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Lucas and Brodie took great morning naps while I ran for 1 hour 15 minutes on Saturday, and rode my bike 1 hour 30 minutes on Sunday.  They pretty much slept right through the entire run and bike ride.  I had two well rested kids, and two very tired pair of legs by the end of the weekend.  

Some people think having twins brings double the trouble, but I disagree.  I think having twins brings double the fun and double the gear. 

Now that Lucas and Brodie are 13 months old, and beginning to walk, they have outgrown so much of their gear.  We have "double the gear" in piles around the house and garage. 

The Sacramento Mothers of Multiples is having their bi-annual Clothing and Equipment Sale on October 11th @ St. Mark's Church.  I am planning on selling most of our baby gear, to make room for more toddler gear. 

If you are interested in attending the Clothing & Equipment Sale here are the details:



   

I drove to the Sacramento Central Library this morning to attend a 1 hour seminar on the Autism-Vaccination Connection which started @ 10 AM.  At 9:30 AM I had to wake Brodie up to load him into his car seat.  I got in the wrong lane when exiting the freeway and missed 16th Street.  I finally made my way to I Street.  One block from the library is Caesar Chavez Park.  Today is the Farmers' Market, which meant, there was no street parking available within 2 blocks of the library.  The closest public parking garage was $1.50 each 1/2 hour including fraction of an hour. So parking in the garage which would have been easy, convenient, and $4.50 in change, which was not an option.  I considered just driving back home, since finding parking had become quite a problem.  I couldn't help think as I drove around searching for a parking spot, "It would have been much easier if I had rode my bike."  I circled the blocks several times, continually watching the clock as it neared 10 AM.  Street parking was 1 hour maximum or 2 hours if I parked 6 blocks away.  I still had to unload, pay for parking, and walk to the library.  Finally, I just pulled over, parked 4 blocks from the library.  Brodie was still in his PJ's.  He fell asleep during my early morning run, slept until I loaded him into the car, and now as I buckled him into the stroller with Lucas, he was soaking wet.  I knew at this point, I was going to be late.  But there was no turning back now, we were unloaded, kids and gear already in the stroller.  While Lucas waited patiently in the stroller, I stripped Brodie, changed his diaper, put on a new outfit, and we race walked 4 blocks to the library.  We arrived 15 minutes late.  Luckily I had packed a lunch.  Lucas and Brodie immediately started fussing and wiggling.  They wanted food, and they wanted it now.  As I listened to the doctor's presentation, I fed Lucas and Brodie their snacks.  He talked about common myths pertaining to vaccinations.  Myth:  Vaccinations cause autism.  He discussed the Hep B, Chicken Pox, and MMR vaccines in detail.  I had to leave a few minutes early, since my parking meter was going to expire.  But all the craziness I went through to get here was worth it.  I left the seminar feeling a sense of relief and a little less worried about my decision to vaccinate my kids.  After all that, I only paid $1.25 for parking.  

Last Sunday we drove to San Francisco to ride bikes with some friends.  Starting in China Town there was a 4 mile stretch of streets closed to all vehicle traffic from 10 AM-1PM.  All along the "traffic free streets" were free activities to participate in, such as yoga classes, jump roping, hula hooping, samba dance classes, obstacle courses, bicycle tune-ups, just to name a few.  As we pedaled our way back toward the Embarcadero, we loaded our bikes and trailer onto a fishing boat for a free boat ride under the Bay Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf.  This was Lucas and Brodie's first trip to San Francisco, and their first boat ride.  (Yes, we had life jackets readily available.)

Once we were all back on land, we pedaled over to Ghiradelli Square for a picnic.  Once the kids had a chance to eat and play, we pedaled UP, UP, and UP some more to the top of Lombard Street.  Riding down the twisty and steep Lombard Street was quite an experience on our bikes.  At the bottom of Lombard Street our only choice was to pedal UP, UP, and UP again.  We pedaled our way to Japan Town, where we had an early dinner and did some window shopping.  From there, we pedaled back to China Town, said our good byes to our friends, loaded our bikes and gear into the car, changed the kids into their PJ's. and drove home.  All of us had a great time but were all tired after our big day.   

