What to Bring in Your Hospital Bag?

The GAP posted a page on their Web site with suggestions on items to pack in your hospital bag. One thing I found is that we totally overpacked. After the c-section I couldn't even get up to go to the bathroom, let alone take a shower. Plus you weren't allowed to for a day or so. I basically lived in the hospital gowns and blankets. I saw other women in comfy yoga pants and robes, but I just couldn't get out of bed without screaming in pain to put those outfits on.

My advice if you want to take it is just to bring an empty bag and cram as much stuff from the hospital into it -- diapers, formula, thermometers, etc. Basically anything they will let you take. And don't forget the lovely treats for mama like disposable underwear! Woo hoo!

Oh and a take me home outfit for the baby or babies.

Sidewalk Sales

Some of the stores in Westport are having sales with the leftover merchandise from last weekend's sidewalk sales. Swaddle, Toddle and Bump - one of my favorite stores in Westport - is having a great 50% off sale on all clothes plus they have several bins of $10 items. While this may still seem expensive to some moms for baby clothes since they grow out of them so fast, sometimes you just have to splurge on something special for the little ones!

Even just for a browse, the store is great because they have a nice bathroom with a clean changing room, an automatic door which is great for stollers and double strollers, and stroller friendly isles. They also feature products from local vendors, which I really like to see and support! The owners Alicia and Amy, both moms themselves, are incredibly friendly and helpful. They are also happy to try and help entertain cranky toddlers while you shop around for a minute or two.

We picked up an adorable button down shirt with anchors on it that was originally priced at $75 for only $2o. It's a really special shirt -- I will have to post some photos. Then we also got some basic leggings, which we wear almost every day, I think two pairs for $20. It's a good deal (and good idea) to buy the better quality basics because otherwise they stain and wash horribly and you just end up throwing them out. I know Carter's is cheaper but I just threw a bunch of their leggings out because their clothes shrink and hold onto stains.

Human Food

Aside from formula, an adult should be able to taste all baby food and give it at least a "not bad," if not "yummy" rating. It's not like the babies eat cat food, ya know? But people tend to put baby and kids food in a different category. Lot's of times I hear human food vs. baby food. That is just wrong.

I mean every kid is going to get some junk food and pre-prepared food at some point because it's convenient and part of being a kid. But I really try to give the girls healthy food whenever possible.

Between the babies, me, my husband and the cats, I swear I spend the better part of the day in the kitchen. But it's okay because I love food. I was actually enrolled in cooking school before I found out I was pregnant (a day before). I had put a deposit down on a Friday for The Institute of Culinary Education in Chelsea, NYC and that night on the way home from work I purchased a pregnancy test at Bridgestone Apothecary. I didn't think it would be positive but wanted to double check.

We had been trying for months and after the miscarriage I figured it would never happen, so I decided to switch career paths and do the only thing I would do for free when it comes to work -- cook. I wanted to do something in food media. It's nearly impossible to get a gig in that field without some sort of speciality training. I considered cooking school a graduate degree on top of my bachelor's in communication. Luckily the deposit was refundable.

I have been really trying to switch things up for the babies' mealtime routine. They are getting better at chewing so I am trying to give them more things that they can hold and take bites of rather than cutting everything into miniscule pieces.

When they were eating purees, I would make all their food but now that they are onto various food groups and and finger foods, it's about 50/50. I try to keep it natural, healthy and organic whenever possible, but since my husband and I usually eat different things at different times, we can't all eat together.

Things they love:

* peas, peas, peas ... just slightly defrosted from the frozen bag

* Any fruit - mainly blueberries, rasberries, cherries, banana, mango (the mango is especially good steamed in the Beaba)

* Nature's Promise vegetable pizza (they like it better the second day as it gets a little soggier)

* Eggo Mini Waffles

* Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers (loaded with carrots, edamame, corn, peas)

* Trader Joe's Turkey Meatballs

* South Beach Oatmeal Pancakes (make a bunch, keep them in the fridge for snacks)

* Dr Praeger's Fish Sticks

* Yogurt with either ground flax seed, wheat germ and/or amaranth (previously cooked) with fruit mash or puree

* Scrambled eggs with a pinch of cheese, dash of milk and a side of multigrain toast

Twin Meet-up

I met one of my best friends through MoMs (Mothers of Multiples) of Lower Fairfield County. It's a "club" for mothers of multiples (twins & triplets) in the area. There is minimal yearly fee and the group organizes events, playgroups, guest speakers and has a message board and classified section. The club has been invaluable for advice on parenting and for recommendations on local services and things to do. It's also how I found my pediatrician, night nurse, sleep expert, doctor and dentist, among other things.

My friend has twin boys about the same age. A few months back we went to the group's new MoMs luncheon and met two other cool ladies. Today we are having everyone over, including babies and husbands, for snacks and drinks. It will be pretty awesome to get together 4 sets of twins. I will try and take some pictures.

We are 1!

The first birthday party went really well and the Miffy theme was in full effect. We lucked out and got a gorgeous day after a monsoon of a summer so far.

My babies are taking first steps and growing into little girls right before my eyes. Still, no one has said "ma-ma" and I must say it 100 times a day. One of the girls says "da-da" and several other baby babbles and the other has started as well. They like to mimic us. If we stick out tongue out, they will to. They love to play hit the table and will copy you as you slap the table. One is also trying to clap but it looks more like she is wiping her hands clean of a mess. Still it's all very cute.

My husband got them the most adorable bear for their birthday. One of the girls really loves the bear and cuddles with him every moment she gets. It's like she forgets he's there and catches sight of him out of the corner of her eye and then crawls toward and attacks with hugs. It's pretty much the most adorable thing ever.