Babysitting

Yes, I am still here holding, feeding and changing babies. I couldn’t write any sooner as my activities have been the same since I last posted anything here. The babies are growing and sleeping longer but other than that nothing has changed.

I did escape two times however. I went to Spokane for three days and both Lucas and my mom remembered me. I also went to Palm Springs for 5 days where I mainly caught up on my sleep and walked in sunshine. It’s the simplest of things that make a difference.

Dave left for a convention in Florida last night so we are on our own here for the week. I think that means that we will be going to a few shopping malls with the stroller just to check out how that procedure might work. So far they have only been on one or two car rides and to Target with their parents.

Jill and Jessica came to help last Tuesday and again on Saturday when they spent the night. It was the most appreciated gift. Apparently Jill gets some nostalgic feelings when she again can lose a night’s sleep by alternating holding and feeding twins. We are offering to let Patrick have the same experience but I hear he’s skiing in Utah. It isn’t quite the same for them actually as they had the one year old twins, a new baby and a three year old at the same time. This isn’t as challenging of a situation though most times it’s not easy to see that.

Jessica, Jill, Dave and I were feeding babies at 1 a.m. when we realized it was Jessica’s 12th birthday. She is as tall as I am now and has the attitude and language of a teenager. This is good for her mom who can use correction now and then.

Friday I’m heading home for a good while. Anna Marie and Miles are going to visit her parents and I’ll get to spend some time with Lucas and my mom. Also Miles needs a babysitter for three days so I will be able to spend some time with him. Whitworth is beginning Spring Semester so I will make weekly visits to East Valley High School to check with my student teacher until June. By then the twins can come and visit if they promise to sleep all night.

Twins

Twins
Originally uploaded by arlal.

What Day Is This?

I guess I’ve forgotten to look at a calendar or a newspaper lately as one day has been so much like another and the nights and days are so much the same. I’m enjoying spending so much time with my daughter and the grandsons have been mostly pleasant to be around also. They are good eaters and they sleep for three hour stretches so we are up to date with 24 hour television programs.

We have a coffee table stacked with baby manuals so we read and discuss baby rearing strategies and try to implement the correct ones to make our days go smoothly. We have settled upon waking before feeding, swaddling tightly, holding often during the day only, and bedtime in a darkened room with a white noise machine. So far these methods seem to keep us ahead of the babies and we think we’re in charge.

We took them to the doctor yesterday as Peyton’s eyes were watering and both boys seemed to have raspy breathing. We found they are well, healthy and gaining weight. Peyton is almost 5 pounds now and Walker is over 6. I’m sure the doctor will get to know us well.

Tomorrow I’m going to Spokane for the weekend. I wonder if Lucas will remember me. I also wonder if Alberta will remember me. I call her each day but lately she asks, “Is this Arla?”

Peyton and Walker

It took a long time but they do have names. They had to have them to leave the hospital so that hurried things along. We all arrived home Monday and the twins have settled right into the routine. They sleep for 3 hours and then we wake them to eat. I've never heard of waking a sleeping baby but apparently since they were born at 36 weeks they will forget to eat unless we remind them. They are eating well and Cyd is doing a great job of feeding.

Dave and I took the early shift until midnight and then Cyd and Dave did the 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. feedings. I had a good night's sleep from midnight until 7 so we are all on top of things around here. I think that's the important part, to keep ahead of the twins requests.

Alberta says she is doing fine and doesn't need me to leave the babies. Lucas says he doesn't miss me so I guess I'm here for a few weeks anyway. (Lucas knows how to get Grandma where it hurts)