Here is a picture of me last year at the beginning of October. Believe it or not I miss being pregnant sometimes. I loved being pregnant right up until the last month. The last month was very hard on my body. I miss the feeling of the girls kicking around and knowing that they are safe and secure. Does that mean I’m ready for #3? Still undecided on that issue!
As much as I love my girls this has been a difficult 11 months! It’s amazing to watch their growth and think back to their first days and how much they have changed in such a short time! But sometimes I wonder who has changed more, me or them? If I could go back and tell that very pregnant women a few things here is what I would say: 1.) Raising twins is going to be the most difficult job you have EVER attempted. Don’t underestimate this challenge! 2.) You will not be the perfect mother. Don’t beat yourself up about it. 3.) Enjoy this time. Even though it is very hard mentally, emotionally, and physically, the babies will never be babies again. 4.) Take time for yourself and Brian; even when you feel guilty for doing so. 5.) Your husband is a HUGE support. Make sure he knows how thankful you are to have him. (P.S. He will change diapers.)
Don't you love Emma's little hand on her sister's leg!
Above: Emma in green, Addison in yellow next to Mr. Chief
Below: Our friend, John, came to visit. I intended to get a picture of the girls clothed, but they got too dirty at dinner and too fussy to sit still! Addison is next to John and Emma is on the right.
Here is what the girls are doing this month:
Addison is definitely coming out of her shell. She has started to interact with strangers more, “talks” more often, and will explore a little more on her own (without making sure mom is near). She can stand on her own and sits on one knee as if she is going to jump up in the air. Addi loves to point and wave, enjoys being outside so she can look for animals (dogs, birds, squirrels, etc.) and yells at the top of her lungs when she finds them. She also continues to be a good eater. Addison is the sillier of the two always making funny noises and fake laughing every time she hears someone else laugh. She’s the resident dancer and paper eater. If there is music playing Addison is bouncing from side to side. If you leave any paper visible or at arm’s length she will find it and eat it. Addison weighs 19 pounds. She’s still loves to cuddle, give hugs, and be near mom.
This was taken at our neighborhood playground.
This picture was taken at a state park, Guana River, about 30 min. from our house. This particular spot was called Shell Beach. It was very pretty and Addi loved to point out the birds.
Emma is standing more and more on her own. I was
so excited today when she took two steps on her own! We were at a playgroup I go to on Weds. She kept standing up while my friend, Julie, gave her goldfish crackers. When she crawled away I went to go get her. She was standing up near a tree and when I got in front of her she walked two steps towards me! She did it again when we got home! Our baby Emma also loves to test the limits. At mealtime she has started to throw food to the dogs. She knows this is not okay with us, but she continues to hold the food over the edge of the tray and look us straight in the eyes as she drops it to the floor! Emma’s favorite new games are pushing toys across the floor and standing in front of me and falling forward for me to catch her, and making a clicking sound with her tongue. Emma is still smaller than her sister by one pound weighing 18 pounds.
Emma playing "dress up", while we were unpacking more boxes!
Shell Beach
Emma thought it tasted delicious!
Both girls are still taking 2 naps per day, once around 10 or 11 AM and again around 2 or 3 PM. Their naps do not last much longer than an hour. I think they may be ready to transition to one nap a day soon. They still take 3 bottles of formula per day (6 to 8 oz. each). I’ve tried putting their milk in a sippy cup, but they don’t drink the milk if it is not in a bottle. They eat three meals per day and have one or two snacks. Their favorite foods are fruits and cheese. They pick at everything else or feed it to the dogs. I should also mention that Addison “shares” her food with the dogs. More specifically, she gives the dog a bite, then gives herself a bite. (I know it’s pretty gross, and we do discourage it as much as possible).
With moving, each baby having two colds, and teething this past month it has been challenging. I’m not going to lie. There has been a lot of crying from my babies! I’m hoping that the fussiness will ease off soon because it is starting to take its toll on mom and dad. We are looking forward to family and friends coming over at the beginning of next month to celebrate their first birthday!
