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Friday, August 20, 2010

BFF: How She Does It

Though I don't have multiples myself, at one point I did have two children under the age of two and then three under four. I often heard "How do you do it?" But, I imagine that today's BFF has heard that even more than I have!


Meet Natalie from Mommy of a Monster. She's one of those bloggers whom, as soon as I "met," I just instantly adored her blog and her and I know you'll love her, too.  Her BFF post today tells you how she manages with three young kids!
My twin daughters, Ms. L and Ms. M, turned a year old on Tuesday. I can't believe how fast the year has flown by! I also have a son, Tater, who will be three on Monday. Needless to say, having three small children is basically like living in a constant state of crazy. The house is always a mess, there are toys EVERYWHERE, there's a lot of crying, tantrum throwing, and laughing going on all day; sometimes all at the same time.


When I first brought the twins home after they were born, like all newborns they slept a lot. Things didn't change much. Tater thought they were "cute little dolls" and while feeding and sleep schedules were hectic, those first few months were pretty easy.


Easy continued through months four, five, and six. Everybody always said things like "I don't know how you do it" and "Isn't it a lot of working taking care of three kids so young?". My response was always the same "The twins are a piece of cake! They pretty much keep each other occupied. Tater is the monster" (hence the name of my blog: Mommy of a Monster (I Mean Toddler) and Infant Twins). And all those months, that was the truth!


Then month seven rolled around. The girls both started crawling. Things got a little crazier...you know, one goes one way and the other goes the exact opposite direction. But I could still keep them both wrangled pretty well. Months eight, nine, and ten come, and they start pulling themselves up to walk around things. Still manageable, for the most part. And when I'd get asked those questions again, my response became "Yeah, it's getting a little harder to deal with them now that they are moving around".


And then we have month eleven. Insanity, I tell you! The girls started walking and all hell broke loose. They both go in different directions. They both get into stuff at opposite ends of the room. I swear they tag team each other or come up with a how-to-drive-mom-to-the-brink-of-insanity-plan, because this last month? Has been a whole new ballgame - it's a lot of work and I am TIRED!


The "easy" things like feeding and bedtime aren't so easy. Feeding time can be likened to feeding time at the zoo. There's screaming, food everywhere (including in ears, hair, and nose), they try to steal off of each other's plates, and if I can't get that food on their trays fast enough...there is fist pounding and feet kicking. Sleep doesn't come as fast as it used to because they like to sit up and "talk" to each other, often times seeing who can scream the loudest. Laughs can be heard after each high pitch squeal.


Both girls are teething (and let me just say that's a whole other topic of pain for both me and them) and so as teething babies often are, they have been fussy and cranky. Yesterday I was trying to put away groceries while also trying not to step on babies underfoot. Both of them were crying.


I opened up the pantry, and Ms. L immediately occupies herself with grabbing whatever she can reach. Ms. M decides she is going to get into the "Tupperware cabinet", as we call it, where all the plastic storage containers are kept. Fantastic! Both kids occupied! This should be a piece of cake!


And then I hear a thud. Ms. L starts wailing. She dropped a big can of green beans on her toes. And while I'm trying to soothe her, Ms. M starts screaming. She heard the ruckus and decided to see what was up. She tried to pull herself up using the cupboard door and ended up closing it on her fingers.


Two babies screaming, and the contents of my pantry and Tupperware cabinet are all over the floor.


And all I wanted to do was put away groceries.


I can hardly wait to see what month twelve has in store for me!


Please leave Natalie some comment love here and then go follow her blog if you don't already!

Mommy of a Monster

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45 Comments:

Blogger Adrienne said...

This post is cracking me up! mainly because my twin nephews live right next door and I can get such a great visual reading this post! They are 12 months, and they are CRAZY! My SIL only has them, though. I cannot see her managing with a toddler boy too. Keep it up Natalie! :) Great post! Great feature!

August 20, 2010 at 7:06 AM  
Blogger Oka said...

I can't imagine twins. I have 4, all 3.5 years apart. I remember when number two was walking at 8 months. My husband was all proud of his son, and I started crying. I knew my life would be a living hell the next few years (and I wasn't wrong). It all repeated with number four, another early walk, he is a holy terror. If there would of been twins in the mix, I would of never survived this long.

Kudos to you Natalie!

August 20, 2010 at 7:15 AM  
Blogger Jessica said...

The Lord give us each what we can handle... even if we don't see how we can. Glad you can handle it!

