Out and About

Last time I posted I promised I'd share my "out and about" experiences with my babes.  It's been a while (yes I know) since I posted about getting out of the house but hopefully, on this Twin Tip Tuesday, I can share a little bit about how we survive when we leave home.

In some ways, I must admit, my kids do pretty well.  At 18 months, they sit through restaurant meals with only an occasional crank, and hang out at target like a pro.  I like to think that that is somewhat due in part to the things I'm doing "right" along the way - but possibly just a fluke.  We do have our challenges though - Julie is a major flight risk right now, with legs ready to run but ears not ready to listen to "stop" or "no" or "JULIE!!!"  We take more adventures than most though, and so we've developed some tactics to make it a bit easier.  Here they are - in no particular order.

1 - Timing is Everything.  Tell me an hour on the clock, and I can tell you the temperament of my children.  There are these beautiful windows though where all seems right with the world and outings work SO much more smoothly.  For us, right after breakfast, right before lunch - when they're awake and full and diapers are dry - seems to be perfect.  After nap, when they've had a chance to get their diaper changed and munch on a snack is a similar window.  That's not to say that we NEVER leave the house in the afternoon, but I try to avoid it at all costs because I know sleepy/hungry/cranky babes lead to a miserable/embarrassed/frustrated Mama.  Find your window and make the most of it!

2 - Be Prepared to Entertain.  I'll be posting about my current diaper bag in the near future, but I'll share now that it is stocked FULL.  I have a container of toys that are small, portable, and hold their attention that they only get to see when we're out.  Sitting at a restaurant, hanging out at target, waiting in line for groceries - these toys offer just the right bit of novelty to keep them from hollering on high.  Some folks might have issue with my methods but my tablet is the all out in entertainment.  We especially love the Peekaboo Barn App (also from itunes) to keep them occupied wherever.  And I'm almost ashamed to say, the Bubble Guppies.  Yes, I'm well aware that the APA recommends no electronics before the age of 2 - but most of the APA never tried to take two 18 month olds shopping or out to dinner.  Our kids are just the right age to start using Busy Bag activities, and I'll be sharing more about those are in my Busy Bag exchange post in the near future!

3 - Snack at Hand.  My bag is also packed with food bribes snacks to keep them satisfied.  Before a meal out, we start with an "appetizer" of cheez-its, string cheese, or apple slices.  Nothing original about that I'm sure.  What IS original, is using mini MnMs to keep the screaming toddlers at bay while at the Optician's office.  My disaster of an eye appointment (hubby couldn't get back in time, couldn't reschedule) was salvaged by jumping out of the chair every minute or so to give the kids another MnM.  Is it the healthiest option?  Of course not - but it works for us (and all the folks around us who don't want to hear my kids scream).  Our local grocery chain even helps us out with this by offering free cookies to kids - a special treat to keep them busy while picking up the necessities.

So when we're out and about, playing with our special toys and eating our snacks, we ride in style.  Obviously with two, you learn to visit stores with double carts.  These usually work well, but there are so many stores that don't offer these options.  Our solution - The Buggy Bench!  Be on the lookout for a full review of the buggy bench soon, but we absolutely love this basket tethered "back seat" which keeps one kid in the front, and one in the basket, with everyone strapped in.  I've attempted pushing a stroller and dragging a cart, and pushing/pulling two separate carts.  This is BY FAR the best solution for Twin Moms or moms of multiple kids close in age.  Brayden is my back seat rider and he absolutely loves it.

That's about it for now, but I'm sure this post will be updated over time with links and new tips as things change daily in our world!  Happy Twin Tip Tuesday!

Twin Tips: Getting Out of the House

I was so spoiled for the first 9 months that my mom lived with us that I didn't get the full "twin experience" until she moved out I don't believe.  But once she was gone, I felt it full force, including that terrifying feeling about how I'd ever take them out - A L O N E!

Our first attempts to make it to the car together were just quick runs to my mom's house, so we were okay still wearing our sleepers with bed head.  And then one day, I braved the adventure of actually taking them into a store alone.  It was Kohls, and I ran in, looked around uneventfully, and left without even buying anything.  But I had so much pride in my accomplishment you would have thought I'd run a marathon!

It's been about five months since Mom went back home, and with two now "walkers", it's still a bit tricky to get them to the car but getting easier every day.  I thought I'd document for you our process in the works!

On any given day, we're heading out to a doctors appointment, a play date, or lunch with a friend.

I start by getting them changed and dressed on the floor of the living room.  This works best for us because the room is enclosed and they can't get too far.

