Double Trouble

[buckeyegal]

Hi Di,

Thanks for the welcome. It'll be interesting to see who can hold their babies in the longest! I'm expecting to have these babies by mid june, if I'm lucky. I'm only 5 feet 4 inches tall, so there's not a lot of room down there....

I have got a very good start on our nursery! We went ahead and got two cribs (black), and we're doing the nursery a gender neutral black/white theme. It's looking very neat right now! I'm also putting up black/white photos of parents, grandparents, and aunts...which will give it a finishing touch. I'll try to post photos when I'm done. Have you started your nursery?

By the way, good for you about getting pregnant! I was amazed at how much you've gone through for your little ones. Persistence pays! Yeah!

[kholtan]

Congrats Kim and Welcome!!!!!

Loved your nursery idea. It sounds like it will be so sweet when completed. Not to mention, adding the family photos is a great way to keep even the furthest members close. What a great way to teach your TWO babies about the importance of family and the people who love them. LOVE IT!!!!

By degree I am an illlustrator and have a faux and mural company here. I am waiting to see what they are before I begin but I do plan on doing an all over mural on soft glazed walls that looks faded like old watercolor art. The cribs are going to be this vintage iron with lots of cozy fabrics inside. I figure I can do this sort of theme for either sex or one of each. Just have to decide what the mural will be. I love doing nurseries so I plan on having a blast in it.

Can you all belive that we even get to plan this for real???? I'd put them in a drawer if it was all I could afford but I just love that we are doing this for real!!!!!!!!!! Still blows my mind.

Today I looked at some baby stuff and some clothing for those months when we don't fit our other clothes but aren't maternity either. A little scary when I multiplied every baby item I loved by two! The clothing style this year may be a great bonus to us however. A lot of billowing tops and empire waste things out there. I'm 5'2" so being so short sometime caused a problem but I think this seasons style will be alright!

Hope you are all doing great!!!!!

[DianeC]

Hi all

I am five foot four as well so I concerned just exactly where these babies are going to sit. I was huge with my singletons so can't begin to imagine how big I will get Although I have not put on too much weight so maybe it will be OK.

Both your nursery ideas sound great! As we know we are having a boy and a girl I had to think of a neutral theme with was not that easy. Everything I looked at was a little girly. However I have managed to achieve a unisex room that is classical, bright, fun. We painted the walls a beautiful bright green with a border of blue jean teddies which just happen to be boy and girl teddies. We will have mobiles and pictures but I am not there yet. I also will have pictures of family and of the twins still cooking (3D scan photos). Hopefully I will finish in the next few weeks - I will post a shot for you to view. Exciting times!

We still have a lot of purchases to make but as has been mentioned before - you need two of everything so that starts to make it very expensive! We also need to replace our car for a bigger version - will anyone else have to do this?

Who is considering cloth nappies over disposable nappies. I did the figures and we were quite shocked to see the expense if we chose the disposable ones hence we will use cloth nappies and use disposables when travelling or out and about. I will be a at home mum so will have the time to do the extra work involved with the cloth nappies.

We are also going to co sleep the babies as long as possible so will need only one cot at the beginning. They will have spent nine months together (hopefully) so want them to still be together. Is anyone else going to do this?

Hope everyone is feeling well

Di

[Xrayem]

Hi all,

Kholtan - I read the thread on the IVF forum about selective reduction and was just livid! I don't think you were rude at all, in fact I would say you were very restrained! How dare she brag on an IVF website that she would abort a fetus if she got twins as it didn't suit her lifestyle. I feel terrible to say this but one could almost wish an m/c on her as with that attitude, she doesn't deserve to be a mother!

Di - One of each...well done! Thats what we hope for. Which clinic did you use? We went through QFG. We will be co-sleeping the bubs too. We went to the Brsibane Multiple Birth Association expectant parents meeting last wednesday and they said that was just fine. They also said that the best purchase you could make was two good rockers so that you had somewhere to put one bub while you were feeding/changing/playing with the other.

Hi Kim - I am also 5"4 and wonder where the babies will fit. On this program I watched the other night, it said that shorter women with twins will more than likely come earlier as they run out of room quicker than the taller ones.

Lisa - I am 24 weeks tomorrow and I am still vomiting every morning. I think that I will just be unlucky and be sick up until the day I deliver. I have heard that some singelton pregnancies are like that too, but it is more common with twins. Having said that, my receptionist at work had twins and didn't have a day of m/s....lucky cow!!

Em

[kholtan]

Good morning everyone!!! I don't know about where you all live but here in Idaho it is starting out to be a beautiful day already!!!!! DH went snowmobiling and I'll be here all day alone to do some yard work in 75 degree weather! Looking forward to it!!!!

