More Answers

Thanks for the follow-up questions! This has been great for helping me to reflect AND write down those reflections.

Q: I hadn't noticed your extra large boppy nursing pillow before! Usually I have the baby in one arm and then sort of push the boppy around my waist with the other hand. But how do you manage that large pillow and two babies when you are on your own?

A: The nursing pillow is a special one for twins. I also bought an inflatable one that I used when we were in Ohio. We also have a couple of Boppy pillows which I originally wanted for use when other people are bottle-feeding the boys. I’ve also seen people use them to prop their babies when they’re learning how to sit up.

I usually nurse the boys while sitting on the couch. First I lay both of the boys on the couch. Then I latch the nursing pillow around my waist and sit in between them. I put one of the boys on the pillow and kind of pin him down with my elbow while I grab his brother. It sounds kind of rough, but I swear I’m not hurting them. It was hard at first because they couldn’t hold their heads up very well and were very floppy. It’s easier now that they are bigger and more steady. However, I’m wondering if it will get more difficult as they continue to get stronger and try to wiggle off of the pillow. The teacher at school who has twins one year older than ours said she had to stop feeding hers at the same time because they started hitting each other. Here’s to hoping Aiden and Reid can behave themselves. I also use this pillow for carrying the boys up and down the stairs at the same time. Rest assured, both are safely pinned under my arms. The pillow supports their heads more than anything. (I should have Eric take a picture of this.)

Q: Will you be able to nurse in the morning before you leave and in the evening - or will they go to bottles all the way?
A: I plan to get myself ready first and then nurse them before I leave for school. I’m glad I have six inservice days before the students begin to try to get used to this system. Even though I’ll shower the night before, I think I’m going to have to get up at some ungodly hour. However, I’m telling myself that I can survive doing anything for a year. I’ve been freezing milk and will pump at school so the boys can have bottled milk instead of formula during the day.


Q: Their great aunt in Iowa wants to know how Aiden and Reid are interacting with each other? Have you caught them smiling and talking to each other yet?

A: I think they’re on the verge of interacting with each other, although it may be way too early. I caught Aiden really studying Reid the other day when they were lying on the floor. (OR: “…laying on the floor?” Ahh, now I’m paranoid because former-English-teacher Dad corrected my grammar the other day. Apparently, I didn’t pay attention to his lecture.) Lately, Aiden’s been bringing things closer to study: burp clothes, toys, and his fist. Perhaps, Reid was just another “thing”. I haven’t seen either one of them smile at the other. Usually when one is really wailing, the other just pauses and gives me a look of wonder. What’s going on? What’s making that noise? Should I be crying too?

I mentioned in the previous post that Reid has a strong falling reflex. I think because of that, he prefers to have his arms straight out at his side. Likes he’s tap dancing or playing basketball defense. My dad has dubbed him “Birdman” because it looks like he’s trying to fly when he starts wiggling around with the outstretched arms. When the boys are lying close to each other, Reid usually has his arm stretched out so that his hand is on Aiden. I like to think that he’s checking to make sure Aiden is still there. Reid also does this when they are nursing. So one of Reid’s hands is quite often on Aiden’s head. We’ve had the occasionally accidental poking of the eye or bopping of the head, but Aiden really doesn’t seem to mind.

(P.S. Great Aunt- We can't wait to see you! xxoo, Aiden and Reid)


FYI: Denver Nuggets basketball player Chris Andersen, aka Birdman: