Tandem Nursing

It's getting easier. Everything. Taking care of the babies without feeling overwhelmed, feeding the babies solids, nursing the babies at the same time.

I am at peace & enjoying tandem nursing. In fact, I actually prefer tandem nursing now to nursing just one baby at a time. Maybe it's because they are bigger & can latch themselves, maybe it's because I have finally figured out the perfect formula for success (two pillows behind my back, a blanket between the boys, and a fold-able chair where I place my laptop or book & that has the perfect support for my feet,), maybe it's because we are all so used to our little nursing spot in the nursery (the left half of the futon with a stand beside it where I place my food), or maybe it's because I feel so complete with both of my sons nursing so contently, touching my face, sticking their fingers in my mouth, and looking up at me with their tiny, bright hazel eyes.

Some of you may know, I had a very bad attitude about tandem nursing in the beginning. Now, I never wanted to nurse the boys' separately, I was already nursing 12 out of 24 hours in the beginning. But, I was bitter that I couldn't lie down and nurse, that I couldn't sit in the recliner and nurse, that I couldn't stand up while nursing. Well, I am OVER that. Tandem nursing is a huge blessing. It makes raising infant twins manageable. When they were tiny, I knew I at least had that weapon when all else failed, and it made both babies happen at once! It also became hands free pretty quickly.. around 2 or 3 months. I know tandem nursing saved my sanity, and I regret having a bad attitude about it. (Now, with triplets, it would be over!)

Above: Me with my Mother's Day breakfast Alan made me. I ate it as I tandem nursed.

10 Months & Best Friends (I hope!)

Matthew (blue) actually came up to Adam & gave him a hug, placing his hand on Adam's back & his head on Adam's shoulder! I got the picture just as he was turning to leave, but it looks like Adam is giving him a kiss! So cute!

Matthew crawling over Adam.

I guess Adam forgave him :)

As you can see, the boys have really started interacting more! Sometimes they will just be crawling around while I am getting stuff done, and I will hear random laughing. That is the BEST. I also will hear random crying now. That is usually when one twin has stolen something from his brother. The other day I gave each brother a carrot, left to do something and then heard a screeching cry. I hurried back in there, thinking someone had gotten hurt, and I saw Adam with one carrot in his mouth & one in his hand, and Matthew (crying) reaching out for his carrot. So the love/hate relationship has officially began.

Words the boys say:

dada

mama

nana

baba

yaya

"i do"

They are both cruising around on the furniture, and practice standing on their own for short periods.

Love my 10 month olds!

New Tooth

Last night Matthew woke up around 5am (unusual for him, as he's been sleeping soundly until 7). Alan went in to check on him, then brought him to me to nurse because he wouldn't go back to sleep. I was a little worried this might become a recurring thing, since he got to nurse. Then this morning, he woke up with his 6th tooth! So now I'm glad I gave him some comfort as the tooth was coming in :) They have been such easy teethers, this is the first wake up that I can pin point to the teething.

Current count:

Matthew: 6 teeth (4 on top, 2 on bottom)

Adam: 5 teeth (3 on top, 2 on bottom)

Side note:

It is hard to intentionally take pictures of a 10 month old's teeth.

Standing is in our Future

Adam has been practicing standing this morning.

He will have one hand on my knee while he stands up, then he will very purposely let go and stand for a second, then put his hand back on my knee.

Then he gives me a huge grin. He is so proud of his accomplishment!

Does this mean my life is almost over? (As if it weren't over already? :P)