Twin Tips: Toys for Twins

I'm one of those geeky twin moms who would like their kids to coordinate but not always "match."  It works out well since I have one of each, and we love to find outfits in similar color schemes or in coordinating patterns or with matching characters for girls and boys.

Since the babies were born right before Christmas, it was the perfect time to pick out some super toys for the little ones and yes, maybe I went just a little overboard.  I thought I'd share some of my favorites that come in "coordinating" colors for your little ones.

My kids love their "Bunch-O-Fun" toys from Bright Starts.  I believe we picked these up at Burlington on the cheap and they're definitely a favorite.

We searched high and low for a foot and wrist rattle set, and I picked these garanamials wrist rattle sets from Walmart and the babies really enjoyed them for making all kinds of noises when they moved.

This was one of my favorite pre-baby purchases - a special Lamaze toy for each.  Mortimer the Moose for Brayden and Marina the Mermaid for Julianna.  They're awesome because they're super colorful with lots of ways for babies to interact.  They rattle, crinkle, have tabs for rubbing and places for chewing.  I love the attachment loops that make these easy to switch in and out for something new on the babies play gym.

I picked up these Babies First Doll and Babies First Bear out of boredom when my babies were delayed a week.  I must say, while they are soft and sweet, my kids are less than interested.  Maybe someday, but thought I'd include them as they do coordinate. 

These Take'n Shake toys from Bright Starts are cute, small (perfect for diaper bags) and are a nice distraction.  At 5 months, my twins are getting the hang of pulling them themselves and enjoy the reaction as they vibrate.

We received these teether toys from Kids 2 Grow as a gift at our baby shower and they sure are adorable!  Soft for cuddles but a great surface for our chewers.

Our babies have a ball with these "mesh" ball toys.  I love seeing their little tongue move in the holes as they try to fit the ball in their mouths!  They collapse, so they're perfect for a diaper bag take along.  We grabbed these from target, but for the life of me I can't remember a brand name.

Anyone else have any favorite twin toys that coordinate?  I'm always looking for new options!

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Julie and Brayden Update: 5 Months

A little late on our five month update, but better late than never! 

Feedings:  Bottle feeding hasn’t changed much in the past month, except that we were instructed by our doctor to try putting 3 T rice cereal in each of Brayden’s bottles to reduce his reflux.  We think it may have helped a bit, but not enough difference to justify all of the rice he was taking in.  We may be discontinuing the rice in the near future.  Hopefully, pushing forward towards solids will give them more of what they need that it’s okay if we loose a few drops here or there.  We’re still doing 1T  of rice in the overnight bottles.  Solid foods are going well – so far, we’ve tried Rice Cereal by spoon, banana, applesauce, peaches, and oatmeal.  If we do cereal, babies are eating about ½ a container each, but could take a whole container if I’d let them.  I’m looking forward to starting to make my own food soon – just have to find the time to buy the equipment.

Daytime: The babes are up most of the day with a few quick naps in the middle.  We try to spend lots of time on our tummy to help Brayden’s Torticollis as well as to encourage Julie to roll over.  Brayden is a rollin’ fool and it hasn’t dawned on Julianna that it’s something she should consider attempting.  I’m not worried that she’s not strong enough, because when she arches her back, she could likely get herself out of her bumbo seat if I’d let her. Feedings are 6am (B) 9am (J and sometimes B), Noon, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 11pm  

                    

Nighttime:  We still have the best sleepers in town.  Both are going to sleep around 11, and then sleeping all through the morning.  Brayden does get a bottle with Dan when he leaves, but usually we don’t have babies to play with until around 10 am.  One of my favorite things in the world is Julie’s sleepy pose – with her hands behind her head like a little pinup girl.  Brayen rolls constantly and will no longer sleep on his back.  Of course this makes me a nervous wreck, but I keep trusting what everyone says – that if he can get onto his tummy, he can make sure his airway is safe.  Just thankful to have full nights of sleep (although it still never seems like enough)!

