Our Tot School Activities

Wood Blocks teaches them about body parts.  Callista makes her own "Mat Man" face with googly eyes, pom pom nose and wood blocks.  Dashie is laughing when I asked her where her ear is, and she'd get a wood block and pretend to be Mat Man! (Twins at 22 months).  Wood blocks from Handwriting Without Tears (www.hwtears.com)

When you become a mom, you suddenly need to have all your creative instincts out!  It is the busy-ness of life that stops mommies from thinking of activities for their kids.

Motherhood is not a pageant of who gets to think of the nicest, decorative, elaborate, uberly creative crafts or activities for their kids. Simple things, a little time and a lot of love is all you'll ever need.

Sharing to you some of my simple (some, I have downloaded from the internet) activities for my tots!

Teaching Letters

Teaching 1 letter (for 2 weeks) at a time.  A is for apple.  I usually lay the materials on the table for the twins and prepare these printed materials I got from internet.
I have tried other washable pens, but Crayola washable is still the most washable of all markers!
Dashielle loves short, activities like this.

I bought these puzzle snake at National Bookstore.  I start with a few letters and let them try it out by giving them the next letter of the alphabet which they will try to put in the puzzle.  Of course, they haven't perfected this yet (they're 21 months)  I just enforce good grip.

Teaching Colors

Here's a video on how we do color matching activities.  I saw that Callista was very interested with color/shape sorting.  So, I printed a sheet with colors.  Placed those colorful PomPoms on a pallet and asked her to match it up. Callista @ 22 months.

I don't expect them to be perfect with any activity they do.  A lot of coaching and praises is what they need to hear.

Gluing Activities

Snip, Rip and Stick.  My twins love this activity (especially, Callista).  I let them practice holding the Crayola brand kids scissors (no sharp edges), and tons of colorful square mini notepads I bought from National Books Store and Office Warehouse.  I just let them cut (or rip - w/c they both love) and let them glue it on the paper.  I usually cut different shapes so they can enjoy it more.  This is how they learned heart, moon and circle shapes.

Stick the shapes on the balloon.  I drew a ballon (it's our B day) with shapes inside, cut out shapes and asked her to put it on top of the paper.  Don't do this in a windy area. Or perhaps, put sticky tapes at the back of the tiny pieces of shapes.  No need to perfect it if they can't.

Callista @ 20 months.  Dashielle didn't like this activity at all. :)

Writing Activities

Rolled Manila Paper on our living room table is a cranky moment quick activity.  I just grab their can of crayons for them to use.

Note: I prefer using regular gripped crayons than those fat ones.  I would actually cut their crayons because regular-sized crayons are always the perfect size for little hands.  Look at them holding the crayon in an almost perfect tripod grip.  Isn't it hard to write on fat gripped pentel pens than regular ones? I just find fat ones utterly useless for me.  I don't care less even if they break those regular sized ones into bits and pieces, anyway.  It simply means, they are learning!

These tempera watercolors are perfect.  It is cheap, easy to clean-up and just last longer than others.  Those pom pom balls are also used for textured painting.
 Callista is the one loving all our writing activities.  She can stay put for 15-20 minutes, while Dashielle lasts for 5 minutes only.  It doesn't matter if they are not interested, just keep them busy with playing! :)

Callista love writing.  When I am on my laptop and working, giving her a pen and paper keeps ber busy (from bothering me) :D  She's 16 months on this photo. 

She got moustache! Thank you washable pens! Making learning fun!

My little girl's work of art!

Writing on our hands doesn't make Mommy mad.

Other activities

Playing with empty boxes and jars. 

Find the baby of the Mommy - Learning animal and their sounds. Bought this at SM Storyland for P135.00

Puzzles is one of Callista's favorite activities! This used to be my 6 year old's puzzle toy I have kept for years.  Now, the twins are playing with them.

Our Tot School tools

Our activity shelf.  It has our Books, blocks, Zoobs, Board Games, Letter Blocks, Puzzles, Musical Instruments, Balls, Microscope (For my preschooler) and all our supplies!

This is my list of consumable and tot school items I would always have on our activity shelf which could also help you.  No need to rush buying them all right away.  This shelf is a special shelf where all our learning activities are stored.  The kids are not allowed to get anything (except books) without my permission since I don't want them to tire out on activities.  There should be a time and space for the activity (which doesn't normally have a specific time at all) haha!

