Double Trouble

[DianeC]

Hi all

Gosh, this thread really moves along

Bathing - I have been bathing my two together since about 9 months. It is something I never do alone as I am very uncomfortable with two in the water. They go under so quickly as some of you have experienced. My DH has always helped at bath time and if I have to bath them on my own I do it one at a time.

Schooling - it is interesting to hear what people in other countries have to say about schools. We have pondered this since before the twins were born! We will send them to a private school and luckily the one we have chosen will be able to take them. Some private schools here in Australia have waiting lists so long they stop taking names. People put down for a place whilst they are pregnant yet that still does not guarantee ther child a place.

Tolbee - After the twins were born I left work and have not set a date to return. I chose to study at home instead as that way I have plenty of time with my kids. They are our last so I really wanted to enjoy them. Everytime I think about having to organise two toddlers to childcare, get myself ready, drive through traffic and then do all the same at the end of the day makes my head spin. Plus the cost of childcare for two children here in Australia would be ridiculous.

Woodcliff - WOW your babies are 10 mos old already - great to hear all is well.

Kholtan - a twin mummy on our Australian twin website lost her twin daughter to cancer at the age of three. Her daughter's twin brother did not understand and is constantly looking for his sister at home - it just breaks her heart. The sadness of it all really touched me too and I thought about it for days - so very very sad.

We just got back from a 4 night stay away at the beach - pure heaven. The twins had a few "firsts." They tried pizza, calamari and chips. Ice cream is a hit as well All were a success. We went swimming and to the park everyday. It was great to get away and great to get back home!

We have had flooding in the northern part of Australia and massive fires in the south. The fires have claimed 75 lives already and 700 homes. It maybe the worst fires that Australia has ever experienced. So sad for all those families caught in the fires......

Thinking of you all

Di

[kholtan]

Hi Diane! That is great that the school you want is available. In Idaho it's not as crazy as it is on bigger populations but there are a few places that get crazy. We are sooooo lucky that both schools that offer traditional education just built new facilities within a few miles of our house. Now I just have to decide if I want the Christian based school or the non-religous school???
Glad your beadh vaca was a hit. The beach is my FAVORITE place to take the kids. They LOVE sand like no other and it's just relaxing and peaceful. Hmmm. . .I need a vacation perhaps!
Soooo sorry to hear about the fires and the floods. Anything close to you? Natural disasters are just the ultimate fright for me. The economy doesn't bother me too much becuase I feel like it just helps people to get a better perspective on life and there will always be money to be made somewhere but fires, floods, tornados, earthquakes. . . people lose their life in that! I hope you are safe and your families are free from harms way.

Tolbee~ McCall was lovely! You guys should spend a day there when you come to Idaho in August. It is so beautiful and it just seems so quaint. I love it! The kids loved the snow and people and cheering. Annelise just thinks her dog is hilarious in the snow so she kept all of us in stitches the whole day.

Today we are unpacking and repacking to head to the desert. Today's activities include sand, motorcycles, and a BBQ. Hope the weather stays nice for us! I can imagine my children will eat their weight in dirt today.

[buckeyegal]

Di--Glad your beach trip was a success! Ice cream is a fave here too! (They get that sweet tooth from me! ) So sad to hear about the fires and floods. Hope they both end soon. Oh, I can't bear to hear news about losing a child--I seriously stop reading those articles in the paper/web....I pray that my kids can live long/happy/healthy lives together.

Kholtan--have fun in the desert! You must be having good weather?

As for us, our foot (plus!) of snow has finally melted! It's sunny and 50 degrees here today! Yeah! We've already gone for a wagon ride and ridden our tricycles (they have push bars, so really DH and I are pushing them, but they "think" they're in charge of where the trike goes--haha!). I can just sense my mood improving due to seeing the sun! Now, the yard needs to dry out so we can really spend all day outside. Of course, I know winter isn't over, so my hopes aren't too high on that one.....yet....

[TwinMommy]

Di: Gosh I hear about that on the news and it is just so sad. I hope everything stop here soon because I can not imagine. So many lives lost and houses. Ugh...have they said if this is a natural fire or someone started it?

Buckeye: Yay for outside time! I can not wait till mine can walk around and we can go outside and play. I feel cooped up most of the time in this small apartment. I can not WAIT for us to buy a house...soon, soon.

Kholtan: have fun!!

We go to Shands on Friday and my mom is coming back up (she was here this weekend) to go with me since the hubby can not get off of work. So hopefully they give us something. They are hungry more and want to eat a lot but it all comes back up. Poor things. My mom cleaned my house She dusted and did the bottles each time and laundry! It was SO nice. She would not let me do anything...she stated that I need a break. lol she needs to come more often. Each time she does come or we go there she states "I do not know how you get anything done with them! They always need something" haha so true!

