Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Birth Plan and Must- Haves

Baby Grayson will be here very soon! I am so excited to have a "real" birth experience! I am thankful for modern medicine and that they were able to safely deliver my twins, but I admit... I feel totally ripped off, when it comes to the experience as a whole. This time around, we are studying the Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing techniques.

I have done a ton of research the past several months and have decided to do a VBAC at Hudson Hospital. It's about a 30 minute drive, but well worth it. They not only support my decision, they encourage it. My room will be prepared for a water birth, but I will have to see how that feels in the moment. Hudson does many water births and the doctors have great things to say about them. They also encourage a natural birth with little to no interventions of medicine, exams, monitoring, etc...

Basically, I am hoping to experience a non-medicated and unassisted birthing experience, where I deliver my own baby, in a hospital. We shall see what happens, but I am putting out positive thoughts!

I will be taking my own linens, pillows, and gown for birthing, simply to be as comfortable as possible.

The gown and pajamas I have chosen are from http://www.belabumbum.com/ and it is the softest lounge wear I have ever worn. It's beautiful and practical for pregnancy and nursing. They also have a set with a matching infant outfit, that Grayson will be able to wear at the hospital. So cozy!!! Who says you have to look like a frump while in the hospital? No thanks! Yes, I know, many of you experienced labor mothers are probably saying I am crazy, but just let me believe this for the moment:)

I also MUST mention my nursing/maternity bras from http://www.nummies.com/! These bras are exceptional quality and I can't say enough about them. They have a ton of styles. I have the T-shirt, Fashion, and Everyday Bras. The Everyday Bra will be perfect for the hospital and I wear it at night too- will continue to sleep in this while nursing. The other two are perfect for wearing under clothes and are completely supportive, yet you can't even tell you are wearing a bra. They are amazing. I may nurse forever, if I get to wear these all the time! I will never want to go back to my old ones:)

A few other things in my bag are massage balls, lavender oil, snacks, and coconut water. I am painting a very perfect picture in my head, aren't I?! Wink wink;) Wish me luck!

Guncle- round two... or should I say three?

I cannot believe that it's been a year and a half since the twins were born and we are already about to welcome another baby. January is our due month and I am thinking the first couple of weeks is when he will arrive, if not before then.

I am planning on getting a "belly shot" soon. It's hard to find time for anything this go around... my days are spent chasing two 18 month olds. No complaints there. This is the BEST stage ever! They are so fun! My favorite part is still the twin talk. Nothing like it:) They entertain themselves very well and I spend a lot of the day trying to save my energy and not aggravate the pains of pregnancy.

Guncle will be here Monday and we are so excited for him to stay a while. I am kind of afraid he may want to leave early, when he realizes what he is in for around here!



Bet he didn't think he would be back a year later for another nugget!


Most people are asking how I will get around with 3 under 1.5? Well, I plan to use the Stroll- Air for the twins and carry the infant in a Sleepy Wrap. Yep, that is the plan... we shall see, but NO I will not be getting a triple stroller... OR a mini van, if you were wondering. 


I must add that this stroller has saved me in pregnancy. It's super light (hints the name) and compact. It has awesome storage (grocery:) space, Winter covers, AND the organizational accessories are amazing. I highly recommend.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Grain on the Brain

I feel without a doubt, that grains are really bad for us. Especially, since the majority of our grains are made  with GMO. For some reason, I CANNOT get the constant thought of feeding the twins a "grain" for breakfast, out of my head! I have been struggling with them eating bread or oatmeal for awhile now and despite the harm grains have on our digestive system, I still can't help but want to feed them grains. Maybe, I feel like they are good fillers or maybe I am just finding myself brainwashed and unable to escape the common thought process about these "healthy" whole grains... I don't know.

I eat grains, although I am not a bread lover by any means. I guess, it just goes to show you, that no matter how much you have learned, you still have these things embedded in your brain. I mean, society has told us that whole grains are good for us, for a very long time. Why would we think any differently?
I need to just let it go... at least the twins are anti bread/grain and not fruit/veggie.

I have finally found the most amazing leak free cup for the twins smoothies. It's the Playtex Twist 'n Click... the one with the straw. Seriously NO LEAKS, easy cleaning, and the straw is big enough for the thick smoothie to pass through with ease. Love this one!

