Naps, Finally

I don't know if I should type this, aka "say it out loud and jinx it" but both Connor and Caroline have FINALLY been taking real naps - I mean the hour in the morning and hour and a half or two hour nap in the afternoon. This has been fairly consistent for about two weeks and it's another life changing milestone. Connor was a decent napper but I could pretty much plan on Caroline waking about twenty minutes after I put her down. I almost don't know what to do with myself.

I've been getting a little sad lately that my twins are getting old. We've put a lot of their swings and bouncy seats away in storage because they are too big now and sometimes I'll look at them and they look like kids and not babies. They'll be nine months next week.

So, I'm waiting very anxiously about the Amanda Knox verdict tomorrow. I really hope she is acquitted.

I think I'm going to miss Andy Rooney.

I'm just rambling....

A VERY SPECIAL CONGRATS TO BOSCO AND ROB ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT!

Just Enjoy It

Last week, I asked Matt "how was your day" and he responded "Good. Busy". We started talking about an NPR segment about how American's do think a good day consists of being "busy and productive". Does anyone try to slow down and just enjoy something simple like their lunch or a walk around the block on a nice day? Since we had this conversation, I've been trying to enjoy the simple things that happen in the day.

Yesterday, for example, my two closest friends from high school came to visit. We had a lovely day walking and playing with the babes. The twins took a nice long afternoon nap and when they did, I had a few fun hours of just 'girl time'. We watched HGTV, Bravo and gossiped about celebrities. It was a few hours of blissful responsibility free fun and being silly with friends I've known so well for almost two decades. I enjoyed laughing with them, simple as that.

Connor is still waking up around 4:00 every morning and I'm at a loss of what to do. I'll throw a party once he starts sleeping until 6:00 again.

WWD, Ire and Rachel Zoe

As most of you know, I LOVE Bravo. One show I don't watch too often is The Rachel Zoe Project. She sort of bugs me and I would rather watch Flipping Out or Real Housewives. However, word on the street traveled quickly this morning throughout my friend circut that my dear friend and college roommate Jessica Iredale was on the show. I just watched and lo and behold, there she was.

In the episode, Ire writes a review for Rachel's first fashion line. Rachel even said "Jessica's article can make or break my presentation...". And Ire being Ire didn't tell any of us that she was going to be on the show! Like we weren't going to find out.

Here's to you, Jessica Iredale. You are big time even if you are too humble and shy to admit it. (Insert some sarcastic Ire-ish remark here.)

I Will Not Miss You, Vinny Chase

For those of you that watch Entourage but haven't see the final episode yet, you might as well skip it. It was awful.

When Entourage first came out, I loved it. Everyone loved it. The problem was that in eight seasons, nothing changed. And after four seasons I started getting bored and stopped watching it, maybe catching an episode here or there but it just went right down the tubes post Medillin. Unlike it's girly comparison SATC, the characters on Entourage never evolved.

If you want to read a scathing yet accurate review, check out Boston.com. They nailed it.

And while we are on the topic of celebs, Connor and Caroline watched their first movie shoot yesterday with Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Bacon. There is, yet another, film being shot here in Charlestown. Who needs Hollywood these days?

Eat Your Vegetables

We've been working on solids for the past few weeks. My friend Michelle warned me that this is a stressful and confusing time. I thought "really, Michelle? Relax..." but she wasn't kidding!I had to start a spreadsheet to remember what they have eaten, can eat, can't digest, who likes what, what foods might complement each other. *Tangent alert* This has already given me anxiety for what it will be like in the future when I have to plan and make dinner every night. I hope they like grilled cheese and tomato soup from a can.

Anyway, we are really struggling with veggies. So far, carrots are a success but squash and sweet potatos make Connor vomit. They hate peas and this morning we were eating green beans and I actually said out loud "you guys, you have to eat your vegetables. They are good for you". But it's true! Our mothers and fathers and Dr. Oz know these things!

A very, very special congrats to Ryan and Betsy Toben who just welcomed their twins Bea and Teddy!

Teeth!

Today, at 6:23 am, in the shower, I thought about how I haven't updated the blog in a while. Since I would rather type than clean the bottles that are sitting in the sink, I'll blog. I'm also waiting for my sushi to arrive. Matt is going out with some of the other dads tonight which means Billy Tse knows that 20 Mystic St will call to order Philly maki and either the Eastern or Boston maki. I'm like Elaine and Miranda!

