What's it like raising twins plus one?

It is a very rewarding job. Hard at times, but worth it. As any parent would say about raising any child. However, juggling two toddlers and a preschooler is a task. Sometimes you do feel like a cattle herder, just trying to get them to go through the gate. This age has been the most demanding so far...and I say so far with an emphasis as we haven't even hit the demands of teenage years. But compared to when Miles and Camryn weren't so mobile (running, climbing, throwing, dancing, etc.) this is a challenging time. And I truly do think they plan their attacks. It's as if Miles tells Camryn, "I'll dump out the cereal while you go over there and get the batteries out of the remote." Or "I'll start screaming banana and you throw a fit over wanting some juice." I guess it's no different than when they were newborns and would be crying at the same time. Well, maybe a little different because now they can hold onto your legs as you try to get them what they want or follow you around screaming for that banana or juice. And my legs have become a source of entertainment. Miles and Camryn have some sort of game they play as one stands on one side of my legs and the other stands on the other and they stick their heads through the gap as I'm cooking or washing dishes, lots of laughter from them. Makes moving around a little hard. Going places where their freedom is allowed (where they aren't confined to a stroller or shopping cart) is a challenge. At home we've created a mostly toddler-proof, safe zone in every room. When we go somewhere that this hasn't occurred, it's not enjoyable for me. Life as a singleton mother is a breeze at this age as following one toddler around in a non-toddler-proof zone is not such a burden. Following two toddlers the same age in a non-toddler-proof zone is stressful. One adult chasing two running, hiding, climbing, prodding, toddlers in other environments is not ideal. I've now learned that I should bring my own toddler proofing kit wherever we go so as to eliminate some of the "danger". So if we visit and I put safety plugs over your electrical plugs, rubber bands on your cabinet knobs and put your curtains in knots, please don't take offense. I'm only trying to make my visit a little less stressful and more enjoyable and to keep your belongings safe from destruction (that's if I remember to pack everything). And for those of you that have scoffed at people who put their children on leashes, remember to never judge a book by its cover. I've never used a leash with any of my children. However, I can understand why some people would choose that type of confinement. Sometimes at this age they just want to walk around and strollers don't allow that. So walking+leash=happy child, happy parents. At least the child that is on the leash is getting exercise while her stroller confined peers are not. Again, I've never used a leash for my children, but I do not pass judgement on those that chose to do so as I can see how it is less stressful and less of a fight to put them on a leash and walk the mall. I don't think I could give up the confinement of a stroller for two kids the same age since I'd be having to watch what each one is getting into. Nonetheless, it is a choice that has a reason behind it.



Do they already have a close relationship? Definitely. As different as they are, you can see the bond they have with each other. Camryn may act independent, but she loves her brother. Miles points to Camryn every morning and says "titter" excitedly. Camryn is the last one to settle down at night and as I peek in to check on them she can be found right next to Miles, or laying on top of Miles with her feet in his face, or laying her chest on his legs and looking up at him trying to talk to him even though he's already asleep. They've been together since the beginning of their life. That's something us non-twin-types will never fully understand. They've shared a lot of tender moments before and after entering this world and also had their fair share of sibling fights, in womb and out.



When will I separate them? They still share a crib and until it becomes a problem I don't intend to separate them. Once they are big enough to move to a bigger bed I'll provide two beds for them, but I don't intend to split them into separate rooms unless they desperately request such a thing. Of course I recognize them as individuals and am not trying to make them be one. I feel that I'm being respectful of their special bond, one I will never fully understand. But I can imagine that it would be hard to be forced to be separated from someone that has been with you since you can remember and you weren't ready for that separation. So I will wait until it is a problem for them or they tell me they need to be separated.



How does Macey interact with them? Most of the time she has a blast with them. Chasing, laughing, wrestling, singing, dancing...she loves her brother and sister. Obviously there are times when it is annoying to have a brother or sister or both trying to play with the toy you picked out to play with. So, Sean and I provide a space for Macey to place her things so that Miles and Camryn cannot get to them. She definitely loves them and misses them when they aren't around. I hope they continue to be close and that Macey will not ever feel left out or like the third wheel. I know I'm going to make every effort to make sure that doesn't happen.



