Going Solo

(Jaden) Uh, Cody, did you hear the news? I'm a bit concerned. I just heard that Mommy & Daddy are going solo... all of their live-in help is leaving. They're now left to be our sole caretakers. How do you think they'll do?

 

 

 (Cody) Oh dear! I've gotta ponder this one... I'm not sure they know what they're getting into. Do you think they can handle us?

 

On the first full week of August, Jason and I waved good-bye to Grandpa & Grandma and said hello to the large task of parenting twins. All of the worries that Jaden and Cody expressed above were certainly flying through our heads, although we were also excited for the challenge of caring for Jaden and Cody on our own. One of the most wonderful first steps to making our transition easier was the purchase of a second swing (thanks to a generous gift from Jon & Chelsea!). Grandpa helped Daddy assemble the swing on his last morning with us in Billings. Both boys have grown to LOVE being in their Fisher-Price swings. Daddy & Mommy LOVE the way the swings often rock the boys to sleep. Thanks to these swings, Mommy & Daddy can actually prepare meals and sometimes even eat a hot meal together!

During our first solo week, Jason took a few vacation days and worked from home a couple half days, too. Amy felt like this would help her ease into the role of full-time Mommy a little more smoothly. One of the biggest challenges that Amy faced when watching the twins on her own was learning how to handle the feeding process. After a couple days, though, she developed a good routine. She starts by assembling all her supplies (nursing pillow, bibs, washcloths, bottles, burp cloths, car seats, and the vacuum tape) and then nurses both boys for 15-30 minutes, depending on their level of fussiness. Next, she pulls them up into position for simultaenous burping. (By the way, please note the beautiful flowers in the background of this pic... a gift from thoughtful Jason on the first day of school with Amy not teaching.)

Then, Amy gets the boys settled into their car seats for their bottle supplements. Being in this position allows Amy to feed both boys simultaneously. Although the process works just fine, Amy is certainly thankful when Jason is at home to assist with the feedings!

 

Following each daytime feeding, the boys have anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour of happy wakeful time. During this time, Amy will talk with the boys, sing songs, go on a walk, play with various toys, experiment with tummy time, or (our new favorite activity!) read books together. Jaden & Cody will usually listen well for 2-3 short books at a time.

 

 

 

Of course, we always enjoy our cuddle time, too! Holding the boys in this position is an almost sure-fire way to get them both to calm down instantly. Here, Amy is comforting her boys after their first round of immunizations this month. We were thankful that neither boy suffered any negative side-effects from the shots.

 

Although Amy is the primary care-taker during the day when Jason is at work, Jason's job as a Daddy is just as important. After coming home, Jason will often hold both boys to give Mommy a break. He also watches Cody & Jaden every Tuesday night so Amy can host Bible study at our home. What a loving husband!

The boys love time with their Daddy for many reasons, but they especially love how Daddy is already encouraging a love for sports. Here are both boys donning "Daddy's Little Rookie" outfits.

 

Daddy's philosophy: It's never too early to start developing the boys' fanhood! Jaden & Cody loved the chance to watch their first ever Lions' preseason game with Daddy this month. Go Lions!

 

Daddy also signed the boys up for Fantasy Football. To select weekly players for their joint team, Daddy developed a great system. He gives Jaden & Cody options of various players and then counts the boys' numbers of kicks (1 point each) and coos (3 points each). The player with the most points gets pulled up to play on their Fantasy team. We'll see how their first season goes! Good luck, Team Twins = Wins!

  

  As we were adjusting to our new busy parenting roles, it was amazingly helpful this month to have so much support from our Trinity church family. Many ladies from the congregation signed up to bring meals for us each week. In fact, Amy can count on one hand the number of times she actually had to cook during the whole month of August! What a blessing! Also, Amy called upon various church friends to help care for the boys when Jason had evening meetings. Their support made the long days & evenings of twin-watching much more fun. We love our supportive church family!

 

So although we greatly miss our family and live-in helpers, we are definitely falling into a good rhythm of life as a family of four. Yes, some days are a challenge, but God continues to bless us with strength, endurance, and joy. We are so thankful that God has chosen us to be parents to Jaden & Cody!

 

 

(Jaden) I guess we didn't have to worry after all, Cody. I kinda like hanging out with just Mommy & Daddy.

 

 

 

 (Cody) I agree! For new parents, Mommy & Daddy aren't half bad. Good-bye for now, everyone!