So Connor is getting his first tooth. I didn't notice until he bit Matt the other day and Matt said "Connor's first tooth is coming in!". It's like a razor. He hasn't been any fussier that usual with the exception of waking up in the middle of the night. He usual leaks through his diaper but then can't go back to sleep. I have to wonder if the day allows for a lot of distractions but at night, all he can do is lay in his crib and think "my tooth hurts and there is nothing to keep my mind from thinking about it. I'll cry so mom will come and get me". Being the sucker I am, I do.

And in the VERY exciting news department the twins had their first twin conversation yesterday. They were both sitting up playing with their Talking Cooking Pot (Thanks Lemeks!) and Caroline began to 'talk' Blah Blah to Connor. He smiled, giggled a little and would 'talk' back. This went on for about 2 minutes. It was so fun!

The twins are going to be pumpkins for Halloween this year. I figured that it is the only year that they can be dressed alike so I'm doing it. Besides, it's easy, the costumes are ordered and now it's one less thing I need to think about.

I hope that Team iLuminate wins AGT! I'd hit that up in Vegas right after Celene. Did any of you see the gossip that her Montreal house was robbed and the robber ate food from her fridge and took a bath? People are so stupid.

What to do?

I need suggestions on what to do with 7 month olds when it rains. Please!

I don't even have anything to write about. I'm too busy trying to keep these two entertained. I have a bottle break right now. Luckily, we are having a Hurricane Party tomorrow with the neighbors and that should keep all the babies on the block happy. I'm making two types of chili. Yum.

Oh - the babies slept until 7:30 today (well, Connor woke up at 5 to eat, Caroline at 6 but both went back to bed). Thank god because I would have likely had a hang over, thanks to the Stella 75 I had last night on date night. Whatever, it was delish.

Our new playroom looks awesome! And it was perfect timing because poor Caroline kept scooting into our fireplace so she needed somewhere to be.

And congrats to Connie Palleria on her new twin boys!

Opps.

I totally let this slip for a while. I was on 'another vacation' in CNY. I use quotes because I know how lucky I have to have the flexibility to go home to visit my family but it's not really a vacation. It was wonderful and I was, as always, so sad to leave.

But I am ready to sink my teeth into fall. We actually have a pumpkin on our stoop! (Compliments of Papa Lanz.) Matt heard our young neighbors complaining in their drunken ranble last night. But my rebuttle is "who goes out on a Tuesday anyway?" Maybe they met some friends at a bar to watch America's Got Talent?...So I'm not going to take them too seriously but I'll hold off on the mums. I can't wait for football, chili, sweaters, apple cider and everything else fall has to offer.

Speaking of sweaters, I really might get to wear some this fall after all! The twins are on prilosec 2x a day and it's really helping with their reflux. I only have to change them about 3-4 times a day whereas before it was more like 7-8 and it probably should have been even more often. Caroline is busy sitting and Connor finally rolled over. I don't think he likes to be on his belly as much as she does so he usually stays on his back and just kicks his feet.

And a happy congrats to Sara McGowan who just welcomed her new daughter, Caroline. :)

Quality TV Programming

There is a rare silence in my house right now. Both babies are asleep, at the same time. The laundry is folded or in the dryer. Dinner is in the fridge (that's the Grill Masters job anyway, love you babe!) The house is clean, thank you Margarita. I'm not sure what to do!

I remembered what I was going to write about. Quality TV for kids. So as you all know, I subjected my children to the glory that is known as Bravo when they were teeny tiny. But now that they can watch the TV and it keeps them focused while drinking their bottles, I've finally made the switch to PBS. It started off with Sesame Street but it then turned into Martha Speaks, Dinosaur Train, Super Why and Between the Lions. Now, the TV isn't on all day but a good part of it just for background noise and that way if they do look at it, it's about spelling and numbers rather than the latest catfight between Ramona and LuAnn. I actually enjoy watching it with them too; shows like that remind me how innocent and simple a child really is.

That's not to say I don't still love Bravo and HGTV. I just save it for when they go to bed. On a sad note, my DVR did not tape the RHONY reunion. Katie and Erika, I'm looking for you to fill me in.

