Gemini Girl

So we leave tomorrow and NO I have yet to pack. I cant pack in advance like I used to because the girls pretty much use all their day-to-day stuff. I did pack their awesome new clothes (I swear they have more than me and my husband put together). My husband has yet to do the laundry as well. He will today. Yes- he is the one that does the laundry. We are equal opportunity employers.

Tonight I pack.

I am really looking forward to leaving. For the most part- it’s because I am SUPER family oriented, and I miss my family with a passion. I never grew up with my family. My parents moved here alone from Israel in the 70′s. That meant- no holidays with the grandparents, the aunt, uncles, cousins. And I have MANY. Think of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” with more cousins. Yes- more.

So to make up for this, we would go to Israel every summer when we were growing up. They were the best memories. It was always hot, and there were so many cousins to play with- and grandparents who would shower you with attention because they hardly ever saw you. We played outside all the time (very rare to play outside when you live in NY) and it was so carefree. As an adult I still feel the same way when I go there. When I am with my family I feel like I belong to a group. Like I belong somewhere.

And to make it even better- I LOVE my husband’s family as if they were my own (with the exception of his brother of course). So just spending time with them- and introducing our girls to them is going to be great.

Anywho…

So yes- today is packing day.

I am also looking forward to getting 2 weeks off of work. My brain is frazzled. Being a new mom to twins, while working full time is not an easy task. I just feel like I am in constant motion. When I finally rest my feet at the end of the day- it feels unnatural.

I have to look after my girls, my husband and my boss and my memory is NOT what it used to be at all. I feel like I am at my wits end having to care for everyone.

But you know what? I def feel happy. I don’t think I could have ever really said that before. But these girls have filled my heart up and bring joy into my world and I thank GD every day.

Anyway guys, I have a question:

Anything I need to pack with me for my trip for the girls? I don’t want to forget something.

BTW have any of you ever given your kids benadryl for the flight. Many of my friends do- to help their kids sleep through the flight.. but I think I would be too worried.

BTW- Here are pictures of Soleil trying out her rolling skills yesterday. Now that she knows how to do it- she is a roll over machine! she wont stop! I had to put the sleep positioner back in her crib- and she was NOT happy about it in the least. She cried for at least 30 minutes.

Here she is trying to roll over. Her sister is in the way, and this makes her frustrated- although she still tries to roll onto Neve:

Neve with fear in her eyes:
Damn it- you’re in my way!

BTW- This picture is of Neve this morning. She almost always has that startled/scared look in her eyes

Hey Lurkers.. I know you’re out there… why don’t you just stop in and say a quick hello? Don’t be scared, I wont bite!

By the way, Soleil has learnt a new trick:

Maybe if I turn that way I could avoid my spit up Oh boy, I’m going head first into it
Hey Mommy, look what I did!


OK people, she has officially learnt to roll over! At 6 months & 1 week (about 4 months adjusted age).

I am so proud of my little munchkin. I mean, I knew it was coming, since on Sunday night we put her to sleep on her back and she woke up on her tummy Monday morning. But we actually get to see her in action last night. Of course all the rolling around makes her spit up (which is why there is a huge stain of orange on her sheet- don’t worry, we changed the sheets !). It was so cool. So every time she rolled over, we would cheer her on and she would smile and coo, like she knew she did something right!

I couldn’t help but tear up. I mean- this was my baby girl”B” who was the one placed on a respirator at birth ( scored a 4 on the apgar scale) , and the one who stayed in the hospital longer than her sister. This was the baby I so worried over. My little muchkin is now on the go, and all I can say is- Thank GD. When I went into labor at 25 weeks- it could have went in a completely different direction- I am aware of that. It was a hair away form being a nightmare.

I wake up every morning, thankful that they are both here. Thankful that they seem to be doing well (of course, you never actually know until they are grown). Thankful that the night when I spoke to the neonatal doctor is far, far behind me.

Anyway, I will NOT be one of those mom’s who compare their children’s development- as all children develop at a different rate (so you’re off the hook for now Neve).

So glad I can share this mommy joy with you guys!

This weekend was nice.. but too long. Sometimes I cant wait to go to work to be away from screaming, teething babies.

Saturday was a beautiful day in NYC. We stopped by my parents house for breakfast, then went to the village with my father. It’s funny, since I was pregnant, my father has always said he would take the girls to the village (as he used to do with me when I was a child). So we packed the girls up in their new stroller and went.

OK. I read in many twin books about how you become a celebrity handler when you have twins. The attention you get from people is insane (esp when you dress the girls in adorable outfits with bows on their heads). Everyone comments, smiles, speaks to you. I’m a friendly person- but I dislike all the attention. When I tell my husband this, he says “well, you shouldn’t have had twins then”. Ha.

