Dear TheMonk and Bri,

Today marks a large milestone in your evolution from helpless little beings to growing little boy and girl. Today, little ones, you had your last nursing session. Now, truth be told, Swee’Pea you pretty much gave up nursing a couple of weeks ago, just as Mommy was beginning to wean. But we’ve been lying you down next to Mommy while TheMonk fed so Mommy could savor the bonding moments you have shared since the beginning.

Ah, the beginning. You probably don’t remember this but you didn’t feed very well when you were first born. We had to feed you with a syringe and a small tube we stuck into your mouth. This, to put it mildly, sucked (no pun intended). After consulting with a Lactation Consultant, we began to make some headway and your mother lead the charge in getting you to breast feed.

In fact, I’m not exagerating one bit when I tell you that you have the best Mommy in the world. If you only knew what that woman has gone through while nursing two babies at once. For the first several months of your life, just about every feeding you had was through your Mommy. Six to eight times a day you would be placed on the ever-present twin nursing pillow and Mommy would get you to eat. Sometimes, sessions would last over one hour – just to make sure you got enough. As you can imagine, having ravenous little ones sucking constantly, is bound to cause some problems. Your mother has endured pain so bad that I’m pretty sure tears were involved. Yet she continued. Even when she went back to work, she would feed you before work, pump twice while at work and then feed you two more times before you went to bed for the evening. Your mother rocks.

Not that this whole thing has been an awful experience. On the contrary, your mother has come to love the time she gets to spend with you – just the two of you (We learned early on that I was too much of a distraction so I couldn’t be in the room when you fed). Over the past year I’ve often peeked into the room where you feed with Mommy to see you playing “Patty Cake” or “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” Your mother’s smile as she interacted with you is something I’ve never seen anywhere else. This was her moment to be with you and she cherished it – even while enduring so much.

So, the year has come and gone. While your mother will certainly miss some of that quiet two-on-one time, we are also looking forward to having more flexibility to do more with you guys outside of the house. We’re no longer bound to a nursing schedule and we’ll take advantage of that. Your mother will also be able to do some things for her now – going for a run, going out with friends after work, or just going shopping at night while Daddy feeds you. Whatever she decides to do, after all she’s done this past year, she deserves it.

So don’t forget how much your mother loves you and how much she has done for you. Because if she can nurse twins for over a year, just for the benefit of you two, she’d do anything for you.

To the mother of my children,

I didn’t know. When we first met so many years ago, how could I have known that someday our love would blossom into something as wonderful as what we have now? Back then, I was mesmorized by your legs and that million-watt smile and those smoldering eyes. And while all of those still hold true, what captivates me now is the love you have for TheMonk and Bri.

I fell in love with you within moments of first meeting you. I held your hand as we walked along the beach and my life seemed complete. How wrong was I? At that time all I wanted was for someone to spend the rest of my life with and I didn’t even know how much better it could get than that. Now, as I gaze at our son and daughter and see pieces of you gazing back, I realize how much you and I have accomplished and how much more we have to give and share over the coming years.

This is your first Mother’s Day. One year ago, you were waddling around with two soon-to-be six-pound babies in you and we giggled in anticipation of what was to come. I don’t think we were as prepared as we thought we were (who can prepare for that little sleep?) but we’ve done pretty darn well. You, especially, have shined in a way I have never seen in you. It makes you even more beautiful (if that were possible) when I see you playing with our little ones. When I come home at the end of the day and I hear you upstairs playing, I’ll stand at the bottom of the stairs and listen to the love in your voice. I’ll listen to the happiness in the babies’ giggles and I’ll breathe a sigh of contentment before I head up the stairs to embrace you and the little ones after a long day. You are a wonderful mother, Andrea. You never falter from what is right and I admire that so much in you. You are so strong in character and so strong in spirit, that I sometimes find it difficult to match that intensity. But we’re all so much better as a family because of you.

One day, I will take time to tell TheMonk and Swee’Pea how much you have done for them. I’ll make sure they know how much you sacrificed so that they could flourish. I’ll make sure they know how much love went into creating them and I’ll make sure they know how much their mother loves them. I don’t think I’ll have to explain too hard on that last one because they’ll know just by being around you.