• Googly eyes
• Pipe Cleaners
• Pom Poms
• Tempera paint
• Different paint brushes
• Crayons in regular grip sizes
• Washable markers
• Crayola Washable Glue (they are not runny! Perfect for crafts)
• Clear Pen-type glue
• Tons of stickers
• Dot makers (I got mine from the Bingo shop! I can't seem to find washable ones)
• Dot Stickers (Price tags kind)
• Rolled Manila Paper
• Construction Paper
• Small, square, colorful notepads in different colors (Perfect for Origami with my pre-schooler too)
• Crayola safety scissors (and a really good pair for my pre-schooler)
• 1 white Illustration Board (big and easy to store) for chalk writing!
• Dustless Chalks
• Tons and tons of scratch paper!

If this helped you in some ways, do show me your photos and how you and your toddler do your Tot School too. :)

Twin Shock - tips on how to alleviate it

It is real and inevitable. Twin shock comes after you bring them home from the hospital and will last till about they are 12 months of age.

I had no one who can actually tell me the best way to handle 2 newborn babies at the same time.  My only background was with my firstborn singleton son.

The 1st few days after we brought them home were freaking nights of nightmare.  As I believe entirely in attachment parenting,  following babies cue, no strict rules or schedule, birth bonding, and some of it.  I knew that I could actually do that with my twins - but to my surprise I wasn't all okay for twins at all.

During the 1st few days I literally had no sleep at all.  I was bottle feeding at night with formula, pumping my milk at day which even if I save some, the twins would eventually finish it off 2 hours after I pump, so I pump again and do direct feeding with the other, pump again and do direct feeding after doing this, I was literally almost about to snap.  I was so tired doing all those just so I could stop them from crying and still following their cues.

Then I figure.. so, this is twin shock.  I believe, even new moms (especially dads) would feel this in their own way.  After the peaceful new marriage, honeymoon and an excited pregnancy... here goes the new baby who needs all the love and attention from the world.

After a few weeks, I realize one thing.  Newborns need structure and flexible routine but with twin babies, this is such a novelty.

I advocate reasonable attachment parenting, meaning... I don't agree with letting it cry it out, but I do let my kids sleep on their own cribs/beds and let them sleep on their own.  I also don't agree with putting babies in scheduled milk patterns, I do believe that when infants cry it would either just be hungry, need change/uncomfortable, too much stimulus, just want a cuddle or is sick.

But, with twin... it is entirely almost impossible to do attachment parenting when you are still attending to one baby while the other is already needing a feed or something else.  I have learned to just calm myself down, let her cry a little bit more while the other twin finishes her milk.  It is extremely hard because, with my eldest son... I have never let him cried so hard because I am there right where he even starts to cry.

Well, that is how it is with twins and that is one thing a twin mom/parent would experience - to be very systematic and a multi-tasker! Keep calm and just carry on - is the key!

Another twin-shock stoppers would be to trying to complicate things! When the twins we're still twinfants, I kept a milk journal which I also made sure that my nanny would strictly write on it.  Otherwise, it is war!  You have to know when, who was fed the last time and how much.  With my twins, one is a weak feeder unlike the other.  So the milk journal keeps me sane!

To simplify things, I have also stopped using different utensils with them. When they started their solids, I would make a huge batch of their weekly meal, freeze them and feed it to them.  I initially used separate spoons to feed them to a point that it would just fall off the floor and make a huge mess.  Later on, 1 spoon and 1 feeding bowl and even sippy cup would do well.  Anyway, why should I be too anxious on sharing when they almost literally share everything they play on, move and breathe on.

I have also used different colored bottles for them to know which bottle is whom.  Until now, it is a perpetuating confusion which bottle belongs to.  Good thing, rubber bands around the neck works with similar looking bottles.  What is more complicated now is I use a lactose-free milk for the other twin because she has a milk allergy.  So, we even needed to buy a different kind of milk dispenser for that.  Be prepared for anything like it.

Another twin shock is twin rivalry!  The most important thing is, never take sides or never have a favorite, least favorite twin.  They may look the same but each one is unique and beautiful in their own way.

When you experience twin shock, just go out for awhile (I do this, around 5 minutes). Go out of the house and just let it all out there for awhile then come back inside once again to your babies!

Woah! 1 year of being a twin mom

For twin moms, 1 year marks not only their twins' birthday but also their freedom (and memory) of their twin pregnancy and caring for twin infants.

