Shakespear Shuffle

Survival week 1

This week I've learned to multi-task in a new way

The many faces of Hyrum
(I couldn't pick just one)

Constant condition of our couch

Burrito time

Smiley babies

It's funny how willing Hunter is to share with the twins but not as much with his older brother!

I really, really, really like sleeping baby pictures

My first week alone went so well overall! Especially the first 4 days. Fri & Sat Jeremy was gone each day for about 12 or so hours prepping for & taking his last portion of his boards test so those days were looooong. But we did good.

Some things really helped a lot. My friend Abbie posted about some things that help her to be a better Mommy.

1. I really liked the idea of "time in's" with my kids because sometimes it's hard to focus my brain 100% on them if there is a million other things to do & think about & they can tell. But if there's a time limit then it's much easier. So every day I give Hyrum & Hunter each 20 minutes that I will do anything they want me to do with them & it's so much easier to give them my whole attention

2. I started inviting them to do chores with me. Hunter has turned out to be very adept at rinsing dishes, I was impressed :)

3. When annoyed with one of my older kids, it helps to put them in my lap, give them a big hug & kiss & talk with them. Snuggle time helps us both

Some other ideas have helped a lot too

1. This week I've come to realize what a blessing the bottle feeding is (surprisingly). It has been another realization that Heavenly Father knows me & what's best for my little family. Because we prop the bottles up for the babies, that gives me time I can fix the boys lunch, change a poopy diaper or play with them on the floor for another 20 minutes or so (or give them a bath!)

2. I am a big list gal & love to cross things off my list. I have kept my lists SUPER simple, like sweep the floor, make lunch for the boys, and run the dishwasher so I can still feel good that I am accomplishing things.

3. From about 4-5pm the boys watch something so I am free to get dinner on the table &/or take care of fussier babies. I love 'Cars' & 'Land Before Time' movies, you help a lot, really

4. Be more structured through the day. The boys still get lots of time to just play but instead of always just running around like crazy (bound to drive me crazy) we try to have things planned out for the day. We do one letter every day, practice writing it, sounding it out, looking at pictures of animals that start with that letter, thinking of words that start with the letter & singing the ABC song. I try to suggest puzzle time, color time & building w/ blocks time etc.

5. When the babies are awake I try to encourage the boys to talk to them & show them their toys so they can be involved with them as well

Anyway, that was too long of a post if you're still reading ;-) There are hard times but it is so worth it! I still can't believe I have been blessed with twins!