[BIGREDIOWAN]

Hey everyone,

Well things still seem to be going well for my wife and the two little ones on board. We go at the end of this month, February 26th, for our third ultrasound. My wife will be almost 14 weeks along by then so hopefully everything will be going as planned. Just thought I'd give you all a quick update. She stops the progesterone (spl?) shots on Valentine's Day so that'll be a nice gift for her. Not a moment too soon either, she's getting very sore and irritated with the shots. Good news is the sickness is starting to let up some with the end of the 1st trimester coming near.

[TwinMommy]

BIGRED: yay for no more shots! I had to stop those really early because I had an allergic reaction and they gave me the pills which I always forgot to take! I bet she is happy with no more shots! Those things hurt. Congrats for the first trimester! I am glad she is not as sick now!

[courtney]

Hi mommies...and daddy I see! I'm back! As you may remember our family moved to Nashville on January 15th. Well, we built a house that we found out at the last minute would not be completed until Feb 1st. Soooo, we had to live with my in-laws for the time period in between...and I have just now recaptured my SANITY!!!! LOL!! Dont get me wrong, they are nice people...BUT, the walls started to come in with the DH, myself, and the twins there. We moved into our new house and I finally have internet up and running, I have been it total withdrawl! I tried to keep up via blogs...besides kholtan and suga, who has a blog?!!

suga (twinmommy)...I am so ready for your Shands visit, not more than you Im sure! Girl, you need a night sleep!!!You are so lucky to have a mom that will come and help out, dont take that for granted for one second.

Di...Are the fires getting any better? I saw on the news tonight, arson is being pointed as the culprit...some people are so sick.

Bigred...so nice to see a daddy on here! The progesterone shots are no fun. It almost felt like a right of passage to stop taking them, and i could just be a 'normal' pregnant gal!

[TwinMommy]

Courtney! Welcome back! Yay for getting out of the in laws house! Gosh I can not imagine. I mean I love my mom but I know I could not live with her again with my husband. I can not wait till we can get into a house and get out of our cramped apartment. I can not wait till Friday! It is going to be a long day because it is a 2 hour drive and I will not be able to take a nap but hopefully my mom will drive us back home so I can nap in the car. She drinks coffee so she has that to help her.

I hear they are pointing the fires to arson as well. That is just horrible. I hope they catch whomever did that. I mean 170 people died! That is just insane. I can not imagine burning alive in my car trying to get away. Gosh. Horrible, just horrible.

Brooke is getting so close to rolling over I wish she would just do it! lol. She gets close (both ways...back or tummy) but then stops when she is about to roll. Kenzie is no where near close but I am sure she will get there.

Only 1.5 lbs lost this week as well. It is coming off really slowly. I wish it would come off faster but oh well at least it is coming off finally. I think after we are done with kids I will get a tummy tuck for sure! It just sags now.

[courtney]

Ok...so I have to vent for a moment. Now that I am getting the babies out and about, I am learning twins draw an awful lot of attention. Which is great, but then I get the question...do twins run in your family? I am always honest and say, nope they are IVF babies. There is almost an immediate reaction on peoples faces, like the miracle of their 'twindon' is cheapened bc it happened through IVF. It really irriatates me!! THe fact that they are even here is miracle enough. UGH!! Maybe it is just a part of living in the South, not sure...what about the rest of you moms??

Maybe I will just make up an elaborate story of 30 sets of twins on both side of our families!!! But seriously, I am not ashamed of IVF and am proud I survived it!!!!

[tolbee]

HI guys!

Noah's having problems with naps and he's finally asleep now! It took him forever whining and crying but when I looked at the clock now, it was only for 20 mins. That cannot be!? It felt like an eternity!

DianeC - It is so sad about the flooding and the bush fire near Melbourne. All the people and wildlife affected by it, it just breaks my heart. I hope they find whoever is responsible for it soon. Aaah the beach. I love Australian beaches. It's just stunningly beautiful~ You are very lucky to be living there and enjoy good food, beautiful scenary and nice people!

Kimberly -- glad you had fun in McCall. Saw your pics and post on your blog. Impressed you are still feeling pretty energetic with your pregnancy, toddler twins and actve hubby! I am pretty much done these days. My brain is not working -- all fogged up with who knows what and I cannot work anymore. My belly is huge and I feel like my baby is going to drop out of me. I am only 28 weeks though so I hope not! The baby is kicking and moving like crazy. I think my skin had thinned down thanks to my twins and I feel the baby more.

Kim -- I am glad the weather is nicer now. Snow is pretty but it kind of sucks if you want to go out and drive. I really don't like winter in Seattle area. It's dark, gloomy and depressing. I go to the mall play area and the whole world is there. What can I do though? Glad your kiddos like the childcare. At good schools, they learn tons! My Sean knows ABC and numbers already and he can do some amazing crafts thanks to the childcare.