1 year of freedom from that twin giagantous belly!, 1 year of no sleep I can now sleep at least 4 straight hours.  1 year of freedom from back pain, 1 year of freedom from fearful thoughts of a complicated twin labor or babies well-being.

Until now, I am breastfeeding Dashielle but Callista has stopped at 6 months.  I was too stressed that time that Callie runs out of milk.  My breasts felt like crazy milk factory during those months but great thing I was able to breastfeed both! literally, tandem breasfteeding!

I think, being blessed with twins simply mean one thing - twin moms (and dads) can handle it!

Now, they are all over the place.  Callista started walking 2 weeks after her birthday.  Dashielle is still scooting with her walker.  So, imagine this - Callie walks as if the entire house is hers, and Dashielle wheeling herself everywhere.  Major twin-proofinf the house!

Callie is fascinated with the electric plugs, lamps, electric cords and almost anything that involves pressing buttons.  Not to mention, picking up the tiny bits of whatever she could see on the floor straight to her mouth.  On the other side is Dashie, not yet a walker and balance is not that yet strong.  So, while doing a "plastic man" to stop Callista and shouting "Calliiiiieeee, stoppp!", all at the same time grabbing Dashie on your hand preventing her to fall flat on her face.  Add another 6 year old in the background asking never-ending questions about the stars, moons and whatever he can think of asking.

In a nutshell, twin moms are multi-tasker.  My eyes feels like Cookie Monster eyes!

I love being a mom!  Everyday is a blessed day! :D I am excited for the grand celebration soon! :D

Homemade baby food made convenient

Ready with TLC for the twins!

When my Ice Monster was still on baby food, I got used to buying jarred baby food.  I was a new mom and didn't know much. A jar of baby food would last him at least 2 days.  Besides, it was convenient very convenient.

With the twins, it's again... quite different. Jarred baby foods are too expensive vs. home made baby food.  5 days worth of home made baby food = 2 jarred baby food.

The twins eat 2x a day now, and I give them 2-3 ounces each per meal.  So in a day, I would need at least 16 ounces.  That will be around 3 jarred baby food just for 1 day.

I've learned the most convenient way to prepare baby food - cooking a batch that will last for 5-7 days when frozen: 

1. Boil a huge batch of mixed veggies (chopped carrots, potatoes, brocolli)  with beef or chicken
2. When they are soft and cooked, mash them separately or altogether.
3. Let cool.
4. Spoon them off to the ice cube tray.
5. freeze them, covered.  (cling wrap not aluminum as it tends to stick when frozen)
6. When frozen, separate them in daily batches (1 cube = 1 ounce)
7. ZipLoc their daily batch (saves a lot of freezer space as well)
8. Then before we retire at night... place 1 daily ZipLocked batch to be placed at the bottom part of the Ref 
9. Voila! it should have melted in the morning for breakfast meal the next day

Mixing Sayote and Carrots, Carrots and potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Squash, make some plain ones, or I would also add some basil on some batches.

The twins' love it!  Check my links on Homemade baby food for more recipes!

I love Carrots and Potatoes!

Getting ready for Mom's foodie!

Btw, make sure baby food is warm and not hot.  Once placed down the ref, it should last for 24 hours (I even bring the ZipLoc when we go out).

On breastfeeding twins

Today is one of those nasty jelly bean mommy day I've had.  My little Callie is sick with colds.  Another restless night for me and for the lil' one tonight.  Dashielle, on the other hand did not catch the cold.

It feels bad saying this, but Callie have weaned herself off breastfeeding 3 months ago (After I've tried to change her bottle to a bigger nipple flow).  While Dashielle, still gets breastfed (but, not exclusively anymore). Dashielle, who gets 50% of her milk from me still did not get the cold I've had 3 days ago and I attribute it to breasfeeding.  Everytime I catch a cold, I kept on hoping that no one from the 3 little ones catch it.  I do try to sneeze with a Kleenex, and have earnestly wash my hands.  But somehow, it still gets into one of them.

Breastfeeding Dashielle kept her from catching my virus (Ice didn't get it either). Or rather, Dashielle might have gotten it but since she's breastfed, my antibodies from the virus is passed along to her system that protected her beforehand.

I love nature's way of producing pro-biotics to pass along to our kids... and that is through breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding the twins is one of the most memorable experience I'll ever have as a mom (since, I might not be able to tandem breastfeed again).