This morning they polished off a blueberry, banana, apple, and raw goat milk.The BEST thing about smoothies is that they are mess free!!

Here is an excellent blog entry on the effect grains have on our bodies. A friend sent this to me and I think this blogger explains it so well. Enjoy the read:)


http://wellnessmama.com/575/how-grains-are-killing-you-slowly/

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Inside the Mind of a Mother of Twins: Nap Time Madness

It's 12:30. The twins and I are in the car, driving home from a play date.

"Everlynn?! Vivian!? Stay awake! Please don't go to sleep..."
God I hope they don't go to sleep. What's the speed limit? Oh great, the sky is black. It's about to pour.
It's pouring. Maybe it will keep them awake.
I glance into the mirror. They are out cold.
Perfect. Oh well.
Nothing I can do. Should I slow down and let them sleep, or keep going? If I hurry then they will only get ten minutes. Hmmmmmm...

12:45
Alright, we are home. Should I leave them in here to sleep? It's just a garage.
Why does this creep me out?! It's not too warm- not too cold. I could totally sleep in here. I could turn on Kyle's work bench light, so if they wake they won't be scared.
No, they will wake up since the car is stopped.
It's still pouring... maybe the noise will help them stay asleep... maybe. Okay, how asleep are they? Yeah, they are knocked out.
Poor babies. They need sleep. They're both teething hard core. They are barely sleeping at night. They need to nap...but I know they won't stay asleep.
Should I TRY and transfer them asleep? Yeah right. Been there, tried that many times.
If I wake them, they will be wired. Oh! I could get bottles ready and have the rooms dark and ready for a nap... yeah, that is a good idea...
...slowly getting out of the car... STUPID beeping!
Errrrr... shutting the door... okay this is working. Still sleeping. Running up stairs... bottles bottles... shutting windows, turning off lights...
Okay, gotta get them out of the car, without waking them too much... oh, but they are SO cute and VERY asleep... I should just leave them in here...
...I should get a fan for noise. And the monitor.... running back up the stairs.
Got it.
Fan, monitor, and bench light.
Okay, they should be fine. I mean, the dogs would bark if something strange happened.
They are fine.
They are sleeping.
I am starving. Going to make a quick lunch and eat.
Got the monitor... sitting down to eat.
Vivian screaming.
That didn't work. Got to get her before she wakes Everlynn.
Okay, the milk is still warm, room is ready.
She's is poopy. I think I can change her and still try for a nap. She only slept 20 minutes max.
Changed and laying her down... please don't cry!
Please go to sleep.
Take the bottle and just go to sleep...
1:00
I should check on Everlynn. Can't hear the monitor in here with Vivian.
Please don't cry when I leave Vivian...
...I will go fast. Vivian screams. Crying crying crying...
Everlynn is fine. Still sleeping.
Okay, Vivian doesn't want the bottle. Still crying. It's her teeth. Yep, hands in the mouth and face pounding in the sheets. Teeth. No drugs yet. Try patting her to sleep.
Patting patting paaaaaaaaaattttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggg..............
5 minutes....
10 minutes.... still patting...
...I need to check on E. What if she woke up in the garage and is scared. I gotta stop patting, but V will really wake up then... oh well.
Maybe she can cry for a few minutes and she will go to sleep!
Yeah RIGHT. What planet am I on right now... the one where everybody tries to function on no sleep or food. Yep.
Leaving Vivian crying. Checking on Everlynn...
Everlynn is awake. Crying.
Total sleep time for Everlynn, 30 minutes.
Okay, that cannot be enough, she looks exhausted. They were up at 4, so total night sleep time was 9ish hours... no way she has had enough.
Vivian still screaming from her crib...
Everlynn is dirty. Gotta change her,but V is screaming... I hate having to always CHOOSE between babies!! It's not fair to them.
Okay,  maybe when E is clean, she will take her bottle and just go to sleep.
HA.
Okay, E is changed, bottle, lights, fan, and PLEASE sleep.
Vivian... still screaming, jumping, biting her hand- she needs something. Poor thing. I hate teething!!!!
Screw teething. My poor baby is in pain.
I hate this.
I HATE drugging her... should I... yes I should. She is hurting....
... and poopy... again. Changing her. Please go to sleep after this.
Please.
I am hungry.
I hope E is not screaming... I hope she goes to sleep.
There is no way either of them have had enough sleep. They will be total train wrecks without a good nap. Especially since they are teething...
Okay, back in the crib Vivian.
Patting patting patting....
5 minutes...
10 minutes...
I hear E screaming.
Awesome... just as V is falling asleep.
Wonder how long she has been crying. 8 ounces of milk, so probably only a couple minutes. Should I let her cry? Come on Vivian, GO TO SLEEP!
Almost asleep... okay sleeping.

Everlynn! POOPY! AGAIN!
SERIOUSLY!!!
Okay, then maybe after she is clean, she will sleep. Then both babies will be sleeping. Hopefully a hour at least.
Back in the crib Everlynn. Pat pat pat... leaving the room.
Screaming... more patting patting patting paaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg...........
5 minutes...
trying to leave the room.... nope crying.
Patting patting..........
5 mins...
10 mins...
Sleeping.
Yes!!!! Both sleeping.
Leaving quietly.
What?
VIVIAN!! God help me.
What does a mom with triplets do!?!?
Vivian dirty AGAIN.
1:45ish
Changing Vivian. Holding, soothing, back in the crib.
I cannot keep leaning over this crib.
I am smashing baby Grayson and my back is killing me.
Going to stick my arm through... right... here. That should work.
Kinda tight.
Get past the elbow...
... much better.
Now, I can sit on the floor and pat more comfortably.
Pat pat pat, slowly try to stop... screaming....
More patting patting patting.........
5 minutes. 10 minutes.
Is this even worth it?!!?
YES. Everlynn is sleeping, so both babies would be sleeping and I can EAT, finish laundry, clean the kitchen, etc....
it's totally worth it.
Come on V sleep for momma.
Patting patting patting...
20 minutes... still patting....
She is asleep!
Awesome.
It's gotta be past two, so I should eat first.
I need to pee sooooo bad.
Holy crap.
My arm is stuck in the freakin' crib rails!
No.
No.
You have GOT to be kidding me.
Yeap. It's stuck. I hope E is still sleeping and not screaming...
Now what? I am going to have to call a neighbor. My arm is seriously STUCK.
I don't have my phone!
God I have to pee so BAD.
Oh my GOD, I am going to be stuck here until Kyle gets home and the babies are going to wake up....... and Everlynn is going to have to cry for HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!
Wait.
I can reach the Earth Mama Bottom Balm with my toes.
Reaching..... please please..... Vivian don't wake up... don't wake up... stretching... got it!!
Lather it up and it slides right out!
Yes!!!!
I am free.
Pee, eat, laundry... I have MAYBE an hour, if Ever sleeps as much as she needs to.
Awe... okay, now for FOOD.

It's 2:45... another 2 plus hours down the drain.
Vivian crying again.
I give up.
I GIVE UP for today with Vivian. Hopefully E stays asleep, so I have at least one well rested, happy child.
Well, I obviously was asking too much.

"Come on Vivian! Sister is awake. Let's go get her..."

Total sleep time for Everlynn- about 50 minutes (including the car ride home)
Total sleep time for Vivian- approx 30 minutes

This should be a fun afternoon. I wish I could say this was a "bad" nap day. Nope. It's very much in the "normal" range, when it comes to our sleeping issues.
Sometimes the frustration is so overwhelming, the only way to help is write. I should be doing that laundry or something, but I am completely exhausted.
Who knows, maybe I will give a copy to the twins when they are mothers some day.

At the end of the day... I still hope they are blessed with twins. I would not trade it for anything.
Not even food or sleep... or a toddler that takes beautiful peaceful naps.

I remind myself of this quote multiple times a day.

 Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being.” ― Kittie Frantz

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

50 Pounds of Crazy

Well, it's evident to me that I will only be blogging on a quarterly basis now. Where does the time go anyway? I absolutely cannot believe I am almost 6 months pregnant and it seems like yesterday, I was in the hallway on the floor, about to pass out from shock.

