Alone Together

The twins have a beautifully synched sleep schedule. This was a deliberate decision from the very beginning in order to in hopes of maintaining a smidgin of sanity in those majorly desperate sleep deprived days. Those babies went to sleep, I did whatever I needed to do (pump, shower, eat, wave to Dan from across the room), and then I had a good hour and a half to catch up on my shut eye. *shudder* *tears* *fist pump* Cue the Rocky Theme Song because I can obviously do anything after that. This is also what I tell myself during particularly difficult WODs. 

They are still on the same nap and bedtime schedule, which I mostly love. The only downside is that I rarely get alone time with either. But there are times, like this afternoon, when one will wake up and the other won't. One will be crying to be bailed out of pack n play prison and the other stays curled up in dream land. If I open the door to their room with the silence of a Milford Man, then I can retrieve said crying child and have some fun alone time with him/her!

Today Eleanor woke up at the best time possible. This weekend we went to a costume party to which I brought little dirt cakes with gummy snakes. Delish. I had a ton of leftover whip cream starter that I didn't want to go bad, so I was whipping that up and monstrously devouring taste testing it with baby girl. It was so nice to spend an hour (Eli slept forever) with Ella, without any interruptions.

Eighteen Months!

The twinsies are Eighteen months! And me-oh-my have they changed since my last update on their first birthday. The past six months have flown by... Well, the past eighteen months have flown by. When the twins were newborns, I couldn't imagine myself writing those words!! And now here we are - walking, running, and using a few words.

One of the most fascinating things we've seen is their use of what seems to be their own language. They jibber jabber back and forth to communicate with each other. There are "words" in their common tongue that they use often enough for me to have learned them. I'll say, "Bah-tick-a bah-tick-a BAH" and they'll giggle, then start saying it! Oh, how I wish I knew what I was saying! When I put them down for naps or bedtime, they'll spend a good twenty minutes chatting in the dark, throwing teddy's back and forth to each other, sharing giggles. They've also started giving each other "tickles" and playing games of peek-a-boo.

One of the twins' favorite toys is a cardboard house that Grandpa Aderton made while they were visiting us. Eli and Ella will sit inside together, doing nothing, for ten minutes straight. Sometimes I'll think, "oh my gosh... where are the babies??" and there they'll be... sitting together in a cardboard house.

However, right now, it is not always toddler giggles, smiles, and tickles. They fight, steal, push, and pull. There are days I wonder if they will ever be friends, or if we are destined to a life of stealing each other's ball, pushing the other off my lap, and pulling the other's hair. We are learning. We are all learning. I am determined to teach them how blessed they are to have each other.

Eleanor Twain

-26lbs 84cm

-Eleanor is territorial of me and her toys. When she is on my lap and Eli tries to sit on my lap also, she will scream and push him away, or just get up and leave. If she sees a toy she wants and can't get to it, she becomes inconsolable. She'll point at it and yell, "Uh oh! Uh oh! Uh oh!" 

-The main object of Eleanor's affection is a pair of pink hand-me-down swimsuit bottoms. It completely baffles me. She MUST have these bottoms. Like, outta-control gotta have 'em.

-Favorite Toys: My Little Pony, Abby Cadabby, headbands, shoes, the broom.

-Words: mama, dada, shoes, Nonnie, tickle-tickle, uh oh, no no no.

-She enjoys telling Eli when he is naughty. She waves her hand in his face and says, "no no no!"

-Flutter runs.

-She is super obedient - she understands and obeys multiple directions.

-Strongly favored dad, starting to favor mom.

-She loves to watch Baby Einstein. I think she has a crush on the tiger puppet.

-The adventurous side of her is in full force when she encounters and conquers slides & ball pits.

-She likes reading books before bed.

-She is into opening doors (and locking doors... oops).

Elijah Victor

-31lbs 87cm

-Elijah is so big. He doesn't quite know how to use his body. He is stronger than he realizes and this causes some collisions.

-He is a sweet, sensitive fella.

-Cuddles is the name of his game. Snugglers gotta snuggle.

-Favorite Toys: Flashing balls, all balls, all technology (we've recently been giving some ipad privileges), ring stacker, anything soft and fluffy, broom.

-Eli is not super obedient. He is told no multiple times before he listens... if he listens.