 

For Brodie, it's a texture issue.

So what are your tricks to get your kid(s) to eat?

You're a stay at home mom?  What do you do all day?

I've had several women (with no children) ask me this lately.  When I tell them I take care of my two kids, now 13 months old.  That response just doesn't seem to answer their question.  I feel like I need to give them a hour by hour account of what I do each day to support the reason why I stay home rather than go to work.

I'm a stay at home mom.
I'm a mom to twin boys.
I work full time, over time, 24/7, including holidays and weekends.
I change diapers.
I change their clothes.
I prepare their meals. 
I feed them at least 5 times a day, including snacks and 1-2 night time feedings.
I clean up after meals.
I clean up their toys.
I do their laundry.
Give them baths.
Help them take naps, and go to sleep at night.
I entertain them.
We play, read, sing, and talk together.  (Even though l don't know what they are saying.)
I helped them learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, and stand.
I am helping them learn to walk. Soon enough they'll both be running.
I prevent injuries.
I give hugs and kisses.
I help make boo boos feel better.
I help them resolve arguments. 
I'm a human jungle gym.  They crawl over and under me.  They grab my legs for balance to stand and walk. 
I help them, teach them, love them, and support them.
We go to playgroups, picnics, swimming, and to the park.
We walk, run, and bicycle riding together.
When they let me, I clean house and do laundry.
The list could go on and on and on and on....
 

We did it!  It took a group effort.  Lucas and Brodie are officially weaned.  Sunday morning was their last time to nurse.  I have been weaning them from the breast gradually.  Overtime, as they ate more solids, they nursed less during the day.  For several weeks, they only nursed when they woke up in the morning and before they went to sleep at night.  Two weeks ago, I dropped their before bed nursing.  Then Sunday morning, they each had their last morning nursing. 

Since the weaning was gradual and planned, I had time to cherish those last few nursing sessions.  During the last month, every time I thought about them being completely weaned, tears would come to my eyes.  Tears of mixed emotions. The tears were those of sadness.  I was going to miss the special bonding time I shared for over a year with each of my twins.  The tears were those of relief.  Breast feeding twins was quite the adventure.  I feel fortunate and thankful that I was able to breast feed exclusively, without having to supplement.  The tears were those of relief.  I no longer had to worry about my milk supply.  The tears were those of freedom.  I am no longer the only one who can feed them.  I no longer have to eliminate dairy from my diet.
 
Weaning Lucas and Brodie from the breast was a huge milestone of change.  The change has been good for the entire family.  My husband now helps put the kids to bed.  He helps get them back to sleep when they awake late at night.  Lucas and Brodie are both eating solids better than ever.  And, we're all getting more sleep.

Breast feeding was a lot of work: exhausting, frustrating, and painful at times.  But it was all worth the effort.  Breast feeding was a wonderful, life changing experience.  I am thankful I was able to nurse my twins.  Thankful for all the support my family, friends, husband, pediatrician, and lactation consultants provided.  The transition from nursing to solids means Lucas and Brodie are growing up.  They have officially graduated into toddler-hood.
 


 