Peace and Quiet

Yesterday when I was on a walk with the twins I thought about all these things worth writing about on my blog and now I don't remember a thing. My brain has been even more fried than usual lately.

A few months ago I took a 'twins' class at Isis. Although the class was so-so, I did love getting to talk to other twin moms. Yesterday, one of the moms invited all the girls and babies over for a playdate. So six girls, twelve babies. It was awesome! It was great to talk to the girls again about issues, challenges, improvements and also see how much these babies have grown. (Not the Curtwins, we had to go on Prilosec and although they are the oldest, the are the smallest.) And all the babies are great together, they watch each other and play. It was so fun and I hope we can all get together again.

Papa also come over on Tuesday and again on Wednesday for about an hour each day between business obligations. Caroline cried and then stared him down the entire time he was here. I don't know what her deal was but she clearly didn't feel comfortable having him in her house!

I think the twins are ready for more serious toys. After our playdate and the level of mobility that Caroline has acheived (not so much for Connor, he is still sort of a bump on a log but really close to sitting on his own) I realized that I needed to step it up. I hope they like the 'discovery center' I went and bought them this morning. I need to go set it up....

Back From Vacation

Back to work today. (And yes, I do consider my 'job' of taking care of the twins work. Much harder than any job I've had.) Matt, Connor, Caroline, Maggie and I got home from a lovely week spent in Falmouth. Aside from the two days it was cloudy - my parents were there for one of them, our friends the Purtell's for the other - it was a great week. Not too hot, not too humid.

That being said, I was certainly a wake up call. I think more for Matt than for me. You see, I have very low expectation about doing anything/everything with the twins. If we can get in some decent naps, avoid any meltdowns and limit the vomit, I consider the day a total success. I think Matt had slightly more grandious ideas that we would be able to sit at the beach all day with them and have nice relaxing mornings to sleep in a little bit and enjoy our coffee. God bless him for that. The truth is, it was a mix bag in that department. They did take some good naps which allowed us some time to alternate jogs and sit in the front yard and read. We did take them to the beach and both days we were able to stay for over an hour and a half before they got too fussy. The slept well at night so we could relax with a glass of wine and a plate full of shrimp the size of my head. But we all came down with a cold so there were a few days when Connor cried for hours straight and I had to just walk around the block over and over and over with a crying child. He didn't want to play he just wanted to be held and even then he cried. Caroline's spit up seemed to have been particularly bad, naturally. They both hated taking baths when they normally love it. Was it the cold? Was it a strange place? Was it bug bites? Are my kids the only people in the world who do not like Cape Cod? We'll never know but I think we are all glad to be home. And we are all ready for another vacation.

So I did read a book while I was on vacation (first book in months!) and I highly recommend it. It's called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It's one of the best books I have read in a long, long time. It's funny, interesting and inspirational. Even if you are not a runner, you will enjoy this read.

I Was That Twin Mom

Connor and I went to mass on Sunday while Matt and Caroline headed over to Market Basket. I had to stand in the back for the last few minutes as the little guy started to get fussy. And lo and behold there were newborn b/g twins sitting back there. I marched right up and said "Congrats! He's a twin" (pointing to Connor) and asked her the usual questions (b/g? names? how old? how far did you make it?). She was friendly but I'm sure thought, why is the person talking to me? Haha, just wait lady. That was nothing. And in a few months, you'll be asking others.

Also, we went for the babies 6 mo appointment yesterday and I learned that 'green' foods are the last to be introduced because they contain cholorphyll which can upset a babies stomach and make them vomit.(I almost typed cholorform which would REALLY upset their stomach and probably kill them. RIP Caylee. Maybe that's not funny...) Hence the pea puke! I should have just waited until we went to the doctor to get the 411 before we started solids but oh well. Today we did bananas and Connor loved them.