-Thunder runs. Boomboomboomboom.

-Words: mama, dada, tickle-tickle, RAWR.

-Strongly favored mom, starting to favor dad.

-His hair is still red, my heart soars.

-He loves to watch Baby Einstein. Anytime we sit down to watch it he immediately mimics the tiger puppet, turning his head to the side and squealing.

-He loves to crawl and climb over, under, and onto everything. He'll frequently get stuck halfway off a chair and scream until I help him finish the next 3 inches to the floor.

-He will sing back to me and match my pitch <3

-He must play the piano when mama plays the piano.

-Loves Mike Mogard.

*Thanks to Nicole Payne for these great pictures!

How Do You Do It | Part 3: Flying With Twins Edition

Recently I’ve been approached by a number of people asking the question, “what tips do you have for flying with kids?!”. There is something about having booked over 100 hours of airtime with twin infants/toddlers that has caused other parents to reach out. 

As you can see, I have titled this post, “Flying with Twins” and not “How To Fly with Twins”. There is no magic formula (as our flight with screaming twins from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur would prove) but there are certainly lots of tricks (“Illusions Michael!”) that are valuable to have up your sleeve. All of these tips are for at least 20 hours of airtime with the likelihood of at least 48 hours of travel time, so do math or something to make it work for your needs. Some of these tips are twins specific (such as, how do I go to the bathroom with twin babies?), but most can be applied to one baby. For those of you with a toddler and a newborn… ummmm I don’t know ask my sister. 

Even if these tips in no way apply to you, scroll to the bottom for a little “flying advice” that I try to apply to all areas of my life. 

Hold on tight, we’re in for a wild ride. 

1. Going through security

a) Say a prayer - “Ohhhhhh Good Lord help us”

b) Keep baby in a carrier (we use Ergo) while putting luggage on the belt line, this keeps your hands free.

c) Think ahead while packing. Put all liquids and electronics together so that you can *quickly and easily take them out at this time.

d) Don’t put baby down, chances are you’ll get yelled at by security, trust me.

e) Some security agents will ask you to put ergo on belt - just ask what they would like from you.

f) Security agents may have to pat you down and test hands for chemicals if bringing liquid milk/formula through security. However, some airports were not as thorough as others and didn’t even ask us to take the milk out of our bag (seriously). 

g) Just don’t wear anything metal. Just, don’t. And wear the easiest shoes on earth - AKA: Toms (or Bobs, if you’re like me) As Michael Scott says, “KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid”. 

h) Applaud your travel companion for keeping their cool during a potentially stressful time.

*Relative to yourself, not the businessman behind you who is traveling alone with only a briefcase that is probably not full of diapers and crackers. He probably is carrying books. Books are these things that have paper and words. I am told I will get to read these again someday.

2. In the airport

a) Use the Ergo for the babes and the stroller for stuff. It is safer to have the babies attached to you, and it frees you up to use your hands for other things. It also keeps your backpacks/carry-ons all in one place, so all you really need to carry are the babies. However, when the babies were 14 months we didn’t travel with a stroller and it was easier to go through security and board the plane. 

b) Get to your gate, find your spot, and hunker down.

c) Use your resources to make a safe and confined play area. We moved chairs around. We used our bodies and luggage as blockades. We would find two empty rows of seats that were facing each other with one end up against a wall so only one of us acted as a blockade and the other fetched toys, changed diapers, or distributed snacks.

d) Napkins and straws are fun and free. 

e) Take turns with your spouse going on walks with your respective twin while the other guards the luggage and tries in vain to make the airport’s free wifi work. Why does it never work?!

f) In desperate moments, I have used the bathroom with child in Ergo tow. Sure, maybe that's TMI, but just saying, it can be done, and it was surprisingly easily. 

g) Priority seating - be ready for it and take advantage of it. It takes us a good 5 minutes to truly get situated once we're at our seats. It is much easier to do when the Spring Breakers aren’t trying to shove past you.

h) Tell your travel companion how much they mean to you and give them a hug despite the two bodies hanging off each of your fronts, trying to grab your hair. Because you probably won’t talk to each other for the next 14 hours. Group hug!!

