME (the original one, not...

You’re so bad

Yesterday, I left my kids. My husband, too. Walked out the door, drove to the airport, got on a plane, and flew most of the way across the country. I ran away. And I’m glad I did. It was about a month and a half ago that I was nearly crawling out of my own skin [...]

Please Vote For Us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The girls are in a multiples Halloween photo contest @ http://multiplesandmore.blogspot.com/2009/10/announcement-multiples-and-more.html. They are #50 if you scroll down. Please send an email to multiplesphotocontest@gmail.com and say you would like to vote for #50 (the girls). You can only vote once per email address and you can only vote until November 8th. Then I believe they will have the top 20 on their website. I will post something if the girls make it to the top 20. Thank you!!!

skies, shoes, speed and snakes

although the BBQ is over at kennedy school, i have spent many hours at the school this week cleaning up, putting back and restoring things to their natural order. i am 'on site' a fair amount. however, where was i...

March of Dimes Fight For Preemies

The March of Dimes, in conjunction with Bloggers Unite is asking bloggers to put a badge on your blog this month for Prematurity Awareness Month… Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives [...]

The illness hits just keep coming

James may have strep. He was exposed at school and now he has a low fever and won’t eat. I’m taking him in for a swab tomorrow. Maybe I can sneak in a flu vax while I’m there.

Things you don’t want to hear from upstairs…

Why is there pee in the bathtub?

Halloween

We started the Halloween festivities on Tuesday night when the boys participated in their first pumpkin carving with Dusty aka Green Daddy. Cleaning out the pumpkin: From Halloween 09 Then they had to decide what kind of face to make: From Halloween 09 Drawing the face to cut out: From Halloween 09 Helping Daddy carve: From Halloween 09 Very serious business: From Halloween 09 Finished product: From [...]

Halloween Costumes, Have I impressed my character biases onto my kids?

I have a new topic for you in the Mom Guilt arena; Halloween Costumes. No, I’m not going to suggest you should make your own, anyone who has kids knows that’s a laughable suggestion, much less if you have multiples....

Approaching

This is going to be a rather random post. But lately I’ve been aware of being 36.5, going to turn 37 in April. I loved turning 30, was really excited and all about “claiming” it. Honestly I partied like crazy and broke myself trying to prove to myself that I could and [...]

Braces Update

Every now and then someone stumbles across this blog when searching about adult braces. This happened last week and it’s prompted me to do an update. I’m now a year and a half into wearing my braces with a predicted two year committment going into this. My bite has completely changes, formally [...]

A twin’s struggle to be ‘One and the Same’

Abigail Pogrebin, author of “One and the Same,” and her identical twin sister, Robin Pogrebin, discuss the unique relationship between twins on the Today Show last week (October 22nd, 2009). In her new book, “One and the Same: My Life as an Identical Twin and What I’ve Learned About Everyone’s Struggle to Be Singular,” author and [...]

The kids and the idea of a new baby

Evie knows that mommy is going to have a baby, and is excited about it. I think. Christopher has no idea what we are talking about, and I don't think he cares either. He just glances at me or my belly and then continues whatever he is doing.

Evie on the other hand copies everything I do. So of coarse there is a baby in her belly to. The other day I ran to the bathroom and said "I am going to vomit!" Later she ran to the kitchen, because she thought that was where I went. She also said, "I am going to vomit!" She does know what vomit is. I told her no mommy vomits in the toilet not the trash can, and then I flush it away. So she went into the bathroom, and made vomit noises then flushed the toilet. When she came out she said "I vomited!" I just said "OH!" Not wanting to give it to much attention. I don't want to discourage or encourage the behavior.

She also told my husband the other day during her bath that she wants a sister, and we should name her princess Leia! I thought this was funny since she has only heard that name a couple of times. Then today she told me she had a sister in her tummy! I again just said, "Oh."

miserable momma

This week has been hell. I started feeling a little nauseous Monday, and it slowly got worse as the week progressed. Today I woke up at 6:00 am just so I could run to the bathroom and vomit! That was great. Then I felt horrible all day long. I am so tired. I am not getting any thing done. Our house looks horrible. I haven't had dishes piled up like this in years. My poor husband and kids have to deal with cranky impatient sick mommy all day. It is awful. I cried today and told my husband I can't do this. His smart ass asked if I wanted an abortion. I replied no I just wanted someone else to be miserable for 9 months not me! Like him! I seriously don't know how I am going to get through this. I know things are going to get worse before they get better. I think it's a girl, because my daughter made me this sick, but my son didn't.

