Our twins turned seven on Saturday. This picture of them snuggling together, poorly wrapped by this inexperienced mom, was taken on the day they came home from the hospital. They seemed so fragile at that time. Nate weighed 4.8 pounds and Ryann was 5.3 pounds. They were teensy, but healthy.
We had a night nanny for a few nights when they first came home so I could get some sleep. Adam had to sleep as he was working on a crazy busy show at that time. When she left, I was so scared to be across the hallway from them. It felt too far away. I slept on their floor just to listen to their breathing on many a night.
The days after they were born, at first, were a hazy blur of diaper changes, sleep deprivation and many photo opps that were shared with our families.
That changed when Adam had the opportunity to take some time off. He asked me if I wanted to take the babies and go across the country in our motor home. If not, he’d go back to work. Hell yes, I said! I was so thrilled with the idea of getting out of the house and spending time with Adam and the kids and our two dogs. It was a perfect trip, really. Every where we went, people fawned over us and the babies. No one could believe that we actually took to the road with two tiny infants. In so many ways, it’s the best thing we’ve ever done. Thankfully, our pediatrician, the amazing Dr. Vivian Liu, okayed our trip and gave us her blessing. And, best of all, Adam had the time and the opportunity to bond with the babies like I did. He’s an awesome dad, and an amazing husband.
One of the first stops on our trip was Bryce Canyon, Nevada. It was exceedingly hot, but dramatically beautiful. Look how great my husband is – he’s hiding my post-baby-belly with his body for this photo!
It’s funny – I look back at these pictures and think – I was beautiful. And obviously happy. So happy. What more could a woman ask for?
We traveled to Indiana, to visit with Adam’s family.
It was incredibly special to be able to drive our newborn babies to our family – 2,000 miles across country! From Indiana, we drove to Charleston, South Carolina, to visit my Dad, a.k.a. “Boston John.”
Being in our motor home with the babies and dogs was incredibly comforting. To this day, I treasure the trips we take in the motor home. I love being able to hear everyone breathing at night. I love listening to Ryann talk in her sleep and giggle at silly dreams. I love listening to Marley Moose Goldberg snore. Here she is watching over her babies during an afternoon nap…
On the way home we stopped at Graceland. These kids were well-travelled by the time they hit 12 weeks!
The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I’m so glad we did it. I hated coming home. I dreaded being alone with the babies, and missing my guy.
I survived the long tedious days when we came home….and often, it was a joy taking care of them!
What is the point of this blog? It’s this:
1.) Take time to go out and have fun when your babies are young. Go travel. Go out to dinner. Your kids will never be better behaved than they are when they are infants. Enjoy it!
2.) Know that you are not alone. You will have dark and long days by yourself. Reach out to mothers of multiples organizations like Beach Cities Parents of Multiples Association. You will not regret it!
3.) Remember this: these days really are fast and fleeting. I cannot believe my little beach babies are 7. You will survive. You can thrive. It’s a choice.
How did you survive the early days with your multiples? Do you have advice to share?