Schedule:  My thoughts that we had a schedule?  The babies were just kidding.  And my plans of waking up at 6:30 each morning to clean?  I was just kidding about that one too. J

6:30 a.m. – 4 oz bottle for Brayden, then back to sleep.

10 a.m. – Julie wakes up for a 5 oz bottle and stays up

11 a.m. – Bubble Guppies and Mike the Knight

Noon – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle and maybe another nap

3 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle

4 p.m. – Fussy time for both babies.  We occupy them by being active on the floor, singing songs and playing with puppets.

6 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle, plus cereal and some sort of fruit or veg

9 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz (Julie typically crashes in her swing at this point)

11:00 p.m. – Bottle and Bedtime

11:15 p.m. – SLEEP

Outings and Events:  I feel like we’re constantly running somewhere these days!  We're always on our way to visit Great-Nanny, head to a doctor's appointment, or to Physical Therapy.  Good thing the babies are good in the car!  We took two big trips this month, to Baltimore for the Preakness race.  We learned the lesson of a lifetime about communication when we realized that the babies suitcase, overpacked full of clothes for every occasion and surprise, had been left in the nursery – four hours away.  After some serious contemplation, I hit the stores and bought enough sleepers and clothing to outfit the babes for the weekend.  The hardest part was finding seersucker (Dan’s fashion requirement for the event) but I luckily was able to find a cute green seersucker dress for Julie and blue seersucker shorts and solid polo for Brayden at Gymboree.  Mamma got a workout jogging through the mall 20 minute before it closed!

We also ventured to Massachusetts for Dan’s cousin Eileen’s wedding.  We had a great time, and the babies were SO well behaved.  We hardly had a peep out of them for the ceremony, and with the exception of a few pterodactyl calls from Julie, all was calm throughout the beautiful event.  The babies met so many of Dan’s cousins, aunt’s and even their Great Great Aunt Jean (who I absolutely love).  It was so nice to spend time with the family, and get away for the weekend.  The long car ride to Albany (where we spent our nights at Dan’s parents) was pretty tolerable, although did have many diaper-change pit stops.  We learned that we’re more flexible than we knew climbing into the backseat between their carseats to feed while the car was still moving, and that we’ll be investing in travel video monitors before our trip to the beach in September.

Milestones:  Brayden is our little “Rolie Polie Olie” and rolls every which way.  Julie still hasn’t showed any interest in rolling, but trying to not worry about her too much.  She is SUCH a verbal child!  She babbles and squeals and smiles all the time.  I can’t believe how different they are!  Brayden has become a little quieter lately, but will occasionally give us a holler, especially when Julianna isn’t around.  Both are doing really great with the baby foods, opening their mouth when the spoon comes their way, and actually getting most of the food in their tummies.  Julie’s a major bubble blower and makes raspberry sounds constantly.  Brayden still giggles all the time.  A few of his favorite things to giggle about are: “Achoo,” “Chopped,” and “beep beep” said in a  low voice.  Julie’s only given a few giggles – usually when hair brushes against her face.  Maybe she’ll be my serious one? 

We’ve started really playing with the exersaucers and the babies love it.  Brayden adores the one we have with a piano under his feet.  He’s totally realized that he can control the sounds and I love watching his face light up with excitement.

I am the luckiest girl in the whole entire world.

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Lazy Blogger

I have to admit - I'm a lazy blogger.  And I just wanted to write a post to justify and beg forgiveness.   'Cause ya know - I have a reason.  So here are my excuses for my recent absence in the blogosphere - some are definitely better than others.
- I have twins - this is the ultimate excuse.
- Brayden's Torticollis has been taking up lots of time with PT, Doctors Appointments and Stretching
- I've been making an effort to see the important people in my life a little more often,  I have seen every one of the people in my bridal party this past month, even though 50% of them live out of state.
- We've been traveling quite a bit, to Baltimore for Preakness, and will be going to Albany this weekend for Dan's cousin's wedding.
- I FINALLY pulled the trigger and bought an awesome camera (Canon T2i) and can't wait until tomorrow when it arrives.  I've been full of research.
- I'm struggling a bit with the babies in my frustration in my inability to soothe them simultaneously.  The stress is getting to me!
- Dan's computer was broken for a bit, so he was using mine whenever it was free.
- I've been trying to research my ancestry, and learn how to make hairbows.  I have more way more interests in new hobbies than I'll ever have time for.

