Tag: twins

Categories
5 years and beyond

Searching for the Magic Formula

The book that holds the magic formula. Getting kids to behave. Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The book that holds the magic formula. Getting kids to behave. Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you found the magic formula for disciplining your kids? I wish I had. Kids have been little terrors lately and I feel it is the age and the need for more stimulation. I could be wrong but I am trying to believe this.  No one listens to mummy, kids don’t do anything they are told or asked to do and as you might imagine, Mummy is over it and exhausted!

I have tried chores, incentives, and the like and all seem not to work. I have tried making it a game and getting them to help with small things, like wiping the table. It does work to a degree then goes pear shaped. Is it the competitiveness between the kids? Is it the fact that they are so close and want to do the same thing at the same time? Maybe it is.

I do feel though that the girls now they are five are pushing boundaries and seeing where it gets them.  Mostly this pushing boundaries gets them into trouble. Time out in the corner, no TV, no story or an early bedtime.

Is is due to the fact that they are twins? Pairing up to be mischievous more? Maybe? But siblings have done the same thing, so maybe it is not just down to being twins. Having a buddy in crime is helpful for the kids but annoying for the parent.

Do you have twins? Have you found the age of four to five troublesome? The girls are getting much more confident with their climbing and are little quiet ninjas when they want to not be found out. I do find it hard not to be amazed at how clever they are, but at the same time they are getting into trouble and some of it might cause injury.

I have explained to the girls how some things are very naughty and can cause one or both of them to get hurt. We always say “We don’t want to have to take you to hospital” and the kids don’t want to go, so they start to listen.  Kids I know are rough and tumble and getting hurt here or there is part of the cause, but you don’t want it to more serious than a bump or a scratch.

Do you have issues with kids listening, paying attention and doing as you ask? If you have cracked the magic formula to make it all work, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! Send in your comments.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Octo Success

Yesterday was the twins 5th birthday party, they are not five yet, but we will be away for their actual birthday so wanted the girls to have a party with their mates before we leave on our holiday.

Two days before their party hubby and I stayed up late to get all organised and sorted.

The day before the party I spent most of it in the kitchen, making fish biscuits otherwise known as sugar cookies, vegan cupcakes for those who cannot eat the cake and then later that night I made the cake. After 1am or later, the cake was finished, I was pleased with it. It looked like Kwazii Cat, so that was an achievement.

Kwazii Cake, made by me.
Kwazii Cake, made by me.
The candle did not stay lit as the wind picked up. This is the only picture I had with the candle lit as it went out soon after.
The candle did not stay lit as the wind picked up. This is the only picture I had with the candle lit as it went out soon after.

A week before the day of the party we checked what the weather was going to be like and it said 90% chance of showers, gosh not good. We are having the party at a park and they don’t have undercover shelter.

What would we do if this forecast was correct? Not sure really. However this was not to be, the weather was sunny, hot and just great. The only thing that was a bit of an annoyance was the wind picked up a little bit but it was not gale force winds so cannot complain about it.

We had a great turn out and the kids were super happy to see all their friends and our family and extended family friends that joined us to celebrate the kids turning five.  It was a nice day and fun was had by all. Today it has been overcast, cooler and threatening rain. We were very lucky that we did well with the weather.

I wanted to make sure the kids had fun with the food as it was an Octonauts party, and got some inspiration from another blogger on my post about Octonaut Party Preparation.

Worm Tails
Worm Tails
Crab Shells
Crab Shells
Vegan Cupcakes
Vegan Cupcakes

We changed the name of certain foods for a bit of fun.

Jaffas were called crab shells, snakes were called electric eels, other lollies were called worm tails. Apple juice was whale wee, orange juice was octopus ink, and water was called sea water.

Octopus Ink
Octopus Ink
Sea Water
Sea Water

It was very funny when kids were asking for more whale wee and sea water. Hilarious actually!

The labels were done by using Avery Labels. It was made even easier by their online template to make sure it prints fine with your images. So easy to use and worked a treat.