Diane~ We also plan on using cloth diapers around the house and disposables when we are on the go. My thoughts are that they are better for the environment, cheaper, not filled with silicone and other substances, and since I too will be at home for the first year I can try manage it. I also know that if it is too hard I will not be angry at myself for giving them up. That is my mind set these days. I would love to do so many things for a long time but I must be realistic and give myself a chance to "Not fail" but "change my mind" if things don't go as planned.

Also, loved your nursery idea. That sounds very unisex and so darling. I think I have seen a boarder like you are talking about and if it is the same style I thought it was so sweet. We are aiming for unisex so we can be over with IVF in one trip but honestly I would love to have two that were the same sex also. No matter how silly, I would not be able to resist dressing them alike now and then!! DH just cringes when I say that!!!

Em~ Sorry to hear about the m/s. I still haven't had it but I would feel better with just a day here and there of it. Sorry yours seems to be hanging on for a while. Hopefully it doesn't take too much out of you or last ALL day. Good luck on that!!!!

So funny that we are all pretty petite people. AFter reading that shorter people tend to deliver sooner gives me hope that at 5'2" I'll be at least a week early! My Dr. was saying that all I really need to get to to be full term with twins is 37 weeks so I figure as long as I get there then I won't have to be PG w/ twins until 40 weeks. Although no matter what I want healthy babies so as long as that happens!!

The "Twins" rant on the other page I found really upsetting. I understood that she had the right to feel anyway she desired but there are just so many women that don't ever see a BFP and this wasn't the place to talk about aborting one. Thanks for your comment.

Co-sleeping I read was the best way to get them to sleep in patterns sooner and more consistantly. My father buys all the grandchildren their cribs and he has insisted that he buy them each one. I guess he doesn't feel equal w/o doing it that way and eventually we will use them both but at first I am all about co-sleeping. Really I will be all for anything that works!!!

We won't have to buy a new car but we sure could change the layout of our house!!!! EEEEEEEKS!!!!!!!!! Our house isn't huge (1900 sq. feet) but it's an old remodeled house that is great for single people. HUGE great room w/ big fireplace and a huge kitchen w/ fireplace but small bedrooms and almost no closets since the house is really old. Doesn't sound like a kid friendly place huh? We're not sure what we'll do but we will just make it work for a while. I wish we had a car problem instead of a house problem. Much cheaper!!! Good thing is we have 1.25 acres of fully landscaped yard for the babies to be in when they are older!

So glad we have all this to worry about!!!! Take care everyone!!

[buckeyegal]

Hi gals,

It's beautiful but cold here in OHio! We had warm weather a week ago, and now we're chilly again...oh well, it's better for my swelling legs at least!

As for the cosleeping--I researched this a lot before we bought our cribs. It seemed to me that most twins do very well sleeping together until they start rolling around. I'm hoping to keep them together as long as possible, but I also know that around 4-5 months, I might have to separate them so they can actually sleep. Only time will tell. So, for now, one crib will be their sleeping place, the other crib will hold toys, etc. (As I live in an older small house too...1900 square feet as well!)

I admire you gals who are considering the cloth diapers. It's much better for the environment. However, I'm just going to try and keep my sanity when the babes arrive. So, I'm starting with disposable. Who knows...maybe I'll change my mind later when the bills pile up? You gals will have to keep us posted to how the cloth ones are working for you.

Em--So sorry you are still dealing with M/S. I never got sick, but I was nauseaus (sp?) all day long every day from week 6 til 16. Ugh! So glad that's over. Now, heartburn is my enemy.....

Diane--Love the nursery idea. I'm secretly hoping for one of each...that's why I chose such a neutral theme! Of course, I'll be over the moon with whatever "combo" we get! As for the car, I'd LOVE to get a new car. But DH insists that we use our current ones for now. It'll be managable, but the newer models have much more "perks" for children. [Since I'm only going to work part time next year, we need to watch the $$]

Kholtan--You must be so talented! I can't wait to see photos of your mural. I'm not artistic in any sense, so that's why I'm doing the family photos. I think it's so neat when people do murals....but I know my limits--mine would look like finger painting!

Some of you have mentioned that you're getting 2 of most items...we were trying to avoid that as we don't have room in our house (plus we have a large labradoodle....). We're getting 2 cribs, 2 bouncy seats/rockers, 2 high chairs, 2 snuggli's. Other than that, we're going to get one of each thing and just have the kids do different things at times. Does that sound crazy? Let me know what you gals are getting!

Have a great day gals. I'm off to walk my big hairy dog!

[kholtan]

Kim~ Do you LOVE that dog of yours or what?? We have a black lab named Lucy but I just love the labradoodles!!! They are so soft and sweet!!!!

We are only getting two of a few things. We just don't have the room and I figure one can swing while the other is in the bouncy seat and so forth. If we find we need two, then we'll get it but until then one of whatever we can. Two highchairs of course.

