Multiplicity Magazine - Winter 2012 Issue

1

Truly madly deeply ---crazy in love with our babies

Got stuffPutting everything in its place

Resolvedcelebrating

twins as individuals too

lsquoTil Death

Do Us Part(or multiples)

NEW YEARNEWYou

2 multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples1

covercutiesCongratulationstoourinaugural

covercutiesAnnieampVioletThis16montholdsistertwinsetstayssuper

busydancingjumpingplayingpeek-a-booinsteadofnappingandrearranging

thefamilyDVDshelfphoto courtesy of talented photographer mom Rachel of Rachel Vos Photography

Resolvetocelebrate your twins

Indoor activitiestokeepcabinfeverfromsettingin

Yoursquollneverforgettodoforthekidsbutmakesomeextratime for yourself and your significant other

TheBuzzonmust-have products

WhentheBest Laid Plansarenrsquotwhatweanticipated

New Year --- New YOUTipsforgettinghealthyin2012

Howtheannouncementalmostalways takes us by surprise

Deployment with Multiples - OneMOMrsquossurvivalguide

Theyrsquore twinsHowwordscansometimeshurt

Thinkingaboutconceiving again Astorythatmayhelpyoumakethedecision

Just do itLearnthebenefitsofalonetimewitheachtwin

Itrsquos tax time---doyouknowaboutthesedeductions

ItrsquoscoldoutsideBabiesgotthebluesBeat those winter woes

Crazy in lovewithourbabies

WiththeholidaysgonewheretoputallthatnewstuffLearntipsforputting everything in its place

Twins fight What Tipsforbuildingpositiverelationships

MOM = WOWReadersreflectontheirproudestmomentsasMOMs

AmidstadiagnosisofAutismonemomfinds hope

7

10

12

14

16

21

24

26

31

32

34

36

38

40

43

49

51

54

43

12

7

multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 3

4

Natalie Diazfounderpublishernataliemultiplicitymagcom

Joscelyn Ramos Campbellexecutiveeditorjoscelynmultiplicitymagcom

Talitha A McGuinnesscreativedirectortalithamultiplicitymagcom

Everyoneneedsamomenttore-flectYoucanreflectonyourlifeyourhealthyourmarriageyourchildrenandoryourfutureYoumighttakeamomentandthinkabouthowfortunateyouareorhowyouhopetodothingsdif-ferentlythisyearRegardlessofwhatyouchoosetoreflectuponthisisthetimeeachyearthatwegetafreshbeginning

FormeIthinkabouthowfarIrsquovecomeIthinkabouthowatinyideathatwassparkedataManhattanTwinsClubmeetingbackinApril2009hasledtothelaunchofthismagazineIreflectonhowchancemeetingswithfellowMOMshavemadelife-changingimpactsonmeIreflectonhowmychildrenareget-tingoldersohowisitIstaysoyoungOkwellmaybethelastoneisbendingthetruthabitbutIthinkyougetmypoint

TypicallyIrsquomnotaveryintro-spectivepersonIlivemylifeoutloudandwearmyheartonmysleeveatalltimesHoweveratthistimeofyearIdoalotofthinkingandplanningWhatIrsquovelearnedmostbybeingaparentofmultiplesisyoumustbepre-paredIrsquompreparingforayearrsquosworthofcelebrationstriumphsandsuccessesIrsquompreparingforlotsofhomeworkartprojectsandschoolperformancesIrsquompreparingforfamilygatherings

birthdaypartiesandvacationsIrsquompreparingfordatenightssnuggletimeonthecouchwiththeloveofmylifeandsomeldquomerdquotimehopefullyinamovietheaterwithmybestfriends

ThroughTwiniversityIrsquomprepar-ingforanotheryearofsupport-ingfamiliesofmultiplesaroundtheglobeThisyearTwiniversitywillhelphundredsoffamiliesprepareforthearrivaloftheirmultiplesWithapresenceinoverninecountriesweareexpandingourreachtomanydif-ferentpartsoftheworldinhopestohelpmorefamiliesofmultiplesfindcommunityandsupport

WelookforwardtosharingthisyearwithyouWelookforwardtowatchingyourkidsgrowthroughphotosonfacebookseeingyourforumpostsonourBigTentsitemeetinginpersonataTwiniversityClassandread-ingstoriesonourwebpage

WeareproudtobeapartofthiscommunityandnowhellipletrsquosgetpreparedforoneheckofagoodyearHappyNewYearandwel-cometothenewamazingonlinepublicationMultiplicityWehopeyouenjoyreadingitasmuchasweenjoyedputtingitalltogetherforyou-Natalie

Multiplicity is published as a digital magazine four times per year Multiplicity cannot assume responsibility of state-ments made by advertisers In addition though hand-picked and carefully reviewed Multiplicity cannot guarantee the accuracy of editorial pieces No portion in whole or in part of this publication may be reproduced without express written consent from the publisher

multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples

whatyoursquoretalkingaboutWhendoin-lawsgofromhelpingtomeddling

Lookingforwhattodrive

The idea is that we are all part of a community there is work to be done so why not share the load ~ Amy B

Instead of meddling with the kids or criticizing you or even how your house looks they just jumped in and tried to help ~ hbmathey

I would love for anyone to help me out Then I can take a load off after I put the kids to bed instead of still having chores to do ~ Jill M

I think a lot of this is cultural In South America this would never be considered acceptable ~ Bennysmom

Whenin-lawsshoweduptohelpoutwiththebabiesandproceededtostartcleaningonereaderrsquoshouseherersquoswhatyouhadtosay

Toyota Sequoia-perksincludedspaceseatsonsepa-ratetracks(333333foldvs6040)andlatchamptethersforeachmiddlerowseat

Chevy Traverse -perksincludedspaceandcomfort

Dodge Grand Caravan-perksarestoragespacewithallseatsfoldingdownandautomaticsideandreardoors

Toyota Sienna-perksincludedseatconfigura-tionandspace

WhataboutacarthatloadsampunloadsthemtooA girl can dream right

Readerssharetheirexperienceonbestvehiclestoaccommodate3carseatscomfortably


multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples6

photo courtesy of firewife photography

whenourtwinsnow17werefourtheybeganspeakinginldquotwinspeakrdquoIttookmonthstoascertainwhatcausedthemtoswitchtojibberishWefinallylearnedthattheirpreschoolteacherhadrequiredthemtositseparatelyduringcircletimeThefunnythingisthatpriortothattheyplayedwithdifferentfriendsfromeachotherspokelikeeveryother4yearoldandbehavedlikemost4yearoldsTheywereldquonormalrdquoButwhenthatteachertookawaytheirrighttotwinshiptheyrebelledandsoonnoonearoundthemcouldunderstandwhattheyweresayingnotevenusTheyweretwinsanddenyingthatpartoftheiridentitywasnrsquotfairinanywayshapeorformSoonthatdayImadethebiggestresolutioneverto nurture my twins as individuals AND twins because being a twin is part of their individuality Oncewefiguredoutthatthepreschoolteacherhadrefusedtoletthemsittogetherandsheagreedtogivethemthatchoiceourgirlsstoppedspeakingasecondlanguageandbeganinearnesttheirjourneysastwinswithmanycelebratedsimilaritiesaswellascelebrateddifferences

resolvedI will nurture my twins as individualS AND twins

bycathysheafor

photos courtesy of firewife photography cassie leigh photography tw

oeleven photography amp jane goodrich



Theyare17nowandabouttograduatefromhighschoolandmanytimeswehavelearnedtheimportantlessonofallowingthemtobebothtwinsandindividuals

InsecondgradeourgirlswereseparatedforthefirsttimeintotwodifferentclassroomsatschoolAlthoughtheschoolwouldnotaccommodateourrequestforthemtobeinthesameclassroomtheydidagreetoallowthegirlstofindeachotherifneededOnseveraloccasionsourgirlsdidmakethetrektoeachotherrsquosclassroomtofindeachotherMostdaysthoughtheywerecontenttoplaywiththeirseparatefriendsintheirseparateclassroomswheretheylearnedseparatelyTheydidnotdressalikeandtheyenjoyedtheirdifferences

HowevertheyalsoenjoyedcelebratingtheirsimilaritiesOnHalloweentheydressedsimilarlyOnChristmastheyworethesameoutfitsWhenitcametimetocelebratebirthdaystheywantedonebirthdaypartywithalloftheirfriendsAlthoughtheywerebusydiscoveringthattheyhaddifferentpreferencestheyalsogainedconfidencewhentogetheranditseemedtheyshinedmorewhentheywereallowedtochoosetobetogetherTheyweremoreoutgoingwhentogetherTheyhadmorefriendswhentogetherTheywerestrongerintheiropinionswhentogetherTheywerebetterproblem-solverswhentogetherTheyweresimplybettertogetherSowecontinuedtoallowthemtomakechoicesofwhentobeapartandwhentobetogetherbelievingthatwehadtonurturethemasindividualsANDtwins

ThisapproachledtosomecrazyunexpectedresultsBythetimemygirlsgottohighschooltheywerechoosingtodomosteverythingtogetherTheyselectedthesameclassesTheychosethesamefriendsTheybegantodressalikeconcludingthatpeoplewhotookthetimetogettoknowthemasindividualswouldnrsquotbefooledbymatchingclothesandgetthemconfusedTherearenotmanyhighschooltwinswhochoosetodressalikebutourshaveandmyhusbandandIarehonoringourresolutionthatwewillnurturethemastwinsANDindividuals

