Raising Twins - Memorable Moments from Jenny’s Grandma Strutt (Gma Great)

Starting off, when one baby would wake up to eat in the middle of the night, I’d wake the other one up too.  It was the only way that Grandpa and I could get some sleep!

As babies, they were in the same crib and they liked to jump up and down. We had plastic mattresses and they would crack the plastic, rip out the stuffing, and throw it all over the place.  By the time they were six months old we had gone through three mattresses.  When they moved to beds, they use to come up with all sorts of things to do while they were supposed to be sleeping.    Once, I had to turn their dresser drawers to the wall because they’d climb up on top. 

Whatever they did, they did it together.   When they got sick, they got sick together.  They had mumps together, measles together, and whooping cough together.  But, they were also each other’s best friend.

Twins in bed with the mumps in 1967

                                                    Christmas card picture from 1956

                                       Twins outside our house in McGregor in 1954

My Favorite Things

Calling all 'experienced' mamas (or aunties...or anyone with baby know-how) - especially those of you with TWINS experience (ahem, Grandma Great and Alyssa...anyone else?).  What are your most can't-live-without baby products, favorite books, most used gadgets and gear?  Since this is a virtual shower, we miss out on the advice and stories and general chatty-ness that happens where ever women gather.

So take a moment to post a little note in the comments with your advice to the mother-to-be!

Let's SHOWER Jenny with unsolicited advice :)

Jenny with nephew, Daniel, in 2008

A Little Advice from Aunt Katie

Here's a little advice from Aunt Katie for the new mother-to-be: Mother Knows Best (I just watched the movie "Tangled"). But seriously, trust your instincts. There are many ways to do everything and there is really no right or wrong way (even if the doctor says so). Do what you feel is right for you and your babies. If you want to rock them to sleep every night, do that. You can listen to everyone's advice and then do what works best for you. They are your babies and you will know what's best.

Also, I don't know anything about taking care of twins but do know a little about taking care of multiple kids. Some advice on that front is ORGANIZATION. It helps to lessen the stress of looking for things or packing things when you are in a hurry and/or running late (which now is going to be all the time now that you have kids). If you know you are going somewhere the next day, try and have as much ready the night before. You can also get bottles and/or clothes ready the night before. It takes a little extra time  but saves a lot of stress the next day.

Don't worry too much about anything, you are going to be a great mom!