Today ended up being "one of those days" which fortunately doesn't happen very often.  Our morning was a whirlwind, but went smoothly.  We were on the go since we rolled out of bed.  Breakfast, running, short nap, then off to visit a friend in Folsom.  Lucas and Brodie happily went right along with the flow until after they woke up from their afternoon nap.  Suddenly, everything made them cry.  Lucas cried if I held him, or sat him down.  He cried if Brodie touched him or even came near him.  Brodie seemed to have left his sense of balance in bed during his nap, because he kept falling over, despite his continual efforts to stand, walk, and crawl up, over, and under everything in his way.  And eating was almost impossible.  It seems like no matter what I offered, neither of them would eat it. 
My husband was planning on being home late tonight, since he had errands to do after work.  So I gave the kids baths early, hoping they would be happier now then later.  By 5:30 PM, I was at the end of my rope.  I'm sure Lucas and Brodie were too.  They were tired, cranky, fussy, and almost inconsolable.  I finally called my husband and said, "Tonight would be a good night to come home ASAP.  I am done!  The kids are done!  And Lucas is out of milk."  Lucas and Brodie were both clinging each to one of my legs, and crying as I talked on the phone.  It was still too early to go to bed.  I considered putting them to bed early, but knowing Lucas didn't have any milk I knew was going to pose a problem.  So to pass time, we read books on the floor, while Lucas and Brodie rolled around fighting over who would turn the page, turn the flaps, and who would hold the book.  At one point, Brodie leaned over frustrated and bite me, and then Lucas got upset and bite Brodie.  They get jealous and both want me, but don't want to share me.  They are both developing quite "independent personalities."  Since I am in the middle, I get the raw end of the deal.  They pull my hair, grab my nose, pinch and poke me.  I even have miniature bruises from Brodie biting me.  The entire time I'm trying to teach/help them learn to be gentle, be nice.  Don't hit, poke, pull hair, etc because it hurts.  Ouch!....  
I couldn't wait any longer for my husband to get home.  I searched through the frig, and found 2 oz of milk for Lucas.  Warmed up a 4 oz bottle for Brodie.  I rocked Lucas in the rocker with his sippy cup.  He drank maybe 1 oz, stuck his thumb in his mouth, and snuggled on to his blankie.  Less than 5 minutes and he was in his crib.  By this time, Brodie had made his way down the hall from the kitchen.  I walked out to get his bottle, he sucked it down so fast it was squirting out the sides of his mouth with force.  Less than 5 minutes, a couple burps, and he was in his crib without even a peep...they were both fast asleep.  I just sat silently on the couch.  I didn't feel like doing anything.  Yet I was surrounded by chaos.  Toys everywhere.  Dirty high chairs.  The kitchen counters and sink filled with dirty dishes from the day.  Food and milk from snacks and dinner all over the floor.  My husband arrived home to a silent house.  I was so happy to see him.  We had a nice, calm, quiet, relaxing evening.  Now I just need some good sleep before my sweet little ones wake up. 

I just have to brag. Brodie took his first step today.  Which is a big deal, considering he has been delayed in almost everything.  He seems absolutely delighted with his new accomplishment.  He does have some kinks to work out.  His technique for walking isn't exactly smooth.  He curls his toes as he inches his foot forward. He still loses his balance and falls.  Most of the time he lands on his bottom, but other times he's not so lucky.  This afternoon he fell and face planted into the corner, leaving a bruise in the shape of a line on his forehead.  He tipped his Leap Frog entertainment center over and fell over the top, pinning Lucas underneath him.  Amazingly, no one cried or got hurt.  A couple days ago, Brodie and Lucas were playing peek-a-boo in the floor length curtains while looking out the sliding glass door, when Brodie fell, pulling Lucas down with him.  They both ended up on the floor tangled together in a heap giggling. 

This week Lucas, Brodie, and I took the train to Berkeley, along with Grandma, Grandpa, and 4 other moms and their 1 year old singletons.  We had our own train car to ourselves.  Anytime someone loaded the train and took a look in our area to see if there were seats, they would immediately go the opposite direction.  We didn't even feel guilty that there were vacant seats in our area because no one wanted to sit with 6 walking, crawling, falling, tripping, drooling, crying, laughing, babbling toddlers anyway. 

A few passengers would comment saying, "You have quite a nursery down here!" when coming down to the lower level to use the restroom.  They would then leave as quickly as possible. 

Once we arrived in Berkeley, we walked up 4th Street window shopping.  After stopping for a snack, we strolled about a mile through the neighborhood looking at unique houses, beautifully landscaped yards, and continually commented on how WARM it was.  In actuality, it never got warmer then low 80's, but it was humid, so we were all sweaty.

We arrived at Studio Grow just in time for the sing-a-long music program.  Brodie and Meredith both slept through the music, but eventually woke up to join in on all the fun.  In addition to the music room, there was a crawl room, a craft room, a jumping, rolling, romping room, a quiet room, a room filled with everything a kid would ever need to play house, cook, dress up, etc.  There was also a lunch room, set up with kid sized chairs and tables, including multiple highchairs.  The outdoor patio was set up for water related play.  All of the kids were accompanied by at least 1 adult.  So everyone was well behaved and having a great time.