I have somewhat come to terms with the fact that I soon will have 3 children under a year and a half. Although, I can't even begin to process how I will do it. Guncle Jamie will be coming to stay for a month or so, part being before the birth. This pregnancy is a breeze compared to my first. My biggest complaint is the heartburn, but it's nothing like what I had with the twins. Grayson kicks the heck out of me every night, starting around 9 p.m. and ending around midnight. I could REALLY use those extra hours of sleep!
I have found an amazing hospital to birth the baby and they fully support my choice to have a VBAC.... looking forward to my first "real" birthing experience. I plan to birth Grayson without any drugs or intervention. I am actually very hopeful of this, as my hospital's c-section rate is one of the lowest in the country, as well as their intervention rates. We shall see...

Oh the TWINS! I swear I will stop referring to them as the "twins" very soon... that and my many bad habits I have adapted to, as a mother of multiples. They are walking, running, wild little 24 lb gals! Everlynn started walking around 14 months and Viv followed about 3 weeks later. They are into EVERYTHING. That is an understatement. Let no cabinet or drawer be left unlocked or else! One twin can create a disaster zone, faster than I can grab the other that was initiating the disaster in the first place. The noise level is out of control, as they are extremely vocal little ladies. They feed off of each other and the cycle of crazy never ends!

Currently both are breaking their molars and it's super fun! We moved them back into the same room to make another nursery. Yes, we have 3 cribs now:) We thought this would make for a tough transition, but they LOVE sleeping together. Biting each other by day, cuddling by night. Of course.

My favorite thing about having two toddler girls right now:

- Watching them play with "ba-bee" dolls
- Witnessing the very VERY occasional display of affection towards one another
- Tons of kisses and hugs (especially to dada)
- Experiencing how very different these identical twins behavior actually is- it's the most interesting thing ever!
- Twin language, which sounds something like Japanese and Extraterrestrial language

The struggles:


- Biting each other
- Mopping/Sweeping the floors 3+ times a day, never ending laundry, and constant noise
- Anything involving being seated in a stroller
- Anything involving being seated ANYWHERE... or leaving the house period:))

I now understand why mothers of twins or more, never take their 1-2 year old to the mall or shopping. Target used to be our best friend, our place of entertainment and leisurely walks, now it's the source of my emotional breakdowns. I am lucky, if I can hold in the tears through check-out.

Although, I did receive a 30% discount at Old Navy the other day. The lady said "Well, I just feel so bad for you. You deserve this much!" Yep. I felt pathetic, but I will take the savings!!

As far as the twins health, we are still doing something right. They managed the Summer with no illness. We are still vaccine free and it's the best decision we have ever made for them. I learn more and more everyday, of the negative side effects on the immune system, chronic illness, allergies, and inflammation, for which vaccines play a huge role. We have yet to have more than congestion and/or a runny nose and that speaks louder than words, considering they are 16 months old.

... and yes, we managed to dodge the Measles epidemic in the Twin Cities. "Epidemic" being all of 20 people. That was a close one. Lucky for those victims, they are now 85% less likely to develop a long list of cancers later in life. Including Breast Cancer, the second largest killer of women in America. Just an interesting fact:)







































Life is crazy. Some days I don't know how I manage all of it, being 25 weeks pregnant, but I am trying to love every minute of it. I try to freeze the precious moments in my mind, as I know I won't remember all of them. I can't get over how much they are changing right before my eyes... turning into little girls so quickly. It breaks my heart!

I have to say, that I am loving the Fall weather! I usually dread the Fall, because with that, Winter comes soon after, but given the difficulties leaving the house with the girls, we won't be missing much anyhow. Kyle and I are thrilled about the arrival of baby Grayson and Guncle Jamie this Winter! This should make for an unforgettable Holiday Season with Everlynn and Vivian!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

"It gets easier. I promise."

I have found it extremely difficult, almost impossible, to write a blog entry in the past couple of months. Its much less time consuming to post a sentence or two on Facebook. Not only did we go from a rapid army crawl, to full on crawling, but both babies made the transition on the exact same day! Of course they did:) They officially started to crawl three weeks ago, around their 11 month birthday. I had no idea that this would be so much work! 