If you need to do labels, this is ideal.  For the rectangular labels we used L7109 Avery Labels and for the round labels we used L7102.

When we printed we used the best photo for the quality and for the paper type we chose glossy photo paper.  They came out brilliantly.

Avery Labels
Avery Labels

 

I even made Tunip's fish biscuits.
I even made Tunip’s fish biscuits.

One of the mothers that came along did some water bombs with the kids and they were a hit.

Having fun with a water bomb
Having fun with a water bomb
Water fun
Water fun

Kids were exhausted and happy after their day at the park and the party. We came home with some family and had a cuppa tea and kids unwrapped presents. The girls were very surprised as they have finally got the presents they have been asking for.

A successful day. Hubby and I were so tired and collapsed after dinner with a glass of wine. Phew another party done for another year.

Are you planning your child/children’s birthday party? Or is it your partners/wife/hubby’s?

 

It is a big job but pleasing when it all works out well. Send in your comments.

 

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Categories
4 years and beyond Uncategorised

I'm Exhuasted, Are You?

My girls are nearly five years old and they are very good however have been at each other like nothing else lately. It seems that if one is playing with something the other takes it, one might be happy doing something and then want me to help them. I do a bit and then they get whingey when I say I need to go off and do something else. One child gets upset and wants cuddles all day and parts of the days or most of them have been taken up sorting out squabble after squabble. When it is like this nothing can get done at home and then mummy is drained and exhausted.  Does this happen to you?

Is it the age I ask? Most friends I speak to have the same problems but these friends have children of different ages. Having twins is difficult as both kids want to do things at the same time, and as a parent that does not have help, it is hard to be in two places at once (I am sure it would be the same as a single parent). Do you have twins or triplets? Has this happened to you at this age?

My girls are so close and love each other to bits, however it gets nasty very quickly. Is it due to the closeness? Or just the fact that they are always together that they get annoyed at each other? I know it just simple sibling rivalry however it does wear on my patience and sometimes my patience does not hold up at all.

As you might have guessed when they are tired and hungry the behaviour gets worse, like most peoples would, so not a big surprise there. So what do I do to curb this type of behaviour?

  • Tell them that they cannot hurt each other – The child that has hurt the other I take them away and put them in time out.
  • If the twins are fighting over toys, I take the toy in question away from both of them.
  • I give them warnings and if they continue their bad behaviour I separate them.
  • I explain that if they don’t behave then they will not be allowed to go to the park, or somewhere nice as a treat.
  • Put it in their context, ask them if they would like to be treated the way they have treated their sister. The answer is always “No!” Then I mention that if you treat people horribly they will do it back to you.
  • Tell them that mummy wants them to be nice and good to each other, I don’t want them hurting or upsetting each other. They seem to understand this and are good. (Well for a bit that is)

Part of the upsets have come from the fact that they are more independent and want to do more. As you can imagine, some things are fine for the twins to do and others not. If it is dangerous I will not allow it.  If I can , I have them help me, for example chopping up vegetables for dinner that is fine, as long as I am there to supervise.

Is there more chaos in your house lately? What techniques have worked for you? Do you have twins or triplets and encountered the same behaviour?

Did you manage to figure out a way to get peace in your household? How did you do it? Send in your tips and tricks to us so we can all learn.

 

Categories
4 years and beyond

I’m Exhuasted, Are You?

My girls are nearly five years old and they are very good however have been at each other like nothing else lately. It seems that if one is playing with something the other takes it, one might be happy doing something and then want me to help them. I do a bit and then they get whingey when I say I need to go off and do something else. One child gets upset and wants cuddles all day and parts of the days or most of them have been taken up sorting out squabble after squabble. When it is like this nothing can get done at home and then mummy is drained and exhausted.  Does this happen to you?

Is it the age I ask? Most friends I speak to have the same problems but these friends have children of different ages. Having twins is difficult as both kids want to do things at the same time, and as a parent that does not have help, it is hard to be in two places at once (I am sure it would be the same as a single parent). Do you have twins or triplets? Has this happened to you at this age?