I’m so glad that you are the mother of my children. I’m just as happy that you are my wife. I love you. TheMonk and Swee’Pea love you. May that love last for forever and a day. Happy Mother’s Day, Sweetheart.

With all my love,
Your Husband.

This was a banner weekend at the Childsplayx2 household. We actually took at least one of the twins out on both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, TheMonk and I went to my Y*M*C*Ato see the Healthy Kids Day activities our Y was hosting. TheMonk got his face painted and was fawned over by every childcare worker we have. At first, he wasn’t sure by all of the attention. His look was so serious that his cheeks seemed even chubbier than usual, leading one of my staff to say that he looked like a “little Godfather.” I had to laugh, because it was so true. After a while, however, he warmed up and we had a great afternoon. TheMonk started babbling non-stop (showing off to the pretty girls, I’m sure) until we finally had to head on home.

On Sunday, the whole family packed up and headed to the church where we will be getting them baptized, figuring it would be nice to actually attend a mass at the church since we’ve never attended that one. Again, TheMonk wanted to talk after getting warmed up. Luckily, it was muffled by his binky and it wasn’t too loud. Swee’Pea also got into the act by letting out an occasional shriek. Overall, however, they behaved beautifully.

After mass, we headed to the mall to get them some baptism clothes. I suggested bathing suits, but Andrea wasn’t too sure. So, we picked up a little white dress for Swee’Pea and a cute little suit for TheMonk. Stay tuned for photos.

The greatest thing about this trip is that Swee’Pea got the front seat in the stroller (she’s usually too shy to be comfortable in the front seat) and she LOVED it. She was swinging her feet and waving to everyone who passed. Being the typical big brother, TheMonk kept trying to reach forward and pull Swee’Pea’s hair. But, overall, it was a great time.

The other great thing that happened this weekend is that our dear friends Chris and Kristie volunteered to baby sit while Andrea and I went out. I know. I’m nominating them for sainthood in the near future. They can be the patron saints of twin parents. Anyway, Andrea and I enjoyed a dinner out followed by some coffee at Starbucks. The conversation was great and we only talked about the twins 85% of the time. Not bad. Although, you know you’ve been preoccupied when you can no longer remember your age.

Me: “I can’t believe I’m going to be 35 in a few months. Thirty-five! Where did that come from?!”
Andrea: “You’re going to be 35?”
Me: “Yep. And you’re going to be XX*”
Andrea: “I am? No, I’m not!”
Me: “Yes, you are. You’re X years younger than me. You were born in 19XX. That means you’re going to be XX.”
Andrea: “Wow.”

So, as you can see, we need to get out more often. If only to keep track of our age!

*The author wishes to remain sleeping in his bed. The couch is not nearly as comfortable. Therefore, his wife’s age will not be revealed in this post.

Sweetie,

By now you’ve been treated to a day’s worth of TheMonk & Swee’Pea Valentine pics. Your co-workers were very nice in helping scatter these photos around the office and I’m looking forward to hearing just how they surprised you with them throughout the day. I know you’ll probably be a little embarrassed but I hope you know that I wanted to share with everyone how much I love you and how much our little ones love you too.

It’s been an amazing year. Last year, I gave you little TheMonk and Swee’Pea onesies and we draped them across your gigantic belly. It has gone by so fast but this last year has been the best year ever. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and for going through this parenthood thing with me. We’re learning each day how to work as a team and I know TheMonk and Swee’Pea will benefit from the closeness we share. Can you believe we made these two?

Me either.

Valentine’s Day has brought on a new meaning and it’s a reminder that I thought I knew what love was prior to having these munchkins. I didn’t have a clue. All I know is that through loving these babies so much, I have grown to love you even more.

If that were even possible.

Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart – from your husband, your son and your daughter. We love you.

In her latest post, Andrea (my wife) very nicely captures the first five months of twin parenthood (or, more specifically, motherhood).

On Monday Andrea’s maternity leave will come to an end and she will return to work after five and a half months away. I know she does this with sadness and apprehension that only a new mother can truly relate. I know the transition will be rough because, as I can attest to, being away from the babies for long periods of time is difficult.

