TWINS TUESDAYS: Potty Training!

Potty charts and stickers are on the fridge.
It's time to potty!!

Don't we all wish there was a magic wand to work on this skill! There is no real sage advice for potty training twins. I will tell you this: It is definitely more involved and time consuming than just training one child. It almost reminds me of the days when they were infants and you needed to feed them often and if they got off the same schedule it was maddening. Not as bad, but sort of similar.

We started last week, and it was a somewhat rocky start. Buddy Twin is ready. Bunny Twin in not. So I put my focus on Buddy Twin. I hoped she would follow his lead, so I got them out of their one-piece sleepers and into clothes and Pull-Ups first thing in the a.m., ready to go. I figured we would start slowly, let them get the feel of it, and put them on the pot often. Buddy Twin has peed on the potty many times, so he gets it, and is happy when he goes, but I haven't been structured. We have read some books. We have talked about it.

So here we are, that first structured morning, and I sit him on a "ring" seat on the big potty. His Pull-Up was wet, so he likely didn't have to go. But he sat there. And sat there. And sat there. I ran water to hopefully stimulate the feeling. He played with the toilet paper, so I had to explain to him that he couldn't touch the paper until he was done. Meanwhile Bunny Twin is shimmying all over the bathroom floor, touching everything and anything. I asked her if she wanted to sit on the little potty, but she didn't and backed away. Then I decided to leave Buddy Twin alone for a moment to see if privacy helped. It didn't. I heard a noise and realized he was spinning the toilet paper roll and it was all over the bathroom. After such a long time, I knew he couldn't go and made him get off the potty. And he cried because he wanted to sit there. And then I think, "Am I screwing this up?"

I was trying to remember back to Big Girl's potty training days. She started on the little potty, and sat in our kitchen with books and toys, and was rewarded with stickers and M&Ms. She wasn't a quick trainer, but she got it and relished the rewards. The one thing I learned is that there is no race to train. It will take time and patience. But your child will not be in Kindergarten wearing diapers because it just won't happen. And whether it happens at age 2 or 3 or 3.5, it will happen. And earlier doesn't mean better or more advanced or any of that.

Tip #1: Twins may not be ready at the same time.

This is the case with my kids. Buddy Twin is ready and wants to go. Bunny Twin is not ready, does not want to go, and is stubborn. They are two individual children and will have different feelings and incentives and need different approaches.

In the past week, Buddy Twin has succeeded in using the potty. Bunny Twin has not. But that's OK.

Tip #2: Each twin may like a different kind of potty.


If you are just starting out, there are two kinds of potty seats: Little potties and ring seats.

Little potties are tiny little seats with a hole and a pot to catch everything. Pros: You can move it into the main house if your child likes to sit forever. They can keep their feet on the floor, which is less scary to some kids. They can be fun, with noises and designs. And you definitely know if a child went, or not, because you have the evidence in the pot. Cons: They are the more expensive option to purchase. You have to clean them, which is not always fun. You can take them with you, but might not have them with you in mall or a restaurant. And you have to progress to the bigger seat, which can be difficult for some kids.

Ring seats are circular, padded seats which fit on top of a regular toilet seat. Some have handles on the side, some do not. Pros: They are much cheaper than little potties, for the most part, and you can get them in fun designs. (My mother bought Bunny Twin a special Disney Princess ring seat that has handles and plays music when you press buttons under the handle.) They are easier to store and tote with you. They get kids used to sitting on the big potty, which is helpful all around. Cons: It is harder to tell if a child has gone to the bathroom sometimes. A child might not want to be on the big potty.

So which one is right for you? I suggest having one of each, at least. You could start on the little potty, but if they are amenable to a ring on the bigger potty, try it! Bunny Twin is comfortable on the less-scary little potty seat, but Buddy Twin is OK with sitting on the ring. That said, we have two little potties and two rings now.

Also, please note that not all little potties are right for all kids. I had a little potty seat from big girl, but I lost the "boy" add-on piece for boys sitting down to pee. My mom got an inexpensive potty in Marshalls so we would have a second one. But the potty is made differently and doesn't seem as comfortable. If at all possible, check out friends' seats or look at them in stores to see how wide them are, how easy to empty, etc.

Another useful potty seat for your family might be a portable potty seat. I have one from Big Girl's potty training days. It is a plastic seat that folds down. I store it in a gallon-Ziploc bag, and it's useful for outings where you can set it on a regular toilet and a child feels comfortable and not like they will fall in. I purchased mine from One Step Ahead and it was a great purchase! Here is the link to the current one they sell; my did not have handles like this one. We used it a long time and I highly recommend this.

Tip #3: Boy twins are different than girl twins, so if you have boy/girl twins, you will need different approaches to both.

Boys and potty training are different than girls and potty training. Some little boys are fine with learning to stand right away, and like to "aim," especially at targets that you can purchase or even just Cheerios. Some boys might do better sitting intially, but you have to have a little guard to avoid a mess in your bathroom, or teach them to point down. Again, it's like choosing a potty seat: Whatever works for your kid!

And daddies are helpful in the boy department. Make sure Dad is involved in working with the boys.



Tip #4: Shop smart and stock up on supplies.

The next issue is supplies. Some parents progress from diapers to underwear, but I am a fan of Pull-Up-style pants. Let's face it: Kids have accidents, and twins are twice the accidents. You still have to leave the house. And there is only one mom with multiple children, which means you can't be juggling two kids on one potty in the bathroom. (Of course, you can two little potties, or a potty and a potty ring, but if both want to use the big potty there is only just one available for mom to monitor.)

Pull-Ups are more expensive than underwear (or diapers), but kids realize the change from diapers to Pull-Ups so it is a little encouragement. If you put them on the potty a lot and catch them before they wet, you can reuse one several times during one day. And the "pull up" feature is a blessing when you are dealing with numerous sessions with twins!