I don’t know, it just makes me uncomfortable. I know that I should be proud of it, but I guess in a deep down way- I am worried that all the attention will somehow take my girls away form me (since I couldn’t get pregnant in the first place). Does that make sense? Like you don’t want to draw attention to a new job in fear of losing it? I don’t know.

The question that makes me want to slap people with a silly stick (I wonder if they sell those) is : “Are they twins”?

Umm.. no. One is actually 15 years old who is a bit small for her age. Are you kidding me!? I usually just nod my head. One woman at Se.ph.ora asked me if they were twins. After I said yes, she said “Well I can tell”! WOW- Do you want a prize?

Anyway, we had a nice lunch with my father. Of course- all I had was a salad, as I am still sticking with my SB diet. I have def lost some weight, but it’s only a drop in the bucket when you have 25 more to lose. Of course, I know I wont lose a ton more b4 my flight, but as much as I can will help. My father ordered a red Velvet cake (which I only took one bite from) and it was amazing. I want to be one of those people who take pictures of food… but when I do, I look like such a poser. Anyway- here are some pics of the day:

My father, me and the girls:
Can you see Neve’s spit bubbles? Daddy and The girls:

Grandpa saying something to make Neve laugh at the restaurant:
Finally She sleeps:
Red Velvet cake.. yumm…
The girls tend to do the same things at the same time:

So when we got home I received a gift in the mail from my Blogging BFF Heather. If you haven’t yet read her blog- go check it out now (OK not right now- finish my post!)- she is funny.

She sent the girls these adorable onesies:

If you cant read what the onesies say: Do we look identical?

I totally LOVED the gift. Thanks H!

Moving on.. a few good things happened this week to my blogging friends:

TOPCAT: Had her baby today! She had a boy (as I predicted) and mommy and baby are doing well. Of course, her husband’s health is still a question- so please go over to her site and send you love and support. She is an amazing woman with an amazing life story.

Stacie: Her son Shawn finally seems to be doing well after his last surgery. He is smiling and all. Please send your prayers and love to him as well- as they above all- need to get a break from it all. (Stace- not sure if you still read my blog.. but you are always in my thoughts)

K: I have called her Joan & Kate plus 8… (since she and her partner have a 4 yr old girl, twin boys who are 2, and twin boys on the way!). But all jokes aside- Discovery health will be filming their lives for a one hour show to be aired at the end of the year! I guess the world will want to see how she does it- just like I am always curious. Finally I will be able to meet her “face-to face”- of course she better not forget the little people (plug my blog!). She is currently holding auditions for the part of her “friends”

Anyway- started packing for my trip… oy.

OK so after my post a few days ago, I decided to bid on a new & PINK Combi stroller. I mean, you can always find something better if you spend more money, but mine was $170 bucks with shipping.

It came yesterday, and so did our lovely new camera!

STROLLER:

Can you sense soleil’s excitement? (left)

Now no one will ask me if I have two boys. Come to think of it people ask us if they are boys when they see the girls wearing pink.

Anyway- we know it wont outlast a nuclear holocaust (like the Graco Quatro)- it’s temporary. If it lasts us a year, then that is still money well spent. We just needed something that didn’t weigh 12,000 pounds for our trip (BTW would love tips of what to take for my girls for the trip).

We also got a new camera (obviously these purchases was made prior to my husband’s news yesterday. Im sensing we wont be buying anything new for along time):

A new camera makes me so happy! We had one from 2004, and it is bulky and horrible. With all the pictures we take, we needed a new one

My trip is a few days away and naturally, I have not packed. I usually like to pack the night before. But considering I now have two children to pack for (add that to the husband I usually pack for as well) that’s about 75 people to pack for. Wow- the job of a mother.

Anyway, i didn’t tell you about my Wednesday night.

So we had a company party. Some of you may have guessed who the celeb performer was. I was so excited- I got all dolled up and me and my husband actually went out at night for the first time since our girls were born.We were going to paint the town red.

The party started at 9pm. He was supposed to perform at 11pm. I know this was way past my usual bedtime of whenever my head hits the pillow, but it was supposed to be worth it.

11pm comes and goes. 11:30pm comes and goes. No performer. Every 30 minutes someone would get on stage to say “he’ll be here in a few minutes”- BS.. Such a diva.

At 12:15am we called it quits and left- without seeing the performance. Apparently he came on at 12:40am! I mean, that’s fine and dandy(did I just write dandy?) for young, unmarried, or childless couples, but we were just so tired and out of it. I feel asleep in the car.

Turns out once he did get on- he was great- and there were a few other celebs there as well. Whatever. The only person I would stay up until the crack of dawn for is for my one and only.

One fun thing that I did do that night (other than eating a mini cupcake… yumm) was sing a karaoke song. I love karaoke. If its in the right note, I can sing my ass off. My fave karaoke song to sing is Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi. I’m such a show off.

