Yes. It's time to play catch-up!

And by that, I mean - Mom, here are the latest photos of your grandsons! Yeah. Seriously. Oh and I'm also catching up on the hundreds of photos I've taken over the past week, with a NEW CAMERA! (My heart swells) xx

So much climbing. And running. And chasing each other and poor Timmy-Dog. They are non-stop. 

And when they do stop, it's quiet and you might think the worst, but lately they have really taken to playing together and having little adventures. And they help each other... H helped W put the trailer back on the bike so he could take the clown for a ride to their room. So lovely.

Speaking of their room. It's slowly becoming "Their space". Full of their toys, I've been slowly putting everything back in their room and making it fun for them to be there. They now have an old CD player they can listen to, access to more books, and most of their toys out. 

Hendrik's cot. "Peter Rabbit", Lion and "Red Monkey"

Willem's cot. "Lellow Monkey" and "Teedy Bear"

I know in the not-too-distant future, all of this is going to change. Cots will become beds. Baby toys and toddler bikes will be too small. But even though, this age has had some hard times, we have seen some amazing milestones. And some milestones that not all parents get to experience. Twin milestones are something that are a blessing. While the boys scream and fight a lot, they are becoming such good little mates! They work together and help each other out. They bring each other food and snacks and their drink bottles. They share toothbrushes. (Yuck) But watching them spend time together (when they aren't fighting) is something lovely beyond words. One morning, they sat on the bean bags in the room, listening to music, sharing books and chatting. It was that moment, I felt I could breath. 

More of that please boys!

xx

A Few New Rules for Interacting with a Twin Caregiver

I hear a lot from other (usually young) mums how they would love to have twins. I laugh. I snicker.

Because, I know what they're thinking... Two babies, how sweet! Two cute little bums, awwww! Dressing them alike, how adorable!

But, I know the reality... Two babies, crying in the night. Two little bums, that get bigger and smellier every day. Dressing them alike, umm no. I get them confused enough as it is!

So the next time you see someone with twins, think before approaching ...

• How is their day going? Looks bad? Then don't ask, just help.
• Do they look tired? Get them a coffee or a glass of wine. Take a kid.
• Have they had to run after one while leaving another with another mum and sprint across meters to just catch the other by the arm today? Be that other mum.
• How many tantrums has your kid had today?.. Double that.
• How many times have you told your child 'no' today? Well triple that. Chances are one child gets told no, the other sees the attention the first twin is getting and tries it to get a reaction by doing the same exact thing and gets told no, first child does it again to see if it's just a random occurrence, or if he can get three out of three. His odds are good.
• How many pairs of socks has the twin mum had to pick up this morning? How many raisins or pieces of popcorn has the dog eaten? Too many.
• Is mum wearing makeup? A normal amount, she may be approachable. None, or WAY too much to cover the bags and dark circles under her eyes, do not approach, I REPEAT, DO NOT APPROACH.
• Never, ever say (men, you are the worst offenders of this) "Looks like you've got your hands full!" Let me just answer in a way that my mother used to answer those puzzling but obvious questions by say... No Shit Sherlock. Seriously? Smile and nod, smile and nod.

Ok. Now that's done, let me apologise. It's been a long couple of weeks and sometimes I just need to rant. Any other twin or non-twin parent will probably understand. All of this always happens within moments of each other, within an hour of going shopping or having not enough sleep.

I guess the important lesson here is don't feel like you have to chat to everyone that makes comments about those amazing bundles of joy sitting in the pram. There will be those days when you can't be bothered, the day has gone to shit, dinner isn't cooked, one kid will not sit in the pram without screaming and you just realised you haven't brushed your teeth. But then, amazingly there will be the days when you can't help but chatting up the elderly neighbour about how awesome these beasts are! It does happen! And it's that little pat on the back that can keep you going.

So, if I smile and nod at you, don't take it personally. Some days we just need to keep moving on...

X

 

 

These guys...

Lucky they are all so cute!

