Double Trouble

[tolbee]

Hi All!

I need some help... it's little Alyson. She's fighting naps every time now and I don't know what is going on. She just screams and cannot calm down. Eventually she gets snotty from all the crying and cannt sleep anymore. I think it is too soon for one nap a day (even for one nap, she fights it). Do you guys CIO for naps, too? It could be just a phase (separation anxiety maybe) and I don't want to make it a habit that she only takes one nap a day at this point. I don't know what is going on?? Or do you think she's ready for one nap a day? I think on babywise it says babies give up one nap around 16 mos?

She's screaming now and I want to pull my hair out!!

K

[TwinMommy]

tolbee: I can be of no help as I struggle with nap time myself. I think you are right though it says at 16 months they usually go to one with some kids...here is one blog I found a little helpful for me...

http://babywisemom.blogspot.com/

It is all about babywise stuff. Mine usually will only cry for 5 minutes max at nap time...if they cry for more than 10 minutes I get them up (Bad me!!)

Buckeye: My husband would do the same thing most likely. But I am sure he does feel odd that your dad is stepping up. Is it on the weekends? If it were on the weekends mine would do it but I would probably have to drag him as I do to other places as well. He works so hard all week he wants to sleep/relax on weekends and kids get in the way of that BIG time!

Well, they are good at 3.5 hours in between feeds. They eat more as well if I do that. 4 hours is too long for Brooke, I think perfect for Kenzie but she will have to settle with 3.5 at the moment. Naps we are going to keep working on. Please pray they do not get my cold as bad as I have it!!!'


Well, the husband went to bed with the girls at 7PM So I am FREE from everyone!!! *jumps for joy* I am having a girl friend come over at 8:30 for a brief visit. Then, I can do whatever I want to till 10PM!! So I am going to go wash bottles, make formula, and I am done for the night! No dinner to cook no nothing! (I know, great English for a teacher haha)

[buckeyegal]

Suga--Enjoy your evening! Glad to hear the 3.5 hour feeds are going well. The naps will come! My DH sounds like yours...he wants to relax during the weekend...so he can unwind from work---like I haven't worked all week too!

Kimi--My kiddos dropped the second nap around 15 months. But, they didn't really scream....they started to nap really long in the a.m. and didn't want to nap in the p.m. (They'd play instead.) I've heard of some kids trying to go to one nap at a year....but I'd have to wonder if something else is bothering her. Is she napping in the same room as her brother? Does she use a paci? I'd probably let her CIO for a while...how many days has she done this? If it's been a few days, I'd try to do one nap and see what happens. good luck! The one nap transition is a hard one!

[kholtan]

Kimi~ So bummed to hear about your dilema! Does she cry at night as well of just during the day? If she has started crying everytime you put her in I would have her ears checked. It's a long shot but I would just stick to your guns. Mine are almost 18 months and still do 2 naps a day but I can tell we are gearing up for just one here pretty soon. With Alyson it sounds like there is something else going in since she is so hesitant to nap at all???Hmmmph! Mine don't cry at all when they go in for naps or bed but if I ever hear whining 10-15 minutes into the nap I know one of them has made a doop and I just change then and send them back to bed. That's all I really can think of. Keep us posted and good luck for sure!

Suga~ Don't ya love a night off?!?! No matter how small it's always nice to just take care of. . . NO ONE!!!! You'd think on anight off we would all be dolling up to go out but there is nothing I love more now than to do nothing at all! ENJOY!!! Sounds like you are getting your schedule in control! Good for you and the girls!

