I thought about titling this "Tips for Two," but I don't think I have much true expertise to offer. Then I thought about the title "Surviving Two," but that makes it sound like I didn't enjoy my year. Hopefully "With Two" implies that I enjoyed myself, but it was hard work! Maybe you can tell...I am sentimental right now about my year with Mary-Knowles. The school year is over and so is my time of watching MK. Well, until August when we start our second year together. Going to MK's house has been our routine for 10 months. I really have enjoyed the year. Some times were challenging. Some times were lonely. But most times were fun, satisfying, interesting, ... I did think I would let you know some of the things I have learned during these 10 months:
#1 - Accept Help
If someone wants to open the door or stop by and visit, let them! That may go without saying though. Most of the time help for me looked like play dates with moms that I could compare mommy-notes with.
#2 - Find your treat
I do want to say a special thank you. "Diet Dr. Pepper, thank you for being there for me this year. Please tell your friend Coke Zero that I wouldn't have wanted to do this year without you."
#3 - Be Flexible
The double stroller is easier on the shoulders, but seeing each other during the walk made for happier babies.
#4 - Find your calm place.
In the beginning the porch is where the three of us would go if one or all of us was starting to fall apart a little. Now we take a short walk. (The girls would never sit still like this now!) Just getting outside the 4 walls we have spent a little too much time in makes a world of difference in our attitudes.
#5 - Get Out!
The first time I left the house with the girls I had been watching Mary-Knowles for 4 weeks. It was time to brave the outside world. We had walked the neighborhood but we had never ventured somewhere that required a ride in the car. The first time it took me 11 minutes to get the girls from the front door to key turned in the ignition. Even now it can take 7 minutes. But the effort is worth it! Meet others for a play date, walk the mall, go to music time, ... Admittedly it was the spring before I braved a restaurant just me and the girls (below was our first solo eat-out).
#6 - Anticipate
I get poked fun of a little bit for this item: I set the alarm on my cell phone so that I can anticipate their next need. When I go to Target, I will set the alarm so that I don't overstay our welcome. These girls are both very content babies, but when they get hungry, they let me know it loudly. I would rather have the food ready than let them "tell me" they are hungry and the food be at home while we are still on aisle 13.
#7 - Enjoy the two!
Having "8 to 4 twins" may have made my days more eventful, but it was worth it to see these two interact. They are learning to share. They have a playmate. Actually now when I get a day off, Anna-Kate looks at me after about 10 minutes and wants to know where Mary-Knowles is. It also goes without saying that you enjoy these babies because they get big fast!
August (first day)
November
June