What to pack when flying with 6 month old twins

Food

Bottles, formula, & squeeze pureed foods. We brought two bottles per baby. They were eating about every 4 hours at that point and we would rather have the flight crew wash four bottles every eight hours than two bottles every four hours. For their sanity, and our own. If you're nursing - yes, all the power to you. 100%.
Toys

We brought toys, but didn’t really use any. Maybe a book or a teddy.

Clothes

I brought 3 extra PJs per baby, but I should have brought more. At 6 months they’re still puking and spitting up. It’s harder to control all of that on a plane which makes for more mess. Now, I would probably bring 5 extra PJs per baby.

Note on PJs - zip-up PJs are easier in small airplane bathrooms than button up PJs. 

Diapers

I can’t remember the exact number, but we brought around 30 per baby. Yeah, like sixty- some diapers. It might’ve been too many, but my sister ran out of diapers on a plane once and it lead to my nephew being diapered with a towel and headphones. 

What to pack when flying with 14-16 month old twins
Food 

Large crackers (so you don’t have to hand them little crackers every five seconds), individual milks (some airports we went to didn’t have milk, so we used individual servings of milk that didn’t need to be refrigerated), dried fruits, squeeze pureed foods.

Toys

Straw drop, fluffy ball box, old remote controls with batteries removed, airplane remote controls (the flight crew learned to not reply to our “calls”), iPad apps, books, other toys with soft music. 

Clothes

4 extra PJs per baby. Chances are they will pee through their diaper. Chances are that it will be all over you.

Diapers

20 diapers per baby. 

Tricks

a) Bassinets - amazingly helpful tool. Only thing to keep in mind is that the flight crew will have you pick up your baby during turbulence, which can wake the baby up. Sometimes I just kept my twin in the Ergo if there was frequent turbulence. 

b) Benadryl - We had a couple doctor friends give us the “OK” on this. We use it when it is their nap time and they are having a difficult time falling asleep on their own. It is super helpful. We keep a bottle of Benadryl and a medicine dropper in a plastic baggy at the front of my backpack. 

c) Important note on Benadryl - On some babies, it can have the opposite effect and make them hyper. Make sure to test it out before your flight, or else you may have an extra crazy kiddo on your hands. 

d) The flight crew will wash your dirty bottles with boiling hot water if you ask them to. 

e) Depending on your airline, usually they will not let you keep your baby in an Ergo during take off and landing. So, don’t get on the plane, get all situated, and have your baby fall asleep in the Ergo before take off, only to find out that you have to take your perfect sleeping baby out of the Ergo and strap them into a seatbelt causing them to become a screaming monster. 

f) Depending on the aircraft and where you are sitting, you may not be able to sit in the same row as your partner when you have two lap infants. This is because most rows only have one extra oxygen mask. Be prepared to be separated from your partner. The one area we’ve had an exception with this is the first row of four seats by the separating wall. Often times we will be seated across a row from each other or one row in front of the other. 

g) My favorite international airlines that we’ve flown with: Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

h) My least favorite international airline that we’ve flown with: American Airlines.

i) Dan would like to it be stated that he liked Malaysian Airlines, while I felt impartial. 

j) Going to the bathroom can be a tricky thing to master with the ratio of babies to adults being 1:1. If you have extra seats by you, and your baby is big enough to sit up, set them in an empty seat by your seated partner while you set the new World Record in the 50 Yard Dash: Airplane Bathroom Category. If there are no extra seats or Dan is dealing with a particularly disastrous baby, I have asked the flight crew to hold my twin while I use the bathroom. The flight crew is thrilled to be helping a passenger through holding an adorable baby instead of pouring another glass of water and the baby is thrilled to be with a new face, a face that has on make up, good smelling breath, and isn’t sleep deprived. If you are using the bassinets on the plane, excellent. You are free to pee at your leisure. 

k) Ya know what? Sometimes our babies have cried on the plane. I know, crazy! Right?! And sometimes when they are crying, we let them. *collective gasp* I believe that at times it is better to have 10 minutes of nearly unbearable shrieking that leads to sleep and 3-5 hours of silence. Passengers, flight crew, and your own soul will question your sanity, but stay strong. You’re about to watch six old episodes of Friends. 

l) I tend to try to keep the babies awake during take off for two reasons. First, because of pressure changes in the cabin which can lead to ear troubles. I like to give them a bottle to help with that. (but also, sometimes they've fallen asleep for take off and everything was fine). Second, if the airline won't let you keep the baby in the Ergo, it can be uncomfortable for them to fall asleep with the seatbelt on. (but not always).