ThathasbeeneasieratsometimesthanothersForexamplewhiletheymayhaveaneasiertimedecidingwhoisarealfriendwehavefoundthatmanyteachersareputoffbythesimilaritiesbetweenourgirlsTheysimplydonrsquotknowwhattodowithtwinswhothinkalikedressalikedrawaliketalkalikewritealikeetcOneartteacherwroteangrilytooneofmydaughtersldquoYouhavethesamebrainAhhhhitisokto

havediff[erent]opinionsIneedyouhelliptopryyourselvesawayfromeachotherduringcriticalreviewsrdquoUnfortunately

myindependent-mindedchildrenbelievedthattheywereexpressingdifferentopinionsbuttheirteacherwasnrsquotabletoseethisOnanotheroccasionateacherwhowasnrsquotobservingcarefullyenoughassumedthatthegirlswerecheatingbecausetheywrotethesameanswersonin-classpaperItturnsoutthattheyweresittingindifferentpartsoftheroomandcouldnothaveknownwhateachotherwaswritingButtheyaretwins

andwhileweandtheycelebratetheirdifferenceswemustalsounderstandtheirsimilarities

photos courtesy of firewife photography amp

straight lens ph otography

SoasweparentsoftwinsembracetheNewYearwithresolutionsletusresolvetonurtureourtwinsasindividualsbutalsotocelebratetheirtwinshipandnurturethatveryspecialrelationshipAfterwatchingmychildrenIcannotthinkofanythingmorelovelythantohaveatwinwhoyouknowwillbethereforyouasyourbestfriendnomatterwhatThereisgreatcomfortandpowerinknowingthatDonrsquotletanyonetakethatfromyourtwins

A mother of twin teen girls Cathy Sheafor is a writer blogger educator social entrepreneur and coach A lawyer by training and a cancer survivor Cathyrsquos greatest joy lies in teaching After years of dreaming of a free private school for girls from underprivileged backgrounds Cathy (with the help of many wonderful people) opened Charlotte Community School for Girls in August 2010 Unfortunately economic struggles made it difficult for the school to secure enough funding for continued operations and the school closed after just one year of operation Cathy continues to mentor her former scholars and hopes to create a better understanding of the challenges many children face She also coaches swimming and blogs at wwwkidswhothinkorg where she posts challenges for kids of all ages that are designed to be inexpensive ways to bolster creative thinking and innovation (Cathy with her family below)

ldquothey are twins and while we and they celebrate their differences we must also understand their

similaritiesrdquo

ways to encourage

individuality and twinship

1CallandrefertothembynameinsteadofldquothetwinsrdquoTheyareuniqueandyougavethemeachanamethatidentifieswhotheyare

2Allowyourtwinstodressthemselvesoratleasthaveasayinwhattheywanttowear

3AllowyourtwinstododifferentthingsIfoneenjoyssportssignthemupIftheotherwouldratherpaintorexpressescreativeinterestsjoinanartormusicclassEncouragetheirdifferencesbutembrace(and allow them to embrace)theirsimilarities

4Emphasizetheimportanceoftheirabilitytocreatefriendshipsandskillsetswithoutweakeningtheiruniquebond

5BesurethatothersrecognizethatyourtwinsaretwodifferentbeingsDonrsquotal-lowpeopletoassumetheyareoneandthesameespeciallyiftheylookalike



InthemiddleofwinterkidsstarttogetabitcrankyfrombeingcoopedupinsideTheyshouldgooutsidetoplayasmuchaspossible(bundledupofcourse)Howeverwhentheyrsquorestuckinsideitrsquosagoodideatohavesomecraftsandactivitieshandytokeepthemactiveandsparktheirimagination

Beach Ball MathGetabeachballandadhesivelabelsmarkedwithnumbersStickonelabeloneachpanelofthebeachballForyoungerchildrenyoursquollwanttouselowernumbers(suchas1-9)forolderchildrenyoumaywanttousehighernumbers(3-12forinstance)NowyoursquorereadytoplayFirstdecidewhatoperationyouwillbefocusingon(additionsubtractionmultiplicationordivision)TwoormoreplayersshouldfaceeachotherThefirstplayercatchestheballandcallsoutthenumberwherehisrightthumblandsHetossestheballtoanotherplayerwhodoesthesameThenextplayertocatchtheballmustperformtheoperationonthetwonumbers(forexample2x5=10)She

Fun Winter Activities to Keep Cabin Feverbyjennyrichard

thentossestheballtoanotherplayerandthegamestartsover

Salt Dough FunSaltdoughiseasytomakeandtheingredientsareusuallyfoundrightinyourkitchencabinetTomakesaltdoughyoursquollneed1cupfinesalt1cupflourapproximatelyfrac12cupwaterInalargebowlcombinethesaltandflourMakeawellinthesaltfourmixtureandaddthewaterKneaduntilsmoothandshapeintoaballYoucanadd

foodcoloringtogivethedoughcolorandadropofvanillaextractwillmakeitsmellniceandkeepmoldawayWhennotinusewrapinplasticandstoreinanair-tightcontainerNowyourkidsarereadytohavelotsofdough-makingfun

IftheyhavetoysfordoughtheycanplaywiththosebuteverydayhouseholdobjectswillworktooUseacanoracupasarollingpinPlasticknivesspoonsandforkscancutandmakedesignsCookiecutterscanbeusedtocutshapes

Ping Pong BasketballYoursquollneedtwolargecupsorcontainersapingpongballandtwopapertowelsforthisactivityPlacethecups

infrontofeachplayeronatableandfoldthepapertoweltofitinsidethebottomofthecupThesewillbethegoalsTomakethiseasierforyoungerkidsfindashortergoalsuchasafoodstorage

containerToplayeachplayerwillldquodribblerdquotheballbybouncingitonetothreetimesOnthelastdribbletheymustcatchtheball(ortheotherplayertakesover)andshootitattheiropponentrsquosgoalIftheymakeagoaltheywillreceive1pointfor3dribbles2pointsfor2dribblesand3pointsfor1dribbleItistheotherplayerrsquosturnafterascoreormissedshot(contd on pg 19)

henmytwinnieswerebornneedlesstosayIwasshocked

andoverwhelmedbywhatlifehadjustthrownatmeToaddtomyshockmytwinswerebornlookinglessliketwinsthenIwouldhaveeverimaginedTobehonesttheybarelylookedliketheyhadthesamemotherMylittlechickBabyAwasbornwithFLAMINGredhairwhereasmyBabyBlookedmorelikewhatIimaginedmychildwouldlooklike

AstimewentonmydaughtergrewtolooklessandlesslikemeWithbrightblueeyesivoryskinandhairthecolorofrubiesIstoppedcountingthetimesthatstrangersaskedldquoDoeshermotherhaveredhairaswellrdquoApparentlyIlookedmoreliketheirnannythentheirmommaNiceForallthathardworkofcarryingandbirthingthemfolksdidnrsquoteventhinktheyweremineSidenotethiscameinveryhandywhentheywereactingupinastoreandIwouldsayoutloudforalltohearldquowaittillyourmotherfindsoutaboutthisrdquoandthenIwouldrunawaywiththem(heehee)

FastforwardafewyearsandasmylittlechickrsquosredfuzzbegantosproutwenoticedshehadthetightestcurlsyoucouldimagineOnceagainwasIsurethiswasmychildButasherpersonalityblossomedIknewshewasALLmeTimewentonandherhairgrewlongeruntilitreachedhertinybuttHOWEVERthatwasonlywhenitwaswetWhenitwasdryitbarelytouchedhershouldersbecausehertinyringletcurlswereastwistyastheycome

FINALLYinSeptemberof2011almostsevenyearsafterthetwinswerebornmydaughterhadherfirsthaircutSheneverreallyneededonesinceherhairwasonlyreallylongwetMyhusbandandImadethedecisiontotakehertoaldquospecialistrdquoNopenotamedicaldoctorbutahairdoctorofsortsSeehereinNewYorkCitywehaveasaloncalledDevachanThissalonisONLYforldquocurlygirlsrdquoThishaircutwasmorethanthecostofmyweeklygrocerybillbutconsideringthatthiswasherfirstwhereasmysonhaddozensofhaircutsinhislifeitallequaledout

Onthedayoftheappointment

youwouldthinkitwasChristmasMorningfrommydaughterrsquosexcitementShehadalwayswantedahaircutandfinallyshewasgettingoneandinafancysalonnolessShortlyafterwesatdownanotherclientsatnexttomydaughterShelookedatmydaughterandsaidoutofthecornerofhermouthldquoYouknowhellipyouareoneofusrighthellipyoursquoreacurlygirlrdquoMydaughterrsquoseyeslitupShelookedaroundandnoticedthatEVERYONEtherehadhairjustlikehersThewomancontinuedldquoItrsquostrueyoubelongtoaveryspecialclubthatonlypeoplewithhairlikeyouandmecanbelongtordquoMydaughterglancedatmeandInoddedandsaidldquoYupmommycanrsquotjoinmyhairistoostraightrdquoMydaughtergotawickedgrinonherfaceandsaidldquoOhwellmommyonlythecoolestgirlscanjoinrdquoYesalittlemeanbutfunnyOurnewfriendthensaidtomeldquoIwishmymomtookmetoaplacelikethiswhenIwaslittleIgrewuphatingmyhairandneverknewwhattodowithitrdquoShethensaidtoRed(mybabyA)ldquoYouknowyourmomisprettyawesomerdquo(contd on pg 53)

corkscrewto cherubaconfessionofamomofacurlygirl

bynataliediaz

w



lsquoTIL DEATH(or multiples)

