My new favorite for this stage in the game... the stroller game that is.

You know you have too many strollers, when you are debating building a storage space to keep all of them...

I am not complaining. They are all awesome. Some are so awesome, that I don't want to take them out and use them, due to the staring factor. If you have seen some of my brother's stroller reviews, you know what I am talking about! 

I have been very lucky to have a choice in stroller throughout the twins many stages of picky stroller behavior. There have been countless occasions, usually occurring at the Mall of America, where we have had MAJOR stroller tantrums. I am talking, full-out back arching and successful attempts to exit their harnesses and flip out of the stroller. I debated on writing this, but they also attach each other often in the stroller. Hair pulling, biting, and smacking each other in the face is not uncommon. 

BTW- is this a twin thing???

Have you ever had to try and manage two screaming, rolling, fighting, and kicking toddlers all by yourself in a public place? I try my hardest not to cry and scream myself... oh and try not to pull their arm out of socket in the attempt to stop them from running opposite directions. It's so embarrassing and physically demanding on my end. 

 

I have also realized, in the past few months, that my girls HATE strollers.   

The point in all of this venting is that strollers are IMPORTANT and we have tried many of them. I am sure everybody has their issues with strollers and certain qualities they look for when purchasing one. The most important thing we have found is the seats. Many double strollers, in order to fold and be small and compact, they have seats that are reclined. It's nice if you have a child that wants to sleep in the stroller, but the twins don't sleep in the stroller... or anywhere for that matter:) So, they are constantly fighting the recline lately. They want to sit up and be able to look around and take in all the exciting things going on in their environment. The twins LOVE these seats!! I cannot express this enough. 

I think the Kinderwagon http://kinderwagon.com/ is amazing for these reasons:

- Folds easily and is VERY compact (longer and narrow compared to wide and box shaped- like many other doubles) 

- Lightweight 

- Stadium seating so kids can see everything around them

- "Normal" seats, not reclined

- Front to back seating- means less fighting nuggets!

I was expecting a double umbrella like stroller when I saw this. It is simple, compact, and light weight like the umbrella, but I was very wrong. This is NOT one to be compared to an umbrella stroller- at least not one that I have seen. 

You can buy it on   Diapers.com or check their website for your local retailer.  

http://www.diapers.com/buy?freetext=kinderwagon

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3 Under 2: Week 2

Does Grayson need a sleep sack or a swaddle blanket? Should I give him a pacifier? Did the twins use pacifiers? Do I change his diaper at every feeding, or just when it's dirty? Exactly HOW do you breast feed one baby? Will he let me know when he is hungry or do I wake him to feed?

These are very common questions for a first time mom... and strangely I am asking the same questions lately. Explain to me how I had TWO infants, not much over a year ago, and am struggling to remember these little details.

BTW- newborns wear Newborn size diapers. Not size 1. Just saying.

Well, I can easily explain this. Twins = memory failure. I mean, all of the MOMS I know, told me that I would not remember the first year or so with twins, but I never really believed them. Don't get me wrong, I remember the important stuff... their sweet faces/ cute noises they made when they nursed, first laughs and smiles... the greatest sleep deprivation in the world could not remove those memories. Thank God. Yet, somehow I can't remember when the belly button falls off and ask my husband about my reaction to the "black poo" Grayson had the first days of life. Nope. Don't remember that stuff with the twins!!!

Well, aside from my occasional crazies, the transition from 2 to 3 is going quite smoothly. The twins are loving baby and it's constant kisses and hugs around here. I guess the forced baby doll obsession has paid off:) They are super gentle and Everlynn actually got a burp out of him yesterday. Now, if we can just teach her that the patting is only for his back and not his face.

Grayson is co-sleeping with us using the Snuggle Nest http://babydelight.com/index.html and I can't say enough about this item. Well, except I wish the LED attachment wasn't broken when I opened it, but still the best $50 I have spent in a while.
I have always been nervous about having a baby in bed with us, as I sleep like a rock, when I get the chance. This offers so much security for the baby, yet I can still put my arm around him and practically lay face to face, so he can smell me.

The nights are so peaceful and EASY... relatively of course. I know he is still in his sleepy phase, but I am getting more rest than I have had in months. You know how the end of pregnancy is... sleepless. It's  nice to focus on one baby at night and the nursing is a breeze with him being in bed with us.

I have to say, it never felt natural leaving the twins in their cribs/nursery when they were tiny. Often, I would sleep  in their nursery on a twin mattress, just to be in the same room. We tried co-sleeping with them, but they would not have it. I still don't know why. We used to joke about there being a ghost in our bedroom, as they would scream anytime we tried to bring them in there to sleep. Maybe they were just used to their own space, as that's what they had the first few weeks of life in the NICU. I find myself feeling very guilty about all of this lately. I can say they had plenty of bonding time during the day. It was rare myself and/or Kyle/Jamie ever took them out of a baby carrier the first few months. I guess they have turned out just fine anyway... I am often reassured by others that they are extremely affectionate little ladies:)

The twins are in another phase of sleep issues. They are refusing bedtime again and waking throughout the night. Kyle has taken over in this area. I get anxiety thinking about the moment I have to deal with 3 very young children and sleep issues. I get anxiety a lot lately, thinking about anything like this, as I know these phases will be coming and going for the next few years. I really don't know how I will ever leave the house with all 3, for the next few months, but I know I will try... and try... and try again.
For now, I am focusing on one moment, one day, and one "night night" at a time... deep breaths and the constant reminder to self, that they won't always need me the way they do right now.

My VBAC

My birth story, told through my brother. I hope to get some time to journal it myself, but until then...

 http://savvyauntie.com/ExpertiseDetails.aspx?GroupId=18&Id=2713&Name=An+Uncle%27s+Labor+of+Love%2C+Christmas+Eve

 The last "breaks" between the back contractions and only dilated to 2...

 Reality of back labor. No more relief between contractions.

17+ hours of labor (not counting the weeks of prodromal labor) and 25 minutes of pushing...  2:32 on Christmas Day Grayson was finally here!

 Vivian

 Vivian

 Everlynn & Grayson

 Everlynn

 Awaiting Grayson's arrival...

 Constant kisses...

Christmas was still waiting...

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.

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/

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