As for the brand of Pull-Up style diapers you use: My theory is whatever is cheaper when you are buying them, especially with twins when you have to buy double the amount. I started with Target's Up & Up brand, but last week when I went shopping to stock up for an official start to the process, the Huggies brand Pull-Ups were the cheapest at Target for me: I had $1.50 coupon off one pack, and if you bought two packs you also got a free pack of wipes.

Use your coupons, check generic prices, shop wisely, and if possible, stock up. Even if you progress to underwear quickly you will likely be needing Pull-Ups at night for a while. Also, don't forget to take advantage of rewards programs through Huggies and Pampers, especially if you have twins and are buying a lot of diapers and Pull-Ups with brand names!

For nightime, I am currently sticking with regular diapers. My first goal is daytime training as best as possible. Nighttime will come later, and for some kids, takes longer.

Other supplies that may come in handy are special flushable wipes, kid-oriented soap for hand-washing, and a stool to reach the sink or potty. They are both useful and an incentive.

Tip #5: Incentives and rewards.


And speaking of incentives: Many children do well with a reward system. I've listed a few ideas below, but be forewarned that sometimes rewards with multiples cause competition. Competition can be healthy, but try and handle it appropriately. (Also, be firm about the rules -- no M&Ms if one doesn't go! It may be hard to stick to when one twin gets it and the other doesn't, but the whole point is rewarding for the actual deed.) Sometimes enthusiasm is the best reward, and siblings are also provide enthusiasm for their twin.

Possible incentives can be:

• Sticker charts. Do not spend money on a chart: This link has a ton of free printables. Buy a variety of stickers (dollar stores provide many affordable options) and post the charts on the fridge or somewhere important for kids to see. Get a variety of stickers to please both kids. 
• M&Ms or another small treat. Set a rule: 2 M&Ms for pee and 5 M&Ms for the other elimination. And don't give in to the other twin. If they didn't go, they don't get them. Yes, there may be tears, but stick to your guns to prove the reward comes when you do the deed.
• Small toys, as a reward for getting a certain number of stickers, completing a sticker chart or going on the potty consistently for a certain number of days. If one twin reaches the milestone first, consider making the outing for a small toy an individual trip. Leave the other twin home so they are not truly upset at the toy store while their sibling picks out a toy.
• A trip or outing when both twins complete potty training. Tell them when both use the potty, you'll take them to the zoo, or a museum, or even to a special park for a hike. 

Huggies Pull-Ups offers a wealth of free potty training tools on its web site. There are charts, a door hanger to print, coloring pages, songs and instructions on how to do "The Potty Dance," as well as the video for the song. Pampers has a wealth of potty training instructions and ideas on its website as well.

Tip #6: Prep the bathroom.

I soon realized, after that first time in the bathroom last week, that some changes were in order if I was going to survive this with twins. I need to prep the house for potty training. As I said earlier, when one twin was on the potty, the other was tearing apart the bathroom. Twins means bathroom "prep" is important.

I needed to remove all decorative items from the counter so there is not things to grab when I am dealing with one twin and the other is investigating. I need a little basket of fun things to look at on the potty, like special toys or books. I need a better stool for hand washing. I need fun "kid soap," not my fancy hand soap for visitors. I need to have those potty seats ready for the adventure.


You can also store a small basket or box of toys in the bathroom for kids to enjoy only while sitting in the potty. Here's a great post from I Can Teach My Child about that idea.

Tip #7: Potty training extras may help.

Don't forget to get a few books about using the potty. (I would list some here, but there are dozens and dozens of them on Amazon.com, with every character or angle you can imagine!) You can read these anytime, at bedtime, or even while your child sits on the potty. Reading books during the waiting time is a great way to get kids to relax. It might help to have a small basket of books in the bathroom for just this purpose.

And if you have boy/girl twins, be sure to get each of them their own gender specific book to make each feel special.

There are also potty dolls and doll potties. We did not and do not have a doll that goes potty, but we do have little doll potties so we can put our dolls and animals on their own toilet too. This worked well with Big Girl, who did not have siblings at the time.

Tip #8: Use a timer. 

Routine is crucial to catching them when they can go. I use my stove or microwave timer. You can aim for putting them on every hour. Or, if you take off their pants and find a wet Pull-Up set the timer for 30 minutes or 40 minutes or an hour to make sure you catch them before the next time. (And hand them a cup full of water to fill their bladder up again!)

Tip #9: Don't sweat the night just yet.

To me, potty training comes in two distinct stages: Daytime and nighttime. Daytime is goal number one. Nighttime comes much, much later than daytime. Once the daytime part is accomplished, keep using Pull-Ups for night for a long time. Kids take longer to learn this skill, but there will be a time, after many, many, many dry nights, where you can attempt underwear at night.

My advice for this step? Waterproof mattress covers. Limit liquids after dinner. And if necessary, wake them to use the bathroom before you go to bed later that night. Sometimes it takes a year or two to get to the next step.

Frankly, just having daytime covered is a big deal in my book. I do not expect to have kids in underwear overnight for a long, long time!

Tip #10: Praise your twins when they succeed, and praise yourself as well.

Training twins is hard, so don't forget to pat yourself on the back when you reach this milestone!

TWINS TUESDAYS: Little Freedoms

Spring 2011: 18 months-ish old

For a long time, we lived in a "gated community." As in gates blocking various areas of my home and/or blocking the twins in a certain space. It was the only way to survive. Multiples can be like a litter of puppies, full of energy and the ability to veer off in various directions. Keeping them contained can also contain your sanity!