Then there is/was the teething... both babies have been teething for the past 4 months. They each broke their first tooth one day apart from the other. I will say, that having two babies teething at once is far more exhausting, then I ever thought possible. It was really hard in the beginning, because they were not coordinated enough to hold a teething ring to their mouth. Therefore, there was no relief for them. For a while, we were feeling like we were back in the beginning, with the lack of sleep and all. The twins were restless day and night. Most days, they would take a 20 minute nap each and if I was lucky, another 20 minute nap in the afternoon. Then the first "cold" hit at about 10 and a half months.  Both babies started getting these icky cold symptoms with each tooth that would break through the gums. So, basically, they are still icky. It comes and goes with each tooth that breaks... and so does the sleep. On average, we are still up 2 or 3 times a night and this is getting old... fast. 



Everybody keeps telling me, "It will get easier."
My favorite was two weeks ago, a young mother followed me and the babies out the the parking lot of T.J. Max. 
She said, "Excuse me! I just wanted to tell you that it gets easier. You know, with the twins and all. It gets easier." Very friendly lady, but I thought it a little strange for her to follow me out there. It's not as if I was complaining or struggling in any way. The twins were acting like angels in the store. 

So, then I said to her, "Oh! Thanks. How old are your twins?". She replied, "I don't have twins, well, kinda, but they are 1 and 3. They are the same height, so everybody thinks they are twins." 
I am thinking you "kinda" have twins that are 1 and 3!? I just gave her the "look" and continued loading the babies into the car. Not only does she not have twins, but she doesn't even have children close enough in age, that would be hitting these milestones around the same time. So, really, she cannot relate to my life at all, but whatever... 

I get this a lot. I actually don't mind these ridiculous comments, as they are quite humorous  and make for a good story. I really should write a book. 

So, in my experience, which is all I have, I can only speak for myself... and probably my husband too,  when I say that at this stage in the game, things are much more difficult.  Granted, I am more than grateful, that I no longer go DAYS without sleep, I can still honestly say that even two infants, are easier than what I deal with now. I no longer tell new moms that it gets easier.  I tell them the truth, "Just wait until they are mobil! Babies are easy!" I get really bad looks, but come on... I think after we adjust to the baby stage and get through the sleepless nights, we can all look back and admit that it wasn't that bad. 




Some fun milestones that make everyday worth the battle: 


-Hair... and CURLS!
- Saying Mama and Dada
-Crawling (11 months, same day)
-Twin to twin conversation, just babbling
-Recognizing each other's features, pulling on the other's hair, ears, poking eyes, etc... 
-Kisses to each other (when somewhat forced) and to Mama and Dada
-Standing in cribs (10.5 months)
-Eating all kinds of solid foods (fish, chicken, eggs, nuts, fruit, steamed veggies, their favorite are oranges, pretty much anything we eat that is organic or close to it) 
-Pulling up and walking along furniture (started at about 11 months)
-Playing (and fighting) together with toys
-Clapping and waving (I must add that Vivian has the most contagious smile when she claps! Cutest thing EVER!)
-Both walking with a walker 
-Both can hold and drink out of an adult cup, when in their high chairs
-Both have learned to be "gentle" with the dogs and they LOVE the dogs:) 
                                                                       9 months
                                                                       First Easter


                                                                 Spring is here!
                                                       Guncle's surprise 2 hour visit:)

                                                            Bath time is more fun!
                                            Lifting 40+ pounds of baby day in and day out!






Some updated info on the twins health/nutrition:


-As of 11 months old, they both weighed 20 lbs (Viv being 2 oz bigger)
- 50% percentile on weight
-60% head size
- Still completely unvaccinated, although currently researching Homeopathic Vaccinations for when they are a little older
- Raw goat milk (6 oz 4/5 times a day) 
-Vitamins/supplements are the same
-2/3 solid meals a day and two snacks 
- Continued organic and mostly gluten free (gluten free stops at 1 year old!)
-No ear infections or infections of any kind
-No illnesses of any kind
-No food allergies of any kind
                                                                    Vivian 11 months

                                                                  Everlynn 11 months
                                                                  11 months
                                     Vivian first fever, as her 2nd tooth broke through:( 11 months
                                                             Ever & Viv (clapping:)
                                                                  Dada and Vivian
Favorite pass times:


-Library once every two weeks
- Mall of America
- Como Zoo & Conservatory 
-Play dates, twice a week with other babies their age
- Lunch with mom at Panera
-Park swings:) their obvious favorite
- Grocery shopping, sitting in the carts like big girls!




