Saturday, November 14, 2009

Confessions of a sleep deprived imperfect parent

I think we all say that when we have our second (third, fourth, fifth) child that there are things we want to do differently. Well so far some things have definately been different. Unfortunately I think it is mostly due to being tired and distracted. Here's what I've come up with so far.

1. I've forgotten to feed Emily breakfast on several occasions. I usually have to force it, so I guess it's not that big of a deal. Good thing she's old enough to tell me she's hungry or she may never get fed.

2. I haven't been keeping good records about when the babies are eating. Although they can't say "mommy I'm hungry" they have figured out that they get fed when they cry. Let's just say I'm trying to teach them early communication skills. Just imagine this...feedings every three hours (and not always the same hour), plus pumping every three hours (not always the same hour as either feeding), plus not sleeping and having a very mushy brain. Not the best combo.

Becky: "Josh do you know why Spencer is acting up?"
Josh: "Is he hungry?"
Becky: "But we just fed him."
Josh: "Three hours ago."

****don't call children's services yet - I promise the are both still gaining weight and thriving****

3. I think we're gonig through about the same amount of diapers for two babies as we did with one baby last time. Did you know diapers come with a wetness indicator now? Yeah, it's called you pick them up and their clothes are wet...oops...

4. I learned the other day that a baby can roll as early as 6 weeks and a few days. Someday I'll have to tell Haley that her brain damage is due to her falling off of the couch at a young age.

5. Did you know that just because the car seat is clicked into the base doesn't mean that the baby is actually buckled into the seat?

6. Baby boys look good in pink. I think it's the new gender neutral color.

7. Baths are optional unless covered with poo (kids and parents). On that same note...I have officially let myself go. My friend the blowdryer misses me very much.

I'm sure there's more, but for now that's all my soggy brain can think of. There may yet be a second installment.

7 comments:

Maureen said...

Becky, they are so very cute!

And can relate to several of these confessions, but I don't have the excuse of having twins.

The Johnsons said...

Hugs to you! A newborn is hard enough, two would be quite overwhelming. I can relate to the sleep deprivation, even though he was just one baby, Spencer was/is a horrible sleeper. His first two years of life are a blur for me, I don't know how I survived it.

Hang in there, hopefully they'll get their days and nights straightened out soon.

Kierstin said...

Yep!! I think I've done just about everything on that list. As helpless as babies are, they're pretty tough, too. Glad to hear the family is surviving. Just remember to enjoy every moment and keep bloggin' it so you can look back and laugh. Miss you guys!

Anne said...

Becky, I know how you feel and I don't have twins.

PLEASE let me know if you ever need me to come over and get Emily so she can run in the backyard with us. We would love it.

Greek Goddess said...

I agree with another comment, I have experienced several of these things myself, and only with one baby and a toddler in stead of twins! I can't even imagine how exhausting it must be. You capture it well. You made me laugh. Hang in there. One of my friends who was in your situation ( a two year old and twins) said the first six months, or maybe even a year was a total blur. You'll get there eventually, even if it takes some time!

Brooke said...

Yep, it's all good. You will get the hang of it, and things WILL get easier. It's much better at 6 months than six weeks.

Meredith said...

Becky, the babies are beautiful! And we have found out many of the same things you have... I can't image having two! Miss you!