We have two sets of these Superyard gates and they have gotten -- and still get -- their use. After we took the babies out of the gates, we used to them to block them in a room -- the living room. Then we used them to block off the stairs and the dining room, giving them the freedom of the kitchen/living room areas. A few weeks ago, I unblocked the stairs. Last week, I unblocked the dining room, not for them, but for the sheer fact I couldn't take it anymore. Right now, the gates continue to block the electronics under the TV (although it doesn't stop them from touching them; it's really just a mental barrier) as well as Big Girl's piano keyboard in the dining room and the dollhouse (although they are attempting to get past these as well).

I am trying to give the twins their freedom. To let them get over being contained and get all of it out of their system as we teach them what is off limits. It is definitely a test, a trying process. These little ones just want to go exactly where they can't. It definitely tests Mommy's patience sometimes.

I don't know if it's a twin thing or not, but I never had this issue with Big Girl. I put up a gate, and she looked at it and respected it. These two push the limits of everything. Big Girl was told not to touch something and didn't. These two? Well that just means "Go for it! And let's work together!" 

I'm not sure I have much advice about this issue. I'm more just putting it out there, to let other moms of multiples know that you are not alone! 

TWINS TUESDAYS: Boy/Girl Bedrooms!

One of the major dilemas of my twin mom-ness has been the bedroom issue. Mainly, how to make it work with boy/girl twins!

We live in a small three-bedroom house and we are not moving or adding on anytime soon. Big Girl has her own room, and will continue to for a while, because she is older and has her own "things" that I know Bunny Twin would destroy. Plus, I think that Bunny Twin and Buddy Twin enjoy being together. I think if I separated them, it would be very difficult for them and they would be pining for each other. So they will remain together for now.

I know it will not last as they get older, but I believe they can be together for quite a while, quite possibly into elementary school. I have a friend with four children -- three girls, two of whom are teens, and one boy -- and the youngest girl and boy share a room. They are 10 and 9, and it still works for them in their situation right now.

Of course, every family is different. We may eventually add on to our home. Or create a bedroom suite in our basement when our oldest is in high school, a la Disney's "Good Luck Charlie." But that's far in the future.

In the meantime, I needed a solution to create a cute boy/girl bedroom for the twins as we transition them into regular beds. And hopefully one that didn't require a new paint job. One of the most popular posts on this blog is one about Decorating for Boy/Girl Twins so I know I am not alone! Today's post will share some updates on decisions I am working on.

I had been gathering ideas for what seems like ages on a special Twins Room Pinterest board, pinning bedding, furniture, accessories and inspiration rooms.

I have finally solved the "bedding" question, with the help of my mother, who offered to purchase the twins' new quilts for their December birthday. I am eternally grateful because (a) I love them! (b) I could not afford them myself and (c) they will be something I can use forever, even after they possibly switch rooms, etc. I have very vintage taste, and these are just my style.

Here's a pic:

Source: countrycurtains.com via Kellie on Pinterest

I think they work well for both little boys and girls. The pinwheel design is whimsical to me, I can use different colors of bedding for each kid and accessories on each bed to make it personal. And the light green color matches the color of the walls. (The quilts are from Country Curtains, which is a local store here but also has a popular catalog.) Whew! This is big sense of relief to me to have this one decision made. I know that seems crazy, but I had been looking for something not-too-boyish or not-too-girlie or something coordinating (hard for boy/girl) for so long. Pottery Barn Kids used to offer some great boy/girl options but they seem to have scaled back that in recent catalogs.

Intially we will be using mattresses on the floor. It will easier for the kids to adjust to not falling out of bed. We have to purchases twin mattresses, and the next decision I have to make is deciding if we will need box springs or not. It will depend on the future beds we purchase, and in my dreams I would like beds with storage underneath. Most of these types of beds do not use box springs. I know this sounds crazy to be worrying about this right now, but mattresses, box springs and beds are a big expense. If we don't need box springs, I don't want to buy them.

One of the great pins I found includes plans to make this bed:

Source: ana-white.com via Kellie on Pinterest

This would be so ideal for my little ones! We could store things underneath (you can make drawers or use baskets) and I believe it would be a good layout for their room. You can also store long-term items in the corner cubby. I also like that the twins would have their own space, and that I could put a little lamp in the corner if they want to read in bed. I don't know how much it would cost to make, and I haven't presented this idea to my husband yet, but I believe it would be much cheaper than purchasing beds, which cost at least $700-$1,000 each. These units can also be separated and made into little daybeds. It's also very, very similar to a Pottery Barn Kids bed that I really liked.

I'm thinking of using a few "farm" accessories in the room, since both kids love farm stuff, and Buddy Twin loves tractors and Bunny Twin loves animals. I used a large decal in Big Girl's room, and I loved how easy it was to dress up the wall. Here's one from the same brand that I love:

Source: roommatespeelandstick.com via Kellie on Pinterest

It is very cute, and an affordable way to make a impact on the wall space. They also are removable, which is a nice option to change out the look of the room without much effort. (Let's just hope the twins don't decide to try and remove them on their own!)

I also know that I want a pair of these:

Source: ikea.com via Kellie on Pinterest

I have a similar one in Big Girl's room, and a tall bookcase has been a lifesaver. Although the twins' room is very small, I plan to have two tall bookcases so there is room to store the incredible amount of children's books we have, and also for each child to have their own space for special collectibles on the top two shelves. I believe when we remove the changing table and the existing short bookcase, there would easily be room for two of these and the small bureau. Ideally, I would love to add a taller bureau from Ikea but that's another added expense and not necessary right now.

I'm hoping to tackle this project and the bed transition after the holidays. Until then I will keep gathering ideas and keeping an eye out for bargains! Stay tuned!

Are you having your own boy/girl decorating dilemas? 