My girls are so close and love each other to bits, however it gets nasty very quickly. Is it due to the closeness? Or just the fact that they are always together that they get annoyed at each other? I know it just simple sibling rivalry however it does wear on my patience and sometimes my patience does not hold up at all.

As you might have guessed when they are tired and hungry the behaviour gets worse, like most peoples would, so not a big surprise there. So what do I do to curb this type of behaviour?

  • Tell them that they cannot hurt each other – The child that has hurt the other I take them away and put them in time out.
  • If the twins are fighting over toys, I take the toy in question away from both of them.
  • I give them warnings and if they continue their bad behaviour I separate them.
  • I explain that if they don’t behave then they will not be allowed to go to the park, or somewhere nice as a treat.
  • Put it in their context, ask them if they would like to be treated the way they have treated their sister. The answer is always “No!” Then I mention that if you treat people horribly they will do it back to you.
  • Tell them that mummy wants them to be nice and good to each other, I don’t want them hurting or upsetting each other. They seem to understand this and are good. (Well for a bit that is)

Part of the upsets have come from the fact that they are more independent and want to do more. As you can imagine, some things are fine for the twins to do and others not. If it is dangerous I will not allow it.  If I can , I have them help me, for example chopping up vegetables for dinner that is fine, as long as I am there to supervise.

Is there more chaos in your house lately? What techniques have worked for you? Do you have twins or triplets and encountered the same behaviour?

Did you manage to figure out a way to get peace in your household? How did you do it? Send in your tips and tricks to us so we can all learn.

 

Categories
4 years and beyond

New Name

One of the girls has taken to call the other a different name. It is similar to her name but shorter and of course a bit different. It is cute and interesting that she has done this and even more curious that the other child answers to this new name.

It is a nice affectionate thing to have done on this girls part, she deeply loves her sister and it shows by her giving her such a cute lovely new name. They are both so connected and I am sure that is due to being twins but also due to being together so often.

Has your child given your other child a new name? Does the other child answer to this new name? Was it a nice name or a bad one that had to be stopped? Send in your comments.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Style Starts Early

Little Style Master. Image courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Little Style Master. Image courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you have one child that is stubborn and will not wear anything you want them to. I do! One of my girls is very headstrong and is only wanting to wear dresses and skirts.  Due to it being winter and living in the Blue Mountains it is freezing and getting colder and colder. This does not seem to bother this child, she wears what she wants and braves the weather.

I do my best to put jackets, skivvies, jumpers and the like on her but all to be taken off in defiance. Do you have this problem? This child is wanting to wear things that are pretty or are more colourful!  Why can’t you just wear some warm track pants and jumpers to keep warm, we are only going to the park! When I finally get a jacket on her she is in tears due to the fact that her pretty top or dress will not be seen by the other kids.

It is not a fashion parade, or is it? Maybe it is and mummy has not got the memo?  My other child loves dresses and other things however loves to be warm and normally opts for the track pants, jumper and jacket. This difference has always been there, one loves the warmth and the other likes to be cooler and strips off often due to being hot or getting overheated.

This difference is like myself and hubby. I love the heat and he likes to be cooler, very interesting it has been copied in the kids.

Do you have twins or multiples has this been a common occurrence, fighting over clothes. The child that is obsessed with skirts and dresses also likes tight stretch pants. Is this a flash forward to teenage years? Will I get “Mummy it is not tight enough?”

I do think that the girls growing up in an environment that is cold and will be acclimatised to it just like I miss the heat of Queensland and the beach. I grew up in the heat and spent nearly all my waking moments at the beach swimming or exploring.

Maybe they will long for the cold if they ever move away when older. It will be interesting to see. Would the one child that loves the heat go to a place that is warmer and the child that likes the cold stay here or go somewhere similar? Only time will tell.

Let me know how you get through the fights over clothes, send in your stories. Are girls worse to dress than boys, or do you think it comes down to personality? I for one think it is personality.