DO US PARTWersquoveallheardtherumorsParentsofmultipleshaveahigherdivorcerateIntryingtoactuallyresearchthattoseeifitrsquosafactIcameacrossconflictingnumbersIdidnrsquotreallyputanystockintothestudiesandnumbersIdidreadIntheendIreallyfeelthateachfamilyisdifferent

IshavingababystressfulOfcourseitisHavingtwobabies(ormore)atonceSostressfulIfeellikeIhavebeenonbothsidesAfterwehadourfirstchildmyhusbandandIneededtomakesomesmalladjustmentsHavingababychangesthingsTenmonthsaftergivingbirththefirsttimewewerepregnantagainThencametheunbelievablenewsWewerepregnantwithtwinsBythetimemyoldestwasturning18monthsold

bylizacorbo

7 Tips for surviving aMarriage with Multiples7 It all starts with YOU Enjoy whatever pleases you most and do it alone

6 Talk to each other and share your day Keeping open dialogue encourages appreciation for what each does for the family whether itrsquos working out of the home or tending the children and ensuring the house is in relative order at the end of the day

5 Be a reliable source of help and ask your partner to do the same Wersquore all allowed to be human every once in a while 4 Say YES When someone asks to help let them As moms itrsquos hard to relinquish control over our homes and families but more often than not we could use a break (and chances are likely that theyrsquoll do it just as good as you)

3 Plan a date night for no reason other than spending some quality time together remember-ing why you fell in love to begin with

2 Go away togetheraway from your chil-dren your home and your routine One night away will do wonders for your marriage and your parenting skills

1 Set the scene by turning on some tunes and dancing the night away What partner can resist watching you let loose with your children and having a good time (and all for FREE)

wewerebringinghomenewborntwinsNomatterhowpreparedyouthinkyouareforthechaosorhowstrongyourmarriageseemstobeyouareinforquitearideAridethatwillbebumpyattimesVerybumpySpeakingfrommyownexperienceIwasoverwhelmedfromthemomentIbroughtthetwinshomeMyoldestwasnottakingnolongerbeingthebabyofthefamilywellandwhocouldblamehimHewasstillababyhimselfIwasstressedIwasovertiredItfeltliketherewasalwayssomeonecryingalwaysadiaperthatneededchangingsomeonewasalwayshungryandnooneeverreallysleptIlovedallthreeofmybabiesmorethananythingbutIwasdepressedandgoingthroughthemotions

WhileeverydaymayhavebeendifferenteverydaywasstillthesameItwasanever-endingcircleFeelinglikethatandtryingtotakecareofthreebabiestakesitstollYoubarelyhavetimeforyourselfnevermindyourmarriageIrememberforthefirsttimestartingtorealizethatamarriagesometimestakesactualworkOnceyoustartneglectingyourmarriageitrsquosthatmuchhardertogetbackonthesamepageandrememberwhyyoufellinloveinthefirstplaceHerearemytipsforkeepingamarriagehealthyafterhavingmultiples

First things first Take time for yourself IknowitsoundscrazyYouhavemorethanonebabyinthehouseThereisnotimeforyourselfIunderstandSometimestimeformyselfwasactuallyclassifiedasputtingthetwinsinseperatedoorwayjumperswheretheycouldseeeachotherputtingmyoldestinfrontofashowwithsomeplaincheeriosandshoweringwiththedooropensoIcouldhearButatleastforafewminutesIwasbymyselfJustafewminutesalonecanchangeyourperspectiveonwhateverkindofdayyouarehavingAndwhodoesnrsquotfeelgoodafterashower

CommunicateIcannotstressthisenoughItissoimportanttotalktoeachotherAlwaysMyhusbandandImadesurewetookthetimeeachnighttotalkaboutourdayevenifitwasafterwewereinbedandshuttingoffthelightstotryandgetsomesleep

Help each other outIcanrsquotexpressenoughthepowerofteamworkNomatterwhatwedidwetriedtobeateamWhenitcametothetwinsgettingupatnightWedidittogetherWhenonebabywokeupneededtobefedorchangedwediditforbothbabiesAtthesametimeWhileschedulingeachpartofyourdayseemstiresomewefounditeasierthannothavingascheduleOnweekends(contd on pg 20)


the buzzthescooponthingsworthgivingatry

twin testedMOM

approved

youcouldbeour

winnerThisissuewehaveasetofContigosippycupstogiveawayGototheNewssectiononBigTentandleaveacommentintheforumaboutyourmust-haveproduct(s)thatmadelifewithmultipleseasierNotyetamember Andwhynot Itrsquos easy and free so join today and keep from missing out on all the fun

contigo sippy cups - the Diaz duoAreyourkidstoooldforasippycupbuttooyoungtotakeaglassofwatertobedWellmysevenyearoldtwinsfitthatbillButImhappytosaythattheDiazduohasfinallyfoundtheperfectsolutionforbedtime(andtheir

lunchbox)Contigo

ContigosAutoSealKidsTrekkercupsare100spill-proofand100dishwashersafeamomofmultiplesrsquodreamcometrueMytwinnieshavebeenusingthesecupsfor5monthsnowandtheyareinthesameperfectconditionasthedayweboughtthemWiththeirreasonablepricetag(about$6each)andthefactthattheyareBPAfreetheyhavetrulybeenaGodsendinourhomeNowthetwinniescantakewatertobedwithoutitdrippingallovertheirsheetsandpillowsMykidseventaketheirContigostoschoolandtotheirsportingeventsIfyouareatthatin-betweenstagelikeIamthesecupsshouldfindtheirwayintoyourhome

v-tech innotab - the McGuinness matchIfyouhavekidsbetweentheagesof4-9thisalongwiththeLeapfrogLeappadwereamongthehottestandmostrequestedtoysoftheholidaysWhileweconsideredtheLeappadwewereconvincedthattheInnotabhadmoretoofferithasalowerpricetagandplaysmusicandvideosMynearly7yearoldtwingirlslovethisitemandhaveliterallyplayedwithitalmosteveryday(theyespeciallylovethemusicfeatureandifmyhusbandhearsldquoLoveYouLikeaLoveSongrdquobySelenaGomezonemoretimehersquolllikelyfindelsewheretoliveforthenext10years)

IfyoupurchaseanInnotabIhiglyrecommendrechargeablebatteriesOnceyougetpastthequirksoftheV-TechwebsitetheInnotaboffershoursofpeaceandquiet---I mean a world of interactive learning and entertainment for your children Priceless

step 2 deluxe canyon road traintrack table - the Ramos-Campbell clanMytwinboyslovetoplaywithcarstrainsetc(evident by them being all over the floor where I am constantly stepping on them or finding them underneath the couch)Thistrainamptracktablefeaturesmulti-levelcolorfulmolded-intracksandnon-removablebridgessotheycannotbelostorremovedbylittlehandsVarioussizecarstrainstoysandfigurinesarecompatibleIwasalsopleasantlysurprisedtofindthatitismulti-functionalasasmoothandsturdy

covertransformsthetraintableintoonethatcanbeusedforsnacksorcraftsTheonedrawbackisthatthelegsarenotheightadjustablemakingitdifficulttoldquogrowrdquowithyourchildEvensothisisafuntableforkidsandahelpfultoolforparents (recommended for ages 3 and up)

oSuchasimplewordtosayuntilyoubecomeaparentofmultiplesIt

isthenthatthetermtakesonwholenewmeaningbeyondtellingyourchildrenldquoNo-NoDonrsquotDoThatrdquoWithallthatmultipleparentshavetoaccomplishonadailybasisperhapsweshouldtakeourownadviceWhileitisinourlsquomultitaskingrsquonaturetomakethetimetohelpeveryoneinourliveslearningtosayldquonordquoisanecessarymeasurethateveryparentofmultiplesmustinevitablyfaceespeciallywhenkeepingfocusonfamily

Likeitornotlearningtosay

a focus on familyby frankie howley

ldquonordquoismoreaboutacceptanceknowingyourlimitsandlettinggo---withoutfeelingguiltyBetweenthehecticschedulesandroutinesthataccompanyhavingtwinsormoretimeislimitedmakingitaprioritytobepreparedandplanahead

Foroneworkingmotheroftwinsplanningformoremeansbudgetingformorebothintheworkplaceandfinancially

ldquoYoucannotworkasecondshiftbecauseyouknowyouhavetwolittleonesathomelookingforyourdquosaidJenniferGunter-BartnikofNormalILandmotheroftwindaughters

AutumnandAriAnna6andMaren4ldquoWhenourkidswerelittleIworked5am-130pmandmyhusbandworked3pm-2amWecouldnotafforddaycarefortwordquo