Kim~ Oh the camera shopping! I actually had the Olympus C-770 and LOVED it!!! I bought it about 5 years ago and it did a great job taking any and all shots. It had 10X zoom and 4 mp but was brand new so it was super pricey. I think I payed over $600 for it! So, it was slowing down and acting funny and after paying so much for it I thought I should try to fix it first. This fabulous camera store here locally where my family has been buying our cameras for 20 years basically told me it was simply old and out dated! My Dad, the love he is, wanted to get me a bigger fancier camera but they just got so BIG from that type on so I went with a little lesser camera and LOVE it!!!!! It's an Olympus Stylis. It's soooooooo fast and takes clear pictures(when I do things right) and it's features are sooooooo easy to use. I literally find myself using tons of different features because they are fast to get to and easy to use. I just couldn't carry around a big camera anymore and I figure when I need my other one I'll use it. The best part is. . . .IT's PINK!!! I chose pink so DH wouldn't think it was his anymore!

About the swimming lessons. . .At least your Dad will go! My Dh could never be counted on for that many weekends in a row and I have no other family who would even want to. My Dad gets a little overwhelmed with the babies after too long and he's not big on lots of other kids in loud places or new places. He's a creature of habit for sure. You must take pictures for sure! I would LOVE to put the kids in swim but I think I have to wait another 6 months for a class that they can both do with just me. But then I guess what do I do with the baby????

Courtney~ My Dad and I are in the same city which is great. For almost 10 years I lived on the east coast and he lived here in Idaho but I came home a lot. Destin is nice! The beaches are beautiful there. Tampa is nice too though. I lived there for about 6 years. I went to college in Tampa and Sarasota. There are AMAZING activites for kids there. The zoo is the best zoo for kids I have ever seen! Busch Gardens is like a live Africa exhibit and close up! Lots of great kid museums, aquariums, beaches, stores. . .I think you'll enjoy visiting. It's kind of a crazy city but it's fun. It's much nicer being near my Dad though. We are close for sure. Sounds like you and your dad are the same!

Ok. . . I wrote a book! Sorry!!!

[DianeC]

Hi all

Gosh, you can all talk I had three pages to skim before posting so maybe I should stay in touch more often

The fires here in Australia are still burning and the toll of lives lost has reached 210. Just so sad - families being wiped out and towns as well. I am concerned now because I have friends and family where the fires are now. RAIN RAIN RAIN....

We did not do amino either as I considered it too much risk. Our babies were 9th attempt IVF and I was not risking anything....

Kholtan - CONGRATS girl on your son. Actually, I remembered you were going in for a scan on the 17th which is why I am here today I thought you would have a girl too.

Day sleeps - our still have a 3 hour day sleep - sometimes 3 1/2 hours of sleep. They wake up at around 5.30 - 6.00am and we get them up at 6.15ish. I put them down for their sleep at 11.00 - 11.30am. I also give them bruch before sleep and the sandwiches when they wake up.

I will have to get some playdough for them as I never thought they were there yet I got them some crayons for the bath and they love them! Bronte draws on herself and thinks it is great - it washes off easily

Harry is really talking these days. He has a great range of words. He said rain as he pointed to the rain and he said thunder - now that surprised me. Today he saw a bus go past our car and plain as day he said bus. He can now say the "s" so anything with an "s" is exaggerated which is so funny to hear.

I have almost finished painting the inside of our house and I must say our 1920's cottage is starting to look a real treat. Just have to do the trimmings, get another rug and new curtains.

I start uni next week and have to go away for three nights to a residential - arggg... I am worried about leaving the twins as I am not too sure how they will go. I think Harry will be OK but Bronte can still be clingy.....

NEWS FLASH..........I have booked an appointmet with our fertility specialist to talk about doing some more cycles We have 6 embyros left (blasts) so I want to try and see what happens. I know the chances are slim but I would like to try. I was not sure when the twins were born if I wanted to go again but I think I am there and ready. We will see....My appointment is on the 12th March.

Sorry I was not specific in my post to each individual but just know I do read and follow your journies and I think it is great that you all share.

Take care

Di

[DianeC]

Kim - I just had a look at your photos - gosh, they have grown. Ellis has a lot of hair! My two have the same cheekiness about them. I posted some photos two lines down from you. I just cannot believe how the time has flown. Does anyone know where the pause button is?