Pack for Yourself - Channel Bear Grylls

a) Once again I say it, and again I say… “Keep It Simple Stupid” You have 60 diapers in your backpack! Good luck fitting your toiletries bag, candies, neck pillow, and book in the only available tiny slot, initially intended for pencils. 

b) If at all possible, bring a device that is a music player, book, camera, and gamer all in one. (Not that you will get to do all, or any, of these things). Trust me when I say, at no point on this journey will you think, "awe geez I'm bored. I wish I had something to do". 

c) Bring your headphones, keep them easily in your pocket. 

d) Bring earplugs. Also keep them close at hand. 

e) I brought two changes of clothes. Roll them up tight and stuff them in a ziploc bag so they don’t get all undone.

f) A small tooth brush & toothpaste & small deodorant - so your partner will want to share a taxi with you when you land. Heck, so you will want to share a taxi with you. 

What's the Most Important Thing?
This is a question Dan and I ask each other all the time. I try to keep in mind on a long journey with two babies on a plane that getting frustrated, anxious, or annoyed will definitely not help me, my kids, or the people around me. We believe that anyone can maintain joy and righteousness in all situations. Difficult circumstances do not determine whether or not I am collected, happy, and content.  The state of my heart affects my attitude and how I affect others. As Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."  It is not by my own strength that I do this, but thankfully there is a loving God who is us our strength, our defender, and our sustainer. This sounds like a pretty lofty goal, but it is something that we as a family strive for every day.

Picture Time

Here are some pictures from our last journey overseas at the 14-16 month age. I honestly don't think I took any pictures when they were 6 months on the plane! Also, you will notice that the kids look perfect and happy in all of these pictures. That is because when they are screaming bloody murder I don't think to take out my phone and snap a quick pic.

Taking a walk with Elijah Bean.

A great example of using our resources - play pen!

Fuzzy ball box! Eleanor could do this for hours.

Playing with the iPad.

Ahhhh sweet silence.

My cuddle bug.

The oh so excellent straw drop toy.

It is seriously wonderful.

We had to bring both carseats. Good thing we are a CrossFit family. 

A great cabin crew makes my heart soar. 

How Do You Do It | Part 2

Sometimes putting Eli in his pack n' play, going to find Ella who is running away, and then going back into the room to put her down is an extra 60 seconds I don't want to use. That's when I pick them both up, give kisses, and put them both right back down to cuddle their teddy's (or stand there crying, per this video). It is almost totally unnecessary, but can be helpful when they're both especially crazy. Or I'm especially crazy, depending on which happens earliest that day *wink*

This video also gives a special, healthy dose of reality into what we look like every morning! Enjoy!

Here is a very blurry, but still super adorable, photo of the aftermath :)

As Of Late

We've been busy here! Getting the box ready to go (we're soooo close!), keeping these kiddos entertained/bathed/fed, and helping out friends that had serious medical issues with their son. But we are doing well now, minus a string of cold like symptoms floating about.

Here are a few pictures of the twinsies and some fun things we've done as of late!

I love matching outfits for the twins. I cannot stress that enough. I love them. These matching "I Heart Brunei" t-shirts were a perfect gift. Trying to get these two to sit still long enough to get a clear picture of them both smiling at the camera is now a near impossible feat. I was happy to get the majority of both their faces in the frame!

Our sweet friends had us over to their house for a swim! The twins really love playing in water. They were in there for close to 45 minutes and would've stay in longer if I hadn't taken them out. And all those little balls in the pool were like magic to them.

We had a nice little family outing to lunch and a park. It was 2 o'clock when we got on the playground, which is not an ideal time to play outside here. Even though it was short lived, the twins enjoyed walking/crawling on the grass and experiencing swings for the first time!

The twins discovered my tupperware drawer. It is a nice distraction for them while I make dinner or do the dishes. Ella is really into stacking and putting things into bowls, so she goes nutso for this.

We had these little cuties spend a couple days and a night with us while their parents were helping their little brother get healthy. It was over Easter, so they did a candy hunt, dyed eggs, and wore their Easter best. We enjoyed having them around and spending time with them!