But, Andrea, I want you to know what a great job you have done over the past four and a half months and how truly proud of you I am for the way you have handled every challenge that has presented itself. From pregnancy to breast feeding you have done more than most people would. I thank you for that. I have also truly enjoyed seeing the transformation of my best friend and lover to the role of wonderfully devoted mother. Your bonding sessions with the babies during breastfeeding and the way you lovingly play with them during the day and the way you give each one of them the attention he or she deserves is truly inspiring. You never let fatigue keep you from doing what the babies need and that is truly amazing. The babies love you and they will continue to love you for the rest of their lives. I am so proud of you. I am so fortunate to have you in my life and every time I look into Swee’Pea’s face and see you looking back at me it is just a reminder of how blessed we are to have created such wonderful little beings.

I know you are sad about returning to work but we will survive, indeed thrive, through all of this. We have a strong family and it will only get stronger as we teach and impart the values that are important to us. Keep that in mind when we’re apart from them. We are their parents – no one else can give them what we can. Not daycare providers, not teachers, not friends. Go back to work with peace in your heart, dear Andrea, and know that we are doing the absolute best we can for our children.

I love you with all of my heart and I look forward to watching you grow as a mother as much as I look forward to watching our children grow into adults. Someday we’ll look back at this time and wonder where the time went. But for now let’s just enjoy the time we have with them and accept the roles and responsibilities that have been presented to us with resolution and commitment so that we can give the best to TheMonk and Swee’Pea. Good luck on Monday Sweetie, we’ll be here for you.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I have a dream” speech on August 28, 1963.
• Prince Charles and Princess Diana divorced on August 28, 1996.
• Shania Twain, Jason Priestly and LeAnn Rimes were all born on August 28th.

But the best thing ever to happen on August 28th was certainly the birth of my wife, Andrea.

Andrea you came into this earth smaller than the palm of my hand and fought like hell just to be here. That fighting spirit has carried you far and I hope our children have your work ethic and desire to succeed. Thank you for being such a wonderful wife and mother!

Happy Birthday Sweetie, I love you!

Andrea had not seen the sky for over two weeks so we were determined to get out this weekend. Prior to having babies, getting out was nothing. We’d decide what we wanted to do, dress in the appropriate clothing, get in the car and leave.

A timeline of our Pre-babies weekend outings…

Saturday
9:00 a.m.: Matthew wakes up and surfs internet or reads paper
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.: Andrea awakens and comes out to join Matthew
11:00 a.m.: Breakfast is had.
11:30 a.m.: Andrea announces she’d like to go running along the beach
12:00 p.m.: Dressed, we head out of the house.
12:30 p.m.: Arrive at beach and go running
3:00 p.m.: Return home after a leisurely run and perhaps stopping to get some lunch.

Now, things are a bit more complicated. Leaving the house is on par with planning a full-scale invasion. Supplies are garnered, contingency plans are made and mental preparation is paramount.

Our current timeline…

Wednesday
Andrea announces she needs to get out this weekend. Matthew whimpers and begins the tough mental preparation needed to accomplish this goal.

Thursday
Andrea has not budged on her commitment to get out and see the world. Matthew offers to order more travel movies from Netflix. Andrea is undeterred.

Friday
Andrea starts to worry that Matthew is not taking her seriously. Matthew, realizing we really are going to have to leave the house with two infants, realizes that there’s no escape – Operation Free Mommy is a go. We decide we want to go to the beach and walk along the Pacific Ocean. How will we do this In strollers or in their Snugli baby packs We decide on the Snuglis. We also decide to launch the operation from a location closer to the beach in question. Matthew is dog sitting this weekend for good friends Chris and Kristie who happen to live much closer to the beach. We decide we will head there, re-assess our situation and, if all systems are go, head out from there.