Breastfeeding twins is quite different and unique.  Here are some things I've experienced about twin feeding.

1. You'll have to feed them both together and at the same time.  Otherwise, you will go crazy as to who gets to be fed first or who hasn't.
   
2. Keep a milk journal especially the 1st few months, so you'll know what time and how long (or how much) a twin has been fed.
   
3. If you want to get some good (at least a maximum of 3 hours of night's sleep), then you'll have to master the side-lying position at night to breastfeed.  Otherwise, you will never, ever get to sleep unless you intend not to (which might turn you into a zombie).
   
4. Breastfeed if you must at night.  During the first 2-3 nights after the twins got home, I needed to formula feed them because I'm anxious that my milk has not let down a lot yet (which, I believed to be wrong).  During those few restless nights, I literally almost threw all the bottles out because it took me so much time and effort to simply make a single formula! It takes me 2 minutes to mix formula, 10-15 minutes to feed, 10-20 minutes to burp and 3 minutes to put back on the crib (A total of 45 minutes per baby).  By about the time I'm finally done and about to put one back to her crib... the other baby will start to ask for milk and the cycle continues.  I focused and mastered tandem breastfeeding and that's what kept me whole during the 1st few weeks.  I just slept while they feed, no more burping needed (at night), and even my little Ice Monster slept soundly w/o the long crying bouts of his sibs.
   
5. Do the cry - get - feed - put back method.  I personally think that babies should sleep in their own cribs/beds.  I find it safer and better for your back.  This method works so much for me, it goes...
1. Baby 1 cries
2. Mom to pick up from the crib and bring to bed
3. Mom to feed, side lying (so she can sleep a bit as well)
4. Then, finally... Mom to put baby 1 to her crib.
5. Repeat on Baby 2 (usually happens 30 minutes after #4)
   
6. You need help from your husband, but don't leave everything to him! You should mind your husbands good sleep as well, moms have the strength to do the mommy jobs!  I just want my husband to be off the night feeding as much as I can so he can help out for morning feeds while I just sleep a bit more.
   
7. No, you are not a milking cow.  Weird as it may sound, but some point in my breastfeeding felt  like a mommy cow (or a mother dog, which I can much visualize my old pet) who just stayed with her babies all day long.  It was tiring, no wonder dogs get mad when strangers go near their pups.  So, well... I needed some fresh air.  Surrounded myself with people who can encourage me.  Read good books while enjoying motherhood, blogged away, ate what I want, go out with the twins and just simply enjoyed the ride of motherhood.
   
8. The ultimate support you'll get is yourself.  I am not saying to disregard how you feel.  Of course, being a mom is not an automatic function.  You might feel tired, worn-out, pitiful and helpless.  But then, the joy of realizing that your child is entirely in need of your love... will give you so much strength to just get on and move on more than anything else.
   
9. Do not listen to old wives' tales, listen and get the facts right.  I learned Urban Legends before I send out some forwarded emails, so the same way with anything I just heard from random strangers about feeding my children.  Here are some carefully chosen links I love:

• www.raising-twins.com
• www.llli.org (La Leche League - International Breastfeeding Organization)
• http://www.kellymom.com/ - Evidence-based info on Breastfeeding, Sleep and Parenting

Callie and Dashie at 2 months! whew!

Callista and Dashielle at 5 days old.

A very, very, exciting days! It has been 2 months since my last post. Well, we're here! My Callista Erin and Dashielle Vivien! They were born last Dec. 15, 2009.

It was a miracle that I can see both of them healthy, thriving and very lively. During my 34th week, I have scheduled a Dec. 16 CS with my OB (that would make me 37 weeks preg). In my heart I would want to make it earlier like Dec 14 because my back is hurting so much and I feel the twins would be coming about soon.

After we set for a Dec. 16, I know in my heart that I needed to schedule it earlier. In the middle of the night I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to change the date to Dec. 15. I was like, I don't think a day late would be such a big thing. Since Dec. 15 is a Tuesday, I know that my OB is pretty busy with so much meetings that day and I would definitely would like her to delivery the babies on a day where she is good and well. I also find it not a really big thing even if I postpone it for a day. But then, the change of date was so specific and very concrete instruction. It was like a simple thought "It must be Dec. 15". A bit cautious tugging to make it to that specific day.

I immediately asked my OB to make it a day early and good thing she okay'd it and best of all, my pedia's sched was free that day as well. So, we're all set for Dec. 15.