I Wasn't Done

I wasn't quite finished yet but I had to end my post so...I could put them down for naps! Anyway, I'm just really strugging with this right now and I'm running out of ideas to try and help Caroline go to sleep/stay a sleep. Yesterday I was talking to our neighbor. He has a young son Jake and they were out walking. He asked how the twins were sleeping. It's the most popular question I'm asked besides "How do you do it?!". I was explaining the challenge of two napping needs and how he asked me on a really bad day. He chuckled and said that his "buddy" has a child as old as Jake (14 mo) and he and his wife are expecting twins. They have their son on such a strict schedule and he doesn't know how his buddy will handle twins - and 3 kids under 2. He ended the story with his buddy being 60. Oh my god. That would be like, my dad, having 3 kids under 2. I can't imagine that! But listen fellas (and granted I'm making an assuption here), if your second or third wife is half your age, she'll want kids, you'll probably have to do fertility and you'll be stuck going to a high school graduation for your multiples on your 80th birthday.

Naps

First of all, I'm SOOOO sad that Friday Night Lights ended last night. These days, I feel like there is not a lot of really good dramatic television. The Tutors left me, then Lost (don't get me started, I still have dreams that include the characters and I even proposed to Matt that we name the twins Kate and Sawyer) and now Friday Night Lights. If you never got into the show, get the past seasons on DVD when they are available on Netflix or Blockbuster. You may be mad at Netflix though....

Naps with twins is a real challenge. In the begining, sticking to a schedule was pretty easy - and the only way to survive. But as they get older, their needs are changing. I have to remind myself that they are two different people. Connor is a pretty good napper and fairly predictable. Caroline is not. We have had a very challenging three days because she hasn't wanted to nap. I'm not sure if it's because I missed her cues and she is overtired or what. I KNOW she needs more sleep but I'm at a loss of what to do. I only left the house once today so I can watch her and see if I notice any patterns. Sounds rediculous but after a few days if I notice that she is rubbing her eyes around 11:30, then that might be her nap time. And then we can avoid meltdowns. And then I'll be happy. And my husband will like me again because I won't be so cranky. Everyone wins!

I ran 5.5 miles today. It was soooo hard and I have no idea how I used to do it every morning before work. But I'm going to try to continue to do the run on the weekends when I have a little more time. It's the best running loop and I've missed it.

Peas = YIKES

So peas were a bad idea. Connor did like them but he later threw up and our entire house smelled like pea vomit. We lit every candle we had and threw every article of fabric that may have been exposed to the pea vomit in the wash.

It was a scorcher yesterday so to get out of the house, we drove out to Natick to hit up the Container Store (snooze, I know) and B&N. Since we have TWO little half birthday's coming up tomorrow, I bought them some new books. (*Tanget alert* one of the books we bought was "The Giant Jam Sandwich" and it's adorable. It's more appropriate for a 3-4 year old but I liked it so we bought it.) Between the door of B&N and my car, three people stopped and wanted to look at the twins. The first, an older gentleman told me that they celebrate half birthdays in their house and that both Shaws and Stop and Shop have half-cakes for half birthdays.(I actually dreamed last night that I went to go buy one that was decorated in easter decor even though it was for their half birthday and I, naturally, was at Wegmans and there were 200 check out lines.) The second person who stopped me was one of those annoying "Boy do you have your work cut out for you" people. The third was a mother of twins and she wanted to hear all about my pregnancy and delivery and she told me all about hers. That's the thing with twin parents. They like to share stories and they keep very little back. Poor woman went into labor at twenty four weeks and had to stay on bedrest in the hospital for eleven weeks until she delivered at thirty three. Hers were 3.1 and 4.1 so she "totally got the premie in the winter thing" as hers were born on Jan 7. Her twins are five and "Yes, it gets soooo much easier". Now all of you know her story too!

We did our first GroovyBabyMusic class today and we are one of four sets of twins in the class. I actually know the other three sets but didn't know they were in the class. They are all toddlers but really enjoyed looking at Bug and Connor. Connor really liked the music and dancing as he now wiggles his hips and is almost sitting. Caroline just watched everyone and sucked on her maracas.

Solids!

I forgot to mention that we tried solids! (We have been putting rice cereal in their bottle but mostly for their reflux and that's borning and not news worthy to me.) Pears! Connor loves it and he is pretty good with the spoon. Bug isn't quite there yet and looks very confused when the pear goes into her mouth but yet remains curious and intently stares at the spoon. It's very funny to watch them. And very messy. The twins are so messy - messy eaters and bad refluxers but I have to remind myself that they are good sleepers. I think I prefer to have the sleep.

We might try peas today.

Here I Am!

