Twins :: 16 Months

I wrote my last twinsie update at 12 months.  So much has changed since then!  Mostly it is that the twins became mobile, and I have been busy chasing them and hardly found a moment to sit down and journal here on this blog.

I very much enjoyed the first year of twins.  I was told a lot of “horror” stories about having two babies at the same time.  There were definitely hairy moments, but overall it’s been fun!  But these last few weeks…they have given me a run for my money.  I am tired and exhausted.  My brain is mush.  I feel like this is the most difficult stage so far (but it’s also a very funny, enjoyable stage – on some days).

Nehemiah is my total-boy baby.  He loves to jump on his siblings and just sit on them, waiting for them to wrestle.  He loves cars.  He loves dogs.  He loves electronics.  As in, my most difficult task every day is keeping Nehemiah away from the computer and my iPhone. 

He also loves the bathroom.  His older siblings use the potty by themselves and leave the door open.  Mommy is easily distracted and she leaves the door open.  And, well, Nehemiah goes in.  And he has fun.  A couple of weeks ago I found him sucking on Ben’s toothbrush.  Which was wet.  And the toilet lid was open.  ‘Nuff said.  (And yes, Ben got a new toothbrush!)

They both sleep with their booty in the air a lot!

Liberty seems to be my smarty-pants.  She understands so much that is going on around her, and she copies it all.  She loves to help put toys away (WHY doesn’t that last very long?!?!).  She loves to play baby dolls or tea party with Elaine.  She gets a delight out of putting her laundry in the basket when told, or getting to throw away her diaper in the trash can.  She picks things up.  She retrieves things.  She closes doors.

She eats with a fork and spoon.  Oh, how much easier that has made my floor-sweeping task!  Nehemiah does well at this too, but often resorts back to using his hands.  Liberty won’t start without her utensils.

Liberty is fearless.  She climbs the slide and does it by herself.  She sometimes forgets to sit before sliding.  She jumps from the coffee table to the couch.  She does whatever she sees the big kids doing.

Both of the twins are cutting molars.  Both are exhibiting their will and displeasure with Mommy’s will.  Both are climbers.  We recently started homeschooling and on the first day I was constantly removing Nehemiah from standing on top of the piano keys.  We don’t set the table until we’re ready to sit down, because there is often a twin climbing onto the table.

So life is busy.  Sometimes I think I’m spinning in circles retrieving one twin or the other (or an older sibling) from a no-no or a get-hurt situation.  Supper preparation before Ben arrives home is nearly impossible.  The other day I was cutting chicken.  I literally was interrupted every 30 seconds (or more often).  When I turned around one time, Nehemiah had found the knife.  He did recently hit a growth spurt and is quite tall!

Both kiddos say uh-oh (but Liberty especially likes it).  Libs also shakes her head – but it means both no, and yes – depending. Sometimes I think Nehemiah is saying “thanks” and last night it sounded like he said “jump.”  They both say “woof-woof”.

It’s really funny to watch twins interact.  Sometimes they are best friends.  Libs and Nehemiah sit next to each other at the table.  They trade food.  They hold hands to pray.  They sit and read together or play nicely together.  But sometimes they are arch enemies and jealous siblings.  If Nehemiah gets a second serving of food, Liberty cries for hers.  If he has a sippy cup, she begs for hers.  If Liberty has a stuffed dog, Nehemiah takes it away (and usually laughs about it!).

I think one of their favorite activities right now is brushing their teeth.  It’s hilarious to see all four kids in the bathroom together.  You just want to see it and not hear what’s going on!  Liberty and Nehemiah fight their way to the bathroom to get to their toothbrushes when I mention it!

giving kisses