The day before my scheduled CS, my caregroup prayed for my safe delivery. I wasn't expecting that kind of prayer because all I know is that everything will run smoothly the next day. But, I praise God for my prayer partners whose Spirit is alive in the inside.

On Dec. 15 that morning, I feel something in my heart that something is brewing which I don't really know. I prayed in my heart and in the Spirit and suddenly, praise just came forth my mouth. I was sooo happy and peaceful and full of rejoicing in my heart. Words of "Today is the day He has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it" as well as words of, "today, I will show you wonders and miracles that will amaze you and everybody just because I love you and I am faithful to my promise to you." I was enveloped with the peace and joy that I cannot define, I just know that something great and awesome is about to happen. But, deep in my heart... I know and have never told this to anyone during that day that something bad is happening to Dashielle.

All the thoughts from books and blogs I've read during my 1st trimester where a twin would die because of Asphyxia would cloud my mind. I was reading and reading complications of twin pregnancy that the Lord would prompt me and say "Stop reading those, I promise you that nothing will ever happen to your babies because I have a promise given to them. They will accomplish it and it shall happen"

On the operating table (while I'm a bit groggy), I could still peek and hear the doctors, I heard the 1st one (Callie) she cried a whole lot... But, upon hearing my next baby (Dashielle) I could hear my OB saying in a terrified voice "Oh my! what happened here? The meconium is soo dark. Oh... good thing we scheduled this a day early." I was feeling a bit anxious even how drugged I was. Then, they finally showed me Callie first. I asked where the other one is, and the Pedia just said, "she's being cleaned". I asked if she's okay... and he said, yes.

Upon hearing that I was relieved, and so they wheeled me to the recovery room and that was it.

In my room, my OB told me that Dashielle almost didn't make it. She was covered with so much meconium (poop) and they all thought she was a dead baby. But, when she started touching her, she moved and they cleared her up. She also mentioned that it scared her also that I was full of water when she sliced me up and not much blood, but then all my vitals (Blood pressure never surged up during my entire pregnancy). were all normal till during the entire operation.

She said, it was a miracle for me and my babies.

I say, my Father is faithful with His promise. He did exactly as He said He will do... that is an Amazing Wonder for all the world to see.

This pregnancy was a very complicated time in my career. Too much stress both physically and emotionally. Even a few weeks before I gave birth, stress levels were way up as if, the enemy is using that to put these babies down or literally, destroy what God has promised of double blessing for my family.

My Father just wants me to know that He is my source, not my talents, not other people, not my career, but Him and Him alone. He was protecting me and prompting my heart to be ready.

All is well and great! The twins are now sooo healthy and been breastfeeding (which I never did with my 1st). We are all well and provision just pouring in like crazy!

My life is Twice as Nice, Doubly blessed!

In the home stretch for my twins - 35 weeks!

Been awhile since I last posted. Just a recap on the weeks that went by so fast...

...and you expect me to walk straight with my 35 week twin belly?

At 32 weeks U/S babies weigh approx 4lbs. Each. Pretty good weight for twins. Dashielle spinned from breech to cephalic, then in the middle of the U/S changed to Oblique/Variable. She is a very active baby even in the womb. While Callie, remained cephalic/head down the entire time.

At 32 weeks, I failed my 1-hour glucose test. I had 15.5mg/mol when the normal values should be 10.0mg/mmol. So, OB decided to go for a 3-hour test. The test was generally okay, good thing, we started at around 6am (no food since 8pm) then every hour they would get urine and blood for 4 times. 1st was at 6am, then drank sweet glucose drink (was tasty, like soda), then another extraction at 7am, 8am then lastly at 9am. I was done and so famished, so hubby and I had a delicious breakfast date. After the results came - I saw it and everything is in normal levels! Hurray! No GD! I felt entirely blessed.

Had an U/S at 32 weeks (Baby B spinned to both cephalic, I was hoping for a normal delivery) but at 36 weeks, Baby A turned breech! Which gave me a ticket for CS. I was fine, as long as the babies would be okay.

Now, I have a Dec 14 final check-up and a scheduled CS on Dec. 16. I'm getting very excited, truly God is amazing. Even the OB was surprised at how my body and the babies cooperated. Reaching till 37 weeks w/o any complications the entire pregnancy.

She even said that It's a blessing already to be able to reach to 36 weeks.