Share your thoughts, concerns and ideas in the comments!

TWINS TUESDAYS: Twins Are Expensive!

When it comes to twins, double blessings also mean a double drain on the family bank account. I remember when we were first told we were having twins, and one of my first thoughts was "How can we afford this?"

Now, they turned pretty cute -- see above pic! -- but it is a financial struggle. I was home with Big Girl, but she was just one person to feed, clothe, etc. I was able to continue a decent work schedule when she was a little girl. I have found it hard to work as much with the twins around, which puts a dent in my part-time earnings. But I know that our choice to have me continue to stay at home is a wise one, since day care expenses and after-school care for the oldest would eat up most of the earnings I could make.

Twins do not require two of every single thing, but clearly more is needed. The most affordable way to acquire necessary gear and clothing is through the generosity of others: hand-me-downs! I have sometimes struggled with this, but it is a blessing to have things given to you for free, or have things already in your midst. I saved some of Big Girl's clothing in the hopes of having another little girl, so I am trying to make the most of those items, even if sometimes they run a little big. Big Girl was born in July; Bunny Twin in December. Sometimes the size for the season is not exactly right; however, as Bunny Twin grows it doesn't matter as much. We are lucky to have a bunch of winter coats, fancy dresses and holiday-themed outfits to get us through the next few years. When it comes to hand-me-down clothing, I believe it can be just as cute as new stuff -- just add a sweet matching hair accessory and it cheers up any outfit.


Last Christmas I felt very bad that Bunny Twin didn't have anything "new" to wear for Christmas Eve; somehow that seemed that less special since Big Girl and Buddy Twin were sporting new outfits. But that said, she looked just as cute in her big sister's hand-me-downs, especially with a set of new fancy striped tights. I know that it is me feeling bad, not her; however, I do not want her to grow up resenting hand-me-downs! (That said, her grandmother spoils her often with adorable outfits. She is not lacking for fashionable clothing!) Buddy Twin is also lucky to have some hand-me-downs from his cousin, who is only 6 months older, as well as some moms of boys who have passed things on to me. I have been able to acquire some great new things for him this way. (A post talking about "Dressing a Little Boy" can be found here.)

Of course, second-hand shops and consignment shops offer a bunch of gently used gear at lower price tags. You can even consign things you don't need anymore to get some cash for newer items.

I also am a big believer in shopping clearance and sale racks for new things. One year after Christmas, I bought a bunch of Christmas shirts for both twins at Kohl's for just a few dollars each. I bought size 4 tops, figuring eventually they would wear them! This year, we are now happy to have a closet full of things with tags on from that sale two years ago! I also shop Gymboree sales racks with coupons when it is worth it. Last year, after the holidays, I was able to get a cute dress for Bunny Twin for this winter, as well as a few tops and a new sweater for Buddy Twin. The sweater is perfect for the holidays this year, which means I don't need to find a holiday outfit for him. I also try to buy things slightly big with the hopes they can get two seasons out of them; I just roll up the sleeves. Last year's sweaters will hopefully fit Buddy Twin again this winter.

Don't feel pressured to push through milestones to get to new gear with twins. My kids are still eating in high chairs; not booster seats. It works for us. And believe it or not, they will be 3 in December yet still are in their cribs! I know big kid beds are in our future, but that said, the cribs are working fine for us. Yes, they can climb in and out of them, but they also have plenty of room to sleep. The cribs take up less room in their room. And it  is saving us money, slightly, when you consider we are going to avoid toddler beds and go straight to twin beds, probably sometime after Christmas. And even then, we won't use beds -- likely just mattresses on the floor until we make decisions on furniture and/or find hand-me-down furniture. Big Girl transitioned to a mattress on the floor initially, and it worked well with the adjustment so I have no problem repeating this plan.

Which brings me to this: Ask for what you need for the kids for their birthdays and Christmas when the kids are small. My toddlers have so many toys; we really don't need another thing. But grandparents like to spoil, right? My suggestion, if this can be done in your family, is to tell grandparents to gift money, gift cards to be spent at another time or ask for specific needed items for birthdays and Christmas. Since my little ones are December babies, you can imagine the chaos of two birthdays and two Christmas gift hauls. Luckily my mother offered to buy the twins' new twin bed quilts for their big birthday gift (whew! one expense handled!) and for Christmas, I'm thinking money to contribute to the purchases of mattresses might be a good gift.

As for now, one of the largest expenses in my babies' lives was this: formula, and diapers. We used generic for both. After a lengthy conversation with my pediatrician, we settled on using Kirkland brand formula (from  Costco), which cost less than half the cost of Similac/Enfamil. It was a necessity, and my pediatrician assured us that it was all made in the same factories and regulated by the government. Of course, breast milk is free, but that was not my decision for my babies who ate around the clock as it was.

As for diapers, everyone has likely read my love affair with Up & Up diapers from Target. They are the best deal around!

As for the holidays and birthdays, so far we try to keep it simple. The tots are only just going to be 3. The simplest things make them happy and excited. No iPads for our twins just yet. They are too young to have a wish list, so Santa has been shopping early to get good deals. I try to tell myself that when it gets out of control with the presents, who is it to please? You? Or the children? Of course, as they get older, they want more specific, and often more expensive things. But I have always told Big Girl that Santa does not get everything on the list; he tries to pick what will suit you best, and that usually only includes one "big" -- a.k.a. costlier -- gift. Everything else are less expensive items.

And as the kids grow, it's good it be honest that money does not grow on trees. Especially when you are expecting your twins to head to college some day!