NowthathertwindaughtersareolderJenniferGunter-Bartnikalsoapart-timechurchvolunteerandpresidentofherlocalMothersofMultiplesClubinBloomingtonNormalILadmitsthatsayingldquonordquocanpresentfinancialchallenges

ldquoFinanciallyIwouldliketogetthegirlscertainthingsbutwhenyoumultiplyittimestwoitjustisnrsquotinthebudgetrdquoshesaidldquoPersonallyIthinkthatthefinancialldquonordquoisthehardestbecauseyouwouldliketogiveyourchildrenwhatyouhadbutneedsoverridewantsrdquo

Andjustaswewouldliketogiveourchildreneverythingtheirheartsdesireasparentsofmultipleswetoomustmakecertainsacrifices

ldquoInthebeginningifafriendwantedtodosomethingitwouldhavetobeonmytwinsrsquoscheduleorIjusthadtosaylsquonorsquordquosaidKellyShermanofTurlockCAandstay-at-home-momtoherthreechildrenMadison5andtwindaughtersLilyandLindsay3ldquoIrsquovealsohadtosaynotomyparentsandhavehadtolearnthatitrsquosoktoordquo

Additionallyknowinghowyouwanttospendyourqualitytime(whenyoudohavetimeforyourself)willhelpyoutomaketherightdecisionwhenfacedwithdifficultchoices(contd on pg 41)

n

nojust say


16 multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples

bymikepoff

ldquoone night I was shocked awake by

Pam She was waking me to say she was having troublesrdquo

thpart 1

plansregnanciesareforwomenbutmultiplepregnanciesareforexceptionalwomenIamspeakingfromobservationonlyasIamafatherofmultiplesandthreelovelysingletsSoIhaveobservedthroughmywifersquosfourpregnanciesthedifferenceBelievememyhatisofftoanymombutsomuchmoresotomulti-moms

p

MywifePamisanexceptionalamazinglovelysuccessfulsweetandgivingmomwifeandpersonProfessionallysheisathrivingentrepreneurwithagiftforplanningandgettingthingsdonealwayshavingtimeforeachchildwersquovebeenblessedwithItcouldnothavebeencoincidencethatshewonthelotterytohandleaquad-pregnancy

Youseeaftertwoweeksofthinkingwewerehavingtwinsandmakingtheneededplansforthatseriouslife-alteringoccurrencewehadquiteashockAtthetimewehadtwolovelydaughtersagednineandsixIwassortofhopingoneofthetwinswouldbeaboyThathadnotbeenourgoalbuthavingasonseemedlikeacoolchangeofpaceBoywasIinforashock

IndeedonenightIwasshockedawakebyPamShewaswakingmetosayshewashavingtroublesSpotshadbecomebleedingandshewasreadytogotothehospitalNowinthosedaysIworkedasapurchasingpersongoinginat430amleavingaround230pmandspendingotherpeoplersquosmoneyaroundtheworldSoasthehospitalwasjust5minutesawayandwedidnotwanttowakeorpanicthegirlsandmyscheduleandchurchdutiesleftmeinaperpetualstateofsleepdeprivationPamtoughasnailstookherselftothehospital

NowallyoumomscanhissandboometogetherbutthatiswhatwedecidedtodoIsleepilykissedherweprayedtogetherandshewasoffintothenightIcouldnothelpbutthinkshewouldsoonbebackandwewouldhavelosttwobabiesAftermoreprayerIslowlydriftedofftoaveryfitfulsleepItseemedlikeonlyafewmomentsandshewaswakingmeagain

IaskedherifwelostthebabiesIbegantonoticeshedidnotseemsadShesaidldquoNowehavetwomorerdquoOverthenextseveralminutessheexplainedthattherewerefourbabiesandIheardthewordthatwouldchangemylifeinsomanywaysquadrupletsWellthiswasabitofagamechangerYouseethiswasveryearlyonaSaturdaymorningLaterthatafternoonacoupledozen

e best laid



teenagersandtheirparentswerecomingtoourhousetohearaboutourplanforthemastheirnewYouthPastorsWhenwefoundoutabouttheldquotwinsrdquowesatdownhasheditaroundanddecidedthatbetweenthetwoofusandourdaughterswecouldmakethedoubleblessingsthingworkWewerethrilledthatwehadnotlosttwobabiesbutwereblownjustabitsidewaysattheprospectoffourWhenallthedustsettledouryouthministrywasplacedoniceandourpriorityandplansnowcenteredonthefamily(theveryquicklyexpandingfamily)Godhadplacedinourhands

OverthenextseveralmonthstherewasmuchtodobuyandlearnPamofcoursehadaplanandwesetupafullyfunctionalquadnurseryquadrockingampfeedingspaceandakickingquadplayroomquadchangingareaAllwentalonggreatPamandIcontinuedtoworkplanandwonderaboutwhatlieaheadWealsolearnedtoreallyenjoydroppingourldquosurpriserdquoonothersandwatchingtheirreactions

PamkeptworkingbutcomelateNovember2000thesestrengthswerenotenoughAt27frac12weeksafterspendingThanksgivinginthehospitalourDoctortookthekeysandparkedPamforthedurationThiseventprettymuchforcedourhandonacoupleoffrontsFirsttheshorttermlogisticsshewouldnotbehavingtheQuadsatourlocalhospitaljustfivemilesfromourfrontdoorTheywereinnowaypreparedforquadssoPamwasanhourawaynow

ThelongertermlogisticswereabitstickierAtthispointmywifersquoscompanyemployedaroundadozenfolksSheandherpartnerMelissawerestillintheldquochiefcookandbottlewasherrdquophaseatthattimeTheydideverythingItwasdoingwellandgrowingbutconsumedmuchtimeandeffortNowshealsomademoremoneythanmeSincemyparentshadpassedawayyearsbeforeandherparentsweremovingtoChinabecausethewhole

ldquoQrdquowordhadblownthemawaywehadlittleoutsideassistanceinthewingsWehadtomakesomeonetheat-homeparentThatsomeonewedecidedwouldbemeSowithPaminthehospitalforthedurationIturnedinmyresignationkeysandpasswordsandenteredanewlifeofdomesticengineeringwithadecidedlyhigherordermultiplestwisttoit

NowonthemostmagnesiumonecantakeforcontractioncontrolPamcontinuestoamazethehospitalstaffbyrisingfromherbedtogotothepottyonherownThatisuntilonenightatiredandpetitenursedecidedtointervene

Notfeelinguptohelpingaprospectivequad-momtothebathroomonenightthisFlorenceNightingalecalledtheon-dutyDocandhadanorderwrittenforcatheterizationAdaylatermywifehadabadfeverandinfectionTrifectasofantibioticswereaddedtothebagofmedsbythebedThefeverdippedslightly

ThateveningasIbroughtourgirlstoseetheirmomsheseemedworseThegirlsheldherhandsasIfedhersoupwhensuddenlyhereyesrolledbackinherheadandshebegantoconvulseviolentlyIfoundmyselflookingatasceneIwillneverforgetMyverypregnantwifewasgoing

intoshockandveryyoungdaughterswerelookingattheirnewlymintedat-homedadinsheerterrorWe had nothing in our best laid plans for this (Part 2 coming in our Spring 2012 Issue)

Mike Poff (sometimes called The Quadfather) lives in the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his amazing wife Pam and their seven children who currently range from college to kindergarten Their Quads are now 10 and that is how long Mike has been their at-home dad Besides domestic engineering Mike runs a small horse and cattle farm and is a communications and public relations director in his abundant spare time You can follow along with the Big-Time Family Blog or check in on the Poffs on Facebook Shoutlife or LinkedIn

the best laid plans

ldquoand her parents were moving to China because the whole lsquoQrsquo word had blown them

awayrdquo

fun winter activities contd -----Pine Cone Bird FeederThisactivitydoesdualdutymdashthekidswillhavefunmakingitthentheycanhavefunwatchingthebirdscomeandfeedYoursquollneedapineconethatrsquosopeneduppea-nut butter string and bird seed Lay thepineconesonatablecoveredwithnews-paperGiveeachchildaplasticknifeandsomepeanutbutterHavethechildspreadthepeanutbutterallover thepineconetryingtogetasmuch inside theconeaspossiblePutthebirdseedinalargeshal-lowdishandhavethekidsrolltheirpea-nutbutter-coveredpineconesinthebirdseed Finally tie a string to the topmostscaleofthepineconeandhangoutsideawindowNowsitbackandwatchthebirdscomeandenjoyyourwintertreat

These are just some of the great activi-ties you can do with your kids to avoidthewinterdoldrumsLetthemsparkyourimagination and yoursquoll find the possibili-tiesareendlessLookaroundyourhouseandseewhathouseholdobjectsyouhaveavailableforcraftsandgamesSoonyourkidswillhavesomuchfunyoursquollsayldquoLetitsnowrdquo

Jenny Richard is a Christian wife of 13 years mom to two boys and a teacher She lives in Texas but isnrsquot a native Texan Her blog Full Cart Full Wallet started as a way to journal her savings as she

learned to coupon It has now become a way to share frugal living coupons cheap meals and coupon matchups with others Her goal leave the store with a cart full of groceries and a wallet full of money Follow her on Facebook or Twitter for updates