Categories
Guest Post

Promoting Individuality: Things to Avoid Doing with Twins

My girls at 8mths
My girls at 8mths

While it may be cute to dress twins up in identical clothing and provide identical bedding and toys, there will come a time when they want to be viewed as individuals. Although choices and likes may remain the same as his or her twin, they could just as easily begin to differentiate themselves from the other. In order for your child to grow as an individual, you need to give them those choices and let them develop their own personalities.

1. Comparisons and Labels – Sometimes it may be hard on a parent, but you need to stay away from comparing one child to the other. Saying things like, “your brother likes it” and “why can’t you be more like your sister” can be some of the utmost disparaging remarks you can make to someone who is trying to solidify himself or herself from the other. Sayings such as these can also make it seem you are putting emphasis on the allure of the other twin. You don’t want to split your affections and you need to realize that each child is going to look at the world differently.

2. Food Choices – Allowing them to choose their own meals can be beneficial to each child securing their individuality. His or her tastes are going to change over time and there is nothing to say that each child will prefer the same dish that his or her twin enjoys. Something as simple as food can make a difference in how children feel about themselves and empower them to make future decisions.

3. Clothes – Avoid forcing them to dress alike. If they wish to wear the same clothes, then that is their decision to make. However, too many parents force wearing alike onto their children in order to promote that they are indeed twins. Allow them to choose their own wardrobe and encourage the individuality.

4. One-on-One – In order to help promote individuality, spend one-on-one time with each child separately, but equally. Try to avoid spending more time with one over the other. This could seem like favoritism. Let the child specify which activity he or she would like to do with you. This helps him or her develop decisions on the child’s own without being influenced by the twin. Passive and submissive behaviors in one child could make it seem like they’re alike when they’re truly not.

5. Birthdays – When it comes to the birthday cake, let each sibling decide which one he or she would rather have. Instead of one large cake for both of them to share, why not use two smaller cakes each with their own candles for the children to blow out individually? This could help the child signify that although the date on the calendar is shared with their sibling, it is still a special day for him or her as an individual.

Although the above helps develop individuality, don’t try to discourage a bond that twins have the ability to form. They may simply enjoy being the same as their twin and prefer to remain that way. Allow them the chance to discover themselves without driving a wedge in between them. You can promote individuality without forcing it on them. Allow each to make their own decisions and let situations develop from there.

Author Bio:

This post is contributed by Christine Maddox. Currently she is pursuing her Master’s degree from University of Texas as well as blogging for www.4nannies.com. She loves to write anything related to parenting, kids, nanny care etc. Send Christine an email

Categories
4 years and beyond

On My Own?

My girls are so close
My girls are so close

My twin girls are very close and always want to be together. This gets very difficult if one wants to do something different from the other. Lately they have been wanting to do separate things and hubby and I have been encouraging this. I love the fact that they are close and best buddies, however I don’t want them to miss out on an opportunity just because the other sister does not want to join in. They are different people and of course their interests differ, however are still very similar.

Lillian helped daddy at the hardware store and Julia wanted to be with mummy. Mummy was not doing anything too exciting and had to tidy the kitchen that day, Julia decided that she wanted to wash up so she helped and did an excellent job.  It is hard to separate the kids in the normal work week as hubby works long hours and I’m the only care provider for the twins aside from daddy. We mainly do things on the weekends and I am aiming to do more one on one time with each child.

The kids have had the sniffles and coughs and are now better than they were, however the most amazing thing happened; Julia wanted to go to school without Lillian. I know this does not sound like a major breakthrough but it is. They never want to be apart so when this happened I made sure that she was able to go.   I was also impressed with Lillian as she was okay with her sister going off to school and her staying home to get better.

Julia had a fun day on her own at school. She was not really on her own as she has many friends but I meant without her sister. That afternoon she was a bit clingy but it was a massive part of their development and gaining more independence.

Do you have twins? Do they separate to do their own things or are they attached to each other?  Do you have ways to encourage your twins to be on their own with their own interests? Send in your comments.