Saturday
Matthew returns from his morning walk of Chris and Kristie’s dog at 9:30 a.m. Preparations begin for a 2:00 p.m. departure. Preparations included:

• Diaper bag is checked and re-checked. Since we have not traveled out of the house lately, it is noticed that the diapers in the bag are the newborn ones. The switch to the Size 1 diapers is made. Other items added include clean onesies and extra zip-loc bags.
• Snugli’s are brought out along with a cloth sun protector that attaches to the Snugli that my brother and his wife got us.
• We plan on being out for only one feeding and Andrea is planning on pumping at Chris and Kristie’s. I pack enough bottles for two feedings anyway. Better safe than sorry. We use the carrying cases we got from the hospital when the babies were born. I slip in the re-freezable ice and put the bottles in the pouches.
• Infant carriers are brought out and placed on the table where we will load in the babies when the time comes.

Meanwhile, the babies are fed at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. After the second feeding, they are given a quick sponge bath and put in cute, new outfits that we had better put on them soon or they will be too small in another month. They are so cute, we take a couple of pics of them as the babies are in a good mood. By this time Andrea has already pumped and we’re ready to go. It still takes another 1/2 hour to get out the door – gear packed, babies stowed away, etc. We don’t leave until 2:45 p.m.

We arrive to walk the dog at around 3:15 p.m. Matthew feeds the cats and takes Jake the dog out to while Andrea sets up shop. When I return around 4:00 p.m., Andrea is looking at me like I’m in deep trouble as the babies are screaming. It turns out they want to be fed. I break out the bottles and we feed them and change them. By the time we pack up everything it is close to 5:00 p.m. We head to the beach with only a general sense of where we want to go. We decide that a quick bite to eat near the beach and a short walk along the beach will be all we can handle. We decide on a place mainly because they have free parking. We put on our Snugli’s, pull the sleeping babies out of their infant car seats and put them in the pouches on our chest. We then proceed to the restaurant.

The babies are a big hit. I’ve seen celebrities with a lower profile than our twins. Everyone in the restaurant has an interest in the babies. Questions abound: Are they twins Two Boys Two Girls Both! How old are they

We order our food and manage to eat without spilling anything major on their heads. Towards the end of the meal, it appears the babies are getting hungry again. I head out to the car and retrieve their bottles. We feed them in the restaurants, still in their Snuglis, while finishing our fries. By the time we leave it’s about 6:30 p.m. We head to the beach where we walk for about 10 minutes, stepping past homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk. For the first time, I feel a bit protective of my babies. I hurry us past them and we end up at Cold Stone Creamery for a quick ice cream. On the way out, we are asked for forty-one cents from a guy who tells us he has 20-year old twins. I figure it’s good Karma so I give him the change in my pocket. I don’t know if it’s more than forty-one cents. He doesn’t seem to care. I can sense he feels a bond with us as we move on.

We get back to the car around 7:00 p.m. and load sleeping babies in the car. We head home and walk in the door in time to immediately feed them. After they are fed we put them to bed around 8:30 p.m. The trip must have tired them out because they didn’t fully wake up until 5:30 p.m. the next morning. That doesn’t mean we slept all that time. TheMonk woke up around 3:00 a.m. and I brought him into bed with me. Swee’Pea, however, slept all the way through. Perhaps we’re on our way to sleeping all night long.

Sunday
So, after our long day yesterday Andrea and I relaxed at home today. I did manage to mow my lawn and re-caulk the shower in our bathroom. We watched a movie and played with the babies all day long. I got lots of laughs and gave lots of kisses. A good weekend.

Operation Free Mommy was a success. Let’s hope we get a few more of these in near future.

If I’m going to sit in the chaise lounge eating Peanut M&M’s while my wife struggles with practices her Pilates on DVD, it’s probably best if I keep my comments to myself.

Today is my 5-year wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe that five years have lapsed so quickly. We have accomplished so much in that time. We’ve changed cities, jobs, bought a house and had kids. Wow.

Eight years ago I got an email from a woman named Andrea from Colorado who happened to see a web page (now defunct) that said a bit about me. “We have a lot in common.” She said in the email. Indeed. But who knew that someday we would be holding our son and daughter and marveling at the randomness of the universe and how fate and destiny seemed intertwined in our lives in a way that only a higher power could comprehend I am grateful and humbled at the same time.

Today, I thank God for sending me my soul mate and I thank Andrea for being such a wonderful wife, friend, and mother.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. I love you.