How are they different? Oh, this is easy. Miles is my little funny man. Prankster, funny little guy. He laughs so easily. He finds humor in so much. He always has. He loves to play games with you. He's also all boy. Throwing everything. He loves to throw things down the stairs, out of the bathtub, out of the door, into the trash, etc. And he mainly uses his left hand when throwing. Even when eating he puts his spoon in his left hand...so maybe we have a lefty. He's also cautious in new environments. He needs a little time to adjust with new people or new places. Once he finds his groove, he's good to go. He's kept up with being very vocal. He will be the first to let you know that he is hungry ("eat, eat") or that he's done eating ("un down") or what he wants to do. I'm just amazed at the conversations I can have with him at this age. Camryn is my very emotional, independent little diva. She wants to do it her way on her time. And if you interupt her time, big tears and loud protesting. She also doles out the sweetest kisses. Saying "mmuah" with each kiss as she tenderly pecks you on the cheek. She is also the most fearless kid I've known. Some of her feats include climbing into our bar height chairs and sitting as if she's grown. And climbing on top of the sofa table and standing very proudly. I truly believe that she thinks she can do it all. And strangers, what is that? She thinks every new place is a place that was anticipating her arrival and she makes her presence known. Two distinct personalities who happened to be born on the same day.



Lessons learned from having twins:

1. Never give one of them something different to eat or drink when they are young. They are perceptive to these things very early on. If they feel like the other one has gotten something "more enjoyable" a fight or fit will ensue. Miles still has food allergies, so you guess it, Camryn mostly only eats what Miles can eat. If you want to give Camryn something Miles can't have, you better do it out of sight of Miles. And if you give one juice and not the other, they know, they can tell what is in a cup. Boycotting their cup has occurred as well as stealing the other ones cup. I'm guessing that they'll grow out of this and want very distinctive things, but for now we try to keep it equitable to avoid meltdowns.
2. Always bring booster seats with you when having to eat out of the house. This is because many places don't have lots of highchairs or the likelihood of two of them that work (i.e. snap) being available may be slim. Being prepared for this is crucial. Even traveling to other houses. Feeding two 17 month olds at the same time, forget it if you can't confine them.
3. Don't be stunned when your son requests a hair bow be put in his hair because he just witnessed his sister get one put in her hair. We've not made it in public with it in his hair, but he's definitely had a few put in his hair before leaving the house.
4. Never underestimate the brain power of two toddlers. They've been found standing on top of a turned over large mixing bowl trying to open the bathroom door. I'm not looking forward to the day when they figure out that one can hoist the other one up to get something out of reach.
5. If you think you child proofed your house for a previous child, think again. Child proofing take on a whole new meaning when there's two to chase and keep safe.
6. There are many lessons we've learned and will continue to learn. Hopefully we don't make too many mistakes along the way.

We are glad we have each one of the children we have and raising twins plus one has been a fun and exciting (sometimes exhausting) ride. And I'm sure raising twins, plus two will be even better...I guess we'll find out in August!

Daily moments

Some sweet/funny moments around here lately.

As I'm dishing out food onto Miles' tray, Camryn gives him some peas from her tray. I guess she thought he needed a few more. And it could go the other way, they do steal food from each other, even though they eat the same thing. Grass is greener I guess.

As soon as I get Miles out of his chair, Camryn pulls it to her so that she can grab all the leftovers from his seat.

Camryn walking around holding her shorts, who knows what this kid is thinking. I wish we could find our camera charger to catch this one.

Macey doing some serious bird chasing expeditions. Our neighborhood walk is now all about locating birds so that Macey can chase/try to catch them. She's serious about this, it's no laughing matter to her.

Miles copying everything you say. One of my favorites is him holding up something and looking at me and saying "Dis" (asking what is this). To which I tell him what it is he's holding, then him trying to say what I told him it was. Another one is when he's done eating and I ask if he is full and if he wants to get up. To which he replies "up", holding his arms up to me. Yet another one is when I ask if he's poo pooed (when he has) and he looks at me with a sheepish grin and says "poo poo". That boy.