TWINS TUESDAYS: First School

Two weeks ago, I posted about trying to fit in more activities with the twins, as well as trying to fit in some little bits of "homeschooling" (although we are not homeschoolers in the true sense, the toddlers are "home" with me right now!) into their lives. I truly believe that being a stay-at-home mom involves schooling your little ones and getting them ready for real school. And that means learning letters, numbers, colors, shapes, counting, coloring, etc. The twins will go to preschool eventually, but not just yet.

They turn 3 in December, and likely will not step foot in Kindergarten until they are officially 5-turning-6. So preschool will come the year prior to that, which is two years away. In the meantime, I want to make sure they have the same opportunity, however difficult it may be, as Big Girl. And that means this MoM has to get her act in gear and get some schoolin' and learnin' going for them!

I have made a strong effort in that recently, and it's going OK. We have been sitting down to work on things like colors and letters. They know most of their letters by sight, but can be stubborn in playing the "identify" game. I really want to keep pushing the letters thing since reading is very important to me. I already know they are pretty smart cookies, but I also know that working with them will give them a greater chance to shine brighter.

One website has been so helpful to me with them and I wanted to share it with you. It's called "First School," and it has really awesome little worksheets to print out. I have been trying to do things with random letters that go with something from this time of the year, like A for apple, P for pumpkin, B for bat, L for leaf, and -- coming soon! -- T for turkey. Just all that seasonal stuff that they can grasp. I hang up their little coloring pictures and letters, just like their older sister's artwork, and I prompt them to show visitors and grandparents their work so they are proud of what they have done. And several times a day, I might ask them what letter is for "apple" or "pumpkin" and give them a chance to remember and use their little brains.

It is definitely different taking on this toddler "homeschooling" thing with twins. When the crayons come out, it has to be a highly monitored and directed situation or else I will live in a Crayola world. Reading books is even a challenge, as they disagree over which one they want to hear. If I ask one a question, one is more likely to answer faster than the other.

And what I've also found out in my mothering years is that teaching kids happens when you are just in the moment (although having a few ideas up your sleeve definitely helps -- especially with more than one little one). Money Saving Mom had a two-part series titled "Teaching Your Tot Without Breaking the Bank" that I thought was really helpful: Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here. Be sure to read through the comments, which have some great ideas too.

I hope that, as I muddle through this twin toddler thing, that someone out there finds a kernel of inspiration somewhere in my posts! We are all in this together, right?

TWINS TUESDAYS: Sick Days

When one twin gets sick, it's usually inevitable that the other will fall to whatever germ is in the house. I've given up trying to keep one from transmitting whatever it is to the other, for the most part.

My twins share everything: a room, sippy cups, toys, utensils, food. No matter how hard I try, it's impossible to keep them from sharing unless they are strapped down for hours which is just not possible.

Last week, Bunny Twin had a cold with a runny nose and sneezing. Buddy Twin had a milder version, but now he has an intestinal thing. I'm just waiting for the intestinal ax to fall on Bunny.

So how do you handle sick twins? Prepare for both to be sick. Keep medicines and supplies on hand because its even harder to drag two tots to the store. When you have coupons at the beginning of "sick season" -- which is right now! -- stock your medicine cabinet with pain reliever, Benadryl, saline nasal spray, etc. I actually used a Pediatelyte coupon earlier this year to buy powdered Pedialyte -- little packets that you mix with water. It was a very thoughtful choice as I had tried to keep Pedialyte on hand but it always expired before I could use it! The powdered stuff lasts longer, takes up less space, and today, I was very glad to have that on hand!

It's also good to try and have bland crackers like Saltines, as well as applesauce, jello and rice on hand. If you have a little one who needs nourishment but is having stomach issues, these are good things to feed them.  (Or you, for that matter, if you come down with it too!) Stock up when there are coupons and sales.

Also, be sure to stock up on disenfectant. Keep the house cleaner than normal to try and keep the illness at bay, particularly for yourself! Don't forget little spots like lightswitches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc. Wash bedding, blankets, comfort toys, throw blankets, etc. often to keep them clean and germ free. And wash your own hands often.

Here's a decent article on when twins are sick.

And now, I'm off to bed! I need to take care of me, too!

TWINS TUESDAYS: Thinking about Potty Training!

Source: pottytrainingearly.com via Kendra on Pinterest

Potty training is looming on the horizon in our house. Buddy Twin is definitely ready; he acknowledges his bodily functions, has peed on the potty before a bath and other times, and frankly, if I get my butt in gear I think he could be trained.

Bunny Twin, on the other hand, wants NOTHING to do with the potty. Except wear Pull-Ups. She saw me try one on her brother and wanted one too.

So, we are ready to start the journey with my boy twin. We have potties, potty seats, a portable potty seat, Pull-Ups. We just need Mommy to start setting a timer to get the routine in check. And then, perhaps, Bunny Twin will see her brother and want to follow suit.

I've been doing some research here and there about potty training twins, and I thought I would share some links with you (and as a result, bookmark them for myself :)

• About.com's Top Ten Tips for Potty Training Twins
• What to Expect's tips for potty training twins
• iVillage column on how a mom trained her twins
• Parents magazine article with advice from an expert
• Real life experience with funny moments at TwinParenthood.com
• List of essentials needed for potty training twins
• One mom's blog post about training her twins

OK, that's enough links for now. I'm sure I will report back in the future when we have accomplished something major. In the meantime, if you have twins to train, Godspeed! Keep me in your prayers.

TWINS TUESDAYS: Twin Mom Support Groups

Twins can be cute, but any mom of multiples needs support!

Last Wednesday night I went to my first Mothers of Multiples meeting. It took me nearly 3 years to get there, but I'm glad I went.

I had wanted to join this group for some time, but so much keep me from getting around to it. Originally it was just a bad night, as my older daughter's PTO meetings were the same night of the month. And Wednesdays are hard, as my husband golfs in the warmer months and bowls in the cool months. And we have our religion instruction on Wednesdays too, so it's just a busy day in general.