BIGRED -- Nice to hear from you. I am glad the babies and your wife are doing well. Are you going to find out the gender of the babies? Yeah tell me about it. I had huge lumps on my both hips from the shots. I bet she's really happy the end to that is getting near.

Twinmommy -- rolling over -- that is a big milestone. Is she practicing constantly? My Sean didn't roll over until 9 month and Noah until aaggah I don't remember. Isn't it horrible I cannot keep up with kids milestone records anymore? I have too many. Glad you got to spend time with your Mom. Moms are the best. My Mom is the best babysitter, cook, cleaner and counselor of all. Lately, I spend a lot of time with her because she comes to help out every birth(s).

Courtney -- You must be so happy to move into your new house. I would feel the same way if I lived with the in-laws for a while. I cannot imagine actually! So, glad it's over for you. Enjoy your new home. I understand what you are saying about people's comment on twins. I think they don't mean to be rude and since they are strangers, I just don't let it bother me. I don't get into IVF, either, unless they ask (which is rare) because well, my cousins are twins and the answer to the pouplar twins in family question is yes. I am sorry some people make you feel bad. It's ignorance on their part and I hope once your twins grow out of the baby state, they will stop asking you. In the Pacific Northwest, it is not too bad. But we do live in an urban area where fertility treatment is common.

I hope I did not miss anyone. It's Aly and Noah's birthday tomorrow~ Cannot believe they are going to be one. We survived the first year!

Oh I hear Alyson, so gotta go. Take care!

Kimi

[buckeyegal]

Kimi--OMG--I can't believe your little babies are going to be one tomorrow! How can that be? Enjoy the special day tomorrow!

Courtney--I so remember getting those questions! ARrrggh! I am not ashamed of IVF either (although, right now with that crazy octuplet situation--yikes!)...I used to be real honest with people, but then I got annoyed by all the questions! Especially when I was just trying to get an errand done. BUT....one day I was out shopping with my mom, and a sales clerk asked the IVF question, and I said "yes". She opened up to me that she was getting ready to go through IVF, and she was so happy to see a successful veteran! So, on that hand, I know I was able to help her feel better. ...These days I don't get that question as much. Some people don't believe me when I say they ARE twins! I do have some twins in my family (those are natural twins), so these days I just say "yeah, they run in our family"....only because I don't want to deal with all the questions while I have two squirmy toddlers on my hands, you know? Don't worry--all the hoopla will eventually die down. Someday.

Kholtan---great pics, once again! I do admire how well your babies travel. We don't get to travel much, and seeing your blog makes me "itch" to go somewhere! I know we'll travel to the lake a bunch this summer, but that's sooooo far away!

Di--please check in with us. I want to be sure you are okay!

[TwinMommy]

Courtney: I get that question all the dang time. I always say yes they run in my family because I do not feel like talking to people. Now if I am in a great mood I might talk about it but usually not. I am in no way ashamed of IVF but when you say they were IVF you get more questions OR people look at you like something is wrong with you or you are a horrible person. I have told everyone (friends and family) they are IVF and I have gotten a lot of friends who tell me that their friend is having issues with fertility and would I talk to them and I always say yes! I sometimes refer them to this board as well! IVF is nothing to be ashamed of. (Unless you are that mom of 14 and you have not way of supporting them...poor kids)

Kim: ARE YOU SERIOUS?! ONE TOMORROW! Gosh! Congrats on the first year! Sheesh, it is hard to believe they grow up!

They are working on the rolling over but it is not consistent. Well, Brooke it is but not Kenzie. Someday! Then I will not be able to let them just lay on the couch while I grab something from the kitchen

[BIGREDIOWAN]

tolbee: Yes, we will be finding out the gender of the babies. We need to know what to buy to plan ahead, plus we are both planners with everything so we want to have everything ready once they arrive. I'm still not trying to get too excited as we have a long way to go, but it's so hard.

[DianeC]

Hi all

I have been lurking and reading but very depressed about the fires here in Australia. I know we have floods as well but the fires take precedence as they have been so fierce. The death toll has reached 181 - I really can't believe it! The death toll is expected to be well over 200 people. Whole families have been wiped out. One father sent his only two children to his mother in law's house and went back to defend his house which was under threat. He lost his kids and his brother in law. The mother in law is in hospital with very bad burns. Apparently, it was not known that fires were in that area as well. One whole town got wiped out. There were 518 residents and they say the death toll here will reach the dozens. The fire warning was so short - they had very little time to get out. A lot of deaths occurred in cars as people were trying to leave at the last minute. Even people who had prepared their properties very well for fires, lost their lives as the ferocity and swiftness of the fires just overwhelmed them and they were unable to fight against it. It has been suggested that many animals have been lost as well with many animals being taken to vets for smoke inhalation and burns.