Why not continue the discussion on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Packing Lightly? What a laugh!

When you have a baby you need to bring all the things a baby would need with you. Bottles, nappies, change of clothes with many options depending on the weather, medicine, cream and the list continues. If you have more than one baby, which we did it does feel like you are packing to never to return to your house ever again, this of course is due to the large amount of stuff that is needed.

Upon talking with my cousin who has recently had twin boys last year she is dealing with the same thing. Packing like you are off on a permanent holiday but if you were going on holiday the babies things would not be the only thing that would be packed, TRUST ME!

After having this conversation I have realised that I don’t take anything with me anymore, I don’t even have band aids in the car in case of emergency (Need to fix this! – Dora the explorer band aids or anything pink and princesses will come in handy, it fixes everything) Today one of my girls grazed her bottom on a ride at the park and it was a big deal, tears and all. It would have hurt a great deal. A nice lady gave her a Dora band aid and asked where it hurt. She pulled down her trousers and told her to put it on her bottom. What a cutie and so sad to see her in pain. She is all right now, but think it will be sore tomorrow. At least the power of the Dora band aid will help, thank you Megan for helping us today.

Now the girls are four and soon to be five, I have found myself out and about without a change of clothes, wipes, medicine, and of course the much needed band aid. The band aid is the one that is most requested as they are at the stage of falling over and getting as many scrapes and bruises possible. I do think it is a competition. One child hurts themselves then the other does the same injury in the same spot. If you have twins have you noticed this? The girls have done this since they were born.

Do you have multiples or just more than one child? How much stuff did you carry around when they were babies or are they still? Are you like me and not going out with much now they are older? Has this created more issues? I have been caught with the kids all wet from water play at playgroup, thank god the house is around the corner and was able to pop back and get a change of clothes.

I hope you are not a pack horse when you leave the house, I felt like one, and I am sure dealing with more than one child does that to you. Send in your stories.

Why not continue the discussion on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

 

Categories
4 years and beyond

Have They Been Good Enough?

Kids are super excited about Easter and the impending Easter Bunny.  I have organised surprises for the twins, however they are getting into mischief and acting up a lot lately, which brings me to my question. Have they been good enough?

Daddy told the girls that if they did not stop mucking around he will call Mr Easter Bunny and tell him not to come to our house. You can imagine the chaos this ended with. Yes, tears, screams and I hate you was uttered a few times! I must say in our defense the girls have been little terrors, but is it just due to being four years old? I think so, who knows.

When they are out of line they get into trouble and get the appropriate punishment, however I think it feels like it is happening more than usual lately. Do you have those times? It does feel like all I do is punish someone or send someone to time out. Maybe it is the pushing the envelope that is the issue?

They seem to be pulling up their socks a little bit when they realised how close Easter really is, not sure if it is the lure of the chocolates or if they are trying to be good for goods sake. They are generally very good kids and understand when they are wrong, however it is more sister related issues. Pinching, and being on top of each other is wearing rather thin.

Do you have twins or triplets? Do they hurt or annoy their siblings when they want to be alone or not share a toy? I know it is hard being with each other all the time. I do try and have them do separate things however most of the time they want to be together. I am exhausted due to organising and dealing with all the carry on.

Is this something that have happen at your place?  Why not continue the discussion on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

Categories
4 years and beyond

What I have learnt

Mummy and the girls on the 27th of Sept, 2008. Katoomba Hosp. Julia on left, Lillian on right.
Mummy and the girls on the 27th of Sept, 2008. Katoomba Hosp. Julia on left, Lillian on right.

Having twins as your first children is a big shock to most people and it was no different for me.

I was planning to start with one child and then maybe do the second, but life had another thing in store and decided to give me two lovely bundles straight away.

I am very grateful for that and happy it has worked out the way it has, that said, what have the twins taught me so far.