Really though, much luck making it through toddler years. The fun (really, fun, no sarcasm) will grow each year.

August 20, 2010 at 7:21 AM  
Blogger Beth P. said...

Oh wow. Just think of those "easy" moments from months 1-6 when you're ready to scream!

August 20, 2010 at 7:31 AM  
Blogger Expats Again said...

My son and his wife had 3 children in one year. The oldest is only 11 months from the twins. To make life even more hectic, one of the twins is autistic. I remember how crazy life was for them when they were all born, through infancy, toddler-hood, and pre-school. Now, 6 years later, they will all be in school full days. I wonder if my daughter-in-law will be able to stand the silence?

August 20, 2010 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger Merri Ann said...

My 3 are 15 months apart. I had 3 under 2 for 9 months. The teething stage was pretty miserable. Now, my oldest has just turned 5 and the twins are about to be 4. With full time school for all just a year away, I wonder what I'll do with all the silence. But I'm sure I'll find a way to manage ;)

August 20, 2010 at 8:40 AM  
Blogger Kmama said...

I seriously cannot imagine. My kids are 3.5 years apart and that was so hard for me!

August 20, 2010 at 8:41 AM  
Blogger Sara said...

Good heavens.

I tend to flip my biscuit when my phone is ringing but it's lost in my purse and I can't find it.

I've said this a few times and each time, it makes more sense...

I probably shouldn't have children.

August 20, 2010 at 8:47 AM  
Blogger The Princess of Sarcasm said...

Oh dear Lord......if I were Catholic I think I would go light a candle for you or something. But since I am a reformed Baptist...I'll go drink a beer for you instead.

August 20, 2010 at 9:06 AM  
Blogger Melissa said...

This post made me laugh! I have had those moments for sure! I have a 3 year olod, a 2 year old and a 1 year old. It's always the craziest when everyone is screaming at once.

August 20, 2010 at 9:19 AM  
Blogger Jenn said...

Although I'm starting to get the hang of this parenting thing, I'm still a mess with only ONE! Wow!

You may not realize it, but despite the fact that you're talking about messes and chaos, you make it sound like it's all under control ... I'm sure you're a pro at handling everything!

August 20, 2010 at 9:35 AM  
Blogger Sara said...

This is so cute. It also makes me re- think how cute I thought having twins one day would be....

August 20, 2010 at 9:38 AM  
Blogger Sherri said...

Oh Natalie, I'm tired now.....does keeping up with your three count as an exercise program, because I think it should!

August 20, 2010 at 10:19 AM  
Blogger Gigi said...

Congratulations, Natalie!!!

You know you're one of my faves :)

I think God blessed you with 2 easy infants to give you a little chance to rest up for the toddler years :)

August 20, 2010 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger MommaKiss said...

I love Natalie and do not know how she does it. For REAL!
Happy Friday y'all.

August 20, 2010 at 10:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Natalie is awesome!

August 20, 2010 at 10:49 AM  
Blogger Michelle Pixie said...

My little Monkey loves to play in the pantry and tupperware cabinet and always leaves a mess wherever she goes...I can't even fathom two of her!! I am off to check out Natalie now. :)

August 20, 2010 at 11:45 AM  
Blogger Mungee's Ma said...

Awwww, Mungee turned one on Tuesday too! She's not walking yet, but I know I'm in for a world of trouble when she is. The cabinet locks cannot get installed fast enough! (No literally, they have to be screwed in and I'm not attempting that! :)

August 20, 2010 at 11:52 AM  
Blogger Corinne said...

Natalie- you are an amazing mother. I can't even fathom how hard it is having three under three

August 20, 2010 at 11:58 AM  
Blogger shortmama said...

I cannot even imagine the craziness!

August 20, 2010 at 12:34 PM  
Blogger Daisygirl said...

Once our babies grow feet (ya know what I mean) it is all chaos!!!

Double trouble is all I can say! Great post! Congrats on being featured!

Happy Friday!

August 20, 2010 at 1:06 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I can feel her pain and yet am so glad I just have one. One two year old is plenty at my house.

Thanks for sharing her post and leaving a comment on one of mine.

August 20, 2010 at 2:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh boy she does have her hands full. Wonderful post and congrats on being featured.

August 20, 2010 at 2:21 PM  
Blogger Kir said...