If anyone knows of the best breast pump to get. . .that would be great to know!!!!!! I don't want something that kills me but it needs to do the job fast also. DH is thrilled to see what bb's full of milk look like but I have told him they won't feel great to me. I am not well off in that department to begin with and wouldn't get a boob job until I was done having children so he's so excited for the new bb's!!!! Men. . . typical!!!!

[DianeC]

Morning Girls

Kholtan - Wish I was more creative with the nursery but I lack the talent to draw - will stencil instead You are so lucky to be so talented. Yes, I hear what you are saying about the stay at home thing. We waited so long to have these babies that I could not justify working and leaving them. I have stopped work and am finishing my degree - two subjects this term so very full on. Lucky for me I did not start the nursery earlier as we were told that more than likely we were having two girls but to be cnfirmed. In our minds we had already thought that that is what we might have so we thought OK two girls. Had totally gotten our minds around it then were told baby A is infact a boy I was so happy - it is such a bonus to have one of each! These will be the only babies we will have so such a blessing.

Identity is something to watch with twins. If we had two girls I had already told DH I am not dressing them alike. If you do some research you will find that twins interact with each other a lot and even can form their own language between each other. Beacuse they are together so much it could be very easy not to interact with them as you would a singleton and leave them to each other but this may have the effect that they develop a little slowly in some areas (for example speaking). Also it is very important for them to develop their own identity and not be treated as one i.e. the twins. We plan to spend one on one with them in as many ways as possible.

On average twins are born three weeks early with 50% of those born early are born between 33 and 35 weeks gestation. So I would predict that quite a few of us will have our babies earlier than we expect. I just hope not too early. Probably good to be ready with everything about two months before they are born just in case. Thats my plan but maybe I am too cautious

Kim - you can purchase little beds that fit into cots - we will try these for the first few months but as you say after they start rolling around probably not practical to have them in one cot. Let face it - if one is keeping the other awake I think we all would more the disrupting baby pronto so at least we all have good intentions

I am not going to bother with two of everything unless I have too - cots high chair and car seats are items that will have to be duplicated. I have heard that swings are great as well. So we are getting one swing and one rocker. The theory behind that is that the grumpier one goes in the swing apparently it works wonders and defineatley works better than driving a baby oround the street to get it to sleep. Some people spend hours in the car just doing that!

When you choose a breast pump make sure that you can get parts ect for it quite easily. In Australia, the Medula is quite a reputable brand. I think you can get this in America as well. Have you thought of joining the Nursing Mothers Association? I believe that you can then hire a pump for the few months that you will need it. I will do this. I think I will only need the pump for 3 or 4 months so do not want to pay $500 for one. Over here you can hire it for about $50 per month - much cheaper. Alternatively you can purchase a second hand one on Ebay for half the price. Nursing mothers Assoc also have great tips on keeping the milk supply up and a chat borad for questions - maybe very handy in the future so check it out!

Macca8 - hope you are feeling better

Exrayem - Yes, great to know what the sex is can be more prepared with nursery, purchases etc... Also names - we could agree on two girls names but not two boys names No problem now!

We went through QFG on the Sunshine coast.

This is beginning to look like an essay - must leave you girls in peace!

Take care and have a great day!

Di

[kholtan]

Diane~I have heard the identity problem/ issue a lot from family members with twins. We also want to be able to give them opportunities to develope their own personality and feel like an individual. It's great that we are all becoming aware of a lot of the same things. It makes me feel reassured to know it wasn't just one thing I read or one persons story that had altered my thoughts. Having said that, I have to say that I still won't be able to resist a few photos of them dressed alike here and there. Also, I found when I nannied that the same outfits when you are out in a busy public place helps keep your eye on more than one child when they are little.

From my last u/s it appears that two personalities are already imerging! One twin was busy moving all around while the other peacefully slept. Can't wait to see how different they are and also how alike.

Have a great evening!

[buckeyegal]

It's me again...I'm avoiding school work (I'm a teacher), and this is much more fun!

Diane--We have the Medella pumps here too. They're around $250, yikes! I'm going to wait and see if I can actually breastfeed before getting one. But my good friends all recommend that as the best...especially with 2....we're going to be milking ourselves like cows! I'm just glad to hear that other moms of twins are willing to give breastfeeding a go! Some folks think I'm crazy for trying! One thing about used pumps...I've heard that you need to be concerned about contamination from the previous owner. So, you might need to get new tubes and replacement parts--still much cheaper than a brand new pump! Here in the states some hospitals rent out pumps. I'm going to check that out when I go to my breastfeeding class in a few weeks...