I get them both in my arms, and haul them (and only them) to the car.  I slide open Brayden's door first (because he's the likely runner) and place Julie on the floor in front of his car seat (bum to carpet with my knee between her legs so that she doesn't fall out) and secure Brayden into his carseat.  Then it's Julie's turn.  I open the garage door, start the ignition and get the heat or air running.  [On really COLD days, when I'm feeling nice, I'll run down before they get dressed and pop a few blankets into the dryer first which I then get out and put on them at this point.]  If it's time for a sippy cup, we get that now too, and make sure we have a binky for each.

And I KNOW this is probably controversial, because yes, there is some possibility that someone could hijack my waiting minivan from the garage, but I do run back in, and grab my keys, phone, sunglasses, purse etc and run back down.  I choose this route as it seems easier than loading the car with the kids crying and screaming abandoned in the living room, and then trying to calm them down enough to get dressed.  The risks we weigh I guess.

Finally, I make it back to the car and away we go.

When we arrive, I start with the stroller if we're using it, and load child A- and then push the stroller to child B's side to load them.  No real order here, whoever is dressed warmer gets out first.

Another controversial things here - we don't wear coats.  I don't personally hardly ever, and I believe Julie has inherited my high pain tolerance so she should be okay too.  Brayden - well... sorry bud...  It is such a struggle sometimes to get out the door that I can't even fathom getting them on - to the car - off again - out of the car - on again - into the destination - and off again.  It's just not worth it.  And kind-hearted grandmas sand older mothers scold me all the time and even stop me to ask "aren't you putting a hat on that baby?" and I just say "oh they'll be fine" and scurry off.  My comeback of choice will be "I'm training them to be Eskimos  but I haven't had the nerve to really use it yet.

So back to our circus... If we're not using the stroller and are going into the store, I stuff my keys phone and purse into the diaper bag, and throw that over one shoulder.  Find the two shopping cart covers, and stuff those under my arms.  Grab Baby A, and then go around to Baby B.  THIS is tricky now...  I unhook Baby B with one hand and do my best to get them unstrapped.  But since they can't really lean forward to get out on their own I have to do some maneuvering.  I lean in baby A  so that he balances between my forearms, and pull baby B out with my hands.  Then I somehow split them to either hip, and shut the door.  I can't explain how that part's done... it's a mystery to even me.  And - sorry... I rarely lock my car door.  If I'm really having a great day, after getting Baby A on my side, and opening Baby B's door, I'll open the passenger front door and push the lock button before getting Baby B out.  Using the remote lock on a Toyota with the door still open doesn't work (just irritatingly beeps) and once both babies are in my arms, searching for my keys is a no go.  So if you see a gold toyota sienna in the parking lot, try the handles!  You might just be the winner of my back seat video system.

If we're going to a restaurant, which happens occasionally, we're even more wild when you replace the shopping cart covers with two booster seats.  We don't like germs, so bring out own seats everywhere with no regrets - other than the challenge.  (In case you're curious, the ones we have are the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Boosters)  It's a bit bulky and you are likely to bop some unsuspecting diner on your way to your table, but boy do you feel like super mom as everyone gawks with horror admiration.

So that's our "how to leave the house with twins" spiel.  It's scary at first of course, and undoubtedly difficult at times.  But then you remember, how lucky you are to have twins... I dare to ask - which kid would you rather have given away to have your hands less full?  Impossible to answer (on most days).

Tune in next "Twin Tip Tuesday" to find out how we manage our time out and about with two!

Dress 'em Up

I'm not ashamed to admit that my kids wear clothes from consignment sales.  Why not?  They seriously wear them for 3-6 months max, and then they've gotten so stinkin' big that their tummies and ankles are beginning to show.  We go to about 4 sales a season - some on half price day and some on their regular sale days, in order to fill our closets (maybe a little too abundantly).

As these sales begin in the next few weeks, I think back fondly to last year's post - Ten Tips for Kids Consignment Shopping Success and thought it was worth re-posting.

This weekend, I'll actually be co-chairing our Mothers of Multiples spring consignment sale, and once it's totally finished, I'll come up with a list of tips for Consignment Selling Success for when your full closet needs emptied.

Enjoy!

Twin Tip Tuesdays

I have been trying to find time to blog a little more lately and am thinking that having a regularly scheduled post will help me keep with it.  When I thought about why unique thing my blog has to offer the world, I really think our twin experiences are what set us apart from all the other million "mom bloggers" out there.

So here it is - the premier of Twin Tip Tuesdays.  Each Tuesday, I'll share a little something that helped me along the way, a review of a twin pertinent product, or an issue that focuses on twins.  Usually these will apply to everyone else too - especially those of you who continue to say "I don't know how you do it!"  Well now you'll know...