But now my current PTO meets a different Wednesday. And the Mothers of Multiples local chapter for our region now meets in my town! It was time to get involved. I have been having many issues with the little ones lately, from their non-stop energy level, discipline, sibling fighting, etc., and I really needed to find out if it was me, or a "twin thing."

This was the first meeting of their new year, and there were several new MoMs there. The group usually tries  to have a speaker come, but this meeting did not, so we just chatted about our kids and issues we were having. It was wonderful! The stories many were sharing could have come out of my own mouth. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt that I was not a completely bad parent.

One MoM even said so many things that I felt -- that it's just hard to do anything with a second adult... That she dreads parties and family events... That she sometimes feels trapped in her house... It was everything I feel, and often everything that non-twin moms don't understand.

This particular MoM group has activities beyond their meetings: outings at play areas, holiday parties, and more. I don't know if I can fit everything in, but I'm at least glad to know that once a month I can be with other MoMs who might give me some guidance or at least lend an sympathetic ear.

And I am looking for forward to the speakers they have lined up for this year. The schedule includes a yoga instructor, a personal organizer, and a pediatrician to answer questions about development.

If you are looking for a local chapter, visit the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs website. You can also find numerous resources on multiples at the site.

TWINS TUESDAYS: Feeding Toddler Twins on the Go

It's me and my kitchen shears again!

Toddler twins can create double trouble when eating out at restaurants or at a relative's house. Parents usually have their diaper bag full of diapers and sippy cups, but don't forget to include a few important necessities for feeding your pair on the go. Here are some things I often keep in my tote to make sure mealtime goes smoothly when I am out with my twins. 

Booster Seats 

Don't expect a restaurant (or a relative) to have booster seats, let alone enough booster seats for your duo. Keep your own portable chairs in the car. Kids will behave better if they can sit up at the table properly, and you will be able to relax if they are strapped into their own seats.

Go Disposable! 

Keep disposable paper bibs in your diaper bag to protect nice clothing while out at dinner. Baby wipes are also a must for cleaning off messy fingers and faces. Disposable place mats are also great for putting down on the table. The plastic protectors, which stick to the table, give a sanitary surface for food that slides off the plate or out of a bowl. Most disposable place mats also feature bright illustrations to keep toddlers' attention on the table.

Kitchen Shears 

Kitchen scissors are a necessity in my house for cutting up food as quick as possible for my hungry duo, so I make a point of packing them in my diaper bag too. By the time the food arrives at a restaurant, the tots will be extra hungry, and Mom and Dad's food will be hot. Make the job of prepping a kid plate faster by chopping food up with scissors instead of the restaurant's butter knife. Just keep the scissors out of reach of your toddler! Secure them with an elastic band in your diaper bag so little fingers don't manage to pry them open and try them out.

Small-sized Utensils 

Pack a plastic bag with a a fork and spoon for each twin, or purchase two sets of travel utensils, which slide in a special protective case. Restaurants usually do not have smaller utensils, and the twins will be able to eat efficiently with tinier tools in their small hands. Just don't forget to pack them up when the kids are finished eating, and remember to wash them when you get home.

A Distraction 

Some restaurants offer crayons to little ones, but prepare for the worst. Never expect a relative or a restaurant to have toys to entertain your kids! Keep a small bag with special items just for restaurant use. Include small cars, magnetic writing boards like a Magnadoodle, board books or tiny plastic figures. A box of crayons is also a good distraction; just make sure they are the washable kind. You don't want the kids drawing their version of a Picasso on Aunt Edna's heirloom table cloth! 

A little preparation can keep toddler twins entertained and satisfied while eating on the go, and parents will be happy to enjoy a meal without worrying about their double duo.

TWINS TUESDAYS: Finding Support

I've decided to do something new here on the blog: Since one of the reasons I started this whole thing was to blog about the challenges and joys of having multiples, I've decided that Tuesdays will be Twins Days here. Every Tuesday, the post will be about twins -- either advice, tips, experiences, ideas, and/or a call for answers to my problems! I'm hoping that the focus on multiples one day per week will help me and others in my unique parenting role. And since today is the kick-off, I'm going to address the issue of finding support, something I hope you can find right here!

My experience as a parent of twins for two-plus years is that it definitely ebbs and flows. There are times when I think "I've got this!" and there are times when I think "How will I get through this?"

Right now, I'm experiencing the latter!

My little ones are so 32 months old right now and so very, very active. They have been since they turned 2 years old, so it has been a long 8 months in this house, especially since they have really avoided napping now. They are like two little tornados, wound up, feeding off each other's insane energy. If I leave them alone to put away laundry or even just take a phone call in the bathroom (my only quiet place!), I never know what I will discover when I get back. I find it very difficult to discipline them, as they don't seem to care if they are forced to sit in a time out.

Since we returned from vacation last week, my little boy has discovered he can climb in and out of his crib. I know I should be pleased we made this far -- we have been postponing the big bed transition until absolutely necessary. But now he easily scales the side of the crib, and is causing major destruction in the twins' room daily. I am at my wit's end with this. We don't have a spare bedroom to separate the little ones. We live in a small house, so even storing their stuff in another location and clearing out their room is difficult. He has been a little devil, emptying the changing table of diapers and pull-ups, emptying bookshelves, spewing sheets around the room, etc. And he strips off his clothes and diaper in the process. You might wonder how he gets so much accomplished without me knowing? He's absolutely QUIET. And so is his twin. I thought they were sleeping. (Of course, now I'm on to them. And they have to be watched...)