I feel nauseous no matter what I do. I get super thirsty then feel sick for drinking to much water. I feel like I am on fire, or freezing cold. I feel tired, and just yucky. I have no energy. My breasts ache like hell. Plus, I must be sleeping differently because my neck aches. I toss and turn all night, and feel like I haven't slept at all. I wake up throughout the night with my stomach burning.

When its not the pregnancy keeping me up the kids are taking turns waking me up through the night. Evie is potty trained (mostly) she wakes up once or twice a night and goes potty. Of coarse she wakes me up to! Christopher wakes up, and drinks from his bottle or plays with my hair. Then I wake up if hubby is tossing and turning or just getting up. I am suck a light sleeper I think I need my own room, one that is freezing cold because I get hot the most at night!

I know I will get through this I have no choice. I just have to take one day at a time, and just ignore the dirty dishes. I'll get to them when I get to them. I also am buying more quick and easy foods, because I can't guarantee I will be up to cooking when it's time to cook!

TwiceToddler "B" Sick Last Night

Around 3:15 AM, my little princess, Twin "B", was coughing and hacking away. Then, she threw up. I was still in my sleepy mode and thought she has threw up water. When I went to get a wet towel and water, I found she had thrown up food, well, it was red.

My sweetie pie, she was crying and did not feel well. The throw up was on our sheets and my right PJs sleeve. I told her, "this is good, this means you are getting better and getting rid of all the phlem in your lungs."

Twin "B" has no fever or is warm, she has been coughing, off and on, for a month now. Oh, and I have also stopped giving her any milk because the milk causes the coughing to continue.

Mommy and Daddy and Twin "A" just pray for her to heal and get better soon. I mean, we are heading into the long, cold and oh so boring winter months ahead. I would rather Twin "B" be healed now, so as to not remain sick going into the winter months.

God Bless

Padawan Learners

As soon as the boys found out that I had a green light-saber, all they want to do at my house now is play with it. It’s best to start them in light-saber training early, right? And some videos:

Book Review: Abigail Pogrebin's "One and the Same"

Abigail Pogrebin's latest book "One and the Same" details a unique perspective of the phenomenon of twins with sometimes painful honesty and scary insight. As a mother of three year old twins, I find most of my decisions limited to...

Parent’s Choice Infant Formula only $5

I’ve been out of the deal loop for a couple weeks as my daughter had surgery, but is now recovering at home. It is a bit ironic that I recently wrote about breast milk vs. infant formula, and how I did not breastfed my twin daughters. I wished store brand formula which is now sold [...]

From Bats to Batman ...... a Halloween Evolution

Last Halloween, my boys were 3 and 10 months, and for Halloween, they each wanted to be an animal - a tiger and a bat. We cruised the Halloween superstores, and found the right styles and the right sizes, and...

TwiceToddlers Mommy Loves iHerb!

These days, people are looking for natural health products. These natural health products are easily accessible through supplements or liquid form. This company, iHerb, has been in business since 1997 in the Southern California San Gabriel Valley. The iHerb company actually has a 48,000 square foot warehouse where all their products are shipped from.

My sister introduced me to iHerb in 2002 and I have been purchasing my supplements from them ever since. The products I purchase on a regular basis are Bach's Essential Flower Oil Impatiens, Enzymatic Therapy Acid Free Digestive Formula, Source Naturals Alka Balance and Now Foods Super Colostrum supplements.

The Bach's Essential Flower Oil Impatiens is one I recommend for any Mom of especially small children. If you are looking to increase your patients, one or two drops of impatiens in a cup, glass or bottle of water will work wonders.

So, when you decide to order some new supplements online, this is the best company to order your supplements from. I have a widget on the right side of my blog.

Stay Safe and Healthy, Purchase iHerb Supplements.

TwiceToddlers and High Heels

Oh goodness, my twins love "pretend play" high heels. Twin "A", in particular, loves prancing around the house and outdoor in her high heels. Twin "A" puts on her tiara, tutu and heels. She looks just adorable and calls herself a "princes".

Twin "B", on the other hand, does not like wearing her tiara, but does slip into her tutu and high heels.

Both my twins begin their day in their high heels and then move to their tutu. The funny thing is, I only purchased these items for them, they have decided to play with them, on their own.

And oh,they are just adorable wearing these pretend play items.

TwiceToddlers and Sharing Day

Last week, at preschool, my twins began sharing something from home. Each week, my twins learn a new letter of the alphabet. Last week, Friday, they learned the letter "B". So, that Friday, they had to bring something for sharing and all I could find around our home was their Baby Doll or Teddy "Bear". So, I told them to share their Baby Doll. They loved sharing their Baby Doll and love their sharing day.

Today, they shared something with the letter "G". So, my DH and I searched and searched for something around the home which began with this letter. We could think of nothing, them Mommy (me), looked online for "objects that begin with "G"". I found several in fact. The one I used was "glove". We actually have two different gloves in our home, dress up gloves in fact.

