Monkey Business: Back in the saddle

I love newborn baby feet!

okay, we've had a lot going on, but not much worthy of blogging or keeping much track of. at the same time, it's these times I want to remember too- so I kick myself for not getting anything up here...

Jon was away in Orlando and we had Amazing Auntie April to save us! She helped me out for a whole week! And really it's such a generous spirit that she did it in because she works at a daycare all day! She's with babies (3mo-1yr) from 8.30 until 5.30 all day- and then she came home and helped me with mine...I was so blessed with her here, I wish there was a reason to have her here all the time. She gave Caed some extra special time over on the field at the rec center (after work!) and then cared for the twins like only an Auntie can. She also helped me work on changing the nighttime routine. I have been really struggling with how we do it, and after a call with my friend Michelle, who has three kids, one of which is 2 mo. older then the twins, none of which are twins, she encouraged me to make the routine more simple. So we did! Now instead of rocking them and patting them and holding Theron's kicking legs down as he drifts to sleep, we've simplified! They get three stories, two songs, a prayer and kissed and laid in bed. There's some fussing, but not more then when we stay, and it doesn't last longer then 10 minutes. It's much easier to manage the routine now. I was so happy April was here to help me make the transition.

Caed has been doing really well- showing more affection to the babies, and laughing/playing with them more. He says the funniest things lately too. Today when we were leaving church we saw our pastor's daughter, who used to be one of the babysitters for our small group. Caed loves her- she's in 7th grade and she is really sweet. So I asked him if he wanted to say hi to her. He handed me the doughnut he was eating, and then asked me to wipe off his face from the frosting off the doughnut, before talking to her! Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? How did he know to want to make himself look presentable? Man. I love those sorts of things with kids. He's doing more and more on his own. And recently, yes, I'll admit it, he's been into trying to play my Nintendo DS. I have Mario Kart, and his cousin Chantz played it in the van on our way to Myrtle Beach. I am thinking he developed the instruction then. But he can actually complete a race. It's hysterical. And he's so proud of himself. I am trying to figure out the appropriate limits for a three year old playing a handheld video game now (!)- luckily we agree on one race, and then move on. Poor caed who can't do other advanced things because his mom is busy nursing/burping/changing two babies all day! I figure we'll make up for lost time once I've weaned them.

We are part of a small group at our church for parents. we meet at the church and enjoy dinner together, and then break off mom's and dad's separately, and the kids get watched by babysitters right there too. It's been a good experience. It's required some skillful planning and flexibility on our family's part since I'm still nursing, and well, since we have two babies. caed just goes with the flow.....I am happy to be doing something like this, because it's some regular care done for the babies by other people, maybe it will cut down on separation anxiety whenever that might come...(i can't imagine it with two- bleh!).

My one other thing is that I still need to make exercise a regular part of my routine. It's just so darn hard without a sitter and without the ability to push three in a jogger or without a gym membership. I had bought a jogger and was using it last summer, and then I found out I was pregnant and stopped my running. I do notice a difference just from taking a walk to the park. I have a double stroller (Phil and Ted) and use that to push the babies- and then Caed walks, but can and does sit on the footbed of the stroller from time to time. It's really nice when he doesn't want to walk up the hill, and so I'm pushing about 70 pounds up. Whew! I try hard to get him to walk as much as possible though...he's only walked the whole trip once or twice when I had our other double and there is no possible place for him to sit in that. On another personal note, I finished my first book since the babies were born! I was thrilled with that. Great book- My Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg Very good read- came out of her blog...www.orangette.blogspot.com- my sister's lead me to it.

the phil and ted in use in Myrtle Beach:

I border on saying how much I look forward to the holidays that run monthly right now. I am REALLY working on enjoying the days. But I am really thrilled to be at this time of year. I like the challenge of keeping it simple, but doing special and memorable things.