The number one question I am asked is if I planned for them to be so close. The honest answer is no, the twins were a surprise. But a good, great, wonderful surprise! Goes to show that Gods plans are bigger and better than mine! My brother and I are 5 years apart in age so all I've ever known is a big age difference for siblings. Both ways have pros and cons.
The number two question I am asked is how I do it. I just had to figure it out. The first few weeks with Miller home were the hardest as far as figuring out a routine. Declan was newly mobile and into EVERYTHING and Miller was nursing. That made for some interesting days during feedings for Miller. But we figured it out. And I quickly realized what a genius invention a pack and play was.
See? Genius idea, those pack and plays. We do try to reserve the times Declan is in it for times like when I feed Miller or cook dinner. He likes his pack and play, but his tolerance maxes out after about 30 minutes in it. And that's to be expected. He is a toddler who likes to run around and explore.
I'd like to think that most days go smoothly without any bumps along the way. However sometimes the reality of having two under two is this...
Meltdowns. This particular one was because I wouldn't let Declan lick Miller.
I am a planner so that works out to my advantage, especially when it comes to outings. I've learned to avoid eating times and nap times, as those tend to bring out meltdowns. I keep a little basket it our car that has diapers, wipes, books, toys, and a change of clothes for each boy. I keep our diaper bag stocked with snacks, drinks, bottles, toys, and teething stuff.
I keep a baby carrier/sling, a double stroller, and a single umbrella stroller in the car at all times.
The most important thing I've learned about outings with two littles is be prepared for anything, or at least as much as you can think of. There's always going to be a wild card day, here and there, where nothing seems to go as planned.
Things are always much easier at home. I have baby-proofed as much as possible. I try to keep things picked up around the house to avoid having tempting things lying around (such as laptop or phone) that can easily be destroyed by toddler man.
People make jokes (and snide remarks) occasionally about how I will never sleep again or get to shower during the day or have time for myself. I do sleep decently, I am usually showered and dressed before noon, and I have a little "me" time during the day to watch a TV show or surf the web. I don't do those things like I did before, but it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
The best thing about have kids so close together? By far, seeing their little brother relationship develop. Any siblings can have a good relationship, regardless of age difference, but I am excited to see how their close age develops their relationship.
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