A Little Chat

Mallory and Emerson are twins, but they are not alike at all. Mallory is a social girl. She's smiley and happy most of the time. As long as her needs are met (on her terms), she's content. She can play by herself for a long time. Emerson is a serious baby. He is introspective and is slow to warm up to new people. He is a great eater and a content baby, but he's not overly expressive, unless he's unhappy. He tends to need nearly constant entertainment. Regardless of their very different personalities, they have one thing in common...they can be loud! I took a little video of them "talking" a few days ago. They really enjoy each other's company and have recently started taking toys from the hands of the other. Craig and I decided that when you're a twin, you learn the hard knocks of life early on.

Are they identical?

Every parent of multiples has been asked numerous silly questions by strangers who approach them in the grocery store, at a restaurant, in a park, or any other public location. It is impossible to go out with both babies and not be bombarded with people asking questions. However, some of the questions are so ridiculous that it's hard to come up with an answer. A couple of months ago, Craig sent me this link and this is EXACTLY how these uncomfortable conversations go. For those of you who missed it when I posted it on facebook, here you go! Enjoy.

http://twentytwowords.com/2010/11/24/how-people-talk-to-mothers-of-multiples/

Toricollis

Emerson has torticollis, which is a twisted neck. In a resting position, his head tilts to the right. We have been aware of this issue since he was 4 months old. His pediatrician pointed it out to us and suggested we try some stretches at home. The stretching helped, and his neck has improved. At his 6 month appointment, his pediatrician referred us to the physical therapist for additonal help. We went to see her (Jenni) today. She gave us some things to do at home and ideas for ways to set up his play environment to encourage him to strengthen the muscle of the left side of his neck. We are hopeful that physical therapy will help, but there is a part of me that feels really bad for Emerson. As a mom, it's hard to think about anything being wrong with my little "baby man". In his case, the toricollis is from a lack of space while he was growing in utero. Not surprising that it is more common with multiples. We will see Jenni again in two weeks, and we hope she will notice some improvement.

Little Friend

The kids and I went on our first playdate last week. Knowlton and his mom, Deb, invited us over to play for a couple hours. As soon as we arrived, Knowlton, was very excited to see other babies at his house. He reached out and touched Mallory and Emerson several times, as though he couldn't believe they were there to play with him. So cute. Knowlton is 11 months old, and officially Mallory and Emerson's first friend.

Unfortunately, I took only one picture before my camera battery died. The one I took is Knowlton checking Mallory out. Future (older) boyfriend? Hmmm, time will tell.

Resolution

I've never made a new years resolution. I never wanted to disappoint myself by not following through with a promise I had made to myself. However, I'm making a resolution this year, 2011, to be a better blogger. I know I won't disappoint myself because I can do this.

I haven't blogged since August. That's sad. I could say I've been busy, which wouldn't be a lie. Our lives are very busy with two 6 month olds in the house, however, that's a lousy excuse.

We recently looked back at pictures of Mallory and Emerson from the last 6 months and it's hard to believe how quickly they're growing up. We are enjoying each stage of their lives and look forward to everything that's ahead.

In mid-Decemeber we introduced rice cereal and baby food. So far they have tried: sweet potatoes (both like them), avocado (both like it) and bananas (surprisingly, they aren't fans). Mallory eats quite a bit more than Emerson. He seems a little less sure about eating off a spoon.

They both roll, babble (loudly) and they are getting very close to sitting unsupported.

We hope there are still people reading our blog...you haven't all given up on us have you? Please leave a comment if you're still reading!

Happy New Year!! Here's to many blog entries in 2011!