Even if there were so much set backs that have happened throughout this pregnancy, God is faithful and gracious. Whatever He has started in me He has completed them to perfection. I was not even trying but He has already completed the work in my life.

Great and wonderful things I see. There's freedom now and He has protected me entirely the whole year.

27th week... 1 more week to 7mos!

There goes my 29th week twin belly!  I am proud of those stretchies,  marks of a mother!

Next week is going to be a busy day in work. We will be organizing an international conference. My workmates are very understanding, but really in my heart, I'm a go-go person esp at work and I never want to feel incapacitated. But, I know my priorities and I'm gestating! I'm better off keeping these babies inside till full term and listen to my own body than feeling so guilty of not being on top of my usual capacity.

Last week, there was a typhoon 'Ondoy' which caused so many floods (waist deep to 10ft high) that made international news as a major disaster. The whole country is in sorrow, but it's so good to hear a lot of people were helping out. Facebook and twitter were bombarded with cries of assistance.

A week after Ondoy, A branded super typhoon that could possibly hit Phils has placed fear and panic to people. While those who were affected are recuperating, Pepeng is just about to come. What's good is that people are more prepared now, govt forced evacuated places that are still flooded, suspended work/school, even my parents bought a generator, we have stashed food and necessities good for 1 week.

A lot were praying, I'm expecting a good thing... That God will amaze us again, that this storm isn't what they all say it is. Because, God loves me.

After hours of waiting, a little rainfall started, not even a regular typhoon wind blew. At 2am, I was awaken by God and told me He has quieted the storm and diverted its course bec of a high pressure area in HK which made it just a regular typhoon. Its windy, but no heavy rainfall... Just enough to clear up muddy mess left by Ondoy.

God is awesome!

25 weeks with twins and counting - We're having 2 girls!!!

18 weeks, twins!

A lot of things has happened, busy with work and simply, too tired to write.

Yes, I've grown a veryyy huge amount of belly. The movement of the twins are pretty strong already - they wake me up in the middle of the night. I feel them at certain times already, every 6AM, 8:30am, after lunch, 4PM, 6PM and a lot more by 9-10PM, then again at 2AM. This might be their wake-sleep patterns already.

During my 21st week, I had an ultrasound. Yes - we're having 2 princesses! 2 girls and Ice will be the Big brother ("Kuya Ice"). He's still so excited and every night, he would pray "Jesus, please take care of the babies and make them safe." He would kiss my belly at every chance he can.

One day, while we were having a marriage care group in our house (Had 5 couples, who we meet once a week). My 4 year old Ice, got out of the room and asked me in front of all the couples "Mommy, are the babies fine?" Then, I told him "Yes, baby they're okay"... he kissed my belly and left. The ladies we're like... "awwwww..... that's so sweet!" and when they said that, I realized how sweet my baby is.

I'm blessed in every way. My Ice is blessed and he will be a man after God's own heart. he will be a good Godly leader, faithful and strong. At a very young age, I myself will be astounded as to the words of wisdom that will come from his mouth... All because of how Jesus loves him.

Ice, will be a very good brother (Kuya) to the girls...

I'm on my 25th week now, basically aside from not being able to sleep well at night, and belly is growing like a big gant basketball. Everything is good. I still keep watch that I don't tire myself too much, listening well to wha my body is telling me, it's more important to me right now to keep the babies inside till full-term (37 weeks for twins) than spending stressful time for work. Great thing, my partners are very understanding with my situation, But, I know it's also hard for them for me not being able to measure up with their expectation which makes me feel a bit useless and undeserving of my position.

As a mom, priorities shifts when you have a kid but especially when you are expecting (and more so, if 2). I don't know yet what will happen when the twins come out, I know how to take care of them. Career-wise, I'm still in this I-think-I-can-manage mode but then waiting as well for an instruction. I know my Lord has wisdom already ready for it.

13 weeks with twins on my belly!

My 15th week twin belly!

My belly has grown! It's so exciting to see them grow. I'll be having my next check-up this coming week and would like to see the twins on ultrasound.