Camryn throwing her professional/diva style fits. I know, not so funny in years to come, but I can't help but laugh at her go crazy over the smallest things (i.e. when I take an unpeeled orange away from her to peel it so she can eat it, that was the end of the world to her, and there are LOTS more). Oh, and NEVER put her down first when putting them down for nap/bedtime. Diva style fit surely will ensure if you do. This girl has more attitude than any of the other Hardeman kids...Lord give me strength!

Camryn sucking her thumb and twirling/pulling her hair. When I hold her and she starts sucking her thumb she will twirl my hair. One bad thing about the hair twirling is that it's hard to keep her hair up. She's a pro at the hair twirl/pulling while sucking her thumb and she has no use for your hairstyle you did for her. Oh well, at least one of my girls allowed me to keep pretty bows in her hair.

Macey and Miles wrestling. They get pretty rough and Miles just laughs the entire time.

The conversations about her day I have with Macey as she's going to bed. Her telling me about Harley licking her on her hand, chasing birds, playing.

Macey with her babydolls. She rocks them, pretends they are crying, tells them not to cry, takes them on strolls, covers them with blankets, gives them baths, asks if they are okay.

Miles and Camryn walking around with whistles in their mouths and blowing them. Yes, can get a little loud, but the funniest thing.

The kid-cart derby that goes on in the kitchen everyday. Miles and Camryn pushing their push toys and Macey riding her cart. Enter if you are brave, they will run you over.

Getting on Macey's cart with her and having to hold Miles and Camryn and go for a few spins around the kitchen.

Macey helping me cook. She's a great stir-er and helps me measure and dump ingredients.

Macey telling us to leave the bathroom (usually only when she's got to go poo). Who knew privacy would start this early.

Miles and Camryn singing into the kid microphone (it really works). I think I recorded this one but can't download since the battery is down.

These are the moments...

A few birthday pictures

They are in reverse order. I didn't load them like this, but this is how they posted (and I'm not taking the time to move them around). Enjoy!

Went in two different directions

Started out together

I think she liked it.

Yummmm!

Savoring the flavor

This is F-U-N!

"Really, all of this is MINE!"

See what I mean, daring! She tried a few times to touch the flame!

"This is different"

Birthday Ride

How much they've grown

What a difference a year makes!

Happy 1st Birthday Camryn!

Dear Camryn,

BGB (Baby Girl B) is a year old! How did this year go by so fast!? We are blessed to have such a wonderful baby girl in our lives.

You took up your share and more while in my tummy. You loved to flip flop around and lay in every direction you could think of. I forgive you for poking me in my ribs those last few months. Even though it was quite painful, I understand you didn't have enough room to stretch out like you would've wanted. I think you and your brother came to an understanding early on that you needed your space and he obliged by staying low and not flipping around so much. I appreciate this understanding!

You have become such a little character. I'm constantly amazed at the things you do. My little dare devil. Climbing up on anything and everything and skillfully so. You can not only climb up, but successfully and quite masterfully get yourself down. Your balance and coordination is just amazing. I understand your need for a daring challenge, but I hope you remember that Mommy can't handle too many daring situations. No more trying to climb the dresser or trying to climb the baby gate? Please? And I will say it now; no, you cannot skydive, bungy jump, or drive a race car, not until you are 35! Please don't make me eat those words. ;-)

You seem to have the world figured out already. Maybe it's the daring explorer in you. You are very busy at that. Investigating one toy for a bit, then moving on to the next. You and your brother are very busy. You don't like it when someone denies you the ability to explore a toy or even food. You make it very known that they are hurting your feelings and continue to make it known to them; as if you think they forgot what they did.

You've been on the go for a while. Army crawling was your mode of transportation for many months. The army would've been privileged to have such a skilled crawler among their ranks. Fast, agile, and strong. I guess that mode of transportation got boring and you moved onto traditional crawling. But you can still be caught using your stealth army crawl every now and then.

You have been quite laid back this first year, despite your need for a challenge. You go with the flow. We appreciate you taking it easy on us here. You can say some things, but you are deep in thought a lot and mostly prefer to keep those thoughts to yourself. Some things you say are "daddy, bye, un uh, and cat". You also make noises for a dog barking, duck quacking, pig oinking, and a dog panting.