My first Twin Tip Tuesday recommendation is to find a support group.  I know I know - your kids are such a handful that you can hardly get out of the house (stay tuned for next week's tip) but it's really really worth it!

I joined a local "new moms" playdate group probably around when my kids were three months old.  And it wasn't until they were eight months old that I was brave enough to take even one of them out of the house alone to spend some time with other girls.  It was that bad!

And is it a challenge?  Sure... I had one of the other moms tell me "oh I have two kids so I understand" when I was trying to explain.  No offense - but you don't understand.  Your three-year-old can walk on his own, listen to "stay right there" and climb in and out of his booster seat alone.  Mine - not so much.  Having two kids at the very same stage IS very difficult - especially when that stage is one of much reliance on Mom.  My point is, I feel your pain and hesitation.

But once I dived in, and got to know these wonderful girls, I couldn't imagine my days without them.  We're very active on facebook and chat about everything related to motherhood - kids, dinner, husbands, Mother-In-Laws, breastfeeding, diapering, who needs to visit the doctor and who achieved what milestone.  I am especially lucky that almost all of these girls have kids within a year of my twins age so we have a lot in common.

Having mom friends is SO important to have a sounding block.  My mom remembers having kids, but isn't "in the trenches."  My girlfriends who were in my wedding are still very very important to me (love you guys) - but they have their limits to what they want to hear.  Will they watch a video of your little darling dancing?  Absolutely.  Spend a few minutes talking about what the kids are eating lately? Sure.  But going into the gory details of diaper duty and analyzing the details of immunization schedules?  Not their deal.

It's awesome for the kids too.  Brayden and Julie know all about playing with each other, but I never realized how outgoing Julie was until I let her run wild with her playgroup friends.  I've discovered that Brayden adores running with other little boys and just glows like I've never seen him before.  We get out with them once or twice a week, and it's GOOD to leave the house - especially when it gets a little overwhelming being at home.

Finally - it's good for Dad.  How you ask?  Because Mom's Night Outs are the perfect opportunity for him to spend an evening with the pair of wild children and gain a little appreciation for what you might struggle with every day.  This is only my opinion but - they're his kids too... You shouldn't have to "ask him to watch them" just as he doesn't ask you when he makes plans.  Communicate obviously, but I'm a firm believer that twin Dads need a taste of twin chaos from time to time to be reminded what an incredible breed we twin moms are.

My playgroup branched off of babycenter.com so that's a resource to check out as well as meetup.com or MOPS and MOMS.  Find your place and settle in!

Don't forget to check in next week when I share our process for getting out of the house with two.  A wild ride indeed!

So Big...

I laid there in bed tonight, waiting for Brayden to fall asleep, staring at his little toes.  "Little" being the operative word as they are no longer "tiny."  When did this happen?  I have been sorting through last summer's clothes for our upcoming consignment sale and even clothes from nine months ago seem so small.  Everyone says to capture each moment in your heart as these "baby days" are fleeting.  Each day they must grow such a tiny bit that it truly has snuck up on me.

Looking at pictures, I'm shocked at how their faces have changed.  Brayden looks like a little boy already, and Julie's baby face has thinned and become more feminine with her lovely wisps of curl.  It's incredible really.

And while I reminisce over the memory of these tiny beings, I wouldn't replace these days with those days for anything in the world.  Julie has learned to blow kisses and immitate Dan's "evil laugh" (think "mwa-ha-ha-ha").  Brayden's independence is remarkable, but I have to admit that I love the moments where he turns back to me for security.  He adores playing with other boys especially.  Their rambunctious chase just speaks to the boyish spirit within him.  Julie has begun to snuggle which was so unlike the baby she used to be.  Brayden adores his Dad and is so busy putting little people in every hole and crevice.  They both love the dogs.

Yes these days are some of the best.  And so it's been my nightly prayer that I can work to always put them first and not miss a moment.  I'm always busy... I'm a do-er, not a watcher, and sometimes find it difficult to not be in the middle of a project.  Lazy days are just not in my nature.  So staying home I've filled the gap with playdates to plan, consignment sales to coordinate, and GiggleBuzz which certainly keeps me busy preparing for my first upcoming craft show.  It's so easy to focus on my to-do list and forget to sit and play, read, sing and dance with them as much as I should.  Maybe working moms aren't the only ones struggling with balance.

But those tiny toes, now transformed into little feet, remind me how quickly they grow and that I'm blessed to be witness to every moment.