X

 

A Week of Toddler Lunches

I wanted to document what we are having for lunch lately. It's been a pretty awesome change over the last year. There is something so cool about when your kids start eating "people" food. Or grown up food. Or at least a variation of it. Here is what they had last week ...

Tuna Melt on Vogel's Bread with baby cos and capsicum.
Hard boiled egg, hummus, carrot and capsicum, and an apple.
Couscous Fritters, baby cos lettuce and carrot 'slaw' with balsamic, and blackcurrant jam
Curry Kumara Puffs, pear, mixed beans and lettuce
*Mousetraps, mandarin, edamame, and mixed beans

Please note the *. This was a very, very special meal. The mousetraps were made by the boys. Mostly. They spread the vegemite on the bread with actual knives, placed the cheese on top, and only ate a few bits of it. They were so interested and excited when I took them out of the oven! It made my day! Also, this was their first day with edamame in their pods. They loved it! It was a bit of a challenge at first, but even today, Willem had the technique down pat! Totally aced it! 

I love that they are so keen to help and watch what is going on in the kitchen. I never remember being that excited, but then again, when I met met Jacob, the only thing I could cook was pasta and red sauce. True story. 

The more I involve them, the more interested they are. The mousetrap making was just awesome to watch. They are naturals in the kitchen! 

xx

Strange food requests and so many new words!

The boys are getting more and more vocal everyday.

"Please"

"Thank you"

"Curry puff"

"Proper fluffy please" (Hendrik)

And I ask "What veggie would you like for lunch?" Willem says, "Lettuce please."

19 months. Crazy.

But I am shocked and amazed that somehow they have taken to eating salad! And requesting it on a regular basis. It's probably just a phase and they will hate it next week. But still pretty cool...

 

 

Life with twins..

 

My future Edward Hopper and René Magritte

After struggling with the idea of managing my twins boys with paint, I finally was able to get the boys painting! I may have cried a wee bit :)

My goodness. I was amazed. They LOVED IT! Really LOVED IT! Hendrik was so upset when the session was over. LOVE IT! Seriously, they took to it like a fish to water... 

We used a homemade milk-based paint that I found here.

Basically, it's sweetened condensed milk and food colouring. That's it, easy as. As the boys still put everything in their mouths, it was important to be an 'edible' recipe. Henk wasn't into it. Willem didn't mind the taste. But it was rather tasty ;) After using it though, I think I need to make a version that doesn't take 4 days to dry! And it's so sticky! But mission accomplished. The boys are painting. I'm a happy happy mum.

Happy Friday!

Enjoy the weekend! 

xoxo

Growing up..

Today was one of those days when you realise how fast it all goes. Today was filled with questions being asked and actually answered. It's so odd.

"What would you like?" "Snack."

"Would you like some water?" "No."

Hendrik especially has begun to become this very adventurous, curious, independent little man. During playgroup, he wanted to go off and see what was over "there", he came back holding a hand of another mum, looking above the tops of the heads of other kids sitting on the floor, sees me waving to him and smiles his big smile with dimple and all, and comes trotting over. He came over, flung his arms around me and gave me a huge cuddle. It almost made me cry..

Then in the afternoon we went to the Lyall Bay playground. It was a stunning day, so it was a no brainer. As soon as they saw the water, "OSHN!!" Yep. Ocean. Hendrik decided he was going to walk on his own to the playground, looks out over the wall to the beach and the waves, and decides that's where he wants to be. He keeps walking past the swings and slides and down to the beach.

After finding their footing on the sand and finding a couple of shells for Dad, Hendrik sits himself down in the sand. He sits, quiet and calm, watching the ocean, the waves and the surfers. Quiet and calm. The seagulls and the airplanes, taking it all in. Willem cuddles my shoulders asking about passing surfers and pointing to them in the waves.

It makes me so proud on days like these. Some days, I'm happy just to have survived. But these are the days that make this journey truly amazing.

Have a happy weekend!

X

 

The Charlton's {Wellington Portrait Photography}

After a wet and icky week, we all braved Percy Reserve and made some feathery friends!