A little elfwith all the right movesbytalithamcguinness

IknowthattheholidaysandallthecrazeandmagicthatgowiththemarelonggonebutIwantedtointroduceyoutoaspeciallittleguywhovisitsourhouseseveraltimesayear(yepnotjustatChristmas)SurelyyoursquoveheardofElfonaShelfbynowandifnotwellherersquosyourcluegetonemakeonegetcreativelearntheropeswithmovinghimherandsomefunanticsandenjoythememoriesyoursquollmake

YouseeElvis(sonamedbyour3year-oldtwinsafewyearsagowhoknownothingofhisnamesake)hasbecomealittlepartofourtraditionHemakes

appearancesthroughouttheyearandlikemanyelveshealsotendstobealittlemischievousuponhisldquoreturnrdquofromtheNorthPoleHehasplayedboardgamesreadstoriestostuffedbearsandmorerecentlyhewroteonthebathroommirrorinmyredlipsticknolessTherearecountlessotheranticssomeofwhicharedownrighthystericaland

putmyideastoshame(Irsquove heard of marshmallow fights toilet-papered Christmas trees and I had a friend spell out her elf rsquos name ldquoGingerbreadrdquo with her yarn on the living room floor)butthepointisthatthekidsenjoyandrememberit

Withmytwinsalmost7nowIknowtheyrsquollonlybelieveforsomuchlongersoIplantomakeitasmemorableasIcanWehopeyoursquolljoinusonthisadventuresobesuretolookforreminderstobringoutyourelvesthroughoutthecomingyear



justincaseweneedtocomebackquicklyYoudonrsquotevenneedtospendmuchmoneyItrsquosawonderfulbreakandachancetorememberwhoyouareasacouplenotjustasparents

Never underestimate the power of a dance party IamtotallyseriousWestartedthiswhentheboysweretoosmalltoevendanceontheirownWewouldtaketurnsandspineveryonearoundtothemusicBackthenwecalleditlsquoBabyDancePartyrsquoAstheygotalittlebiggeritbecamesomuchfunTheyactuallyaskforitonoccasionnowSometimesweevenaddglowsticksanddimthelightsItturnseventhemoststressfuldaysintoagoodday

MyoldesthasnowjustturnedsixandthetwinswillturnfivethissummerIpromiseyouitgetseasiertheoldertheygetLookingbackIspentthefirstfewyearswonderingwhenthingswouldevergetbetterandnotbesohardNowthattheboysareallgettingthatmuchmoreindependentIseethatitreallydoesallworkoutTherewillalwaysbeupsanddownsbutifyouandyourspousekeepthelinesofcommunicationopen---andremembertotaketimeforeachother---youwillgetthroughitinonepiece

Liza is a blogger and freelance writer She resides in Rhode Island with her husband and 3 active boys - a six year old and identical twin four year olds When she isnrsquot taking someone to sports practice or a game she can be found on her personal blog Cirarsquos

Lyrics writing about chaos and family She writes for an online shopping blog Buy-Her and is a reviewgiveaway writer at 5 Minutes for Mom Liza is also in the process of relaunching The Mommy Gamer - a blog about video gaming board games toys and all things entertainment for kids

lsquotil death do us part contd----myhusbandwouldlsquosleepinrsquoonSaturdaysandSundayswouldbemydaySurelsquosleepinginrsquomayhaveonlymeantuntil830ambutitsurebeattheusual5amwakeuptimewiththekids

If someone offers you help Take itAndrunNojustkiddingInthebeginningyoumayfindyourselftryingtotakeitallonSomeoneoffershelpandifyouarelikemeyouarequicktosaynoNomatterhowdespratelyyoumightwantthathelpyoualsowanttolooklikeyouhaveitallundercontrolThatdoesnrsquothelpanyoneTakethehelpwhateveritmaybeThereisnothingtofeelguilyaboutAcceptinghelpmakesyouabetterparent

Make date nightIdeallydatenightmeansgettingOUTofthehouseOnceamonthgetsomeonetowatchthekidssoyoucanhaveakid-freedinnerIfyouabsolutelycanrsquotgetoutplananightinforyouandyourspouseMakedinnerafterthekidsareinbedLightsomecandlesEvenifonlysittingonthecouchyouarestillspendingtimetogether

Get AwayWedothiseveryyearandIswearithelpssomuchOnegloriousweekendeachyeararoundourweddinganniversaryweleavethekidswithourparentsandheadoffbyourselvesWekeepfairlyclosetohome

soneofyourNewYearrsquosResolutionstolsquobehealthierrsquoDoyoufeellikebetterhealthisimpossibleorfindyourselfoverwhelmedwithalltheinformationavailablePerhapsyouhavedevelopedacertainlsquocomfortrsquowithsomeunhealthyhabitsYou are not aloneAsabusyparentofmultiplesyoumayfeelyoudonrsquothavetimetobehealthierButhealthierchoicesforyouwillhelpyoubeabetterparentBysettingrealisticgoalsandtakingbabystepstowardaccomplishingthemyouwillfindgreatsatisfactioninthenew-foundhealthieryouHerearesomesimplestepstobehealthierintheNewYearFocusononestepeachweekandbytheendoftwomonthsyoursquollhavemadesignificantprogress

Week 1 Prepare MentallyMakingachangeinlifestyleandmovingyourfamilytowardnaturally-improvedhealthtakesacommittedeffortTaketimethisweektomentallyprepareforthefocuseffortandcommitmentneededtobesuccessfulFindafriendtojoinyouAccountabilityraisesyourchanceforsuccessandapartnermakesitalotmorefun

Week 2 Get Your Beauty Sleep

Studiesrepeatedlyshowgetting7-9hoursofsleepgivesyouthestartyouneedtoconquerallthingshealthyBiggestbenefitsMoreenergyclearermindfewersickdaysandevenabettermetabolismPlusyouwillbemoresuitablyequipped

healthyhabits

to a healthier8NEW YOU

weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



tohandlelifebetterwhenyouarewellrestedMostkidsarenotgettingenoughsleepthesedayseitherTakealookatsomesleepguidelinesandtipsbyageattheCenterforDiseaseControlChancesarethatyourpreciouskiddosarealsoalittlesleepdeprived

Week 3 Get into the Exercise Groove Weallknowhowimportantexerciseisforourwell-beingbutarewefindingthetimeandenergytofititinWejustneedtoDOITDowhateverittakestohelpyougetyourgrooveonIfitrsquossimplytakingawalkeachmorningornightafterdinnerthenmakethatyourroutineIfyouneedafriendtostaycommittedlookuplocalexerciseclassesgymschedulesorplanyourwalkingorjoggingtimetogetherConsideralunchbreakwork-outorpushthosekidsinastrolleroutingOnlyafewminutesTryrunningthestairsdoingsomecalisthenics

orhittingthefloorforafewstretches

Week 4 Simplify and Squash out Stress SoundimpossiblePerhapswewonrsquotrealizesignificantstridesinthisareaimmediatelybutwecantakeactiontomakeimprovementsThisweekwhynotfocusonjustafewsimplestepstoreducestressFirstplanaheadHaveafamilycalendaravailableinplainviewandbesuretorecordthefamilyhappeningsLastminutelsquostressorsrsquocreateasenseofanxietyandpanicwhereasaplancanbringpeaceandefficiencytothedayNextdonrsquotdwellonwhatisoutofyourcontrolWorryingwreckstheadrenalglandsandallthatstresspumpsoutmorecortisolthananyofuswanteffectingourbodieslong-termFocusontodayevaluateyourtimewastersandworktoreduceoreliminatethem

Week 5 Take Time to be Pampered GoouttodinnerwithafriendhitthedayspaorclaimafewhoursofsolacerightinyourownhomeYoursquollbeamazedathowrefreshedyouareandhowmuchmoreefficientyouareafterwardsnottomentiontheimprovedmood

Week 6 Find Freedom not Fights in Your Finances FinancialwoeshithardallyearlongbutespeciallyaftertheHolidayspendingandtravelingIfyoudonrsquothaveabudgetthisisagreattimetomakeaplananddiveinYouwillindeedliveaHEALTHIERlifewhenyouarenotstressedorworriedoverfinancesorexcessdebtThereareplentyofresourcesonlineatchurchesorlocalfinancialcounselorsIfyoudonrsquothaveaplangetoneIfyouhaveonebuthavenrsquotbeenworkingitgiveyourselfpermissiontostartoverwithafreshslateandfindsomeonetohelpkeepyouaccountable

Week 7 Get a Grocery Cart Makeover NowitrsquostimetogetseriousaboutyourphysicalhealthWhenyougrabthatcartfocusonshoppingthePERIMETERofthestorewhereyoursquollfindfreshfruitsveggiesmeatsanddairyforthebulkofyourmealplanningandsnacksAvoidproductswithpreservativeshighsodiumhigherfatandsugarcontent---thoseinthe