We left Studio Grow after nearly 2 hours, and walked back toward 4th Street for lunch at Picante for some YUMMY Mexican food.  (They have an awesome vegetarian menu.) Then we went shopping along 4th Street as we made our way back to catch the train home.

My parent's help was imperative, especially while traveling by train. Because they were with us the entire day, Lucas and Brodie had a spectacular time.  Between the three of us, they each had someone to hold them, play with, entertain them, and keep them safe the entire trip.  Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to survive the trip without the help of my parents.

We had a fun filled day, but by the time we arrived back in Sacramento, we were all exhausted.  If any of you ever have the opportunity to visit Studio Grow in Berkeley, it is well worth the trip.

On my ride home from McKinley Park this morning with Lucas and Brodie I was stung by  bee in my upper lip.  The bee flew off leaving the stinger throbbing in my lip.  Immediately my mouth and eyes started watering like a waterfall.  I couldn't see, so I pulled over to the sidewalk and got off my bike.  I heard someone outside their garage, and walked up to their driveway hoping they would be able to help me.  Barely able to talk with a fat lip, I explained my situation and asked if they had a tweezers or something to help me pull the stinger out.  They came back out with a large mirror.  I pulled the stinger out, thanked him, and rode back home as fast as possible.  Lucas and Brodie were DONE being in the trailer, since we had been on the go since 8:15 AM and it was now after 11 AM.   

I hadn't been stung by a bee in years.  Thanks to the Internet I treated my bee sting, and AHHH it feels so much better.  The swelling went down within minutes of applying a cold compress.  Lucas and Brodie were entertained while I tried ice my lip and feed them at the same time. 

I realize now that Benadryl would be a very useful item to start carrying with me.  Not to mention a fist aid kit.  It's only a matter of time, when I'll be dealing with one or both of my kids being stung by a bee.  I just hope when it happens they aren't allergic.

As of today, the first aid kit will now be carried in the bike trailer.  And the Children's Benadryl will be in my diaper bag. 

How to treat a bee sting, if you are NOT allergic:

Remove stinger.
Clean area with soap and water.  Or alcohol wipe if soap and water is not available.
Apply cold compress to area to reduce swelling.
Take Benadryl, if needed.
Take pain reliever.

Check out this website for more detailed information:

www.essortment.com/all/beestingtreatm_rzdn.htm

Today we took Lucas and Brodie on a tandem ride along the American River Bike Trail up to Sunrise and back.  There were so many rafters on the river today.  At times it looked like they were being blown backwards on the water because the wind gusts were so strong.  Luckily the wind kept changing directions, so we didn't have a head wind during our entire ride.  On the way back home, we stopped at a park along the trail for a picnic.   Picnics in the park are one of Lucas and Brodie's favorite things to do.  They love exploring.  My husband and I followed them around as they crawled up and over as many objects as possible. Since they were also eating their lunch as they explored, they weren't putting leaves and grass in their mouths.  At least not today.

Sunday we drove to Harmony Ridge on Hwy 20 above Nevada City and went to hiking with the Lucas and Brodie on Pioneer Trail.  This was their first hiking trip.  We hiked about 4 miles in about 2 hours.  We weren't used to carrying a 20 lb kid on our back, so we didn't hike very fast or very far.  But all of us had fun.  Lucas and Brodie took in the scenery, occasionally reaching out to touch pine tree branches.   Brodie also enjoyed pulling my hair and trying to take off my hat. Lucas fell asleep on the way back to the car.  But Brodie didn't want to miss anything, so he stayed awake the entire hike.
       

Twice Saturday morning while I was running pushing Lucas and Brodie in their stroller along with our friend pushing his 6 month old daughter in her stroller, people asked us, "Are they triplets?"  We both said, "Oh noooo!  The kids are just friends." 

As we finished our 7 mile run, I commented that my husband and I already have our hands full with twins.  And my friend has his hands full with his daughter and 4 dogs. 

We had such a great time, we plan on meeting to run again next Saturday morning, same time, same place, with our "triplets".