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!!! xx

At it again! {Wellington Portrait Photography}

It's been a good few years, and I feel a bit out of practice, but I'm shooting again! I have some lovely friends here in Welly that have kindly donated their families to the cause. Well, let's put it this way - if you haven't ridden a bike in 10 years, you aren't going to win the Tour de France?! You get the jist. :)

These are some of my favourites from Sunday's outing with Lucy and her lovely little family!

I'm really looking forward to photographing more over the next few weeks! Check back for more soon!!

x

Suffering for their Art

Some time last year, when the boys and I went to a regular learning playgroup, they had their first go with paints. I was so excited! I imagined them being fascinated, still, natural artists. I watched the other new mums with their 9 month old babies having these beautiful bonding moments over the one thing I looked forward to, almost more than anything. 

Immediately the reality and stress set in. 

While I had Hendrik, someone took Willem, who eventually started to panic and was not a happy camper. So I took Willem, someone else took Hendrik and then Hendrik proceed to try and eat as much paint as possible. 

He was rather upset as you can see. 

I was gutted. I went home in tears and had another cry later that night. Somethings never quite go as planned. Or hoped. Or imagined. This was one of the many moments that went on the list of - "If there was only one". I'm sure other twin/multiple parents have this list. It's sort of a sad list. It's a hard list to forget. There have been many things added to it so far. 

Co-sleeping. 

Breastfeeding.

Easy trips around town.

More art time.

More nudey bum time. 

Regular walks on the beach.

Coffee dates.

It goes on.

But as I've had to deal with a lot of things I've never imagined, I've learnt to work around it. Since this time, we've had quiet reading time with both boys on my lap. Trips around town, coffee dates, things like that. It'll all work out in the end. And yes, we even have art time. Of course restrained to high chairs and washable markers, but it's awesome. 

I know someday that list will be tossed out as the list of  - "So Cool, because there's TWO!" finally begins to gain momentum. I love this list!

Stay positive! It happens, slowly, but it does happen!

Have a great weekend!!!

xoxo

Meatfree Monday - Mushroom & Silverbeet Lasagne

I love a good, hearty lasagne. And to get that heartiness in a vegetarian dish - always add mushrooms! I found this recipe and thought it was a good basic idea. A great starting point for an easy lasagne. Also, as I try to budget more and more (it's amazing how much those boys can eat!!) I switched up a bit of the original ingredients for more of a budget conscious mind.

This is what you need...

It's Fluffy Time!

The boys are still slowly learning how to use their cups and dishes and utensils properly. It's messy business. But great for some sunny time spent outside.

Our cleaners are horrible!

They don't dust properly, they leave a bigger mess than when they started... And vacuuming? Pffffft! All they do is try and play with the attachments. Well, at least I don't have to pay them very much!

Some of our latest adventures might seem a bit odd. I have been teaching the boys pick up after themselves, put their toys and books away, help empty the dishwasher by handing us forks and spoons and such, dusting, and the latest - handing me pegs and nappies to hang on the air-dryer. 

I think it's really important for the boys to be involved and while it's something new and interesting, I'll be taking full advantage of it! 

When I was growing up, we had our weekly chores that we were expected to do. On Saturdays, as a family, we would have our big clean up day. After cartoons and breakfast, we would dust, wipe down the coffee table and the bookshelves, little things like that. We would move things in the garden when my dad would mow the lawn and move them back again. THEN, we would be allowed to go out and play. I remember going out to feed the dogs, chickens and rabbits when I was fairly young. So, having this in mind, I saw this list and was happy I found it!

To me, it all makes perfect sense. A family is a working unit. Everyone pitches in, everyone helps, and everyone benefits. 

I'd love to know your thoughts!

x

Post Natal Depression. Or maybe not...

Depression sucks.

On and off for years, I have dealt with depression. I think it began around puberty and was probably triggered by the divorce of my folks. Eventually, I was able to get the support I needed, therapy, meds, support groups, the church I grew up with.. It was manageable.

When I found out I was pregnant, Post Natal Depression was something that I felt I needed to find out about. And with the news we were having twins, I expected it. What happened was slightly different. I felt like I had prepared myself for the worst and for the first few months, it wasn't that bad. Living with the lack of sleep was probably the worst bit. It wasn't quite depression, but maybe just being overwhelmed. First time parenting is enough to make you go nuts, let alone the task times two.