So, has it gotten easier? No. Not in the least, but MUCH more rewarding. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for these two little blessings. I still wonder what I did to deserve not only one, but two precious and healthy identical twins. They bring more joy to my life than I could have ever thought possible. The feeling of gratitude overwhelms me and my faith in a divine plan, could not be more evident. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Our "Raw" Truth

The past couple of weeks have been a roller coster of emotions for me, as I have been debating on this Raw Milk thing. It's crazy, how decisions, beliefs, and concepts are put to the test when you have your own children. You think you have your mind made up and then... it's your own children at stake and suddenly you are rethinking EVERYTHING. When will my head stop spinning and is this normal? I hope that it's normal and common, for new parents, if it isn't, there are much bigger problems than rather or not to go Raw, or Pasteurized.

Goat Milk that is.

My girls were born very early and for those of you that don't know, the digestive system is one of the last things to fully develop. Long story short- they have been spitting up their entire life. I am not talking a little spit here and there, but massive amounts on a daily basis. Somedays are better than others, but nonetheless, our rugs and carpet are ruined.

I have taken them to the doctor about his issue, a few times, to hear nothing but "They are just spitting babies." Of course, they want to put them on Acid Reflux medicine and if you know me, you probably know it would be a cold day in h*ll, before I would knowingly and willingly place toxic chemicals/heavy metals into my infants. Especially, when they are thriving, aside from the spitting. Aside from meds, we tried many formula's (except soy- not a believer in soy as a healthy alternative) and nothing worked.

I had heard of infants being given raw goat milk, but to be honest, I was a little skeptical. I consider myself pretty informed, when it comes to nutrition and such, but I had never looked into raw milk. So, what did I do? Well, I was sick of seeing my babies puke all the time and worried that they may/may not be getting the nutrition they need for brain development/physical development (not that formula and the gross stuff they are made of is that nutritious anyway... but I didn't know of a better option), so I did what I always do and researched the heck out of it.

I learned the in's and out's of raw milk properties and how to get the good stuff. It basically comes down to what the goat's/cow's are fed (grass, leaves, weeds, and NO GMO's) , how the farmers do their jobs, packaging/handling, and most importantly- as close to organic as you can get.

In my research, I learned that raw goat milk is the next best thing to human milk, when it comes to digestion (20 mins to digest!)  and nutrition. I also learned that you have to add a few things to the raw milk, to make it comparable to the nutrition of breast milk/formula, for the first year.

Great recipe for raw goat milk formula:

https://to.www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/319-recipes-for-homemade-baby-formula.html#vgmf



Here are some GREAT links on raw milk/ where to find it and what to look for when choosing your farm:
http://www.raw-milk-facts.com/
http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/raw_goat_milk_benefits (scroll down on this page to the chart that compares breast milk to goat milk, awesome!)

Where can you find raw milk? This website will tell you where to find it in your area, but ALWAYS research the farm/supplier for yourself.

http://www.realmilk.com/where2.html




Careful not to be mislead by uninformed people. Raw milk can be REALLY bad news, as with any pasteurized milk product. You can get very sick from raw milk, if the cow/goat is carrying an illness or bad bacteria that is not treated or acknowledged. With that said, cow's and goat's are not made to carry these illnesses, actually, their body's are made to NOT carry them. Learn and understand how/when the mass production of food/dairy created sick animals, therefore sick people.


Needless to say, the twins are thriving on raw goat milk. They are spitting up very little, almost not at all. It has made our life with them, so much more enjoyable.

As with anything I research, I never take anybody's word- I learn the facts myself. So, don't take my word for it either:) This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only;)

Yet again, listening to my gut feeling, questioning the doctors, researching the facts, and continuing to follow my own truth, has lead my family to a place of peace and wellness. I hope you too can enjoy the benefits of feeding your family, one of the most nutritional and healing foods on Earth. Raw Milk. 

Sunday, February 6, 2011

"Mom! She took my face!"

Some fun facts about Monozygotic twins, A.K.A. Identical twins:


-The term "identical" does not describe how the twins look, but how they form in the womb. This is why they often don't look exactly alike.