Kristi Gonzalez owns and operates A amp K Healthy Living where she has offered

wellness and nutritional consulting for those seeking better health naturally for the past 13 years She enjoys helping others achieve a balanced approach to their health in the most natural way possible As a mother of 4 she realizes the importance of a safe and healthy home for her family as well as yours and realizes we all need a little help in attaining the energy and stamina we need to keep up with life

middleofthestoreLosethesodachipscrackerscookiesanddonutsAhealthydietwillgiveyourbodytheedgeonfightingdiseaseandinfectionaswellasmaintainingtheenergyandstaminayouneedtosurviveeachdayChoosepurifiedwateroversodaandjuiceAvoiddietfoodsChoosefruitorrawveggiesforsnacksDonrsquotexpectyourselftomasterthisDay1butmakeaDECISIONtokeepmovingforwardinyourquestforahealthierlifeandstartoverasoftenasisnecessary

Week 8 Out with the Old amp In with the New IfthelsquoOldrsquoisbadproductstoxicoverloadlackofnutritionalsupportetcthenitrsquostimeyoulookedatthelsquoNewrsquoWheremightyoustartFirstgetridofthetoxicproductsthatareharmfulandinsteaduselsquoGreenrsquocleaningandlaundryproductsandsafepersonal

careproductslikesoapandshampooAddingnutritionalsupplementstocoverforimperfectdietsandnutritionalgapsisnextinpriorityPeaceofmindandfewertripstothedoctorwithlessprescriptionswillbetheresultofthischangeTakealookatthewonderfulalternativehealthoptionsavailabletodayCheckoutyourlocalchiropractorormassagetherapisttohelpyoumaintaingoodhealthphysicallyandmentallyTakeneededstepstorepairsomeofthedamageofpastpoorchoicesaswellasstartpreventingfutureproblemsLookforhighqualitynaturalproductsyoucantrustandsupplementsthatarewholefoodsratherthansyntheticvarieties

Once You Put it All TogetherStartenjoyingbetterhealthRemembertogiveyourselfpermissiontostarteachday

freshevenifyoumadepoorchoicesthedaybeforePrettysoonyouwillfindyourselfinthemidstofgreathabitsforahealthierlife



i

bysommerharkins

rsquovealwaysimaginedmyselfasamotheraswithmanylittlegirlsIassumedmotherhoodasthenormalprogressiontowardbecomingafull-fledgedldquowomanrdquoIgrewuptheoldestoftwoandwithelevencousinsthatassumedtherolesofsurrogatebrothersandsisterssobeinginthecompanyofalotofchildrenwasnormalformeButtohavealargefamilymyselfIhadnrsquotevergivenmuchthoughttotheidea

Iseetheimage(or shall I say images)andthoughIKNOWwhatitisIrsquomseeingIcanrsquothelpbutaskldquowhatisthatshadowrdquoIscreechoutldquoOhmyGodrdquobeforethesonographerhasachancetoanswerldquoOhmyGodrdquoIsayoverandoverasifsomeonehashitrepeatonmyvoiceboxIwatchherstudyingoneblinkingheartbeatandthen

photo courtesy of heather wilson

thenextIcanrsquothelpbutthinkofhowsheshouldbepayingmoreattentiontomyheartbeatsinceitrsquosthreateningtogiveoutIamgrippedwithfearpictureAlfredHitchcockladyintheshowerstaringdowntheblade-ofndasha-butcher-knifetypeSHOCKandHORRORIturntowardmyhusbandandblurtldquoSaysomething---donrsquotjustsitthererdquoHelooksupfromunderhishatandIhearhimmumblingldquonewhousenewcarrdquoandsomethingelseIcanrsquotquitemakeoutSecondspassandthenasifbysomesurgeofnewfoundenergyhelooksupatmeagainhiseyeslockwithmineandassuredlyhetellsmeldquoWetakecareoffiveandwersquolltakecareofsevenrdquoJustlikethatasifheisunawareofourimminentdemiseButsomehowhiscalmnessbringsmeameasureofcomforttogetthroughtherestofthescan

Nowarningnofertilitytreatmentsnogenetics

justSURPRISEIrsquovebeenhoodwinked

IdonrsquotthinkofmuchelseatthatmomentImerelyrehearsehiswordsinmymindldquoWetakecareoffiveandwersquolltakecareofsevenrdquo

BynowyoursquorethinkingFIVEyeswealreadyhavefivechildrenAndbytodayrsquosstandardsof25kiddosfivechildrenwouldbeenoughtosendeventhemostwellintentionedldquosupermomrdquohidingbehindhercapeIneveractuallywantedfivechildrenAfterthebirthofourthirddaughterIdidwhatIfeltwasexpectedofmeanddeclaredthebabyshopldquoclosedforbusinessrdquoHowevermyhusbandandIagreedtoletGoddeterminewhetherornotwewouldbeparentstoafourthchildAndbeforethebreastmilkdriedonmybreastpadsthefifthchildcametobeandwewelcomedherjustaswedidthefourthThoughIneverwantedfivechildrenIcanrsquotimagineitanyotherwayHoweverIdidknowonethingaboutmychildbearingprospect---thatInevereverwantedtwins

Twins-double your pleasure- HUHDoubletheworkdoublethesleeplessnessdoubletheeverythingrequiredtotakecareofonechildIneversawthepleasureinhavingtwinsandwasrelievedtoknowthatIwouldneverexperienceitsincetwinsdefinitelydidnotruninmyfamilyormyhusbandrsquosforthatmatterSowhyamIleavingthedoctorrsquosoffice11weekspregnantwithtwinsNowarningnofertilitytreatmentsnogeneticsjustSURPRISEIrsquovebeenhoodwinkedHowdosixpregnanciesproducesevenchildrenIrodehomeinahazeIjustsatthereababyfilledblobWhat To Expect When Yoursquore ExpectingdoesnrsquotdothissituationjusticeIspentthenextfewweeksinthesamehazethatfollowedmehomefromthedoctorrsquosofficeIknowhowtohaveonebabybuttwoIdidnrsquotknowwheretobeginIwantedtofeelsomethinganythingexceptforthisfuzzthatwaswheremybrainusedtobe

WhatrsquosnextIrsquovealwayslikedthegenuinenessofeverythingonYouTubethereisnopretensejustordinarypeopleattheirbestandsometimesattheirworstsharingwhateverfortheentireworldtoseeSoItypeinldquotwinpregnancyrdquoandatonofvideospresentthemselvestomeSuddenlytheseladiesbecomemybabymentorsandIfindmyselfsigningonfortheirpregnancyupdatesIwatchasthesewomenshareaboutthe

occasionalpainswolleneverythingunrelentingstretchingandevenbedrestHowevernoneofthemaredeterredfrombringingtheirlittleonesintotheworld

AfterweeksofviewingvideosIbegintofeelabudofexcitementmixedwithanxietybutexcitementnonethelessIconsumeanythingandeverythingIcangetmyhandsonabouttwinsMysearchesyieldanewmessageformetoponderinsteadofdoomandgloomIbegintofeelblessedIstarttorealizethatatwinpregnancyistrulyawonderofnatureInsteadoffearingtheprocessIembraceitandwelcomethethoughtofthesechildrenintomyheart

At16weeksintothiswonderandamazementIamoverjoyedandforthefirsttimeIfeelTHEMmoveItrsquosamazingIfeeltheirbumpsandjumpsasmybellystretchestomakeroomforthemIamthankfulforthesebeautifulgiftsgivenoutoflovethatIneverknewIwantedbutamsogladtohave

Sommer Harkins is a wife and full-time mother to five children As a mom to many she knows first-hand the challenges of motherhood for women whether working in or outside of the home In her pursuit toward ldquojoyfulrdquo motherhood coupled with her desire to help other women

Sommer founded Mom Enthusiastically Through Mom Enthusiastically she assists mothers in the area of ldquohome managementrdquo with the hope of inspiring moms to revitalize homes She also aspires to incorporate her passion for writing as a means to encourage moms through humor honesty and compassion



AsamilitarywifeandmotheroftwosetsoftwinsIunderstandfirst-handthedailychallengesofraisingmultipleswhilebeingamilitaryfamilyMyfamilyiscurrentlyexperiencingtheirseconddeploymentandIhavelearnedafewtipsalongwayabouthowtosurviveThoughthislistcancertainlybeaddeduponthefollowingtipsareessentialpriortodeployments

1 Come up with a plan of actionforeverydayoutingswiththekidsdoctorrsquosappointmentsandgroceryshoppingTherearetimeswhenoursoldierswillbeintrainingordeployedoverseasforlongperiodsoftimeItisextremelyimportantthatyouhaveaplanforoutingswhenyourspousecannotphysicallybearoundtohelpInmyownexperiencegroceryshoppingwithonesetoftwinswasnotsobadwhenIhadanextrasetofhandsAfterIhadmysecondsetoftwinsandmanytoddlertantrumslaterIrealizedtheimportanceofhavingagameplansetfor

bygabriellemorel

howtosurviveamilitarydeployment

with multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f cas

sie

leig

h ph

otog

raph

y

eventheshortestshoppingtripwithmychildrenThewayIshoppedinthebeginningofthedeploymentwasusingldquomommyhooksrdquoonmystrollerandreusablecanvasshoppingbagsTheldquomommyhooksrdquoishelpfulforsmallgroceryrunsorerrandsbutisnotsufficientforlongershoppingtripssincetwinscanloseinterestquicklyEvenwithmytoddlertwinstheldquomommyhooksrdquomethodstillworkedbutmypreferredmethodistheldquopushthestrollerorpulltheshoppingcartrdquoIwasabletostockupondiapersandformulawithmytwinsactivelyengaginginshoppingratherthanmakingmanysmalltripstothesupermarket

