Heading Out for the Big Trip

We leave in a few hours for our big trip to Montreal. I am super excited. Having been on bed rest for a few months, this is the first time I have been on vacation in quite awhile. We are trying to time the drive to match up with the babies' afternoon nap. I am nervous about traveling with the babies and how it will impact their sleep tonight, but I figure we have to give it a shot anyway.

We finished packing last night. I know have learned that two tiny babies take make packing than two large adults. Hank and Clara have their own suitcase, whereas Mark and I only have a duffel bag. I am sure I have overpacked, but I suppose that it is just the way it is. Even with all the stuff, I suspect there will be things I wish I had packed but forgot.

We plan to take a bunch of photos, which we will post upon our return.
- Christine

Life With Twins

I am asked a lot about what it is like to have twins. Having never had any children besides twins, I suppose it is a hard question to answer. In some ways, it is wonderful. You get these two personalities doing different things all the time. At the same time, it can be a mighty exhausting experience. There is often a baby upset about something, and it is hard to focus on the good moments the other baby is having when you are comforting the grumpy one. The best is often the moments when both kids are at least calm. Maybe not laughing and smiling through it all, but calm. Then, I get to watch them play and explore their world--which I do find fascinating.

I find it amusing how twins are just a magnetic for attention in the "outside" world. We go to the grocery store on Thursday afternoons. The first time I went I was terribly intimidated by how I was going to load up on groceries, push a double stroller, and keep the kids at least from some super level meltdown. It is still a challenge to make it through the grocery list, but I have found that the true hindrance are the other shoppers. I get asked some questions that I don't mind (how old are they? how big were they when they were born?) and some questions I mind terribly (why are they so small? did you use fertility drugs?). Sigh. I am working on a litany of witty comebacks for the more annoying questions.

What's new today? We are still working on the kiddos sleeping through the night, but last night was pretty good. I figure if we get at least one stretch of six or more hours, it counts. Hank woke up around 4:45. The good thing is they do go back to sleep pretty quickly after being feed. Hank has found that he has a new selection of noises he can make and at a new volume (which is, not surprisingly, a super loud new volume). Clara has had a bit of a mellow morning. She seemed to enjoy her exploration of pears--today's new food. Both are taking their morning nap. Later this afternoon, it's an easy day of running a few errands and signing the kids up for the library reading time. Funny how different my days are now from the days when I was still in private practice!

- Christine

First Blog Entry

Welcome! This is our new blog. It is primarily devoted to providing updates on Hank and Clara, our two baby twins. They were born on December 7, 2007. Each day brings a few more trials and tribulations. Hopefully, this blog will let us share information about their lives and help us remember the events that the lack of sleep often time erase from our memories. From time to time, I also suspect I'll provide information about things that are on my mind beyond the babies (are there such things?), including updates on my wonderful husband, Mark, things that are on my mind, and just general commentary.

For now, this is still a work in progress, so thanks for being patient while I figure my way through this whole blog thing. Also, baby update information is not for everyone. I apologize in advance for any content that is really just dull.

Presently, the big thing with the babies is that they have started solids. So far, they have had rice cereal and sweet potatoes. I am learning that sweet potatoes are ridiculously messy. The kids are doing pretty well with it all. I haven't noticed any difference in their appetite, and they are still nursing a ton. I figure that is all good.
Here are some photos of their first eating experience

This week, we are going on first trip-- an adventure out to Montreal. I am excited though have some trepidation about what it will be like with the babies. Like I do with every trip, I have started a good ol' long packing list. Hope it will help the process out a bit.

- Christine