The danger is not over yet. There are still two massive fires burning out of control and if the wind changes over the weekend it could push it back into Melbourne which means that all suburbs on the fringe of the city will be at risk. People are very depressed and sickened by what has happened. Those poor men, women, and children who got caught in the fires - unimaginable the pain and suffering they must have went through - it just sickens me to think about it. I have family in Melb but thankfully none near the fires.

Bigred - we found out the sexes as well as we wanted to be organised and I am so glad I did! We did not have to to "shop" too busy with babies

Courtney - I say the minimum and keep walking. My two get very toey if I stop too long (or sometimes stop at all). If I stop it seems to give the signal that they can get out to have a run around! Congrats on moving into your new house - you must be so thrilled!

Kimi - congrats darl on surviving your first year It does get better just different challenges. New challenges for us include - tanties at the drop of a hat, biting, squealing (Harry), NO, NO, NO, running away when they think you want them and laughing all the way. Spitting out medicine, wiggling like mad at nappy changes (EWWW), and generally much more assertive and vocal about what they want. HeHeHe - Maybe Kim can add to that list

Kholtan - will check your blog to peek at your pics

Our holiday was great - beach everyday. H & B did well when eating out so that was a relief. Was not too sure how they would go. Great to be home too. I am still painting and nearly finished thankgoodness - I am soooo over painting. I have given the walls three coats of good quality paint so hopefully we don't have to do it again at least before we sell and move on. Have some study texts arrive this week so am back into it already. There is alot of reading this semester so thought I would get a good handle on it before the semester starts in just over two weeks.

Thinking of you all.

Di

[kholtan]

Diane~ I cannot believe the destruction and aftermath of those fires! We will all be thinking of you and all your fellow Australians as they try to get these fires under control. It's just unimaginable! Keep safe!
Glad to hear you are almost finished painting. It's such a chore but so well worth it when you see your finished product. We did our entire house 5 years ago and need to do it again so I am dreading the start! At least we did the outside 2.5 years ago and can wait on that!

Tolbee~ HAppy Birthday to you babies!!!!! Anything special for the day planned? Isn't it hard to believe how fast it all happens? My Dad always says they'll be shaving in no time! How true! So, you're pretty wiped out now huh? I imagine it's coming for me sooner than later but right now I still don't feel any different although the baby kicks up a storm now. Are you going to work until you have the baby or are you going to stop a bit earlier? I think the fact that I am probably over-active is paying off. Plus, I try to take my kids places now that they can run around freely without me interacting much. It's amazing how they have become so much more outgoing by doing this. Annelise was once a bit shy and now she is much more assertive! It's so nice to see her figure out what she needs and go for it instead of watching someone take it away.

Kim~ Do you guys have a lake near you or is the only one far away? Your dh is in the boating industry right? I agree it's nice our kids travel so well but I really think it's just what they are use to. One of my girlfriends has a son who cries nonstop in the car every time. That would put a damper on things for me personally! Now we have to entertain in the car because they know they are so mobile but I hope the boat is easier this summer. Although I'm not sure how teh new baby fits into taht picture? Our boating travels may be cut down a bit by small fry!

Courtney~ Congrats on the move!! What a relief!! I could NEVER, EVER live with my in-laws even for a week! My MIL is sweet but she can't ever stop herself from having an opinion on everything we do. About the comments, we too have twins in our family but it honestly doesn't bother me much. People are just curious and if I have the time I don't mind sharing but if I don't I just simply give a yes or no answer and excuse myself. There are quite a few conversations that I have had that have made me feel like I was really able to help people in the same situation so that is a nice reward for making yourself available. Like Kim, I don't get it as much anymore since mine don't look anything alike and that is nice. We use to be bombarded with people, especially when they were really small. Taht bothered me more than anything. People in their little faces constantly and needed to tell people not to touch them or get too close. Now is easier for sure. Good luck!

Suga~ Yeah for the rolling! Big things are coming your way. That's just the start and then all the sudden they are one! How is sleep going? House huntin?

Ok ladies. . .I watched the octuplet thing on NBC last night. . . . I am beside myself!!! She get disability for three of her children already and it's for one with autism (age 2) and then one with signs of autism and one with ADD. Who the heck gets disability for kids with Add???? No job, no income what-so-ever, food stamps already. . . .I don't even know where to begin! I am in total dismay that a fertility Dr. thought she was a good canidate for IVF again!!!!!! Dh and I were stunned by the end. Stunned!!!!

Better run, nap time has taken an ugly turn I hear!