My son kisses my belly when he sees me and says "Hello babies... come out, come out wherever you are!" It is so cute and so loving that my big boy adores his babies. :) I'm so blessed to have such a sweet boy. He's very sweet and so excited with the babies. I'm already having dreams of making him sleep at his grandparents house for days when I deliver the twins, and it makes me feel so sad already. 3 days ago, his dad rearranged his bed (which used to be beside me since his birth) and placed it on his bedside. I felt a separation anxiety that I cannot hug or kiss my Ice in the middle of the night anymore. So, I asked my son to sleep in the middle of the bed for 2 more days then last night, he fell asleep on his own bed. I still wake up in the middle of the night just to check if my Ice is cold so I could cover him with a blanket which he detests so much. Just this morning when he woke up, he went to our bed and hugged me... he's having separation anxiety too, I guess! haha... My sweet boy!

I felt so loved when I hug Ice, and feel the twins moving inside as well. As if we're group hugging!

I can now feel the twins move, like tapping on my belly especially when I sleep on my side. Been having sleep problems at night now. It's a bit harder to find the most comfy spot. It helps a lot to prop 3 pillows on the beds headrest and sleep on a reclining position. Giant plump pillows are very cozy. But, after awhile... I would slide down and sleep on my back which makes my left leg numb. It is not advisable to sleep that way because it blocks a major vein on my leg - the vena cava. If I sleep on my sides, the twins start to move and kick... which is a lot of movement that I feel so much.

Still love corned beef in the morning, my husband is sick of it. Morning sickness diminishes a bit. Working for more than 6 hours a day gives me a really bad lower backache and an aching uterus. I still hate the smell of a cabinet, the car and too much perfume.

Still on flats or at least, a 1 inch high heels. But, I'm missing my high-heelped work shoes.

The best book for Twin moms & moms of multiples!

During the past month, I've lost 4 pounds already. It alarmed me because I never want to lose weight during my twin pregnancy. I've been reading a lot about twin pregnancy and found out that morning sickness (times 2 for twin pregnancy) could be a great factor why I'm losing weight.

The book!

Finally, my book I ordered from Amazon.com - When you're excpecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads by Dr. Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein arrived 3 weeks ago. I've been devouring every bit of it. It was a very, very, very good book for moms expecting multiples. It teaches so much about what to eat, a lot of tips and even delivery and raising twins.

It's not the usual pregnancy book or not even a usual twin pregnancy book about the basics. When I bought another book Twins: Pregnancy, Birth and the first year of life, I just read it for 2 days because a lot of the facts there are readily available on the web or even singleton pregnancy books. Maybe, because during my 1st pregnancy (this is the 2nd), I've read so many books already about pregnancy and there's not much of a difference as to what I really need to expect, nutrition, delivery of twins in a more detailed manner. The book by Dr. Luke is the best book, which you can't find on any website. Not even my own OB can advice as good as how she explained twin pregnancy.

It is a must have, now after 3 weeks following Dr. Luke's advice on nutrition, regularity of meals, and knowing your body well, I've finally gained back my lost weight (eating 6 meals a day or every 2 hours at least), decreased my worsening morning sickness (by not making myself hungry) and even her positive approach of twin pregnancy complications that moms of multiples worry about too much. Now, I'm more focused on my babies and making sure they will have an optimum weight when I deliver them.

I give it 5/5 stars! A must-have for twin moms to be.

Ice: Mom, you have 2 babies in your tummy

My sweet twin pumpkins!

Weeks prior to my appointment at the Sonologist - In My Womb (http://www.inmywomb.com/), my 4 year old was already telling me that I'm having 2 babies. He would always tell us... "Mom, you have 2 babies in your tummy". I would even correct him and tell him "But Ice, it might just be 1 baby". I just don't want to discourage him. But he would still insist "No... Jesus said it's 2 of them". We were even kidding him about his thoughts. As a mom, and having been disappointed about several occassions where I though I could be pregnant, I would just tell my son, "Ice, what if it's just 1 baby, and not 2? Is that okay with you?". He would just say... "Okay... then after the 1st baby... then the 2nd baby". We thought he meant it's okay to wait for the 2nd one after several years or so.

I've never known of any twin running in our family even my husbands. I have never taken any pills or any fertility medications. The mere thought of having twins never crossed my mind but as a child, I would always want to have 1. But, this time, I felt fine just to know I am pregnant and fine as well that I am having just one.

I was 9 weeks pregnant during our 1st visit with the Sonologist. I was excited to see the baby but of course, I still have those slight thoughts of what-ifs there's no baby at all. I've tons of books about pregnancy and childbirth. I would use medical terms at times and my OB would ask me if I had any medical background. I just said, I red a lot of books almost everyday about pregnancy. From what I've learned, you cannot always expect that there's a baby even if you get a + result. An Ultrasound is the most accurate one to know the viability of a baby and if carrying twins/multiples. There are times that it could be an ectopic pregnancy or a pseudo pregnancy you're carrying. In that case, just a placenta but no baby. Nevertheless, I felt positive that I'm having a baby.