My girls were born 6 months ago today- it feels like yesterday.

But the post will not be about them.

So TWIN mommies- what stroller do you have? Why is it so difficult to find a good double stroller that does not weigh a ton (and in pink!)?

Mine is the Graco Quatro (weighs 39 pounds). It is one behind the other, so its easier to manuver through hallways and doors, but it is way too bulky.

Graco Quatro:

This is the exact same stroller I have in the same color. I am sick of people asking if I have two boys (I thought it was a nuteral color!)

Anyway- which one do you have and do you like it?

Moving on….

Fact: Did you know that when I was a child, I was afraid that Michael Jackson (pre- molestation charges) would jump out at me from behind the shower curtain?

True story.

Hey guys!

Friday was Annoying as hell.

We had to take the girls down to the passport office to expedite their passports. We were there from 11:30am- 4:30pm. Imagine, a government office- with 2 infants. Not my idea of a fun time. Neve would not stop screeching (teething) and it was jam packed. It was rainy and nasty out so when we had our little break from waiting, we went to have lunch at a Mexican restaurant (which was nice). We actually ended up getting their passports that day- which was great. So now, we are all ready for our trip next week. Wow next week- I am Way more excited than I should be seeing as though I will be on a 10 hour flight with two babies. A friend said I should give them some benadryl- my pediatrician said no (while my friend’s pediatricians say yes). What do you guys say?

On Saturday, the girls had their 6 month check up. 6 months. Insane.
Neve weighs in at: 17 lbs
Soleil weighs in at 17.2 lbs

The doctor said they are right one track physically (not developmentally) with a 6 month old. He said they are in the 50th percentile. I’ll take it.
He said they are more like 4-5 month old- which is to be expected.

They also got vaccinations (which I was NOT aware of- or I would have not went alone!). He gave Soleil hers first-which is never a good idea, bec she cries NON-STOP. Neve got hers, cried for literally 5 seconds and stopped (all the while Soleil continued to cry for the next 10 minutes)

He also said that they were in fact teething. He said that baby oraj*el does nothing and there is nothing that can be done about it, just wait it out. FUN.

Sunday: Mother’s Day:
So I hope all of you enjoyed your mother’s day yesterday, whether you ‘re a mother, or are celebrating your mother.

We went out for brunch with my parents and the girls. It was great weather in NYC (thank GD, since it has been raining non-stop the past week). We went to a Turkish restaurant. We sat outside. Soleil didn’t stop crying (while Neve slept). I don’t know if it was crankiness from the vaccine, or for the simple fact that she doesn’t like being in places that are unfamiliar. She does this often when we are out. I don’t know what to do since she needs to be ok with being outside the home. I mean, we wont be home for 3 weeks starting next week- and she will see many new and unfamiliar faces. She even cries hysterically when she seems my father (I know this secretly hurts him)!

Anyway, we had a nice lunch. Then we went to the mall with my mother while the girls slept the afternoon away.

At 5pm we went the my Friend’s son and daughter’s bbq bday party. We got there at 5pm (pretty late for a children’s party) but apparently were the first ones there. The girls were cranky from not being home all day so it made the night pretty horrible. We took some pictures, had some bbq and went home.

So guys, take out your confetti: I lost 10 pounds (ok 9.5 but its close)! I am def feeling it- but no one has said anything to me (which totally sucks!). Today though, I am looking pretty cute since a few people told me that I look great (thank you mall eyebrow threaders and a nice blow dry). Even a cocky, full of himself, a-hole at work said I look really nice (Did you do something with your hair? You look really good). Since become pg and gaining weight, I have not really felt pretty. I promise you- it’s not a pity party- I don’t want to hear “but you are pretty”. I just know when I feel good about myself.. and with these extra 25 pounds, I don’t feel it. I just don’t. So hopefully this SB diet will continue helping me drop the rest off. I am sure I will plateau eventually, but I really need to get to the weight I am comfortable in again. I hope I get there.

Here are some pics from yesterday:

Me, My mother and Neve:

My Parents:
Husband & Neve: Soleil:

Neve sleeping:
My friend’s daughter (she disliked the crown):
My friend’s son with the gift I bought them:

My best friend, Me and Soleil:

Family:
Neve thinking “Hmm.. me wants some food”:


Girls with a flamingo marionette we bought them (they were a bit freaked out at first):

I couldnt help it. They will hate me one day:

So today is mother’s day: My first.

I def feel that it is just another made up holiday created by greeting card companies, but the significance is nice. I mean, people don’t really appreciate all their mother’s do for them year round.

I have my friend’s children’s bday party today at 5pm. I am about to go out to brunch with my mother and husband and girls.

So much to write about tomorrow, but for now- I have to run.

So for all you mothers or expecting mothers- Have a happy mother’s day.

For all of you experiencing IF… know that there is hope. There truly is. Never give up.