So, I as watch my hair turn gray and fall out, I am in a new phase of twindom that is very stressful. And I feel very alone in it all, because despite well-meaning intentions of friends and family, it's very hard to understand twins unless you have gone through it. I mentioned in yesterday's post that I'm hoping to finally join a Moms of Multiples group for some form of support and encouragement. We have a local group that meets once a month, and when the babies were born, it was on the night of my monthly PTO meeting for Big Girl's school. I wanted to continue to help out at her school to support her, so I didn't go to the MoMs meeting. Now PTO is a different night, so I think I can make these meetings, which coincidentally will now even be held in my town. It's a sign!

Where else can one find support for raising twins? Searching online is a good place. I often just good things like "twins getting out of bed" or "twins throwing food" and you'll find message boards with parents telling stories similar to your own, or other blogs with stories, or websites with advice. You often realize quickly that you are not alone, even if the parents are not living down the street.

As a avid researcher of any topic, I often turn to books for advice or encouragement. And while they are many, many books devoted to twin pregnancy and infancy, it became abundantly clear as my babies grew that there are very few books devoted to twin toddlerdom and beyond. It's like twins never grow up in the book world! (Makes me think I should write a book about that :) I'm thinking of getting this book next.

So where do you find support for the crazy life with twins? Let me know! In a future post I will try to compile a list of the best places for information. In the meantime, stay sane!

This MoM Can't Live Without: Baby Trend Navigator

Our jogging stroller gets used regularly!

Twins and stroller sagas go hand in hand, don't they? I told you previously about our double stroller, the Graco Quattro Tour Duo, that we purchased for the infant carriers and beyond. It is still my "everyday" stroller more than 2 years later. We knew when the kids were quite small, however, that we would want something for outdoors, for walking, for events on the grass like fairs and picnics and farmer's markets, etc. We had a jogging stroller for Big Girl and I loved using it for walks outside.

Strollers are an important part of being a twin mom -- at least they were an important thing to me. I knew I needed the kids to sit in a stroller because holding them or letting them explore when I'm alone is practically impossible. So we began our search for an affordable "extra" stroller -- a jogger that we would get our use out of as they grew.

We settled on the Baby Trend Navigator from Toys 'R' Us/Babies 'R' Us and I am really happy with it! It cost under $200, which is definitely a plus. A lot of people I know covet the Bob Strollers but they have such a massive price tag that I question if it's worth it. I know that we have been perfectly happy with this one. (NOTE: I do not jog or run, however. But we do walk with it. And use it on grass often.)

The Navigator is great for many reasons:

1. It has a tray for each child! Great for snacks when you are at events and you want the kids to have their own little place for snacks and to put a drink.

2. It has single operating canopies -- each child gets their own shade if he or she wants it.

3. Two cupholders for Mom! (Or a place to hold a drink for each twin until you want to give it to them :)

4. iPod speakers built in the top! Great for walking if mom or kids want music.

5. Two front wheels makes it more stable.

6. Storage underneath (although the compartment is not one big one, but two big ones. Sometimes a pro and sometimes a con).

7. It is super light to push, even with two toddlers in it.

The only cons I can come up with for the stroller is that it is quite large, but what twin stroller isn't, right? It is supposed to be as wide as a standard wheelchair, which means it can fit through handicapped doors, but I question if it's wider than a wheelchair. We've had some close squeeze when we've had to go through doors, but it's worked so far. We mostly use it outdoors, but we often take it on vacation and we did visit an aquarium on vacation where it "just" fit in a door.

The stroller folds in half, but but the width remains the same when it's folded. I have no trouble fitting into my Honda Pilot's trunk, but I doubt it would fit into a sedan trunk easily. It's also awkward to pick up into the trunk but I can manage. When we go on vacation, we stand it on its side and take off the front wheels to fit in luggage and pack'n'plays, etc., in the trunk.

We are very grateful to have this stroller as a second option for our family, and I don't regret this purchase one bit!

To find other products which have saved my sanity

as a MoM (mom of multiples),

check out my MoM Reviews here!

Goodnight Books

Source: google.com via Jackie on Pinterest

I believe in bedtime stories. I read to Big Girl every night until just recently, when she started wanting to continue reading something she was also reading during the day. But I would read to her now if she asked -- we've completed many chapter books together and I love that time at night when I read to her. It's calm, it's quiet, and it's full of good stories and great memories.

I've continued the tradition with the twins, although admittedly it is much harder. I can't sit with them in my lap like I did with her. They are much more apt to leave my lap and wander. And they are still in their cribs, so I can't sit on one of their beds yet either. So I plop myself on the floor, between the two cribs, and they sit in their beds and watch and listen -- most of the time.

In many ways, reading at night is very routine to us. The routine started with Big Girl. Clean up faces and hands, change diapers, put PJs on, brush teeth, read three stories and tuck into bed. They know it, and they've known it for a while. They learn pretty quick.

And they already ask for certain characters, or certain book. Curious George and Clifford and Little Bear and shape books and color books and all the good ones that I don't mind repetitively reading night after night.
The last book of our bedtime story session is always, always, always Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. I started that tradition with Big Girl, and it worked so well that I had to do it with the twins. (At one point in their short lives, it became apparent to Buddy Twin that this was always the last book before bed. When I read the first line in the book, he would start to cry in anticipation. He's OK with it now because this book is such a favorite. He gets very excited when he sees it and says "My Moon! My Moon!")

Reading the same book every night does not have to be boring. My husband and I may have the lines memorized by now, but it doesn't matter because so do the babies. I prompt them to fill in the last words of each page, which makes it a game. Sometimes, I "sing" the story to them. And although it's a little harder with two kids in two cribs, I try a tradition I started with Big Girl: On each two-page color spread in the book, we have to find the mouse. The mouse is always in a different spot. It's like a little game at storytime.