Well here is my list:

  • Yes twins do have their own language
  • They are inseparable and always want to share a bed
  • They are highly competitive
  • Love each other to bits but are terrible to each other (just sibling rivalry)
  • Even though you want to dress them in different outfits especially due to them being identical it is a good idea to always have the same outfit ready for the other child. Once one kid sees what the other is going to wear then they usually want to wear it as well.
  • No matter if you think it is a good idea to get different colour toys for each child it is not! Best to get the same so there are no arguments and fights. Pink is the colour to get in our household as the twins are pink obsessed
  • If I can handle giving birth to two kids and deal with the early months I can handle anything! I thought it was hard and terrible but things are a breeze after that.
  • The cuddles and love that I have for both my little girls is immense and great, I cannot think of them not being here. I also cannot believe that I helped create their life and cannot wait to see what they become. It is a joy to be watching them develop and grow.

Next year the twins will start school and that just amazes me. 5 years have passed so quickly and I have watched my little babies grow into intelligent and happy little people. In the early years, it did help to go to a mothers group and especially one that was for multiples. If you are looking for a mothers group the best way is to see where your AMBA local club is and they should have a listing for what mothers groups are available.

I was inspired to write this post due to Multiple Birth Awareness Week (MBAW). Check out the events for every state in Australia and enjoy the celebrations. If you have twins, triplets or higher, congrats to you for doing well keeping up with kids, life and things for you. Well done. I know how hard it is.

The AMBA has great resources and they are well worth a look if you need some extra support or advice.

 

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Categories
News

Potty Training at Dinner Table?

Have you as a parent had kids go to the toilet in bushes, on the side of the road and somewhere less than perfect. Well I have as it is hard to get to a bathroom at all times, especially travelling and with twins.

A woman has caused controversy over having her twin girls sit on potties at a dinner table in America. I know not good and terrible at the dinner table, and I agree that this is not on. I am not sure what the reason for her to do this was, other than the fact that the kids needed to go. Maybe she thought that she was on her own and it is easier to keep an eye on them at the table. However when I am out and about, most times I am on my own with the kids, I bundle both kids up and take them to the bathroom.  I need to have both girls with me to make sure that they are safe and all o.k.

You can be the judge of what happened. Check out the article on Baby Center and see the images that were taken by another diner at the restaurant.  I for one think that the mother should have taken the kids to the bathroom and not done what she did, but maybe that is just me. Tell us your thoughts.

Why not continue this discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Twins everywhere

Hi all, I wake today to find yet another celebrity couple are expecting twins. Seems to be the thing now, pregnant, and wow we are having twins. True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are expecting twins, not sure when, but I am sure they are excited, and in a bit of shock.  Having twins as your first children is a bit of a shock and an instant family if you never do it again. Perfect right, well it is also a lot of work. Congratulations to Anna and Stephen, it is great news. I am a fan of True Blood, and I hope all goes well. Not only is the True Blood stars expecting twins, my cousin is also as well, so congratulations to her as well.

As you might have guessed entertaining two children is a hard thing to do, and with two it is a big job. We made it to playgroup, although later than I had wanted to arrive. Kids did not want to do anything mummy told them too. The only threat that worked was, “If you are not going to get ready to go out, we will stay home”.

Some things that helped me when I first had the twins:

  • One thing that I found was an enormous help was cooking and freezing meals for dinner while pregnant. This allowed me to not fuss and just reheat the food, and if we wanted we added veggies or a salad to the meal. With a husband working long hours and then looking after 2 babies I did not have time to fix meals and think about what to cook, let alone go shopping.
  • Another thing that I did which helped was a self adhesive chalk board that lived on the fridge. This allowed me to log what amount of milk each child had and what time it was taken. This allowed me at a glance to know when I can go out and when I need to be back home.
  • I always had the babies on a schedule/routine. If one woke, I would wake the other one up. I know sounds terrible, but I did not want to have one getting up and the other sleeping. If this was the case, I would be up all day and night. I managed to express my breast milk and both girls were mostly fed with breast milk until they were 5 months, after that, I did get a bit and it was put in their cereal for breakfast. My milk ran out the week before the girls turned 8 months.  In the evening I gave the girls formula as I found it hard to keep up with the production demands.
  • If I did have a window of time, say 3 hours, I used this to nip to the shops, and get some much needed time away from the house. It could have been anything as long as it was doing something different. I would window shop, have a tea/hot chocolate at a cafe, eat lunch out if I had the money and so on, maybe even take the babies to the park for some sun and for the babies to get some sun and to look at other things than the house.
  • I was a zombie for the first 3 months as every 2-3 hours they needed milk. Breast Milk seems to not sit in their belly as long as formula does so they need more of it, and with more frequency.  However, after the 3 months the girls slept for 12-14 hour nights and that was just bliss. We are very lucky our twins are good sleepers. I have heard stories of babies that were not. They are still good and barring sickness all is well. Even when they were babies, teething was not a major issue. They were a bit out of sorts, but we just helped them with some painkillers and all was right in the world.