But it took a couple of months before the depression kicked in. The usual feelings, sad, crying, second guessing myself in my newly acquired role as parent to two lovely baby boys. In my mind I just kept telling myself that this was how it was going to be. They would start crying and I would start crying. This horrible feeling of hopelessness and despair started to kick in every morning upon waking. I knew it was time to go talk to someone. I headed to the GP and relayed the details. Yep, sounds like good old Post Natal Depression. Of course it is. Anti-depressants, referrals for parenting groups to chat about your feelings, pamphlets. All the goodies.

So, I was back on meds like the old days and everything seemed to be going well.

Then after a few months of being on meds, it all turned to custard. It seemed to have gotten much worse than before. So we upped the dose, 50mg a day to 100mg. So not just upped, but doubled. By this time, I had my period back as well.

A few weeks later, back down to dread and tiredness and crying. Back to the GP I went. This time, I was seen by someone different as the usual doctors were on holiday. This one suggested a blood test. Hmmm. Ok. It was to check a few different things to rule out other causes. Fair enough...

A couple of days later I get a voicemail from the GP. There was a script at the desk waiting for me and I should get started on it as soon as possible. Your iron levels are low.

So it turns out, my body was not storing iron properly. And out of a normal scale from 18-160, I was at 12.

Within an hour of taking this new medication, I felt like a new person! I was happy, smiling, I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. I had enough energy to play on the floor with the boys, and get my head around every situation and dilemma. I was back to myself, and maybe a bit better!

So now, I wonder about the state of my depression. Is what I felt PND? Or just the effects of loosing a lot of blood due to giving birth? I've only read a few things that say the two, PND and iron deficiency, may be related, but nothing concrete.

Sadly, I think GPs are too quick to say "PND" and just get you medicated. I won't be ranting on about pharmaceutical companies or anything here, but it might be worth a second look. Considering how much blood and nutrients leave your body during birth, I'm surprised that they don't check everyone! I also think once a new starts getting her period again, she should get checked.

I know from my experience, once I started getting my period again, it was heavier than it used to be. I figured it was normal, considering my uterus had been stretched to the size of Milwaukee.

Obviously, this has been my experience and it may not happen often to other new mums, but it's worth a second look. Now that I'm on my iron medication, my level is at 23. Not great, still low, but better. It's manageable again.

I said to someone recently, "This is, hands down, THE hardest job I have ever had. And I've had some shit bosses, but these two are so demanding and cranky!"

Luckily, I'm definitely not in it for the money!

X

Merry Merry Christmas one and all!

What a lovely holiday we have had here in Wellington! Christmas Eve day was spent waiting for Jacob to finish a short work day, listening to christmas songs, and reading The Night Before Christmas!

Christmas Eve was pretty icky weather, rainy most of the day, gusting winds, but Jacob being a brave cook, headed out to the BBQ for some tandoori chicken and an oven roasted terakihi for the fam. Odd combo, but so yummy!

Our first whole fish! Love it! And I think we'll be seeing more of them! The rest of the evening was getting ready for a lovely Christmas... Washing hand-me-down wooden blocks, decorating chalkboard toy boxes that Jacob built, drinking wine and snacking on mince pies.

So, the next morning...

Then off to Auntie Lisa's for an amazing day of feasting, beautiful weather, and warm family fuzzies...

Santa Etta

Silas opening a rather important gift from Opa

Monkeys all around!

Hendrik loves his monkey!

Timmy may be a bit over Christmas...

Cheese of the addictive variety

Etta's Adventures in Cheese Appreciation

Opa and Silas

Yes. Turducken.

Layer upon layer upon layer....

Thank you Lisa, Paul and Jeremy for an amazing meal!

And somehow I ended up on the wrong side of the camera. A rare sight.

A little playtime before...

... an beautiful Christmas dessert!

We hope everyone has had an amazing holiday filled with joy, love, family and the warmth of summer!

xo