Of course, Goodnight Moon isn't the only bedtime book worth reading, even if it is tops in our house. Some of our other favorites include this one:

When the World is Ready for Bed by Gillian Shields has some really adorable watercolor illustrations by Anna Currey, and is a very easy, rhyming read that the kids love. We have the board book version. The story is about three little bunnies getting ready for bed and their routine, which is perfect to instill in little ones.

Source: chinaberry.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

We also like The Night Night Book by Marianne Richmond. The book is another rhyming story that says "night night" to many things, similar to Goodnight Moon.

Whatever book you choose as your signature "goodnight" story, it will surely became part of a child's memory. Big Girl still has her original copy of Goodnight Moon on her bookshelf because she will likely never part with it. I hope someday she reads it to her own children, as well as many other of our favorites, and continues the tradition we started 10 years ago.

This MoM Can't Live Without: Up & Up Diapers

Best diapers ever!

We all know that twins are a major expense, and clearly part of the financial burden is diapers.

With Big Girl, I was a Pampers Mom. I tried other brands, but nothing worked as well as Pampers for leaks. At the time, my local Costco carried the brand, so I was able to get them cheaper. And I thought I was saving money, but I now know I wasn't!

For the twins, Pampers were so expensive! When they were newborns, I started out buying them and I received many gifts of diapers. But when the gift diapers ran out, I knew I needed to find a cheaper solution to get through the next few years. I started testing out less expensive and store brands, and I fell in love with Target's Up & Up brand. The quality was really decent. They didn't leak. And they are patterned -- with giant dots on them -- which was kind of cool.

These diapers are sooooo much cheaper than Pampers, Huggies, etc., even with coupons. I am not an extreme couponer to get things like diapers for free, but I do coupon. (More on that in another post.) That said, I have found that Up & Up diapers are considerably cheaper than even buying boxes in warehouse stores. I recently compared diaper prices and found that a box of about 140 Up & Up diapers is $10 cheaper in Targer than a box of 140 Huggies diapers in Costco. When you have twins, that really adds up. (And if you have a Target Red Card, you save extra! I have the debit version, which is linked to a checking account, which means pay the same way you would with a debit card, but you get 5 percent off your final bill. Totally worth getting a Red Card!)

Target.com often has coupons for Up & Up diapers as well, so be sure to check out their coupon link to print them before you go to the store.

To find other products which have saved my sanity

as a MoM (mom of multiples),

check out my MoM Reviews here!

This MoM Can't Live Without: Kitchen Shears

When the twins started eating solid food, kitchen shears saved my life. Do you know how time consuming it is to cut up food into little bites for two children -- especially when they are screaming bloody murder for their meal?

Enter my tool of choice: Scissors.

Pancakes are easy to trim into small bites for toddlers with kitchen shears!

Kitchen shears saved my life. They are way faster than cutting food with a fork and knife most of the time. It works on just about everything: Pancakes, meat, pizza, grilled cheese, veggies, etc. Just cut food into strips and then chop the strips to bits. Voila!!! Little bites.

Confession: I sometimes grab for my own food now too.

And we now have several pairs in my kitchen. And I put them in my diaper bag when we are eating out. I know, crazy. But it works. Trust me.

Try it. You'll love it. Your knives will be jealous.

To find other products which have saved my sanity

as a MoM (mom of multiples),

check out my MoM Reviews here!

Twins Tip: The "Feeding Station"

I can't stand disorder. That's not to say my house doesn't have disorder, because -- believe me! -- it does. But that does not mean I like it! So when two little babies arrived at my house about two years ago and I was inundated with around-the-clock feedings and bottles and dirty bottles and formula and parts of bottles to dry out, I knew I needed a system to survive not only those hazy first weeks, but the first year of bottle feeding. Instead of letting the feeding clutter overtake me, I created what I call the "feeding station."

First, the feeding system. With my first daughter, and initially with the twins, I prepared all my formula ahead of time, bottled it, and put it in the fridge. I had a bottle warmer which I shuttled back and forth from the kitchen for the daytime to the nursery for nighttime, and I warmed bottles up and fed them. But with the twins, it seemed like I was always trying to warm up those cold bottles, and if both wanted to be fed it took forever to get both bottles ready. My warmer was old, and I didn't want to waste the money on a second one, so I had to come up with a new plan.

I decided I would just mix up those bottles on the spot. You might say it's risky, but it's actually faster than trying to warm up a cold bottle. Here's what I do. I boil water on the stove top. When it's cool, I fill my clean bottles, put on the rings, nipples and caps, and leave them in a basket on the counter. See, it's pretty and neat, right?

I had those little formula dispensers that you use for "on-the-go," except I used them at home too. I pre-fill them with the correct amount of formula (I have two 3-serving ones and one 4-serving one).

When it was time for the babies to eat, I would twist off the bottle top, dump in the pre-measured amount, shake up the bottle and the babies would be eating within a minute. It's quick and easy. It's also fantastic to be able to grab what I need for the diaper bag at a moment's notice, and I don't have to fuss with keeping formula cold. I just put the bottles in one freezer Ziploc bag (so they don't leak) and grab a formula dispenser and pack up the bag.

When Bunny (that's what I'll call my girl twin) and Buddy (that will be the boy twin) were eating different amounts, I divided the basket in half to keep track of which bottles had 6 oz and which had 8 oz., and I color coded the formula dispensers -- blue for him and pink for her. The bottles of water were separated on each side of the basket so there was no confusion.

The "feeding station" cuts down on that stress when babies are hungry and want to be fed NOW. Keep everything "stocked" correctly and everything will be at your fingertips!

As for keeping charts, I didn't have the formal clipboard or binder that some MoMs seem to do. I just had a pad of paper on the counter where I jotted down who ate how much and at what time. Easy-peasy.