First, I would just like to proudly say that I slept for 9 - yes NINE -hours last night. And I feel asleep reading my book. FINALLY!!!! The babes are sleeping about 11 hours straight. No more dream feeds, no more breaking out of swaddles. Now, I am not going to get too excited about this because "just when you think you have things nailed down, they change..." blah blah blah...and I think teeth are coming. (Buckle up.) But I am still relishing in my night sleep last night.

Have I mentioned yet that I'm really into country music? I always have been but this summer there are some awesome songs. Country music is so summer-Americana-simplicity to me. Like Friday Night Lights. The reason I type this is because I'm listening to You and Tequila and I'm going to watch the Friday Night Lights on my DVR while I make pasta salad and fold laundry. I get a lot done during nap times :) And I'm not sure why I'm rambling about this right now.

We all had a great time visiting everyone in CNY. I was home for 10 days but it went so fast and like every trip home, I plan to relax but somehow the days are filled to the brim with people to visit, errands to run, etc. We got some family pictures taken with our wedding photographer and they turned out amazing. I HIGHLY recommend Laure Lillie for anyone who wants wedding/baby/family/senior pictures. She is a pleasure to work with and does a great job.

I had a really nice time with my mom. Everytime I spend time with her and the babies, I learn so much. She truly is a baby whisperer. But most importantly, she subtly reminds me that nothing is more important than the babies and every minute spent with them is so precious. I sometimes get very flustered and focused on getting things done (feedings, laundry, naps, cleaning) and although all that needs to happen, just relax - get down on the mat, play with them, find out what makes them laugh, encourage them to roll and sit and most importantly, just be patient with them. They are babies after all.

Vacation!

I'm on vacation. Let me enjoy it. I'll be back next week.

Yeah, Thanks For Your Two Cents

When people see twins, they want to comment. They want to look. Some even want to touch - creepy. They can't help themselves. I can only imagine parents of two boys/girls that dress alike. 50s women everywhere salivate at the thought. But it gets old pretty quickly. Just yesterday, I was walking out of the coffee shop around the corner, untying Maggie from the lamp post and and I heard it behind me "Jeeze, ya have yah hands full!" I know buddy, thanks. I cannot go a day without hearing one, some or all of the following: "Twins! God Bless Ya!", "Twins! You have your hands full.", "Twins! I can barely handle one!", "Twins! I have no idea how you do it." (If Octomom can do 8, anyone can do 2.) and also "A boy and a girl! Instant family!" and "A boy and a girl! You're all done now!" and don't forget "Do you get any sleep at all??" Matt and I joked that we are going to start to wear a sign that says "Hi! As you can see, my hands are full with my instant family but I got a little sleep last night so I'm doing okay, thank you."

Big local news today - Whitey Bulger has been captured. Boston is buzzing.

Where O Where Have I Been?

The answer to that question is simple. I've been at my house. I haven't gone anywhere h,aven't dropped off the face of the earth. Actually, updating this has been on my 'to-do' list for about two weeks but it's always on the bottom and I never get to it. I've found that I don't really have time to do anything anymore. During the windows when both babies are asleep, I try and get stuff done. When they are awake, they now demand constant attention. Well, that isn't entirely true. Bug doesn't, she occupies herself but Connor wants to see, touch and do anything/everything.

In twin news, we went to the doctor last week and neither Connor nor Caroline grew very much over the past month - only half a pound and they were gaining at a rate of a pound and a half a month. So we have to go see a GI doctor about their reflux and I think I'm going to start weaning. I was sad about it for a minute and now I'm over it. I made it almost 6 months and truthfully, it's getting to be nonsense at this point. Plus, I'm so sick of all the vomit. And how timely, Connor just threw up all over the place.

In more fun news, they are both really chatty and active now. It's amazing and so wonderful and soooo exhausting. How am I going to handle them as toddlers? I have never been so tired in my life. And I'm getting a stretch of 7-8 hours straight! Normal people consider that a good night sleep.

We have two fun vacations coming up - CNY and Falmouth. July is going to fly by. I can't wait to get to the beach.

Did you all catch the RHOC finale? I think Peggy shouldn't return, she added no value. I feel like I had so many things to discuss because of all the rediculous things that were said but Alexis and Gretchen, but now I can't remember any of them. I should have taken notes.