I know that fostering twins is not a date, but since everything in our life including Date Nights came to a screeching halt while we had those sweet little baby girls, we decided our "K" Date Night was really "K" Krazy Kid Month. For sure it met one of the requirements of Date Night as in we constantly strived to put the other first (even when we were exhausted.) I say when we were exhausted, not if, because from the moment those babies entered our home it seemed they never stopped moving, and therefore, neither did we!
Everyone loves babies, and everyone loves twins. Yes, they are adorable. But, may I state the obvious? There are TWO of them! Two that needed to be fed breakfast, lunch dinner, snacks... Two that needed to be held, kissed, and sometimes rocked before each nap and bedtime. Two that needed reassurance during the night. Two whose feet and hands moved constantly. Two to bathe and in this case twice the screams when we washed their hair! Twice the diaper changes. And my personal favorite--Two to wrestle into and out of car seats. I know they are necessary but seriously, what is WITH all those buckles and straps? And could someone pleeaaaaasssssseeee invent a car seat that can be faced forward so that when babies and toddlers need to be attended to it does not require the skill of an Olympic gymnast?
Having said that, we honestly enjoyed our time with the girls. It was truly a blessing to be a part of their lives and to see the outpouring of support from our family and friends was amazing. Within two days of bringing the twins home, Beautiful Daughter #1 and friends had located and delivered to us:
2 pack-n-plays, 2 high chairs, 2 baby gates, 1 double stroller, toys, clothing, blankets, bibs....all accompanied by genuine interest, concern, and prayers!
It took us awhile to get settled but eventually things calmed down (a little) and we did have respite care on three of the four weekends they were with us. We took advantage of that time by doing a quick clean sweep of the house, running to the grocery store to reload, and yes, napping! And best of all....relishing in knowing we would be getting an uninterrupted night's sleep. The month sped by in a blur. Typically we awoke to soaking wet diapers, moved quickly on to breakfast, playtime, looking at books, lunch, nap, walks, looking at books, swim outings, trips to the park, looking at books, dinner, bottles, baths, and....bedtime! When hubby came home from work, he spent hours playing with the girls and reading to them.
It's been a long time since we've parented small children and wowser, did our bodies ever remind us of that! Imagine coming downstairs with one baby, sprinting upstairs to get the other, only to find the first has climbed halfway back up and then multiply that fun little exercise x oh, 20-100 per day. This particular exercise lessened considerably after acquiring the aforementioned baby gates. Here's another fun one: "Oh, I'll just carry them both at once." Twenty one pounds perched on each hip? That's forty-two pounds of extra weight to balance. Ummm...that's a lot. Needless to say, that idea was used only in times of desperation.
And yes. I know. We're old.
But in my defense, in less than two hours they wore out our little 9 year old friend who came to help for a day. In addition, my 11 and 14 year old nieces were in town visiting and they also wilted after one afternoon. I will forever be in awe of any parent of multiples.
Evidently we are Krazy, because, yes, we'd do it again. Even willingly give up another Date Night. Why?
We were so blessed. Twice the smiles. Twice the hugs. Twice the snuggles. On the topic of blessings it is not lost on me that for a long time my heart ached with the truth that my own children were all grown up, and because of Date Nights, especially Date Night "I," God made a way for both of us to once again enjoy the marvelous experience of loving and being loved by babies. These girls will always have a place in our heart.
Totally worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment