Update On The Repeat Audiology Visit

So, Eva Rose went for her follow up audiology visit today and pretty much nothing had changed from her last visit.  Her hearing is borderline normal, which isn't really the issue.  The biggest issue is that she continues to have fluid in her middle ear and the negative pressure in her middle ear was worse.  Her last appointment was 3 months ago and either nothing has changed or it has gotten worse.  We now have to see an otolaryngologist to evaluate what to do next.  We have an appointment in 3 weeks which is the soonest appointment that we could get.  I was thinking about an appoint on a different day of the week, but that would have meant that the appointment wouldn't be for at least 2-3 more weeks and the audiologist didn't want her to wait that long.  We may be looking at tubes for her if the fluid doesn't resolve by the next appointment.  She will also have another hearing test the day that she sees the otolaryngologist.

The good news is that even though she is borderline normal hearing, meaning that she hears fine at close distances, but may not hear so fine at further distances.  This also means that if there is a hearing loss it is not impacting her speech.  She, along with her brothers have all progressed quite nicely with their vocabulary.  There is some talk about whether or not they will be eligible for further services through EI.  I am hoping that they will still get services since they are doing so well with the services that they have!  I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens at the next appointment.  The best thing that could happen is that the fluid dissipates on it's own.

Amy

My Crazy Life

I don't know if it was just a bad day, the fact that I got my period (sorry if TMI), or what, but I had a horrible day.  The kids drove me crazy, the house is a disaster, and I was just in a plain crappy mood.  My kids are now almost 3 and almost 2.  In a couple of weeks, I'll actually have 3 two year olds for a month and a half.  They fight horrible, they destroy my house (and I hate to clean as it is),  and they just always want to be on the go.  Now that winter is here, we can't really go to the park.  They hate to keep mittens on so being outside for any length of time is pretty much out of the question.  The indoor play areas can get crazy expensive or just plain crazy with 3 little ones. 

With the new year coming, my goal is to have a schedule, albeit fairly flexible, but a schedule for both me and the kids so that I can make sure that they are having fun, learning, and I can get things done.  I haven't been very scheduled at all, and I think it is now time to put something into place so that I feel less stressed about the day!  I am hoping that with some scheduling, the craziness wll be alleviated somewhat, or at least I won't be as stressed about it.  Now, I need to get a plan in place for waht I want to do with the kids.  There is a resource network that I want to check out.  I am hoping to get together with some friends who have kids and do a playgroup.  I want to plan to have art time almost daily even if it is only for a short time.  I want have dress up time.  I guess I just need to put in some structured play time, and as stupid as it sounds, I'm not sure exactly how I want to schedule the day.  If anyone has any suggestions or wants to plan a playgroup, please let me know.  My newest goal is to start scheduling my day a little bit more than I have been.

Thanks,
Amy

Newest Crafting Projects

So the holidays are officially over and I didn't get a chance to make as many handmade things for the kids, or anyone else.  Hopefully things will settle down, and I  can get into a routine for me and the kids.  I am hoping that with a better routine, I will be able to get more done, including crafting for the kids.  I have so many things that I want to make, but there is just not enough time in the day.  I always knew that once I had kdis, I wanted to put my love of crafting to good use for them.  The next projects on the list are:  knit hats for all three as well as mittens, a doll and doll accessories like: quilt, clothes, maybe even a moses basket, a car caddy for each of the boys, since they are so into cars, especially Thomas.  There are also the multiple quilts that I want to make for the kids and others!  I better get that routine down so that I can set aside time to craft and get these projects done.  Thankfully, I set aside Monday nights to get together with a friend and create.  Oh, there is also the multiple scrapbooks that I need to work on.  Good god, I have way to many projects that I want to make!

Amy

Happy 23 Months Babies!

A few of my twin mom friends write letters to their children every month to document the different things that have gone on.  This can be developmental changes, activities that have happened, or just funny things/memories to preserve.  Since today is Eva Rose and Thomas' 23rd month of life, I figured I'd start today.  I don't think that I am as prepared as I'd like to be to really document all the different things that have gone on, but I definitely want to acknowledge that my babies aren't babies any more.  I will be sure to really document things for their 2 year birthday, but for this post, I will just briefly go over things.

We found out that we were having twins when I was 11 weeks along in my second pregnancy.  I was so lucky to get pregnant so quickly after my first son.  We never imagines twins, though so many people joked about it with us.  I have twins on both sides of my family and even though the male doesn't really have anything to do with the likelihood, my husband has identical triplets on his side.  I was put on bed rest at 23 weeks and was so scared that I would deliver early.  At 35 weeks, my OB took me off bed rest and when I went for a routine non-stress test, I found out that I was having the babies that night because of pre-eclampsia.  They were born 5 weeks early and my daughter was 4 pounds 7 ounces and 17 3/4 inches and my son was 4 pounds 8.9 ounces and 17 inches.  They did great and were able to come home with me.  unfortunately after 2 1/2 weeks, my son got RSV and was taken to Children's Hospital via ambulance from a routine doctors appointment.  He was in the hospital for 3 weeks and did well.  His sister was admitted for RSV 1 week after he was and she was in for 2 weeks.  From the time they were discharged from the hospital, they just grew stronger and stronger every day!  Over the last month, I have seen such changes in both of their verbal skills.  We have had early intervention involved for about 3 months now and the improvement in their ability to express and understand is amazing.  My Eva Rose was always and continues to be my feisty go getter and I thought that she would be the one to speak first and have a more extensive vocabulary.  My Thomas is my little cuddle bug that loves to snuggle especially with daddy.  The funny thing is, he is the one who seems to have all of a sudden exploded with his vocabulary.  they are still only saying 1 word at a time, but they have gone from  maybe a 5 word vocabulary to at least a 25 word vocabulary and probably more than that.  They are able to point out pictures and name objects independently.  They are starting to play with toys in a more functional manner. 

My goal for the new year is to start really having some scheduled activities for them instead off me being wishy-washy about the day.  I think this will be a better plan for all of us.  I don't want to plan and schedule my day in a totally rigid manner, I just want to have a plan on what I want to happen that day.  I love being a mom too my 3 kids, and even though I always knew I wanted to have children and stay at home with them, I never realized how totally amazing it would be.  Don't get me wrong, I have my major stressors and don't always deal with things in the most rational way and my kids are not perfect angels, but I wouldn't change a thing!  As difficult as it's been having 3 kids in 10 1/2 months, I wouldn't change a thing.  I love watching them play together and overall they get along really well.  They are siblings after all so they do also fight, but when they kiss each other and play together nicely, it makes me tear up!

Wow, lengthy post, but so needed.  I may repeat some of this in next months post for their 2 year post, but after that I won't!  thank you bloggy friends for inspiring  me to write this type of post.  I know that this is not the best most in depth post (even though it is so long), but I think this is a great way to document different things in my kids lives since I can't scrapbook like I would want to (though I really need to get back to doing that!)

Amy

way Back When-esday: Christmas Eve

Four years ago, I got my engagement ring, after dating for 13 1/2 years.

By our 1st Christmas as a married couple I was already 6 months pregnant and one year later I was pregnant with the twins not realizing I would be giving birth to them 1 month later. 

This was me and my older son 2 years ago Christmas Eve, just one month before our twins entered the world!

Merry Christmas,

Amy

Eva Rose's First Haircut

Saturday, we took all 3 kids for their holiday haircut.  Both the boys had been before and were certainly not fan for their first haircut, but boy oh boy, Eva Rose was not a happy camper.  We take the boys to a traditional barber in Cambridge, that is not only inexpensive, but the staff have great personalities as well and they are actually really good with the kids.

This time, Eva Rose went first and as you can see from the following pictures, she was miserable.  Then Thomas went, and her was just as miserable.  I didn't think that he would be that bad since his first time wasn't too traumatic.  Finally, it was Mr Michael's turn.  He was amazing.  He didn't cry once.  This was probably his 5th or 6th hair cut  and the woman cutting his hair said that haircuts 2-6 tend to be the worst.  We have a few more to go with the twins before we have no crying.  That is if what she said is true!

Before we started

Even eating her candy cane wasn't making her happy!

Yay!  All Done!!!!

Thankfully we won't have to go back for a while!

Amy

Sleep and Lack There Of!

Ok, so I thought I had figured out the sleep issues with Michael.  I was so wrong!  My good luck lasted for about a week, before it took a sudden dive.  I'm sure that there will be plenty of people that say I am too lenient and never ever let your child sleep in bed with you.  Unfortunately, I succumb to the need for sleep and Michael often ends up in bed with me and my husband.  Maybe I should be more strict and just let him cry.  Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.  I'm sure part of the reason it doesn't work is me.  There is a part of me that loves to cuddle him with me, then there is another part of me that feels like I am doing him a huge disservice.  If you ask my mom, she says "just let him sleep with you".  One of my younger sisters slept with my parents for the longest time and she turned out ok.  One of these days, Michael will learn to sleep through the night and we will all get some much needed rest.  For now, I am ok with him in my bed, even if there are others that don't agree.

Amy

Way Back When-esday:

Michael Christmas last year

Thomas and Daddy with Thomas making his favorite face

Christmas 2009

Eva Rose Christmas 2009

Happy Holidays!

Amy

Silhouettes

Thank you http://sotorrifictwins.blogspot.com for this fabulous idea!  I'm actually doing my second post of the day.  This is the gift for my mom.  I was thinking of doing a scrapbook, but I just don't have time.  This is such a great idea and so quick too.

Michael, Eva Rose, and Thomas

Michael (Excuse the flash)

Eva Rose

Thomas

I think they came out really good, and I know my mom will love them!

Happy Holidays!

Amy

Handmade Christmas Update

My Christmas cards are pretty much all stuffed and ready to be mailed.  No, I did not make them myself, but I did pick out the pictures and the card myself.

I have completed 4 felt eggs and a few felt bow tie pastas for the kids for Christmas.  I have a few Oreo looking cookies that still need to be sewn.  I have a few other cookie to cut out and sew and I still want to decide on a few other felt food items for their Christmas gifts.  I really need to move on to making aprons to go along with the food as well as some scrubs to go along with the doctor kit that I bought them.  I also want to make a doll for Eva Rose and something else for the boys.

I have my silhouette patterns to cut out for my mom's gift.  I need to get together an album of the kids for my grandmother (which is probably something I should do sooner than later since she is in a nursing home and is declining and is out of state).  I have a few wine sacks to sew and I would love to make some wine bottle stoppers to go along with them.

As you can see I have way too many projects and so not enough time to complete them.  I'll probably have to hold off on some of the kids gifts so that I can get the others done.  Someday, I'll learn not to wait until the last minute, but wait in 37 years I haven't learned it yet.  I probably shouldn't hold my breath, but it is something to strive for!

Happy Holidays,
Amy

Sleep and Christmas

Hopefully by writing this, I am not jinxing myself.  Michael has had almost 1 week of sleeping through the night (with a little of going in and rubbing the head or the back but only 1 out of the bed nights).  The only night that he woke and was uinable to be quieted in his bed was the only night that I didn't go in and check on him.  In the past he has always fought having a blanket on so I haven't been putting it on him figuring he's like his dad and tends to like to sleep on the cooler side.  He has since started letting me put the blanket on him and it seems to make a huge difference.  Yeah, I know, bad mom.  I should have figured this out sooner, except like I said he would always kick the blanket off almost immediately.  I have to admit that the one night that I had to take him out of his room, not only did I have an upset stomach, but he sounded like he was going to get sick also (we've also been fighting sickness in our house as well as a lot of stomach things going around).  Let's hope that this continues and we all get some good much needed rest.

On another note, Christmas is 12 days away.  Can you believe it?  This will be our second Christmas as a family of five.  I think the kids are going to love getting presents this year.  I'm not sure that they are going to get Santa, but gifts should be much more fun.  This year, we are giving them some new toys and some recycled toys that were given to us.  Given that we got so many toys given to us, they are getting a ton of things.  They would not be getting nearly as many things as they are if we had to buy everything.  We are getting them some new toys.  I got 3 Mr. Potato Heads.  Mainly, I got these because I am trying to get gifts that will help with their speech so I was looking at getting things that EI (early intervention used) and also the Potato Heads are from Toy Story, which they love!  I also got them some puppets, some blocks, and a doctors kit.  I am making them some things also.  I had wanted to try to make sure that they got something handmade every year, but this is the first year that I am able to do it.  I have started on some felt food.  So far I have eggs and farfalle pasta.  I want to make a few more things (even though I asked for play food for Christmas).  I also want to make aprons for the kids and maybe even some kid sized scrubs if I can get around to it.  I am trying to have a somewhat handmade Christmas this year.  I am, as usual, last minute susie here, but I know that the things I want to make for everyone, can get done by Christmas.  My friend over at http://firstcametwins.com/ has inspired me to get my butt moving and make things.  I need to stop stting and vegging out at the TV.  I can hand sew things, make my scrapbooks, do my clay, even set up my sewing machine if I have to all while I watch TV.  This way, I can be rpoductive rather than just a lump doing nothing.  Plus, it's way better for my mind!  I never watched TV growing us and here I am as an adult and I am wasting precious time in from of the TV.

Happy Holidays,
Amy

Handmade Christmas Gifts

I am attempting to make a few handmade gifts for Christmas this year.  For my sisters and my sister in-law and their husbands, I am making a wine sack and thinking about adding a handmade bottle stopper to the gift as well as a store bought bottle of wine.  I think my mom is getting an album of the kids in 2010.  No idea for my husband.  But the kids are definitely getting some handmade felt food.  After I read a post from my friend over at http://firstcametwins.com, I was reminded that this was a project that I wanted to make for the kids.  She had a couple of post about a couple of handmade items that she made for her twins for Christmas.  She made the most adorable aprons, which I have to attempt as well as some fabric food.  After making my apron for my swap, I decided that I want to make the kids an apron also.  I had also seen a ton of felt food on multiple blogs that made me want to make some.  So far, I have made a few felt bow tie pasta.  When I asked my husband to tell me what I was making, he knew right away.  How awesome it that!  I also have a few egg shapes cut out that just need to be sewn.  The next step is to pick out a few more food items and make them to put under the tree for Christmas.  I figure, I can always make more after the holidays are over and there is less pressure to get things done!  My other goal is to make at least Eva Rose a baby doll.  I may even try to make the boys a doll also.  I did ask for both the play food and dolls for Christmas gifts, but you can never have too many dolls or play food right?  Now I just need to get my butt in gear and get moving so that these gifts actually get made and it is not just another idea that never comes to fruition.

Happy Holidays!
Amy

Good News!

We had EI (early Intervention) today and we talked about the fact that the twins are coming up for their re-evaluation in a couple of months.  Amazingly enough, the EI workers feel that they may not qualify next time.  This is such great news, but it also stink in the fact that I have loved having people to come in and help with the kids speech.  At least, I now know what to do to help them get their vocabulary going.

Michael is coming up for his evaluation at the same time, only the biggest difference is that he is going to age out of EI at his next evaluation.  He will then be evaluated by the school system and I am really hoping that he will get picked up for pre-school through the schools.  He is progressing, but is at at least the same point as the twins and maybe even a little behind them.  Given that he is 10 1/2 months older, I am assuming that he should be further ahead than he is.  EI is going to do an evaluation also prior to the schools evaluation, I think.  They are at least going to do their own evaluation before Michael turns 3.    Hi EI worker doesn't think that he'll qualify for pre-school since he really only has speech delays.  She does think that he may qualify for speech therapy, but that may be it!  It will certainly be interesting to see how things go over the next couple of months!

Amy

If anyone has other suggestions for helping with speech, I'd love to hear them.  Anything else that I can do to continue to get the kids to progress is great!

Way Back When-esday: Christmas Card

Monday, I posted this years picture with Santa, which will eventually become our Christmas card.  Last year, we did the same thing, our picture with Santa was our Christmas card.

This was our picture last year.                              2009

It's amazing what a difference a year makes!

Amy

Makes My Monday: Santa Picture

I've been waiting to get this year's picture with Santa, but I wanted to do it soon so we could send out our Christmas cards.  We went at the last minute yesterday, and as we were waiting, I wasn't sure how things were going to turn out.  All 3 kids just wanted to run around.  The twins were at least interested in Santa, but when Michael saw him, he said his favorite words, an emphatic NO! (he may not have  huge vocabulary, but he can say NO!).  Thankfully, when it was our turn, all 3 did really well.  It took a lot of being crazy and silly on mommy and daddy's part, but isn't that what being a parent is all about?

Waiting to see Santa!

Here's this year's Christmas card!

(I couldn't find anything to match for Michael, so I sewed him a tie)

Enjoy the holiday season!

Amy

Way Back When-esday: Lighting the Christmas Lights

This week last year, we took the 3 kids to the lighting of the lights on the common in our town.  The twins weren't even 1 yet and still in their infant car seats and Michael 1.75 and we were still using our triple decker.  This year, we will have a 2.75 year old and the twins are 22 months old.  This year they are able to walk at the lighting if we so wanted.  Unfortunately, I have to work, so I don't  know if we will be at the lighting or not.  I would love to have a picture of this year though.  Maybe I'll try to talk my husband into taking the kids, and I can meet them after work.

Happy Holidays,

Amy

COPE

This year, I decided that I needed to get more involved with my twin's group, so I decided to be the COPE co-chair.  COPE is a monthly informal support type group.  We get together to help with issues that we are facing or just to get out and be with other moms.  I haven't quite decided how things are going.  Part of me is concerned that I am not doign enough and that I should do more.  Then this month's meeting in in West Newton, which is just too far of a drive for me after work.  By the time I got there, it would be almost time to leave.  These things have got me wondering if I should step down and see if someone else wants to be the co-chair, or if things are going ok as they are.  I guess I should probably talk to the other co-chair to see how she is feeling.  I should make sure that this isn't just all in my head. 

Sometimes, I wonder if I am active enough, or friendly enough, or just too quiet.  I would love to have more playdates for the kids and for me, but somehow my schedule or somethign else seems to get in the way of getting out there and being with other moms and kids.  Ireally need to get to the library in town.  Actually, tomorrow, I am going to try to get there in the morning, so that the kids can play.  I also want to sign up for their story time so that we can start meeting more people in my town.  Also, I think I should maybe I should put myself out there and see if people want to come over our house.  Our house is just so small and cluttered, that I sometimes wonder if it's even worth having people over.  But, maybe that's part of the problem.  Maybe I don't invite people over enough.

Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive and I just need to stop over thinking things.  Life's too short to worry about stupid things.  I just need to be a little better at putting myself out there and I need to stop being so introverted at times!

Amy

Crafting With The Kids

I am trying to get the kids into crafting.  I know they are a little young, so I am trying to go with their abilities and do simple projects for short periods of time with lots of help from mom!  So far we have some gifts for their cousins and the start of gifts for their godparents.  I still need to figure out what I am going to have them do for their nonna and their papa.  If I can get them interested in crafting, I may be able to amke time for me to craft, and I'll hopefully help to support their imaginations. 

Amy

Feeling Somewhat Better

I posted a few days ago that I was starting to wonder if it was worth conintuing to write this blog.  Mainly this was do to my lack of followers and people who comment.  I totally realize that this blog is for me and if people read it and comment on it great.  If there are not a ton of followers or coments made so be it.  I got a few comments from people saying that they to don't always get coments or have the biggest following, but they write for them.  I need to remember this.  Also, people have reminded me that just because people don't comment of follow, doesn't mean that they don't read your blog.  The funny thing is, after I wrote that post and got some of those comments, a friend mentioned that she reads my blog often.  She has never commented, but she reads my blog!

I think part of these insecurities come from never really having a ton of friends.  I have always had a couple of very close friends and a bunch of aquaintences, but never a huge friend base.  I guess, I thought that maybe as an adult things would change.  I thought, maybe I'd be more likely to open myself up and be more friendly than she and quiet.  I thought having kids would make things easier.  Unfortunately, none of these are true.  I have met some great people/aquaintences between grad school, work, and being a mom, I just haven't really made the friends that I thought I would.  There are a lot of these people that I would consider a friend, but unfortunately I don't think that the feelings are mutual.  I know having 3 little ones so close in age may be making things a little more difficult.  I know that my shyness tends to be a major limiting factor.  I know that people's busy schedules play a huge role.  But, I also know that there are plenty of people in my situation that have made friends, close friends, not just aquaintences.  Maybe as I get more comfortable in my own skin and I open up and become a little more extroverted, maybe then I'll be able to make soem close friendships and not just have aquaintences!

Amy

Way Back When-esday: Thanksgiving

I'm playing with http://twinfactuation.blogspot.com again.

Thanksgiving 2009 (Michael 20 1/2 months and the twins 10 months)

Even though the kids are still teeny weeny, it's amazing what a difference a year makes.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Amy

Potty Training

So, I am starting to work with Michael on potty training.  I think it's going to be a long road, and we may try it for a few days and then stop because I'm just not sure if he is ready or not.  He is 2 years 8 1/2 months old and I figured it's time to at least give it a real shot.  I don't think that I'm up for potty training boot camp.  I give those mom's who can do it so much credit.  I don't think that I could do it.  Thanks to the suggestions of my twin moms, I went out and bought the potette plus potty chair.  We already have 3 potty chairs from IKEA (1 for each kid) and a potty chair that is a Summer brand and pretty traditional.  I like the idea of the popette plus for sitting on the regular toilet and also for travel.  I'm not going to plan on being out of diapers for a while, but I think it's worth giving it a try.  So hears to hopefully having one out of diapers sooner than later and if Michael isn't ready, I'll move on to Eva Rose, who may actually be more ready than Michael even though she is 10 1/2 months younger.  Oh well, every kid is different.

Any potty training tips are very much appreciated and welcome here,

Amy

Makes My Monday: New Pictures!

I'm playing along with Cheryl at twinfactuation.blogspot.com for Makes my Monday.  These are some of the latest pictures.  I haven't been really good at taking pictures lately!

Everyone wanted yogurt

My climbers

 Eva Rose and Thomas sharing a swing at the park

Enjoying the park on the swings!

My latest craft project

As an update to my last post, I am certainly changing my way of thinking when it comes to blogging.  My blogs are for me and if I get followers or comments, great, if not, oh well.  My blogs are my stories and I will enjoy writing them and reading them.  I do still have some insecurities about people wanting to be friends with me, but I'll get over it and I'm sure as the kids grow and I meet people, I'll meet people who want to be friends and it will all be good.  

Amy

A Little Insecure?

I didn't start this blog to get followers or have the most comments written, but still, I'm wondering if it is even worth writing this anymore.  I have all of 31 followers and I get 1 maybe 2 comments, and on a good day, I may get 4.  I know that I don't probably spend enough time out commenting on others blogs, but I try to do what I can.  Maybe there is a different or better way to meet people through blogging?  

The main reason I started this blog was to document the craziness of everyday life with 3 kids so close in age.  I guess on some level, I wish that I had more followers and more people to comment on the things I write.  Maybe, it's because I don't write things that are interesting enough, maybe it's because I'm not interacting with other bloggers enough,  maybe it's just because...... who knows and I probably shouldn't care but I do.

I guess I just need to get over it and realize that this blog and any other blog that I write is just for me.  Again, I never intended to have crazy followers, but it always feels good to have people follow you and comment on things you write.

As I write this, I am wondering if I should even actually post this, but one other thing that I wanted from this blog was a place to be honest about my feelings.  So here it is, do I need to just change my way of looking at why I blog and focus it more for me, or do I change how I write and what I do with other bloggers and hope that I get more followers and commenters?  A little bit of both?

Amy

Sleep Issues Again

I can't believe that I am, yet again, writing about sleep.  Over all,  the twins are great sleepers.  They go to bed on the later side, but it works for them.  They sleep through the night and I can usually get them to sleep til around 7am with a bed time of 8pm.  Not ideal, but it works!  That being said, there is then the issue of Michael.  I swear he is a teenager in a toddler's body.  He has no desire to go to bed before 9pm.  It is a struggle just to get him to settle down and rest at night.  He then likes to sleep in late in the morning and does not liek to be woken up til he is ready.  I totally realize that this is probably mine and my husband's fault.  With one child, we took him everywhere with us.  He never really had a schedule.  Once we had the twins, we needed to have a schedule to survive, not realizing that even a loose schedule is really helpful.  Now that Michael is 2 1/2 on his way to 3, trying to get him on a schedule and get him to sleep on his own can absolutely try my patience.  I know that part of the problem is my working til 7:30.  My husband is good, but he waits for me to come home to get them into bed.  I think that the schedule that has worked for us in the past has been for the twins to go to bed at 7:30 (any earlier and we found that they didn't sleep as late in the morning, meaning like 5 am wake ups) and then for Michael to go to bed around 8:30.  I know this is much later than most people put their kids to bed, but it really does work for us.  The problem becomes when the twins go to bed closer to 8:30 then Michael's time gets pushed later and he gets a second wind.  My goal is to get the twins in bed right when I get home or even before I get home, and then get Michael back on his schedule.  Unfortunately, I think we are at the point where we may need to CIO again.  This morning, Michael started crying at 5:10am,  I actually started to get up and my husband and I agreed to let him cry for a little bit.  He ended up falling back to sleep and I had to wake him at 8:30 so we could get to our EI group.  I am probably the reason for his sleep regression, since I hate to let him CIO.  I have even made the mistake of letting him come to my bed to sleep.  I start off doing really good and then I back slide.  I need to be much better at keeping myself in check and not giving in!  As long as all of his needs are met he will be fine sleeping in his room, in his bed!

This post seems a little crazy as I look back over it, but I think that is partly because that is how I am feeling with this whole sleep thing.  We just need to get back on track and we should be fine!

Amy

Spare Time and Teaching Kids About Giving to Others

Not that I have much time, if any, but I really want to start making things to donate.  I am hoping that if I get myself in the habit of donating things more than just my old clothes, as the kids get older, it will become something that they also do.  When the twins were born early, granted it was only five weeks, the hospital had little fleece blankets that the babies were swaddled in and we got to take the blankets home.  The twins still use their blankets, though now they use them as blankets to sleep with not as blankets for warmth.  These blankets mean so much to me and they are just simple fleece material with a simple edging.

Recently, I bought a book with different projects and different potential agencies to donate them to.  I have a few other books like that and have gone on line to find projects to create and donate.  Recently a facebook friend posted pictures of some crocheted prayer shawls that she made.  She talked about how these types of shawls gave her niece comfort when she was dying.  Her nieces mother responded how that shawl is now providing her comfort now that her daughter has passed on.  After reading that, it made me want to donate my projects even more.  With the holidays fast approaching, and my goal of making certain gifts, I don't think that I'll get to start projects to donate til after the holidays are over, but I will start and I will make this a tradition that I will pass on to the kids.

There are so many different agencies out there that can use donations and I know that I for one can't afford to give money, but I have enough crafting supplies that I can make things and donate them.  As much as I know hat agencies need money, I like the idea of donating something that can be directly used.  I know that my kids are way too young to understand what donating things to others means, but again, if I get myself in the habit of making things and donating them, maybe once they are old enough, it will be a tradition that is built into our family, not one that needs to be built into our family.

If there is anyone that is interested in joining in, either by creating and donating to a charity of your choice or by sending me a project to donate, please join in!

Amy

Getting Ready for Santa

Christmas is fast approaching and I am getting really excited this year.  I think the kiddos are getting to an age where they may get it a little, at least more than last year.  Te twins will be almost 2 and Michael will be close to 3.  I really want to take the kids to do different Christmas type activities this year.  My husband mentioned taking them to the Stone Zoo for Zoo Lights.  My husband and I used to go and see them all the time before they moved to the zoo.  this year we want to introduce the kids to them.  I would also love to take them to see the lighting of the Christmas tree in Boston, or at least take a walk through the Boston Commons and the Public Gardens to look at the lights.  This is something I used to do as a kid and would love to pass that tradition on to my kids.  There is the tree lighting in our town, but I don't know if I'll get to go since I will most likely be working.

I can't wait to start playing Christmas songs and read Christmas books to my kids.  I really want to get int he spirit this year and really look forward to sharing this with my kids.

Amy

Food

So my kids aren't the greatest eaters and their weights truly reflect this.  At one of the doctors visits I recently had, I think my visit (my pcp is the kids' pcp) we talked about getting in more veggies.  My pcp suggested "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld.  I had heard of the book, but never really paid much attention to it.  So far I think I have made 2 recipes from the book, so I can't truly review it, but the pancake recipe with pumpkin puree and the meatloaf recipe with carrots, onions, and celery were the bigg hit with my kids so far.  Unfortunately these are the only recipes I've made, but I am certainly going to try more.  My husband said that more than half the meatloaf is gone and that is not from them throwing it on the floor.  I can't tell you how excited I am that my kids ate so well.  The other big food item lately is hot dogs.  I've been making freaky franks from weelicious.com.  I really like the website for good healthy foods for kids.  I bought some beets today to try out the beet cookies.  I have a friend that really liked them, so now it is my turn to try them!

Hopefully I can get my kids to eat moer food by finding more recipes that they like and figuring out how to make it for me and my husband also!

Amy

Way Back When-esday: Our First Baby

Our first baby (an american eskimo dog) turned 8 last month.  We have had him since he was about 4 months old.  A dog added to 3 little ones so close in age is crazy, but he's such a sweet dog.  We named him Takoda which means everyone's friend in Sioux and his name totally fits him.  He is a great dog with the kids and other people.  He gets excited but once he meets you and gets used to you (very quick), he loves you!

Takoda 8 years old 10/21/2010

Makes My Monday: Halloween

So, this year, we were actually able to go out and trick or treat around the neighborhood (all 5 of us).  It was a blast.  I was a little stressed right up til we went out, but everything ended up perfect.  I made 3 of the 5 costumes, yes even mom and dad dressed up, and was sewing right up til the last minute.  I was so stressed that I was thinking I was not going to be sewing again for quite some time.  Once everything was done and all costumes were on,  I was so psyched with how everyone looked, that I decided I loved to sew and will not be putting it off (in fact I am going to partake in an apron swap, my first sewing swap!).  All 3 kids started off slow, not really sure what they should be doing, but soon after, they were running up to the door to get their goods!  By the time we went to visit family and friends outside the neighborhood, we had been out for almost 2 1/2 hours.  The kids were exhausted and ready for their last milk of the night and then off to bed!

Here are some pictures of our latest Halloween!

Michael

Eva Rose

Thomas (I made his costume)

Family photo (I made part of my costume, all of Tom's costume, and all of Thomas' costume)

Happy Halloween Everyone (a little late),

Amy

Way Back When-esday Halloween

With Halloween quickly approaching, I thought I'd post a picture of our first Halloween as a family of 3 with two more on the way.

Michael (almost 8 months) Halloween 2008

2 days after I was put on bed rest with the twins!

This year we will be trick or treating with all 3!

Amy

Halloween

In just a few short days, Halloween will be upon us.  I actually really like Halloween.  Even as an adult with no kids, I would dress up.  Since we live just a short distance away from Salem MA, we would often enjoy spending Haloween night in Salem enjoying the festivities, often dressed up ourselves.  Now that we have kids, Salem is pretty much out, which is fine by us!

This Halloween will be the first year that we get to take the kids trick or treating.  Michael's first Halloween, 2008, was when I was first put on bed rest with the twins.  On October 28th, I stayed up well past midnight to finish Michael's scarecrow costume for trick or treating at work the next day.  I had to leave work early for a scheduled ultrasound and planned to return that night with Michel in his costume.  Unfortunately after that ultrasound, I was on bed rest until the twins were born January 23rd 2009.  My husband took Michael around the neighborhood quickly and then I sat in the car while we drove to special people's homes, ie aunts, uncles, close cousins, daycare.  Halloween 2009, the twins first Halloween, was my sisters wedding.  We were able to get them dressed up, but again no real trick or treating.  This year is different.  We get to do the normal trick or treating, and I get to enjoy it.

Last year, I made all three kids' costumes.  This year, I am only making Thomas'.  I feel bad about that, but sometimes there just isn't enough time.  And the more I think about it, it is appropriate that Thomas gets his costume made since he almost never gets new things, always gets hand me downs (don't get me wrong the other two get hand me downs too, just Michael was the first boy and Eva Rose is the only girl).  This year, I got Michael's costume from another twin mom.  Eva Rose's costume is somewhat upcycled.  I got this hand me down dress that was adorable, but I new she's grow out of it before she would have a chance to wear it as is.  As it is, it is fitting her tight now!  Then I made Thomas'.  I am trying to decide if I want Tom and I to dress up also.  Tom dressed up Michael's first year and last year, so I'll probably try to have everyone in costume this year too.

As a little tease, the boys are going to be pirates and Eva Rose is going to be a fairy.  I am going to try to find a way for Tom to be a pirate and me to be a fairy.  We'll se how it goes since Sunday will be here before we know it!  Pictures to come later!

Amy

Telling Kids About People Who Have Passed Away

This weekend, I read a blog from another twin mom that got me thinking.  She wrote about her kids asking about her mom.  She wrote that her mom had taken her own life years before and she was unsure about how to tell her kids about her mom.  It made me think about my own dad who had also taken his own life.  Unlike my friend, my dad and I had a strained relationship before he passed away.  This was almost 21 years ago and as much as I have dealt with his death and the issues leading up to his death, I still have some anger and resentment toward him, especially now that I have kids.

My dad missed so many special, important moments in my life and now that I have kids, he misses all the things that go along with having grandchildren.  What makes me the most sad, is that I don't think about him as a part of my life very often.  Reading my friend's blog made me realize that I am going to have to be very conscious of telling my kids about my dad.  At this point, I feel like my step father is my kids' grandfather, but I do want them to know about my dad.  Even though I had a strained relationship with my dad prior to his death, we did have some good times years prior to his death.  I want to tell my kids about those times and about my dad's family.  My grandfather passed away on my older son's first birthday and my grandmother is now in a nursing home with Dementia.  They had lived in NC since my father's death and I fear that any connection I have with my father's side of the family is going to dry up and shrink away.  This is another reason I need to remember my dad.  I need to remember that side of my family too, even thought they are far away.

Thanks to my friend reanbean for having the courage to post this topic on her blog.  Reading her post made me think, and now that I have written this post, I hope that I will remember to tell my kids about my dad and I hope that I will remain at least somewhat close.

Amy

Quilts and Other Crafting Projects

I just realized that another twin mom not only has her regular http://goddessinprogess.com blog, but has a quilting blog along with it.  I just spent some time reading about all her different quilting projects and it has totally inspired me to add quilting back into my projects to work on.  Right now I am in the process of making a Halloween costume for my little son, Thomas.  I just cut out the pattern for the jacket of his pirate costume.  I have already made the pants and now I have to sew the jacket, the belt, and the hat.  I feel bad that Michael's costume is a costume that I bought from another twin mom, but i will make his hat.  I also am not really making Eva Rose's costume.  I am using a dress that I got from a family member that won't fit her for long.  I'm going to add wings to it and have her be a fairy.  If all goes well, I will make her wings, but I may even buy them just to save time.  I would love to have made all of their costumes, but I just wanted to have them have costumes since this is the first year that we will actually be trick or treating.

I have some other things that I need to work on, but I really want to start quilting again.  I have a bunch of projects that I want to make, but as usual, I just keep adding projects to the list.  I am considering attempting my hand at hand sewing some quilts just to make them more portable.  It's probably crazy on my part, but I really want to make sure that I have portability with my crafting projects.  I have lots of knitting, regular sewing, scrapbooking, card making, and now quilting to do.  I love that I can make things for people, especially my own children.  I just need to find a way to get more organized so that I have more time to create all these projects that I dream of.

I love going to craft stores like Joann's, Ac Moore, and Michael's.  I would love to find other stores to browse around, but I am always so tempted to buy things, especially things I don't need.  I really need to start coming up with projects that utilize the supplies I have, so I have more room, don't spend money that I don't have, and just plain use up what I have.  Though, if there are good crafting resources that people want to recommend, either via internet, books, magazines, I am always on the lookout for new resources.

I also really want to start being part of a swap.  I did a few knitting and crocheting swaps before I had kids, but I haven't done any since before grad school 4 years ago.  One of these days I'll get back to swapping!

Amy

Makes My Monday: First haircut!

I finally decided that it was time for Thomas to get his first haircut.  He is almost 21 months and finally has enough hair, but the little length on the bottom was looking a little shabby.  I was hoping to get him to get long enough hair to have curls, but even though the boys have curls, they are just not good looking enough to let their hair grow.  Like we did with Michael, we took Thomas to a barber shop in Cambridge.  Now tom and the 2 boys will get their hair cut at the same place.  Thomas got his hair cut on Saturday and actually did great for getting his haircut for the first time.  Michael still cries and he has had 4 haircuts.  He even cried when we went into the barber shop Saturday, afraid he would have to get a haircut again.  A lollipop settled him right down!  This was the first time he and the twins had a lollipop and they loved it!

Before!

During, doing ok!

Breakdown!

Lollipops make everything better!

Lollipops for the 1st time all around.

The boys have all had a real haircut, but not Eva Rose.  Mom just cleaned up her bangs a little, but it made a huge difference, not that you can tell by these pictures!

Amy

And The Sleep Saga Continues

Everytime I think we have made it through our sleep struggles, we take a few steps back.  I was feeling pretty good and mostly getting a good night sleep, but now Michael and Thomas have been getting up in the middle of the night.  There is definitely some issue with diapering, meaning that he is absolutely soaked when I get up and change him.  I also think it is a stage that he is going through.  Thomas on the other hand is usually my best sleeper, but lately, he is not sleeping well at all.  He is getting sick and who knows if he is starting to teethe again.  I am really tired, but I am not able to truly do a cry it out.  I do let them cry for a little time to see if they can soothe themselves, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.  With the way their skin is, I would also rather get up and check them since we seem to be having a really good run with diaper rash issues (or lack there of). 

I just talked with my husband and it seems like all 3 kids are sick!  I knew that they were headed that way and now I am even happier that I did not take them to EI group today.  Thomas and Michael have had nasty runny noses and Eva Rose was starting with one, but just not as nasty.  I heard that they have a fever and I am not home to be with them.  They will definitely all get some medicine before they go to bed.  I am seriously thinking, ok hoping, that this is why they are sleeping so poorly.

Hopefully the 3 kids will get better soon and we will be back to sleeping through the night.

Amy

Way Back When-esday: Breast Cancer Month

My Grandmother and my nephew about 6 years ago 

4 1/2 years ago, my grandmother lost her battle with breast cancer, she was 82.  She fought hard and was almost at the 5 year point (post 2nd mastectomy) when we found out that the cancer had spread through out her body.  Fortunately, she did not suffer at the end, but unfortunately she dies 3 days after finding out that not only was her cancer back, but it had spread throughout her body and she was now facing a terminal cancer vs something that she could fight.  Given that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  I thought I would pay tribute to my grandmother.  She was a major influence in my life and I only wish that she could have seen me get married and have my children, especially my twins (she was a twin herself)!

We miss you nana!

Amy 

Makes My Monday: Talking

We have recently started with early intervention for all 3 kids for speech.  All 3 kids were really saying very little for their age and we have even had to check to see if there is a hearing issue that is causing the speech delay.  So far 2 have been tested and we know that hearing loss is not the reason for the delay for those 2, but my daughter has some loss with high frequency sounds.  We never realized that her intubation with her RSV could have caused issues with her hearing.  We are going back in a couple of months to make sure that the test was correct and then I guess we have to have her followed for this issue.

EI is  going really well, and we have seen some really good progress over the last couple of weeks.  This weekend, we took the kids to the Deerfield Fair in NH.  While we had the kids in the oxen barn, Thomas my younger twins said "cow".  He's never said it before and then all 3 kids were able to say it along with sheep later in the day.  I am so glad that we are seeing progress so quickly.  I just hope that it continues.

Talking totally makes my Monday!

Thomas petting the calf

Eva Rose petting the calf

Michael petting the calf

Amy

Apple Picking 2010

We took the kids apple picking today with some friends.  We went to an orchard in Stow MA, Shelburne Farms.  The apples were awesome!  They had a ton on the trees and they were so tasty.  We took a ton of pictures, close to 400, between Tom and I.  We have a ton of apples and I need to bake often!  I can't wait. Any good recipes?

Just some of the pictures from our fabulous day apple picking.  We are all exhausted (including our friends that came with us) after chasing around three kiddos that didn't want to sit still for more than a few seconds to maybe capture a photo.

Amy