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December 22, 2007
Our first month as parents
What we've learned so far...
• It’s only been four weeks, but we can’t imagine them not being a part of our lives at this point
• Parenting is a mixture of tears and laughter—hopefully with the latter prevailing on most days
• It’s also just about the hardest work I’ve (we’ve) ever done—it wins out over the dissertation process, though I don’t know if quite beats the “pregnant with twins” process. Yet.
• Raising twins is a community process-we would be insane at this point if it weren't for all the help and support we've had from friends and family.
• We laugh ourselves sick at their antics, and realize that they’re going to hate us for it later! Especially if we keep this up when they're teenagers...
• The law of supply and demand applies to sleep—the less you get, the more you would give just about anything to get enough!
• As much as they love each other, if you put the twins too close when they’re hungry, they will eat each other
• Washing bottles and clothes is reminiscent of the “Myth of Sisyphus”
• One month old babies have a ton of personality. They both make hilarious and distinctive faces, especially when they’re waking up. I think it helps that we have babies we can contrast with each other. Ian is a little high-needs, he tends to be fussier and more demanding, and get overstimulated pretty easily. Elanor tends to have a calmer disposition. However, every once in awhile, they decide to exchange personalities a-la-Freaky-Friday just to keep us on our toes.
• Being home alone with twins is like being a triage nurse. You have to constantly evaluate whose needs are greater at any given moment, and try to give the comfort you can to the one who has to wait, while at the same time trying not to feel guilty if one of them is crying at a point when you can’t do a darn thing about it.
• Cuddling two sleepy babies is one of the most precious things we’ve been given in this life so far
• Three important pieces of equipment: swaddlers (we wouldn’t even get the sleep that we’re getting without them!), baby bags (more on that in another post!), and pacifiers.
• We've gained a greater appreciation and thankfulness for God's sovereignty over our lives because we are constantly being plagued by thoughts like: Are we burping them enough? Are they gaining enough weight? What if they get really sick, injured, etc... Will we be good examples to them? How are we going to (pick one, pick them all!) afford diapers for the next two or three years, find the best education for them, put them through college, etc...? From the smallest things to the largest things, we are realizing to a deeper degree how utterly helpless we are without the Lord's providence, and how utterly thankful we are for it.
deux bebes | By Tim and Jo | 12:20 AM
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Comments
"As much as they love each other, if you put the twins too close when they’re hungry, they will eat each other."
Heeheehee! Oh dear!
Aww, Jo, it's hard to believe it's been a month already - but at the same time it sort of feels like they've been here forever. Do you feel that way too? And I don't even know them in person yet! But you've survived a month, and what a month! I'm so glad God has given you the strength you need for here and now. And your babies are thriving and happy and healthy. That's wonderful! I love you, and them!
Posted by: Grace at December 22, 2007 02:52 PM
I love your analogy about the triage nurse. It is so true!!! One of mine cries a lot louder than the other so she usually gets my attenention first. Also a recommendation for diapers-WALMART Parent's choice. They are great AND cheap!
Posted by: Amelia Christmann at December 22, 2007 11:32 PM