Your have a smile that will brighten any dark room! Just beautiful! Your little laugh is just the cutest thing. Tickling you gets the best laugh out of you. You and your daddy have a tickling game that is hilarious. Daddy just pokes you and you squirm/bend over while laughing.

You like to take your time waking up in the morning. The light hurts your eyes and you'd rather not be brought into it for a while after waking. I feel the same way many mornings.

Some things you do at 1 year old:

1. Taking steps, not preferred yet
2. Suck your thumb while pulling your hair
3. Climb
4. Wave
5. Bang toys
6. Steal toys and food
7. Play peek a boo
8. Give kisses
9. Take your diaper off
10. Carry on conversations with Macey

Your daddy and I love you "to the moon and back" and are happy to have you in our family. We look forward to the adventures we will share with you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Happy 1st Birthday Miles!

Dear Miles,

It has been truly an amazing first year with you, BBA (Baby Boy A). You have brought so much joy, entertainment and love to our home.

Where to begin. You gave us a little scare before you were born with having such a high heart rate, but I'm thinking you were just getting so excited about getting to meet the rest of your family that you couldn't contain it. Thankfully you calmed down and you and your sister were able to grow some more before making your entrance. You've continued to add spice to our lives.

Despite your struggles with food allergies, you are such an animated, spirited little fellow. You speak with inflection and tone. Although many times you are saying gibberish, we completely understand what you are saying as your expressions and body language say it all. Just remember, inside voice is a good thing. The girls won't want to play with you if you stick with such a loud squeal. And if you could remember that Mommy may want some of her friends to watch you sometimes and your demanding tone can make finding a babysitter a bit harder, or um is that your plan? You also love to mimic what we are saying. Some of the things you say are hey, boo, yes, daddy, ball, bye, sister, bath, un uh, uh oh...just to name a few.

You wake up in the morning ready to tackle the day. We can hear you talking as soon as you open your eyes and when we go get you out of the crib you greet us with such a squeal. It makes us smile every time. "Good morning world, I'm up and excited about the day!" That's what I imagine you are thinking each morning. I wish I had your zest!

You are such a jovial little guy. When you first started crawling you would just laugh and giggle with each motion. You were so happy to be moving around I guess. You laugh when we are being silly, you laugh when Macey "plays" tackle with you, you laugh with Camryn when you are having your "twin" conversations... It brings a smile to my face just thinking of how you laugh and how easily you laugh.


You certainly do love hanging out with me a lot. I like hanging out with you too. One request though. When Mommy's trying to make your dinner, it makes it much harder to do that if you just want to hang out around my legs (i.e. holding onto them and wanting me to walk around while you hold onto my legs). I understand that it very fun to do and that you sometimes just want to tell me to hurry up, but it does slow Mommy down a bit. As much as I want to spend every minute hanging out with you and your sisters, I hope you understand that I'm just trying to make your dinner.

Some of the things you are doing at 1 year old:

1. Taking steps; not proficient at walking yet though
2. Sucking 2 fingers on your left hand
3. Waving
4. Climbing
5. Throwing
6. Banging toys
7. Playing peek a boo
8. Giving kisses
9. Fighting with your sisters (i.e. taking toys away or having toys taken away)
10. Playing cars
    

We love you so much and can't wait to see what else we get to share with you. We are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Little momma

We recently visited family a few weekends ago. Macey played with a babydoll that had a diaper on it and she was instantly in love. She loved changing the doll's diaper numerous times (i.e. taking the diaper off, using a wipe, and putting the same diaper back on). She had already been playing with her stuff animals and pretending they were her babies as well as playing with her dolls, but once she saw that babydoll with a diaper her love for playing babies intensified. I've had to put a diaper on a stuffed duck, elephant, and who knows what else as well as her babydolls. She also loves to put blankets around her babies/stuffed animal and rock them. Or she'll lay her babies down with blankets on them. I come home many times to find babies/stuff animals laid out on the couch with blankets on them. She's such a good little momma. She still worries about where her brother or sister are if both of them are not awake. I love how she will ask me "Where's sister", as if it's her responsibility to keep track of them. She loves them so.