Also, we have a group here in Dayton, Ohio called "Mothers of Twins" club. It's a great resource, and they completely echo what you were saying about identity. I've been warned to avoid calling them "the twins". They also recommend each baby gets some one-on-one time with each parent once a week or so. It's neat to see the bond that twins have. We are very very lucky gals!

kholtan--Yes, I love love love my dog! I have allergies to most dogs, but not to Murphy! He's a fun loving, laid back guy. I'm really not worried about him with the babes. He's quiet and calm. He'll probably be their "guard dog" to make sure everything's okay! He'll be my extra set of eyes! Thank goodness....

Both you and Diane seem to be feeling the same way as I do about buying two....I'm going to try and get away with "just one" of most things...like you said, I can always buy another later! Don't know if you've picked out a stroller/travel system yet. But a friend from the twins club recommended the "Snap N Go". They have the double version on Babies R Us. It's much much lighter than the Graco, and it will fit most infant seats. One drawback--It'll only last you through the infant seat. After that, you'll need another stroller. I just didn't like how heavy the Graco was (especially if I have to have a Csection....no heavy lifting...). What have you found out?


Well, I guess I'll get back to my work...I wish I could stay home full time next year, but we still need me to work for some insurance. My DH is self employed and he makes good money, but no insurance. Ugh. so, I'll be working part time. Better than full time!

[DianeC]

Kholtan- I think that if you have one of each that solves the dressing issue I agree with you that the personalities do emerge before babies are born. With this pregnancy it seems that our lttle girl is the mover and shaker and our boy is a lot quiter - for now anyways! Our scan and DVD showed just how babies bone structure is so different. Our girl has very different structure to her brother. She has a higher forehead, high cheek bones, pointy chin and deeper set eyes. In comparison he has a very round face and very different eyes. So I expect they will look very different yet could end up with the same eye and hair colur - I can't wait to see!

Kim - Yes, I agree you have to buy the new attachments if you buy the breast pump secondhand - I still think it better to rent if you can .

We are going to buy the mountain buggy stroller for the babies. They are sturdy and have a good re sale value. The Urban style allows you to have a fixed wheel position for when you go on those bush walks and a movable wheel position for when you go shopping. The best thing is that they are 75cm wide and fit thru most doorways! They are also a side by side stroller.

I will also join a twins club - if they have one here. I want to take the babies out once a week to a play group so that they can interact with other kids. Probably start looking for one when they are 3 - 5 months.

Take care Di

[LauraLou]

It's been a long time since I've posted here, but I saw my old cycle buddy Xrayem had posted and I had to stop by and say hi. It sounds like everyone is doing really well.

I am now home on modified bed rest after ending up in L&D 2 weeks ago with contractions. It's not too bad, at least I'm not stuck in the hospital! Most days I'm fine, but Saturday was a bad day. I contracted all day long. Finally went away but it really stressed me out. I did pass my 1 hr diabetes test, which made me very happy. Would hate to have to give up sweets!

I finished my nursery about a month ago when my mother came to visit. I felt a little silly, doing everything so early, but it turns out it was for the best as I can't do much now. I also bought out the Carters store! So I have lots of newborn and 3 month size clothes. Once they hit 12 lbs, they have nothing to wear, but until then I think I'm good.

I bought the twin Snap-n-Go, which is the stroller that holds two infant car seats. It is supposed to be very convienent, as you don't have to take the babies out of their car seats, but wow it's long. I also have the twin Pack-n-Play so they can sleep in our room at first.

I can't believe that in 2 months or so, the boys will be here! My pregnancy has gone quickly up until now. Unfortunately, being stuck at home has made the time go by more slowly but it's worth it to keep them cooking for awhile longer.

I'll try to post a few pictures of the nursery.


Hubby still needs to hang the picture!

Best wishes!

[LauraLou]

Oops, double post!

[DianeC]

Hi LauraLou and welcome!

Hope things hold out for you. You will be sick of home and bed by the time your boys are born.

Great nursery - very colourful and stimulating. It is great fun creating the nursery!

I too have stacks of cloths ranging from size 00000 to O

Di

[kholtan]

Welcome back Laura Lou~Loved the nursery!!!! Very cute and clean and the colors were darling!! Sounds like everything is going well other than some modified bed rest. Home is a better place to rest for sure! Glad to have you back and get a chance to know you. Good luck and keep us posted.

The identity thing is quite serious in my family. We have a set of identical mirror image twins and they are just turning 20 this year. They started their college at different schools in different towns and by the end of first semester they were back together and living together again. They were such a fun illusion for everyone that we all wanted them together and now we can't seperate them. I was just a kid when they were babies but their mom is really troubled by their lack of willingness to be seperated. . ever.

Diane~ I have to look at your 3D photos again and see if I can tell who is who!!! I told DH about your photos and he's all for doing it now!

Have a great night Mommies!!!