Reasons why I will continue to be absent:
- I've signed up to take a photography class one night a week.
- We'll be having new challenges as the babies become more mobile, and I attempt to start making babyfood.  Oh the new stages we'll enjoy!

I know, excuses excuses.  My mom says "you can't do it all Heather" but boy will I always try.  Someday I'll get really serious about my blog.   In the meantime, I'm glad it's here, waiting to listen about my success and struggles, and all the celebrations along the way.

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Twin Tips: Diaper Bag Checklist

Before our babies were born, I loved reading people's posts on what to put in their diaper bags.  It's funny how what you EXPECT you'll carry, is really not what you carry at all.  I think diaper bag contents are a very personal thing, but preparing for your own unexpected is what diaper bag packing is all about.

One of the best gifts I got when expecting was from a dear co-worker.  It was a small diaper bag, packed with all the essentials, and a note from her own experiences, on what her bag included.  Although we already had a large bag purchased, Amy's system employed both the big bag and the little bag to make packing quick and convenient.  Although I didn't realize it at the time, her system is ingenious.

So today, I'd like to pass her gift on to you, and share the scoop on how I diaper bag for twins.

First, I have two bags - a small bag Eddie Bauer Bag with lots of pockets, and a large bag - the Chicco Cubes tote.  The small bag goes with me everywhere, and the big bag "refills" from the car.  Typically, I repack the small bag every time we go out, and the large bag stays in the car, and is only refilled if we take something from it.  I know it sounds like more work, but it really isn't!  Especially with twins, I'm already laden down with so much gear and baby that having a little bag is perfect, but still always have the security that the big bag's there for backup if needed.

Small Eddie Bauer Bag

Large Chicco Cubes Bag

So now for the good stuff - what's IN my bags!

Here's a sneak peak and a detailed list:

1 - Diapers:  We need two sizes and typically put four of each size in the small bag for a total of eight.

2 - Wipes: For little bums

3 - Diaper Rash Cream:  Luckily, we have not yet had to deal with serious diaper rash, so I bring a sample size pack - just in case something surprised me.  These samples came from new mom Similac packs and Motherhood Maternity goodie bags.

4 - Rubber Gloves:  For the occasional poopy diaper that makes you freeze in horror

5 - Ziplock Bag:  To contain the filthy clothing that the horrific diaper just leaked on.

6 - Changing Table Liners:  To protect your precious little one from other babies horrific diaper germies

7 - Receiving Blanket:  Used as an impromptu changing pad on the floor of a bathroom, to cover a carseat in the rain, or (obviously) to cover a babe when it gets chilly.

8 - Face Friendly Wipes:  I've got pukers, and don't like the idea of putting bum wipes on their sensitive little faces.  Johnson's smell nice and are resealable, and I believe Boogie Wipes are basically the same thing.  Babies R Us carries a bum wipe that's also safe on faces in their travel size section, but the non-resealable package urks me.

9 - Pacifier Wipes: Helpful for when the only bink you have has fallen on the floor of the pediatrician's office.

10 - Hand Sanitizer

11 - Cloth Diapers: For burp cloths, spit up, and for rolling up and propping under bottles for self-feeding while at restaurants.

12 - Formula Powder in Bottles: Once I realized how expensive Similac's "to-go" bottles were, I figured I could easily make an inexpensive alternative myself.  I pre-measure and pack for simple mixing on the go.

13 - Bottled Water for Formula Powder: I love Aldi's 10 oz bottles which are perfectly sized for my diaper bag, and two 4 ounce bottles (and a sip for me).

14 - Nipples: We pack the disposable ones from the formula samples just because I don't "miss them" in my regular rotation.

15 - Pacifiers: One spare for each

16 - Toys:  We like thin puppets, a small klinky toy (keys) and our blinky multi-colored strobe light rubber chick toys from Easter.  Just enough to keep them occupied, but save space.

