What would you do if you see your kids working together to achieve something?
Me? I usually cover my mouth with my hands so they don’t hear me squeal with delight. I then grab my camera phone and take pictures.
This morning (May 28, Wednesday), I saw Nick helping Toni to get on top of a luggage so she can reach another luggage (her favorite). This requires major exertion of strength for our little Toni. Nick is the physically stronger twin and as per my observations, he helps Toni open the closet, push the table, drag a bag and does just about anything that requires physical strength. I documented it this morning. Note: You have to start with the biggest picture then go to the one on the left, move counterclockwise. The pictures will tell you the story.
I am so proud of the twins for doing this. Really smart move at 10 months and 28 days.
I am also sharing some of their crib pictures.
To those who are asking if I did breastfeed the twins, the answer is YES! I exclusively breastfed the twins for three months. I had so much milk that even when I was already back at work, I would pump more than nine ounces. I got those milk bags and I would store them in the fridge during out-of-town fieldwork. I had a portable cooler case where I place the milk bags when I go home to Cebu. Making sure that my breast milk reach Cebu is an art form. I explain to airline and airport staff. Most of the time, I prepare photos of the twins so they know that I have two hungry mutants who love Mother’s milk. I started mixed feeding (combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding) when the twins were about four months old. I was already back at work – traveling and spending more than eight hours away from home – and my breast milk was not enough for these mutants. So there, yes, I breastfed the twins! I had to do what they call “football hold” so I can both feed them at the same time. Mothers would understand how challenging this is.
The twins eat a lot of baby food (they eat everything!) and drink so much milk. Proof?
It was Jeff’s idea to give the twins their own Teddy Bears. He calls them “the silent guardians of our children’s hopes and dreams.” We wrote a piece in Cebu Daily News last year about it:
Here is Nick with Boo Boo. Boo Boo was Jeff’s bear. So he is about 50+ years old. Jeff’s older sister, Mary, found Boo Boo in a closet. Jeff’s Mom, whose name is also Antoinette (Marie Antoinette to be exact and nicknamed ‘Toni’) was able to preserve Boo Boo. From Jeff, Boo Boo is now with Nick:
Toni’s bear is Em Dee. Em Dee was given to me by my very good friend, Binky, on the day I gave birth to the twins. So Em Dee has the same age as the twins.
Jeff and I repeatedly tell each other how blessed we are to be the parents of these two kids. They are a handful (and an armful…have to carry them at the same time or else, World War III) but we can’t imagine our lives without them. Sometimes, I just stare at them while they’re playing and then they look at me. They would smile and crawl towards me. Well, Nick has been walking lately so he walks towards me. Then they hug me. Toni often gives me a kiss as a bonus. Nick would rub his nose to mine.
Yes, I am very blessed.