HI to both of you...

as the mom of twins, who are now 2 and a half I know of which you speak. I used to say that I wish someone had told me how "EASY" that first year really was, before the walking, running, jumping, talking and not listening was...where you could a baby down and it stayed there..LOL

however, "How you do it" is awesome..with humor and writing and just being in the moment. It's NOT easy and I'm not pretending it is, but in my opinion you being able to tell us about it and still have your wits and sanity, is you succeeding :)

HUGS

August 20, 2010 at 3:20 PM  
Blogger liz said...

Woot! Natalie's in the house!

:)

August 20, 2010 at 3:29 PM  
Blogger Alexandra said...

Oh, yeah, Natalie is wonderful. She is sweet, kind, down to earth, caring, and a good person to know.

Yeah, she is all kinds of good.

Wonderful choice!

August 20, 2010 at 3:51 PM  
Blogger Sharlene T. said...

I love Natalie... she has a great way of dealing with her life and provides much insight into the young mothers of today... great post... come visit when you can...

Twitter: SolarChief

August 20, 2010 at 3:56 PM  
Blogger Tammy said...

Oh my she has her hands full...ugh! ...and here I was complaining this morning that no one would leave me alone so I could read my blogs...lol! This puts it all into perspective! Going to go and say hi to her right now...before I get interupted...lol!

August 20, 2010 at 5:31 PM  
Blogger Dalia (Generation X Mom) said...

Natalie is great. I always feel for moms of twins. I remember what it was like with just one at a time, I can't imagine!

August 20, 2010 at 5:31 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

Another great bff! You have to laugh or you will cry would be my motto in that situation lol

August 20, 2010 at 5:54 PM  
Blogger Cheryl said...

I love Natalie! So glad to see her featured here!

August 20, 2010 at 6:12 PM  
Blogger AiringMyLaundry said...

Ack, I have a three-year-old who is also a monster. I can't imagine having twins on top of her.

August 20, 2010 at 6:48 PM  
Blogger Brandi said...

My grandmother had twins and my mom is one of them. Every time I get pregnant I hold my breath until I know how many are in there. So far, just singletons. ;) Great post!

August 20, 2010 at 7:34 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

Natalie is totally awesome. :)

Great post.

August 20, 2010 at 9:19 PM  
Blogger Lourie said...

I don't believe I would ever be capable of dealing with multiples. I did take care of twin girls for about 6 months but they were 12 so there wasn't too much climbing or tantrum throwing.

August 20, 2010 at 9:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been following Natalie for a few months now, and your right she is an awesome blogger! I love following her, and although I don't have twins, I do have 3 under 3 so I can totally relate!

August 20, 2010 at 11:43 PM  
Blogger natalee said...

mom of a monster has a great blog!!! xoxox

August 21, 2010 at 8:30 AM  
Blogger Teresa @ ♥ Too Many Heartbeats ♥ said...

I always wished for twins, but that was when I was still young, childless and naive! LOL! :0) I still think having multiples is such an amazing miracle from God and would be a really neat thing to experience, but I know it would definitely be a lot of work, especially if you already have other children at home. Moms and dads of multiples are very, very special people, that's for sure!

Thanks for sharing your new friend with us! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Teresa <><

August 21, 2010 at 7:14 PM  
Blogger Jenners said...

I feel like such a lightweight with my one kid!

August 21, 2010 at 8:00 PM  
Blogger Twincerely,Olga said...

great post!!! I have 2 year old twins so I get ya!!!I also had 3 kids 1 and 2 years apart who r now in their 20's!!We should meet out for a Moms night out!LOL heading over now!!

August 21, 2010 at 9:04 PM  
Blogger Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

I've often wondered what it would be like if my one daughter had been twins. I think there was a reason I was chosen to parent just one!

August 21, 2010 at 10:04 PM  
Blogger Clueless_Mama said...

I love this post. I don't know how she keeps up with all those little babies. I have a hard time with just two:) Thanks for introducing us to her blog.

August 22, 2010 at 4:49 AM  
Blogger Emmy said...

That would be one of those days that you have to either laugh or cry. I'll have to swing by her blog.

August 22, 2010 at 10:42 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I know that chaos soooo well. I had twins only 4 days before my sons FIRST birthday. (thanks to birth control). It was almost like having triplets. Now the twins are 5 and the oldest is 6, but it's the constant arguing and fighting that drives me insane. Just imagine how the teenage years are going to be? Holy crap, I'm in trouble!

August 22, 2010 at 9:38 PM  
Blogger Amy J said...

I already know and love Natalie's blog! And, seriously, I don't know how she does it. I'd go crazy! Kudos to you, Natalie!

August 23, 2010 at 1:05 AM  

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