How opposites can they be...

• 
  If you've met my daughters, it's obvious they look very different. Not only are they fraternal twins, but are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum.
  
  Here's a sampling of their differences:
  
  - BODY TYPE:
• santa claus syndrome (skinny minny with a pot belly) VS ms. plus size, who's actually very proportional ----rolls and all
  
  - PERSONALITY-
• two moods (happy or upset) VS just plain moody (yes, the whining has started)
• adventurous and always exploring the world VS in her own world
• no volume control (aka LOUD) VS low keyed
  
  - HABITS:
• fussy eater and sleeper VS dream eater and sleeper
  
  - COLORING:
• dark VS light hair and skin tone
  
  - HEALTH:
• never sick VS already two colds and now a runny nose while teething
  
  Really, how opposites can they be....

Sleep Journal

So I read a couple of baby sleep books to prepare for the battle. And so far most of the guidelines:

swaddle, put them down after 2hrs awake time, put them down drowsy so they'll learn to sleep on their own, sleep only in their cribs, no nightly snacks (which happened around 12-13lbs), start a bedtime routine (the 4 Bs: book, bath, bottle & bed), set an early bedtime....

have worked and they are able to sleep (almost, except for those pesky pacifier fixes) uninterrupted for 11-12hrs at night....yippeee!

i'm a firm believer, babies like adults, need a good night's sleep esp so, for growth and development.

Though, of course, there were exceptions:
0-2 months: slept exclusively in their bouncy seat with the vibration on (sometimes all night long!). Yes, lots of batteries spent but totally worth it! It was survival of the sleeplessness and it was how they slept best. not to mention being upright was good for their digestion (lots of gas issues) and i found it easier to rock/bounce them to sleep if they stirred and fussed.

2-6 months: napped exclusively in their swings. for naps, they never slept more than 30mins in their cribs vs 45-1hr+ in their swings. w/out a good nap, they would get cranky; and to be honest, it was easier to just plop them down on their swings and out they go.

now at 6mos, they do sleep exclusively in their cribs. and at all times, they fall asleep by themselves without the need to be held (another yippee!). though, i'm thrilled they're able to do this, i have to admit, i do miss some of the cuddling and rocking. awwwwww, they really only are babies for such a short time.

so why am i writing? cause they still nap SO sporadically. without the swing, they nap mostly 30min, rarely up to an hour. the length of time actually doesnt bother me as much as before since now, they are older and more alert, needing less daytime sleep. but it is the number of naps; they can sleep up to 4-5X throughout the day, still every 2hrs!

according to all the books (which i follow if i agree) at 6mos, they should be closer to two naps daily, ranging from 1 -1 1/2hrs. are the books wrong or are my kids going to be forever 'power' nappers? it would be so nice to plan an outing w/out having to pencil in a nap every 2hours!

any advice, let me know!

1st Snow

Happy 1/2 Birthday

Got Rogaine?

Their first swimming lesson, thanks Aunt Louise!

One of my oldest and dearest friends (fm elementary school) and a certified life guard came over today and gave the girls their first swimming lesson. Laurel went first and took to the water right way (the bath toys also helped). She kicked, kicked and didnt want to stop. Thou, her backstroke still needs alittle work.

Vienna was tentative at first and wouldnt extend her legs---kinda squatted her way round the tub. But once she started kicking, she was a natural mermaid---she did her own butterfly wiggle.

Once summer rolls around, I will prob sign them up for swimming lessons---a valuable skill to have and fun exercise. But what a great way to start, with a family instructor within the comforts of thier own home.

And not only does Aunt Louise love to come and hang out w/ the twins, she also helps out. She'll feed, change, read books, makes them laugh and even bathes them (yup, she's gonna be a natural mom).

Aunt Louise, please visit more often!

P.S. Aunt Louise is also an identical twin to Aunt Nancy. Here's a pic of the twins holding the twins.

Happy New Year!

We wish you another year of happiness, love, prosperity and all that good stuff.

Our resolutions: to burp and sit up by ourselves (almost there!), go down to two naps daily (momma knows we can do it!), crawl, walk, grow more hair (whew, so much to do this year!) and be first-rate, not-kicked-off-the-plane-for-cryin travelers (woohooo, off to bermuda & maine we go!). 2007 here we come!

XXOO, Vienna & Laurel