The twins' birthday present from their Grandmas and Grandpas finally came in the mail! This fun teepee is all the rage right now in our apartment. They love to just walk/crawl in and out and in and out, bring toys inside, and play peekaboo from inside. I think it's just the cutest, which is why there are five pictures to follow!

Now we are getting ready for a visit home in less than a month and are bubbling over with excitement!

How Do You Do It | Part 1

A different set of skills come along with the logistics of twin life. How do you pick up two babies at once? How do you feed two babies at the same time? If both babies are screaming, how do you calm them? This happens to parents of more than one child all the time, but it is a different ball game when the children are the same age with similar skills when it comes to walking, standing, communicating, etc. Not to mention the intrigue of the situation rises as twins make up 1 of 80-200 pregnancies (that statistic varies depending on who you ask, the nation, the age of the mother...).

Because of this, I am asked the same question a lot.

"How do you do it?"

Usually I laugh, sigh, or say "very carefully". Rarely do I answer that question with a step by step description of how I gave them both a shower, dried them off, got them diapered, and clothed without dropping one or losing my mind.

I think that these processes are interesting, creative, and absolutely comical. So, here is the first video in a series called, "How Do You Do It". I hope you enjoy this glimpse into our everyday!

This video is of how I put the twins in the car. It can be especially tricky since we don't live on a ground floor!

                                         

And here is a picture of Daddy, doing his thing.

Happy First Birthday to Eleanor & Elijah!

Happy birthday to our twinsies!

I joked quite a bit about my humongous belly, laughing, "Heyyyyyy, maybe I'm pregnant with TWINS!" (But mostly thinking... "No really guys, maybe I'm having twins") 

The day we found out we were having twins is one of my top 2 most joy filled moments. The doctor told us there were two babies in my belly, I turned to Dan and said, "I knew it!" then started to cry while Dan just looked at the screen and laughed. We immediately texted our family and close friends, but no one believed us! As if I, would pull a prank on anyone ;) 

The day I went into labor

At 37 weeks, I had a c-section scheduled for a Monday because of two breech babes, but a trip to Target the day before and the anticipation of meeting these little faces threw me into labor on Sunday! We went out to an early dinner with Dan's parents. Throughout the meal I thought, "I feel weird." Dan and I went home and started to pack my hospital bag, but I told him that he was going to have to do it on his own, and rather quickly, as I was timing my contractions only minutes apart. The twins were born around 11:30pm, Eleanor first, then Elijah. We had the most thoughtful doctor, the kindest nurses, and the grandparents were able to meet the babies soon after. My incredible mom stayed with me in the hospital while a sick sick sick Daniel went home and slept for 17 hours. The babies were in the NICU for 5 days with minor issues, and we were home by Friday evening!

God, thank you for these beauties developing and growing before us. May they love you and honor you every year of their lives.

Eleanor Twain and Elijah Victor

Created together, together they'll grow

Ella Bella Babe

Walking! She rarely crawls anymore.

Has discovered a new babble sounding like a mix of Malay, French, and Russian. It's possible, people.

Elijah Bean

Plays catch like a pro!

Can crawl up onto the couch (to mom and dad's dismay - he can't quite crawl down!)

To celebrate we had dinner with a few friends of ours. The twins devoured their pink and superman cupcakes. Eleanor's face was stained pink all night! Thanks, Jo, for taking these pictures!

We decided to continue a tradition that my parents did with us kids. We went into their room early in the morning and video taped them as we sang Happy Birthday! Then we facetimed Grandpa & Grandma Aderton and Nonnie & Opa while the twins "opened" gifts (more like tear one piece of paper off and try to eat it). Later we had some friends visit and they brought fun, colorful balloons! I also noticed that Eleanor's skirt was a glitter bomb!

We did it! Year one of Twin Life has come and gone. I'm getting all teary! This has been the most exciting, challenging, and love filled year of our lives. 

I am incredibly thankful to all of you who have made us meals, stayed with us, let us stay with you, cleaned our home, cleaned our babies, baby sat, listened to us, encouraged us, prayed for us, supported us, cheered us on, & loved on us. You are our village. I can't wait to tell the babies the stories about all of the amazing people who helped us be our best selves and loved the twins in this first year of parenthood. My heart just bursts with gratitude and I will never ever forget it.