I had the worse morning sickness for weeks already, during my 1st pregnancy I had those morning sickness but not as worse as this time around. I get hungry very easily and if I don't eat, nausea, headache and vomitting will occur. I feel really worse.

Inside the Sonologists room, Oliver, my husband was there and my 4 year old, Ice. Ice was very excited, he knows everything about this baby. When I told him were going to see a baby on a TV, he woke straight up and went to take a bath right away that morning.

Finally, the Sonologist did the exam. She didn't tell me right away that I'm carrying twins, she was making sure she's right. I can already see 1 placenta but no view yet of the baby or babies. All I was there for was to check 1 baby.

The sonologist asked me if I am taking fertility pills... told her No. Then asked if twins run in the family... thinking very hard... told her, I don't think so...No.. Those questions seem very puzzling to me, but I didn't mind. I thought, maybe just some routine questions for all. When all of a sudden she said... "well... seems like you're having Twins!" Me and my husband was like... "Whoa!! huh!!! Really now?" Then she said, "Yes, look at this... 2 placentas, and here's the 1st baby and then the other..."

I told Ice... "Ice, you're right! Mom has 2 babies!" then Ice was screaming in the room saying "Wow! 2 babies! 2 Babies!"

The doctor monitored the heartbeat and indeed there were 2 of them. 2 good fetal heartrate of 148 and 166bpm. Dichorionic - Diamniotic = fraternal twins (came from 2 eggs). My husband started phoning in family and they were unbelievably shocked. Because, Ice was also spreading the news to them weeks before that I have 2 babies in my tummy.

We couldn't believe what just happened. Even when I was faithless... my Jesus was faithful to give us what we desire to have. Those years of waiting and disappointments were not his plan. Because, his plan is to give us life more abundantly. Yes, He did blessed us with 1 and now with 2. He is the God who restores those days of sorrow and replaced it with days of blessings. The days were complete, as if the days gone have been restored to us a hundredfold.

Now as we await for the days to come... all I see are 3 great kids who will grow as persons after God's own heart. Loved, highly favoured and ultimately blessed.

What God has given He has provided for its needs for every tomorrow that He will bring. For today, all is well.

Blessed with 1... now makes 3!

The most awaited line of all time.

Yes... finally! I am pregnant... and it's not just 1 baby but twins! After my 1st child, Isaiah, I thought it will be such a breeze to follow another baby when he's 1.5. My husband and I have a plan and a target (well, at least my personal target) to have kids on or before I'm 30. I was 25, with my firstborn. Never had any pregnancy complications... smooth sailing one. 3 hour labor and that's it!

We wanted to build a family with at least 3 kids. That should be 1 kid a year and a half from my 1st child.

But, with stuff and things... it didn't come... just yet.

When Ice turned 3 he started asking me if there's a baby in my belly (if I was pregnant). I was shocked for my son to be asking for one. I thought, maybe... he just wanted a playmate. Having all the pressures from family about having another grandchild. Of course, in my head was... if you only knew how much I wanted to have one for more than a year already and how frustrating it is to see a negative pregnancy test everytime I would check a week of a missed period.

I've never seen my OB about it, I just hoped and hoped and waited and hoped... until finally, I have made a conclusion... I do not need to worry about anything, my God knows me wants and desires. Everything about me is important to him... he minds the slightest thing about me. He knows how much we wanted a baby and so therefore it shall come to pass.

It was not easy to believe just yet when you know that every missed period might be a positive pregnancy. But, what I know in my heart is that my womb is blessed and therefore it is healthy and well. Jesus was stricken all disease so that my whole body (including my womb) is well and healthy.

On May 10, 2009... when I wasn't thinking about babies at all. :) I tested positive on one pregnancy kit. Prior to testing, I was thinking already... oh well... whatever will be the outcome, I'm still okay, But, of course, if you wanted a baby so much, you would either be in denial of having a negative would be fine, or simply feel so excited if you get a + test.

I was overjoyed, knowing about this pregnancy. After learning that I'm getting 1 positive out of dozens of negative tests before... was one of the best days I have ever have.