Di

[tolbee]

Thanks for your advice, guys.
In the end yesterday, the nap#2 didn't work out because Alyson started to gag from crying too much and ended up throwing up ! So, CIO probably won't work for her. She was never a CIO type... She gets so worked up and panics. So, I think what I am thinking is to maybe extend her awake time. She fell asleep in the car when we went to pick up her brother at the daycare so I know she still needs a nap in the afternoon. Noah's still happy to sleep twince a day, he does not fight it and quietly goes to bed.

Kimberly -- how nice your Dad got you a new camera! I wish my family lived nearby. My camera also is no longer fast enough for my twins and all pictures now days are fuzzy. Since it's something you use everyday, I am sure it's nice that it's easy to use and has lots of cool features. My parents are also very generous and that they are willing to step in and help financially if we need help with childcare costs. I am the only child so to this day, all the love and attention are pourd onto me .

Buckeye -- I want SRL, too, but I am also concerned about the usability of it. I am not the type to read the manual and feel like I may not end up using all the features. However, I was into photography in college and that I know I enjoy taking photos. But that was when everyone was using manual camera, so we'll see. I think I'll wait for a few years maybe when I have less baby gear to haul around and by then maybe the prices would come down some more. It's nice your Dad will attend swim lessons with you. I used to take Sean to a lesson at our gym, too, and bummed that we can't let twins take swimming at the moment. Maybe your hubby feels guilty now?

Twinmommy -- glad you were able to have some free time for yourself. Sounds like your hubby is making lots of effort to take a load off you. That is so nice. With three kids, we hardly ever have time to relax but we try to give each other some breaks once in a while. If 3.5 hour schedule works for the girls, that's great. Hope you feel better soon. When I have a cold, I put on a mask so that I don't cough on them and try hard not to let them touch my mouth etc... I know it's hard but it can minimize the symptoms if at all.

DianeC -- I hope the rain comes and the fire gets put out soon. That is so sad. I read about the flooding again yesterday and this year and what a disaster. What are you studying in the uni? I would be worried, too, if I have to leave my kiddos for three days (more like concerned about my husband's sanity maybe) but sometimes they surprise you! Sean was obsessed with playdough and it drove me nuts but it's fun for kids. Nice Harry is able to say many words. Being able to communicate plays a big part in shorter tantrum phase, so more he talks it's better! It helps with potty training as well. Good luck with the appt. That is a big step but if you feel ready that is the good time for you and your family. Keep us posted! I also had frozen blasts and they are my twins now.

Aly and Noah had a 1yr appt yesterday. My nanny went with us to the appt and I am so glad because the twins were so wiggly and restless at the office. Aly was 24 pounds exactly and Noah was 23 lbs and 6 oz. They were about 32 inches long as well. They are over 97% in hight! My husband is tall but I am not tall so I don't know why my babies are this big! Sean's also very tall (and skinny) wearing 4T sizes already. They are both healthy and doing well. I ordered the collar thingy for Aly yesterday. She'll start wearing it from next week. We'll see how it goes!

Well, better get back to work now.

Take care and have a good day, everyone!

Kimi

[TwinMommy]

well it was very nice last night to have everyone in bed and just me up. I had to feed the girls by myself at 10 but it was ok. They are quick at that time anyways! However, Brooke woke up at 9PM STARVING since she did not eat a big dinner...then I woke Kenzie up to eat at 10 and she would not wake up so I put her back to bed. Then Brooke woke up at 12:30AM and she ate so I went ahead and tried Kenzie again...she ate. THEN Brooke tried to wake up at 4:30AM and I did not get her out of bed. I was doped up on NyQuil and so drowsy from that I made her cry it out. I was not having it! She cried for maybe 10-15 minutes? I dunno I did not time it. Maybe have not even been that long. Then she would wake up every 10-20 and do a short little cry. She woke Mackenzie up but Kenzie just talked for a minute and went back to sleep. Well, I got them out of bed at 7AM and they ate. They went back to bed and slept for 1 1/2 hours and then ate at 10:30AM and went back to bed at 11.