Twin "A" took the pink princess gloves and Twin "B" took the blue Cinderella gloves. Oh, my twins had a great time sharing their gloves with their teachers and friends.

TwiceToddlers and Their New Musical Instruments

So, Daddy goes to Costco one day and sees this cute Instrument Set. He purchases it, brings it home and the set sits in our utility room for a week. We had not given it to our twins yet. This is because we already know they would fight over it. They fight over everything.

Alright, so now we are in the new week, beginning at Sunday. After church, Daddy took Twin "B" to Costco to get us some AAA batteries and happened to stop by the toy aisle. While in the toy aisle, Daddy picked up another Instrument Set. Daddy said because they were a good price, we could afford to have two sets.

While Daddy and Twin "B" were at Costco, Twin "A" and Mommy went to get some lunch at Wendy's. That is all we did, nothing real special, just pick up lunch for the twins.

When Daddy and Twin "B" arrived back at home, Twin "B" was holding the new Instrument Set so I went to the garage and retrieved the other New Instrument Set, never opened.

After their nap, or rest, Mommy and Daddy opened the Instrument Sets and ever since then, they have been going crazy with the drum, maracas and other instruments I can not name right now.

I do like these toys 1) because they are real instruments and 2) hopefully it will take them away from the TV.

God Bless instruments for children...

New Beds and Rooms - Part 3

This weekend was the first time the kids have been in spearate rooms. Little Man's room was finally finished and he moved in. We're rapidly trying to finish the beds for the girls. They are still sleeping on new mattresses on the floor. Photos will be posted soon.

New Beds and Rooms - Part 2

This is a slow process. We're almost finished with the bunk beds for the girls. Their room has been painted, but not all the furniture is in place and the decorations aren't up yet. We've just started painting Little Man's room. It was sad when we were taking the cribs/toddler beds apart.

Photos Added

Click for more photos

New Beds and Rooms

We are working on getting the kids in different rooms. Little Man will stay in the same room. Squeaky and Blondie will be moving to a new room. They'll have bunk beds that we'll initially use as separate twin beds. Little Man will be getting a new bed too. We're working on painting the bunk beds now. Then it will be time to paint the bedrooms and get them decorated. It should be an

Yo Gabba Gabba

While we were at the beach, we ran across the show Yo Gabba Gabba on Nick Jr. The kids love it. We couldn't think of seeing a show like this before. The characters do silly, simple songs about keeping your hands to yourself and eating different foods. Silly, simple and teaches good lessons? You can't go wrong with a show like that.

Long haul

I was recently profiled in MacLeans Magazine (a Canadian news magazine) as an advocate for “sedating” kids on long haul flights. The article was based on this post where, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, I listed “sedating the children” as one of my top 10 recommendations for international travel with kids. Sigh. I was referring, in that post, to [...] Related posts:

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Risk

I’ve perhaps spent a disproportionate part of my life thinking about risk. It was the subject of my dissertation and post-doctoral research, so that’s about seven years of thinking about risk right there. I now think of risk as a mother, which is less theoretical, more instinctive. The shift began from the moment I learned I [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Eating Crayons, Pooping Rainbows

This is my last post for Looky, Daddy! I've written this post many times over the past few months. I've written it like a guy composing a breakup speech to his girlfriend for no real defensible reason except that when...

Anne & David - 5 months

Winter

While the Canadian/US east coast is having a year without summer, here in Cape Town we’re enjoying a year pretty much without winter. Overall, this is probably not a good sign, but day-to-day, it’s hard to complain. Here are few winter photos from one of my favourite places in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. No related posts. Related [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

She Writes

Being a writer – especially a new one – can sometimes feel as isolating as, well, being a stay-at-home mom. Put the two together it’s easy to understand why social networking sites for moms, writers and mom-writers are so popular. I’m not a huge fan of social networking. I’ve given up on twitter and my facebook [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Amazing children’s illustration

I took a course in children’s book illustration a few years ago and learned, primarily, how difficult it is. We have a ridiculous number of kid’s books in our house, and I find many of the illustrations unappealing, unoriginal. So when I found one of Brian Wildsmith’s books at our (otherwise dysfunctional) public library, I was [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

There's Nothing Smart About Taking a Kid with Epilepsy to See Fireworks

There's nothing smart about taking a kid with epilepsy to see fireworks. So we do it. We stay up hours past her bedtime and explode lights in her face, like participants in a demented researcher's clinical study. We load her...

Wedding Lemonade

Summer posts will be scarce. There's not much to be said about that. Last year I bravely promised a drink recipe a week just to keep you coming back, and I managed a whole five of those before summer drowned...