So there you have it - all of this fits in my small bag (amazing huh?) and most is replicated in my large bag with just a little more diapers, a larger pack of wipes, changes of clothes for each baby, more toys, more water, etc.

And since it's so important to refresh those diaper bags regularly, I have a checklist by my door for easy reference in confirming bag contents.  Feel free to download my Twin Diaper Bag Checklist and use yourself!

Looking for more great Twin Tips?  Check them all out here!

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Julie and Brayden Update: 4 Months

Feedings:  Brayden is drinking about 4 ounces of milk, about every three hours during the day and goes about 8 hours without milk overnight.  Julie’s taking 5 ounces every three hours, and goes about 10 hour overnight.  We still do one formula bottle every night and I am back to pumping around every 4 hours.  We’re still doing 1T in the overnight bottles and may be increasing Brayden’s bottle rice intake at the doctor’s direction to help with his reflux.  We’ve also introduced rice cereal by spoon regularly, with each eating about 2 T of rice mixed with milk.  We’ve also introduced baby banana and they share ½ a container when we offer it.  They still have quite a bit of the tongue thrust reflex, but like to lean towards the spoon and get in about half of what we offer. 

Daytime: Babes are spending even more awake time.   They like to get cozy, and sit on our tummies when we’re laying flat, with their back’s on our theighs.  The babies got their first puppets for Easter (a Duck and a Bunny) which they love.  With the bunny we sing Little Bunny FooFoo and the one about a Rabbit in the Wood.   With the Duck, we sing Five Little Ducks (the one “with a feather on his back” and the one that “went out to play over the hill and far away).  Favorite toys include the mesh balls, the Blue Elephant/Yellow Giraffe sensory toys, the Play Gym (now reaching for toys and putting in mouth), and have gotten super active on the bouncy seats.   Feedings are 6am (B) 9am (J and sometimes B), Noon, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 11pm  

                    

Nighttime:  I do realize how lucky I am here – I swear!  I have the best sleeper babies ever…  Nowadays, both babies are going to bed at 11pm, with Brayden waking up around 6am to eat with Dan (sometimes 8ish when not woken)  and Julie sleeping until 9.  Maybe she’ll be a “prompt” person throughout her life, because she ALWAYS wakes up at 9am on the dot!

Schedule:  I think I would say, we officially have a schedule!  Celebrate good times!

6:30 a.m. – 4 oz bottle for Brayden, then back to sleep (Mamma stays up and cleans)

9 a.m. – Julie wakes up for a 5 oz bottle then goes back to sleep.  Sometimes Brayden would like milk too – sometimes not.

11 a.m. – Wakeup for Bubble Guppies and Mike the Knight

Noon – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle and maybe another nap

3 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle

4 p.m. – Fussy time for both babies.  We occupy them by being active on the floor, singing songs and playing with puppets.

6 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz bottle and Rice Cereal (maybe a little “nanners” too)

9 p.m. – 4 oz/ 5oz (Julie typically crashes in her swing at this point)

11:00 p.m. – Bottle and Bedtime

11:15 p.m. – SLEEP

Outings and Events:  Our babies are still really really good when we go out.  Big trips this month included the babies first “out of state” experience to attend Aunt Megan’s bridal shower in Buffalo, New York.  Both spent the afternoon with Dad and Grandpa Coleman and behaved beautifully.  We also celebrated Easter in all of our Sunday best. 

Milestones:  Both babies are grabbing at things, and are doing much better at strengthening their necks with Tummy Time and sitting up in their Bumbo Seats.  Brayden is wearing some 3-6 month clothes, and Julie is in all 3-6 month clothes.  Brayden has begun rolling over – both from Back to Front and Front to Back.  Way to go little boy!!!  Brayden also likes to giggle when we blow raspberries on his tummy.  Julie loves to play Patty Cake and squeals with happiness.  We joke that the babies sound like “pterodactyls” because of the loud noises they tend to make from time to time.  Julie is an extremely happy baby when she wakes up and very rarely cries. Their eyes are still both blue, so fingers crossed they’ll be staying that way!

Each day with them is truly a joy…

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