Long story short, tonight I will feed them still at 10-10:30 but I am letting Brooke cry it out. Seriously, she is heavy enough to go the night. She is just used to getting up now, I see it in her eyes!! Mackenzie I think will do fine because she is hard to wake up at night. So they are both crying it out tonight if they wake up! I am SICK of getting up in the middle of the night. So I think a week of no sleep with them crying will be much better than a lifetime of them waking up! haha. So wish me luck! I am going for it Kholtan!!!

tolbee: Maybe if you soothe her before her nap she will sleep? She may be over stimulated and can not sleep thus cries a lot? Or is she cranky the rest of the day without that nap? If not, she may just be done with it.

Diance: They are not talking about it much over here any more but I did hear the death got that high. Have they arrested the people that did it? Your kids are so big! Were they full term? Good luck with your new cycle of frozens!

OH, I almost forgot!! I need help! Brooke has started to roll onto her tummy at night/naps! I would not be scared but she like burrows her face into the mattress!! So I just flip her back onto her back. Scares the crap out of me! I thought at first she was just going onto her side but that was not the case. They are both wanting to sleep on their sides...sides are fine. But not tummy because they can not flip back over from their tummy back to their back yet...what do I do? Positioners make them mad...

[kholtan]

Suga~ WHOOOHOOOO! You go girl!!!!! I am rootin' for ya! I have read over and over that if you make a good sleeper of your children early on it will last throughout childhood. I am a believer. When Bodie started getting up again with all his issues at 4months, we started catering to him and then one night I was just done! Fed up! We let him cry it out and it took all of 5minutes and then the next night he woke up and went right back to sleep and that was the end! I think you will see this plan work for you! I cannot wait to hear from you tomorrow! good luck! Can't help on the rolling over since mine were back sleepers until about 10 months. When tehy did roll, I am bac, I just either gently put them in the center or rolled them back.

Kimi and Kim~ What's the SRL??

Kimi~ Lucky about the attention! I'm one of 4 but the only girl so I guess I get a bit more attention for that but not too much. Your parent's sound great! It's nice no matter how old you get to know you can fall back on family when you need them. I hope you get Miss Alyson figured out soon. Poor little thing must be tired. Maybe she just wants a little one-on-one time with ya!

Diane~ I hope your next round works for you! H&B are so stinkin' cute and I'm sure another sibling woiuld be fun for them as well! Good luck and let us know how it goes. There is so much baby dust on this page we can send it your way!
I'm so sad about your fires still burning. We will jsut be praying that your family and friends all stay safe and that the rains come and quiet this disaster! You and your loved ones are in out thoughts for sure!
I bet the kiddos talking is a riot! The funny things babies say. Make sure you get it on video!
Did you do some fun colors in the house? I am thinking about doing a little renovating before our remodel in some rooms but don't know what yet. I love decorating!

Better get off this computer! Dh has a busy day and we are determined to get some fun in this afternoon while the sun is shining.

[buckeyegal]

Kholtan--the SLR cameras are the ones with the big lenses---probably the big ones you don't want to deal with? I have my little Olympus (not as nice as yours!) that I can toss in the diaper bag, but I want a camera that has a faster shutter speed, etc. so I can get good shots of the kids. My SIL has one...not sure what type, and it's really easy to use. Every pic she takes of my kids is gorgeous!

Di--OMG--good luck to you! Oh, I'll be sending baby vibes your way! If I had any frozen embies, I would surely give it a go. But no embies here. And, this may sound weird.....but I LOVED being preggo....and I LOVE my children...but I don't think I want any more? At least not right now? Does that sound horrible? Maybe I'll change my mind someday, but I just feel really blessed the way things are, so I'm not going to tempt fate---YET! Harry and Bronte are so cute! I love their cheeks! Another cheeky baby would be a great addition! Keep us posted!

Suga--You go girl! You can do it!

[TwinMommy]

Seriously, pray for me! I will not give in tonight! lol. Brooke and I are in the living room tonight so Kenzie can do her thing in the room.

And, it looks like we have a good schedule now...

Things are looking up!

[DianeC]

Hi all

Twinmommy - we did the same with our two from around 10 to 14 weeks and eventually they got the message I never let them really cry - when it got to that stage I went in picked the baby (usually Bronte) calmed her and firmly put her back to bed. It worked in the end and my two were sleeping through from 3 1/2 months old. It worked so well that they have a great sleep rountine even now! The twins were born at 35 weeks. Harry was 5lb 15oz and Bronte 4lb 12oz.

Camera's - we have a really good one which can be used manually or on automatic. I am very happy with the pictures it takes and yes, it does get a work out on a regular basis

Kholtan - we opted for a classic look. Cream in the hallway and lounge and a soft green in the kitchen. Trimmings are lighter colours. We have beautiful rugs and a red lounge so I thought plain lighter colours would be best. I kept window dressing's away as we have great gardens to view and it also lets the light in. We are lucky as we only have one neighbour who is on our driveway side. Next year we have a verandah to close in for a study for me and then Bronte will have the room which I use for a study now. I will also finish painting the rest of the house - lucky me!

Kim - The IVF may not work so I am resigned to that but just had to try. I think I am ready and if it did work there would be about 3 years between them all. I understand what you are saying because I felt that way up until about 6 months ago.

Don't even want to think too hard about going away next week - Tolbee - I am doing my psychology honours year this year.

I have been found - it seems my two need some cuddles

Di

[TwinMommy]

Well, I am half asleep while I write this! But last night, well, I just pray it gets better...it does get better right?!?!

Here is a little summary of last night for those who care:

Brooke woke up at 2:30AM and I let her cry. I did console her after she cried for 5 minutes (and I mean CRY...like I was murdering her!) then she passed back out after 7 minutes of crying total. She did wake up and whimper every so often but for the most part she was out.

Mackenzie woke up at 4AM and wow, I thought she was dying. She cried for 5 minutes I went and consoled her. Then she cried for another 10 minutes, I went and consoled her..etc, etc. She cried for almost 30 minutes!!! I was about to give up because I though, well maybe she really is hungry...but I did not! She passed out.

However, Mackenzie crying woke up Brooke off and on and she cried as well. She was in and out of sleep crying. So I probably went back to bed at 5AM? So awake from 2:30 to 5AM makes me really tired!!!

They ate more at breakfast though and took a loooong nap. Like 2 1/2 hour nap! So I went back to bed with them. They just ate and are down for their next nap. They also waited 4 hours between feeds! They did not eat as much this last feed so I am sure it will only be 3 1/2 hours before the next feed. Anyways, I hope tonight is better. I hope Mackenzie does not cry for as long....

Well, time for me to eat, I am hungry!

[kholtan]

Suga~ Just keep in mind that it has taken you 6 months to train them to get up at night and it could take a few nights to break the cycle. Over all I think it was good really!!! You kept to your guns! Good job! Also, as soon as they understand that no food is coming their way they will be less inclined to get up. The next step would be no attention either. Baby steps right?? I am still cheering you on from Idaho!!!!!

Diane~ Your house sounds lovely! Window treatments have been on the back burner here as well. We have no neighbors really since we all live on farm lots and we have a beautiful view of the mountains from the front of our property. Also, we have a huge circle drive way that is lined with trees which give us privacy so I never felt the need to put them up other than in the kids room. I would love some beautiful panels to just hang on the side in a dupione silk or something but too many other things going on at once.

Kim~ I know the kind of camera you are talking about. I do love the kind of photos they take for sure. I think in the end you need a fabulous camera like that and a small portable one that you can toss in your bag for everyday. I just wish I had some way to afford all these things that I am just certain I need!

We have a couple really fun playdates planned today so I better get myself ready. The sun us shining so I am already excited to get these two outside to play!

[TwinMommy]

I will do not attention tonight. I just fear that they need burped and are screaming because of that. Thus why I tried that last night. Probably tonight I will not do that because I think that made Mackenzie cry longer.