Monday, October 04, 2010

Ok so having twins does not lend itself to blogging, or doing anything else really on a schedule. But at least it's only been a month. In a month, these guys have become little bruisers with big personalities. They've been entertaining a steady stream of weekend visitors and saving their nearly daily meltdowns for about 4 p.m., after everyone leaves. Sleeping patterns are starting to emerge, though we the caretaking parents are not getting much more than 2 hours at a stretch (and for me, 4-5 hours total unless I "sleep in" until 10, or noon, which I have done once). They're eating like fiends. And well beyond the newborn stage, at around 10 lbs. each and very, very alert.

Unfortunately since they're growing so fast they're not going to fit into most of the mountains and mountains of clothes we've gotten from well-wishing friends and family. I've got 2 bags full of brand new outfits to offer up to preggie friends. Good to know: I won't buy clothes as baby gifts in the future myself. Instead, I'll give:

1. Baby books. Not everyone does these anymore because everything is digital, but it's nice to have a tangible keepsake. Plus where else can you put those locks of hair, birth announcements, and cute baby footprints? I bought my own from Rag & Bone.

2. Inkpad kit for taking baby footprints. Apparently they don't take footprints for the birth certificates in the hospital anymore. So you need a washable inkpad and perhaps some nice paper or a baby book upon which to do these.

3. Legwarmers. My friend bought 4 pairs for us and I love them. They're perfect to wear with a onesie on a cool day. And rediculously cute.

4. Photo albums. Nice ones. I bought 4 mini albums and really like the Kolo ones that hold 24 pics and have lovely linen covers.

5. Video camera. Flips get all the press, but actually the Kodak Playtouch reviews (and resolution) are better. At $200 or so, it's feasible that a good friend or family member could swing it, and you'll want to capture their stages as they fly thru them at light speed. I am thinking about buying a Kodak one.

6. Swaddling blankets. We did get some of these as gifts and we use so many of them, I will know in the future that this is the thing to gift. Flannel "Swaddle Me" brand is our favorite.

7. Toys. We don't really have many toys. Not stuffed animals. Toys. We got rattles, yes, and a few books, but only around 3 toys. I didn't realize that you might actually want some toys around at 3 or 4 months.

8. Stationery. Thank you notes, thank you notes, thank you notes.

9. Nightlight. I don't have one. We turn on the closet light and open the door a crack when we're night feeding. (Keeps the circadian rhythms in shape). But a cool nightlight like this one would be a great gift.

10. Target gift cards. You have no idea how much @x&$! you will buy at Target.