-Identical twins have the exact same DNA, but their fingerprints are different!


-Because identical twining is caused by a single egg splitting, it is considered a "malfunction" of the reproductive process. Pretty darn cute malfunction!


-Identical twins are not hereditary. Although, we have 6 known sets of identical twins in our family's... all girls on my side... hmmmmm.


-Identical twinning is not usually the result of fertility enhanced drugs or in vitro. Therefore, the birth rate of identical twins has remained the same over the years, all over the world, despite race, or maternal age.


- The odds of having "natural" identical twins is about 3 in 1,000, whereas the odds of all twinning is about 32 in 1,000. 


Needless to say, we feel very blessed to have these two! Eight months have passed and I still have to do a double take, when I see these little babies rolling around on the floor.


The most common question lately is "Are their personalities similar?". Well, you would think that would be the case, as they have the exact same genetic make-up, but I would have to say "Nope. Not this week!".


Miss Everlynn is a little character. At about 21 pounds now, she is all smiles, belly laughs, and noises we could never mimic. When it's time to eat, she has little patience, but is constantly distracted and plays with her food (yes, she was the one in the video eating the avocado and doing the hand jive). She is a pro at the "Army crawl", rolling, and scootin' everywhere. She is on all fours, rocking away... God help us! Her tongue is the craziest thing I have ever seen. I swear she doesn't stop moving, rolling, and folding that thing!




Everlynn little buddy, the Robot from Mama's and Papa's! 


Our little Vivian may be the same weight as her sister, but is pretty much the opposite when it comes to personality! Don't get me wrong- she is ALL smiles and silly expressions, but we don't hear as much from her. We call them "silent smiles". I sometimes wonder, if she hears Ever and thinks it's herself making the noises. She is a little more serious, her voice is a higher pitch (sweeter sounding), and she is much more patient at meal time. Overall, a little more emotional and maybe a bit more sensitive:) She chooses to hang out and watch her sister do all the scootin'. She is in no hurry and that is FINE by us:)






Vivian loves her Mama's and Papa's stuffed duck! 




We are loving are solid feedings this month, as we have moved on to our proteins. I am still making the twins food from scratch and continuing to use all organic. I am not afraid of food allergies, as I have studied them and learned that they either have them... or they don't. So, I won't be waiting to introduce fish, eggs, nuts, etc.


Some of their new favorite "num num" include:
- brown rice, chicken, and apple
- Cod with carrots and broccoli
- mild pot roast with potatoes and carrots
-Apple, banana, and mango puree


Tonight, they gummed on rice cakes and celery, while Kyle and I enjoyed the first half of the Super Bowl... or should I say "The Big Game";) at Buffalo Wild Wings. They were little angels at the restaurant, sitting in the big girl high chairs!


I have also starting supplementing with Fish Oil, Vitamin C, D, and Probiotics. I put these in their meals and/or bottles throughout the day. I am supplementing to support their immune systems, since I am no longer breast feeding:( and of course, the Omega's for brain development.








We are dedicated to helping the girls find their own identity and individuality, although it's interesting with identical twins, because you're able to compare certain habits that you would not compare, with fraternal twins. Lately, we have been observing their sleep habits, as we separated them into different rooms. The crazy thing is, they are still waking up at the exact same time during naps. For instance, one will sleep 25 minutes and the next thing you know, the other is waking up in the other room at the same moment. If one naps for 45 minutes, the other does too. We use white noise, so it's not possible for them to hear the other in another room. Granted, I have them on the same sleep schedule, the duration of the nap cannot be controlled.


I guess they really are naturally "tuned in" with each other... at least with their naps:) I'll take that! More quiet time for mama and "Dada"( that's Ever's new word:)


What I know for sure this month- this twin thing isn't, "Going to get easier." At this point, Kyle is baby proofing on the weekends and we are nervous for these two becoming mobile! Thankfully, the girls are still virgins to a cold, flu, or ear infection. They are sleeping 12 beautiful, uninterrupted hours! We are pretty well rested these days and with SLEEP, anything is possible... including 3 play dates a week, as I joined 5 mommy groups! Thoughts of summer are hard to avoid...  itty bitty baby bikini's and floppy hats by the pool... MARGARITAS and more margaritas! Salt please. A girl can dream...