2 Have the appropriate set of (stroller) wheelsIfyouhaveyoungchildrenitisveryimportantthatyouhavetherightsetofwheelstotransportyourmultiplesaroundIsyourstrollerabletofitthroughstandarddoorsCanyouloadandunloadthestrollerbyyourselfDoyouhaveabackupstrollerincasesomethinghappenstoitTheseareimportantquestionstoaskbeforeyourspousedeploysInthebeginningofourmostrecentdeploymentIrealizedIhadnoideahowmyhusbandfoldedourValcoTriBabystrollerorhowheplaceditinthetrunkofourvanwithanadditionalseatThiswasevidentonadaythatmychildrenwereextremelyfussyIwasstrugglingoutsideinthecoldtryingtofindouthowtofitthestrollerandourgrocerieswereinthevanDoyourselfafavorandlearnhow

tofoldyourstrollerandloaditintoyourvehiclebeforeyourspousedeploys

3 Come up with a plan for emergenciesMurphyrsquosLawWhatcangowrongwillgowrongNoonelikesthethoughtoftheirchildbeinghurtbutifforanyreasonyou(oryourchildren)havetotakeatriptotheEmergencyRoom(ER)youwillneedtohaveaplanreadyThenightmyhusbandleftforhisfirstdeploymentIhadtotakemydaughtertotheERbecauseshewaswheezingandherlipsturnedblueShewasokaybutIwasnrsquotpreparedforthetripWespenthoursintheERwithoutanytoystoentertainmybabiesortheircomfortblanketstohelpthemsleepIreallysuggesthavingahospitalbagreadyatalltimesfullofallyourmultiplesrsquoessentialsdiaperschangeofclothesnon-perishablesnacksbabyessentials(ifapplicable)abookortwotoreadafavoritetoyforeachchildandafavoriteblankettohelpthemnapwhileyouallwaitKeepitclosetoyourfrontdoorsoyoucangrabitonthewayoutthedoor

4 Have a support system in placeAsmilitaryfamilieswearealwaysmovingaroundleavingthesupportsystemoffamilyandfriendsbehindWedonrsquothavetheluxuryofdroppingourchildrenoffwithGrandmaforthedayandgoingoutkid-freeThegoodnewsisthatthereareothermilitaryspouseswhoareinthesamesituationGetoutthereandtrytomakefriendswithpeople

whoshareyourinterestsorevenotherparentsofmultiplesAlsotakeadvantageofrespitecareavailableonyourmilitaryinstallationoratyourlocalYMCAThisserviceoffersasetamountofhourspermonthofchildcareforfreewhenyourspouseisdeployed

Whetheryoursoldierisgoneforamonth-longfieldexerciseora12-monthdeploymentitisimportantforyoutohaveaplanofactioninplaceHavingaplanbringspeaceofmindnotonlytoyourspousebutforyourselfYoursquollbeabletosendyoursoldierofftodotheirjobknowingthatyoucandothingsonyourownwithyourmultiplesYoursquollbereassuredinknowingthatwhentimesgethardandyoucanrsquotdothingsonyourownyouhaveasupportsystemandaback-upplantogetyouthrough

Gabrielle Morel is the mother of two sets of twins

one identical set (3yrs old) and one fraternal set (1yrs old) She is an Army wife whose family is currently in the midst of their second deployment In her spare time she writes for her website From-the Frontline and writes weekly contributions for Mami of Multiples a popular parenting site When shersquos not writing or crafting she serves as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader for her husbandrsquos unit Find Morel on Facebook and on Twitter as the ThingMom To Morel there isnrsquot anything better in this life than a busy schedule and a cup of hot black coffee



bookreviewforpreschoolersampfamilies

for the little onesFindingalphabetbooksforyourpreschoolersiseasyHoweverifyoursquorelookingforbooksyouwillenjoyreadingtoyourchildrenasmuchastheyenjoyhearingthemlookforthesegems

Chicka Chicka Boom BoombyBillMartinJrampJohnArchambaultParentsandchildrenalikewilladorethisclassictaleofallthealphabetlettersclimbingthecoconuttreeTherhymeandrhythmarepleasantforreadingaloudandencouragesmemorizationIllustrationsintroducebothlower-anduppercaseletters

Alligators All AroundbyMauriceSendekSendekfamousforWhere the Wild

agametrypoppingsomepopcornmixingupsomehotcocoaandcuddlingonthecouchforaneveningofreadingabookaloudtogetherHerearesomeideas

My Fatherrsquos DragonbyRuthStilesGannettChildrenas

youngasthreewillenjoylisteningtotheadventuresofElmerashetravelsacrosstheglobeonanadventuretorescueadragonHepackssomeverystrangethingsinhisbackpackbut

makesverygoodandcleveruseofthemonhisjourneyThechaptersareshortandifeveryonetakesturnsyourfamilycouldfinishitinonlyafeweveningsAndyoucancontinuetofollowElmerrsquosadventuresinthesequelsElmer and the DragonandThe Dragons of Blueland (Ages 3+)

Sarah Plain and TallbyPatriciaMacLachlanisanothersweetandshortstoryCalebandAnnadonrsquothaveamotherandtheirPapaislonelyHeputsanadinthenewspaperandSarahcomestotheprairiesfromMainetotrythemoutTheygettoknoweachotherbutAnnacantellSarahgreatlymissesMaineWillSarahstayandbetheirMamaOrwillshegobackhomeFollowthefamilyinthesequelsSkylark Calebrsquos Story More Perfect Than the MoonandGrandfatherrsquos Dance (Ages 4+)

Mrs Piggle-WigglebyBettyMacDonaldIfyouwantorneedagoodlaughpickupanyofMacDonaldrsquosMrs

Things ArewrotedozensofchildrenrsquosbooksincludingAlligators All AroundInthisalphabetbookSendekfollowsafamilyofalligatorsastheyacttheirwaythroughthealphabet-includingburstingballoonsandjugglingjellyIllustratedinSendekrsquossignaturestylesomeofthesealligatoranticswillmakechildrengiggle

I StinkbyKateampJimMcMullanI StinkfollowsagarbagetruckaroundNewYorkCityasitpicksupthetrashItpicksupthetrashinalphabeticalorderandincludesgrossstuff(leftoverzitiwithzucchini)tothrillpreschoolboysJimrsquosillustrationsareboldandcolorfulenoughtocaptureanywigglyboyrsquosattention

family favoritesLongwintereveningsathomebegforfamilytimeInsteadofpullingoutamovieoreven

bymichelleleichty

ask the veterans

twins beyond the twos

Piggle-WigglebooksWithnochildrenofherownMrsPiggle-WigglecertainlyhasplentyaroundInfactparentssendtheirchildrentoMrsPiggle-Wigglewhentheyhaveaproblemtheycannotseemtosolve-likewhentheirchildrefusestopickuptoysThechildrenrsquosproblemsarefamiliarbutextremeandMrsPiggle-WigglersquoscuresarehilariousTheoriginalbooksaregemsworthreadingagainandagainandincludeMrs Piggle-Wiggle Mrs Piggle-Wigglersquos Magic Hello Mrs Piggle-Wiggle Mrs Piggle-Wigglersquos Farm (Ages 4+)

Detectives in TogasbyHenryWinterfeldChildrenandadultsalikewillenjoythissuspensefulmysterysetinAncientRomeAlthoughfullofactionitrsquosalsofullofhumorastheboysofXantippusrsquoschooltrytofigureoutwhoframedtheirclassmateRufusAsidebenefitislearningabouthowchildreninAncientRomelivedandinteractedwithadults

Michelle Leichty has read and continues to read hundreds of books to her

four children in the course of their homeschooling journey She blogs about her favorite childrenrsquos books at wwwKidsBooksThatRockcom Click here to learn more about her writing business

Q What can I expect in regard to separation when my twins begin elementary schoolManyparentsknowhowunequivocallyimportanteducationisfortheirchildrenbutparentsofmultiplesalwayshaveseveralotherfacetswithwhichtodeal---primarilythedecisionofwhetherornottokeepthetwinstogetherWhilesomeschoolsarereceptivetoparentsrsquoopinionsmoreoftenthannotparentsoftwinsaretolditisagainsttheschoolrsquospolicywheninfactnosuchpolicyexists

Sincearound2005therearenowlawsthatprotectparentsrsquochoicebuttheyvarybystatewhichiswhyyoushoulddoyour

researchAgreatresourcecanbefoundatwwwtwinslawcom

Tracymomtotriplets(identicaltwindaughtersandson)keptthemtogetherthroughoutpreschoolbutfeltachangenecessarywhenitwastimetostartBigKidSchoolShenoticedhergirlsdideverythingfortheirbrotherbutseemedindependentofeachother

ldquoAlthoughitwastoughtoseehimhavetogoonhisownIamproudtosaytheyallsoared---evenallgettingTerrificKidAwardsThattrulymademefeellikeIdidtherightthingrdquo



theyrsquo

t heyrsquoretwinsIheariteverytimeIintroducethegirlstosomeonenewIheariteverytimeItakethemshoppingforclothingorshoesIhearitatthemostunexpectedmomentsintimeandsometimesIcanpredictitmomentsbeforeitwillbesaidAndsometimesithurtsIrememberthemomentIfoundoutIwasexpectingtwinslikeitwasyesterdayIsupposemostmothersofmultiplesdoIhadnotexpectedtogetanappointmentforasonogramsoquickly-nextdayinfact-andsoItoldmyhusbandhedidnrsquotneedtocomeIdidnrsquotwanthimtohavetochangehisscheduleandinconveniencehispatientstoattendaroutinefirstsonogramthekindofwhichhehadalreadyattendedtwicebeforeldquoIrsquollcallyouwhenitrsquosoverrdquoItoldhim