It was easier when the kids were little, now they want to do so much that you are just so exhausted all the time. I wish I had help like celebrities have to care for kids, or at least offer support especially in school holidays. The girls have started their holidays, and I am busily counting down for when term 3 starts, bring on July 17th.

What made life easier for you when you had your first kids/kid? What would you suggest for a first time mother? Send in your comments.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond

Visiting and shopping

Today was a day of cleaning, and washing more clothes, until it turned overcast and rained. The girls wanted to visit their friends at childcare. They are not going to childcare this year as next week they start pre-school. Yes I said next week. It is that close. I am getting excited and a bit nervous. I know, the girls are going to school not me, but you would have thought that I was going.  Since they have been asking to visit their mates, I thought why not. We all got ready to leave the house, showered and dressed in all nice outfits.

I put Julia in her dress and she said, “Mummy, I love this dress, I want to keep it on for 100 years.” I said that is nice, I am glad you like it. I did have a chuckle about it. I had this vision of Julia still wearing the same dress in 100 years.  I don’t think that would be a good look.

Julia and Lillian were very happy to see their friends, Zoe, Piper, Zoe and Jed and others. They fit right in again, playing and getting hugged, kissed and kids queing to play with the girls. Glad they have friends. It made me a bit sad that we have taken the girls away from their mates at care, however it was going to happen eventually when they went to school.  They played in the sandpit, on the slippery dip and much more. Ran round like happy little things.  It was just an issue when I had to tell them we should be going, I wanted to go and get some groceries. It took a while but I eventually got the girls out the door and to the shops.

We ended up at Woolworth’s at Leura. Julia wanted to help me push the trolley and Lilian hung off the end of the trolley. Both girls helped me get items and looked out for things we might need. However what they thought we needed and what we really needed was not the same thing. I ended up telling them to put a lot of things back that I ended up feeling very exhausted. They were very happy helping and were proud to tell anyone there that they were my helper.

At the checkout the girls were climbing the trolley to lift out items to put on the checkout. Everyone thought they were doing a very good job at helping. All items were at the register and just waiting to pay. I put the card in to pay and Julia asked to take it out when ready. This is cute, however you need to really let her know when she can take it out as she gets very keen.

Glad that the girls were tired as after dinner, Daddy came home and then off to bed. They must be tired as have not heard a peep out of them since. Both girls are still wanting to share a bed and don’t like to be seperated. This is good and bad, as for activities when one child does not want to play the game anymore, the other child has a melt down and gets angry and tries to make the other play with them. They don’t get that they can do the game/draw/paint themselves without the other. Lillian in the evening moves house, well that is what I am calling it. She takes her pillow and teddies from her bed and puts it on the end of Julia’s bed. They end up sleeping head to toe. They seem happy, however it has a downside, sometimes the girls push the other child out of the bed, and then there is screams “too squishy”, “Don’t, and No”. So from our perspective they need to sleep in their own bed for the space and a better sleep.

Sharing the bed might be a twin thing as they are so close. They do seem to not be able to do anything on their own. I am hoping that school will help with that. I suppose we will see. Do you have kids that do the same thing? Are they twins or just close in age?