Leah Caitlyn & Paige Emily are 6 months old today!
And what an interesting 6 months we have had!
A very rough beginning - the first 8 weeks are a complete blur. No sleep, we were entirely in "survival" mode. Week 9 through about 12, the sleeping got better, but the evening "fussiness" was at it's worst. This was the time that we discovered the "Leah Scream"(tm.) Three months to now has been much better - Paul & I sort of got our lives, or a modified version of our lives back. And we really started to enjoy our new family. About mid-way through August, they started to get into a good daytime routine, which has made MY life about 1,000,000 times better.
Which brings us to present - 6 months. Wow! Our little darlings have passed a couple of milestones recently. 1) They moved to the BIG bathtub. In other words, we've retired the baby tub and have that little area of real estate back in our kitchen. And 2) We've sampled cereal! And it's a hit! Going on a week now, and it's SO FUNNY to see two completely different reactions.
Paige was initially put-off, but quickly came to enjoy it. She approaches eating like, well, like a cat, I guess. She sort of lifts her chin to the spoon and gently licks off the cereal. Hilarious.
Leah, well her first bite will be forever etched into my memory. I *think* she liked the taste, but wasn't too fond of the texture (which was VERY runny, by the way.) Every time we put a spoonful in her mouth, she dropper her jaw and just stared at us with confusion/disgust! Then she too figured out she LOVED it, and now she devours the cereal - bites the spoon and utters a little "uh" with each bite. As we did with Missy Peyton, we're taking it slow with solids, but at the same time, I can't say I'm not anxious for them to have their first taste of something a little less bland!
I wish I had the time to better express my feelings on just how exactly this past 1/2 year has been, but realistically, I HAVE TWINS and time is just a premium commodity these days!! But I'll sum it up like this:
These two little beings have changed me - personally - in ways that I could never have imagined. I've stepped away from the life I knew six months ago in so many ways - physically, emotionally, spiritually. They've taught me about what's truly important in life - to slow down and smell the roses, so to speak. My marriage - only 3.5 years in - is so very strong! Paul & I have eased into (or were thrust into) our roles as parents of three small children and we've handled it with strength we didn't know we had! I know that probably sounds pretty dramatic, but unless you've been here - toddler + twin infants - I don't believe you can really understand. Appreciate, maybe, but not understand.
But we're happy - living a life beyond our wildest dreams. TWINS! Like, what did we do to deserve that?? (read that in a positive tone, of course!) Who decided we had what it takes to do this?? :) We speculate...all the time...about what they will be like. In one year. In 5 years. As teenagers! And we're excited about the possibilities, challenges and opportunities with all THREE girls.
Before I sign off, I just want to (again) sincerely thank all the people who've stepped in and helped us since March ...
My mom - of course - who has done literally so much for us, that I cannot take the time to list it all. From the daily support (through to August) to the help "maintaining the household" to (and most importantly) the stern discussions reminding me that Peyton is just a baby herself...she has been an absolute Godsend. I only hope to be able to do for my daughters what she's done for us.
Paul's parents - who are there for us for whatever we need. And for (most importantly) keeping up the 2 mornings a week schedule with Peyton - this time spent will surely be fondly remembered as she grows up.
Rich - who has a standing date for the rest of his life - Thursday nights with "his girls." Oh, and who has also kept me from doing that dreaded task of shopping for a bathing suit - ie, he's got a babe covered in Aquatots.
Dave & Jeff - who spent many a late evening here in the early days. Who'd have thought that when a couple of guys get together to watch hockey & drink beer, they'd be happy to take care of the last evening feed AND walk the fussy baby?? And of course, Kerry - who's afternoon visits enabled me to catch some desperately needed zzzzzz's.
The Chaterjees - particularly Jenna, who is pretty much Peyton's best friend - running her around outside and burning off some of that energy makes everyone happy!! Laurie, the (Italian) mother who CANNOT cook for JUST her 4 person family and frequently called to say "I just happened to make too much
Our core group of friends - Tanya, Rich, De, Chantal & Colin - who are probably sick of the "Let's get together - come to OUR house" routine. Really, by accomodating our situation as often as you do, you keep us feeling human - like we can still have a life after 9PM.
Oh, there are so many people who I am leaving out - which is why I shouldn't be writing this at 11:30 PM - but for all of you who have stopped by to help out with a feed or dropped off a wonderful meal...Thank-you. You've all made a difference.
Our terrific girls:
And...another montage. Have you got 8 minutes to spare?? Sorry if the music puts you to sleep....