TherewasnowaitinginthewaitingroomthatdayIrsquodgonetotheradiologydepartmentofoneofthemedicalcentersIhadonceworkedatandwastoldtocomerightinTheRadiologytechwelcomedmeandgotright

toworkImademyselfcomfortableonthetableandturnedtolookatthescreenJustasImovedmyheadthetechsaidtomeldquoIcanrsquotbelieveyoudidthattomerdquoldquoWhatdidIdordquoIaskedldquoIcanrsquotbelieveitrdquoshesaidagainAlittleembarrassedIsaidldquoIrsquomsorryImovedrdquoAndthenshelaiditonme

ldquoYoursquovegottwoupinthererdquoldquoExcusemerdquoIaskedldquoYoursquovegottwointhererdquoshesaidldquoTwinsrdquoIaskedjokinglyldquoUhhuhrdquo

MyhusbandcalledasIdrovehomeandaskedmeifeverythingwasOKItoldhimwewereexpectingtwinsAtthatmomentourliveschangedinawaywenevercouldhaveanticipated

WefoundoutrightawaythatthegirlswerefraternalIunderstoodthattheywouldnotbeidenticalIneverhadacluethoughjusthowdifferenttheywouldbeIrsquodheardeverystorypossiblefromallofmyfriendswhohadfriendsorfamilymemberswithtwinsThestoriesgenerallyrevolvedarounddifferencesinpersonality(oneisfunnyandtheotheroneisserious)orinpersonalstyleButIalwaysexpectedsomesimilarityinappearanceordemeanor

ThetruthistheyweredifferentrightoutofthegateOneweighed9ouncesmorethantheotherOnehaddarkhairandonewasblondeBlondeYesblondeInafamilyofbrunettesablondewasborn

ldquoBlondierdquoaswenicknamedherandwouldpronouncethesamewayEliWallachrsquoscharacterldquoTucordquodidinthemovieldquoTheGoodTheBadandTheUglyrdquodidnrsquotlooklikehertwinsisterorheroldersisterInfactBlondiersquostwinandoldersisterscouldpassfortwinswereitnotfortheiragedifferenceBlondiewasandstillisaremindertomyhusbandandmeabouthowbeautifulandrandomlifecanbeShewasldquoTwinBrdquoSheisnomorespecialorbeautifulorimportanttousthanorherolderortwinsistersareIsayitsimplybecausesheisuniquetous

AstimepassedthedifferencescontinuedtobecomemorenoticeableldquoMamardquonicknamed(contd on pg 42)

twinsre

when others just donrsquot understandbymariaameliabazdekis

photo courtesy of firewife photography multiplicity themust-havemagazineforallmomsofmultiples 31


yhandstrembledasheldtheplasticstickandwatchedindisbeliefastwopinklinesimmediatelyappearedindicatingwhatIrsquodbeentryingtopushoutofmymindallweekIwaspregnantAndmyidenticaltwingirlswereonly15monthsold

DoIevenhavetomentionthatthiswasnotplannedMymindwasawhirlwindofthoughtsemotionsandworstcasescenariosastherealitysunkinthatwewereunexpectedlyexpectingIdonrsquotenjoybeingpregnantmybodydoesnrsquothandleitwellHowwouldIcopewiththeexhaustionandgrowingbellywhilechasingtwotoddlersaroundWouldIdeveloppreeclampsiaagainWouldhavinganewbabybeadetrimenttowhatwouldhavenormallybeenareallyfunagewithmytwinsCouldweevenaffordthisonouralreadytightbudget

Icriedforthreedays

WhenamotheroftwinsannouncesshersquosexpectingagainshersquosoftenmetwithlooksofsurpriseandtheinvasivequestionofwhetherornotitwasonpurposeWhyonearthwouldyouwantanotherchildafterhavingtwinsAreyoucrazyOrasafriendofmineputitldquoIjustthoughtyouweredonesinceyoualreadyhadtwordquo

TheobviousfactisthatthereisnolimittotheamountofchildrensomeoneshouldhaveThereisnoquotaItrsquosaverypersonaldecisionbasedoneachcouplersquosuniqueideaofwhattheywanttheirfamilytobeIftheygettomakethatdecisionthatisSomefamiliesstruggletoevenhaveone

should we have anotherwhy Irsquom glad the decision was made for mebyleighanntorres

m

childSomelikeusseemtogetpregnantjustbylookingatourbed

ItrsquosnotuncommonforparentswhohadmultiplesthefirsttimearoundtotoywiththeideaofwantingmorechildrenManyfindthemselveswantingtoexperiencewhatitrsquosliketohaveldquojustonerdquo--achancetoreclaimthoselostmomentsofbabyhoodthatgotoverlookedduetothesheeramountofworkandbabyjugglingthatensued

OnebabytofeedinthemiddleofthenightOnebabytotendtoduringthedayOnebabytorocktosleepfornaps

ButinrealityitrsquosnotjustoneItrsquosoneinadditiontothetwothreeormorethatarealreadythereWhenwebroughtZoehomewemarveledathoweasyitwastotakecareofherShewaseasyThetwinswereeasyButitwasthedynamicofthethreeofthemthatthrewusforaloopThatfirstyearhavingthreechildrenwas

undeniablythehardestyearofmylifeLikeIfearedIdevelopedmildpreeclampsiaputtingmeonbedrestforthelastsixweeksofmyalreadygruelingpregnancyAfterZoewasbornweweremostlyhomeboundagainsavefortheoccasionalplaydateIfeltalienatedfrommyfriendswhowereplanningtripstothelocalfirestationorzoomeanwhileIcouldnrsquotrememberthelasttimeIhadshoweredIbegantoresentthemforwhatIviewedtobetheireasyliveswithldquojusttwinsrdquo

AthomekeepingthebabysafefromcuriousproddinghandsprovedtobeachallengeMyfantasyofshowingmytoddlershowtoholdthebabyturnedintotheirfourhandsversusmytwopokingproddingandevensmackingherpoorlittleheadTheywouldtrytositonherinherbouncychairoractivitymatpushandpokeherintheswingortosstheirtoysintotheport-a-cribThesafestplaceitseemedwasinmyarmsandboywasIexhaustedBecauseofherimpeccabletimingIdevelopedaknackforcreativemultitaskingItwasnrsquot

uncommonformetobesimultaneouslynursingthebabyandcuttinguporangesIbecameamasterofjugglingIadministeredmanyatime-outwhilebouncingacryinginfantorworeherinaslingsoIcouldkeepherhappyandkeepmyhandsfreetopushhersistersontheswingsIreadbookstomybiggirlswhileholdingtheirsleepingsister

DespitethedifficultiesthejugglingandthefrustrationsIheldIrockedInappedwithherinmyarmswheneverIcouldIgottoexperiencethepleasureofsnugglingonebabyfreefromtheguiltthatoftenplaguedmewhenthetwinswereinfants

ThereisnorightorwronganswertothequestionofwhetherornottoaddanotherchildtoyourfamilyItrsquosaverypersonaldecisionIttookmeawhiletocometotermswiththenewsthatIwaspregnantbutIcansaywithconfidencethatIrsquomgladithappenedthiswayHadwebeenfaced

withmakingthedecisionourselvesIrsquomnotsurewewouldhaveevertakentheplungeOurfamilyoffourwassosquareandperfectandwewerecontentwithwhatwehadIsawthisnewbabyasanintrudersomeonewhowasgoingtomessupourchicausinghorribleimbalanceanddisruptingourperfectlivesAndshedidButwhenIlookatthislittlegirlwhoisaperfectminiatureversionofmyselfIrememberthefearIfeltasIheldthatplasticstickIrememberthinkingIcouldneverloveanotherchildlikeIlovedmytwins

LifewithtwinsandanotherchildisfarfromeasyButinhindsightitcouldnrsquotbeamoreaccuratepictureofwhatmyhusbandandIenvisionedforourfamily

Leigh Ann Torres is a freelance writer and blogger living in Austin TX A mom to three year old identical twins and a bonus baby she blogs about the good and the bad at Genie in a Blog Shersquos sometimes funny sometimes poignant but always real

Many find themselves wanting to experience what it rsquos like to have ldquojust onerdquoin reality itrsquos not just one It rsquos one in addition to the two three or more that are already there



Just Do Italone time

healthy parenting happy twinsbyjoanfriedmanphd

photo courtesy of simona balint

fewmonthsagoIwasspeakingtoamultiplesgroupandatwinfather-to-beaskedmethefollowingquestionIfyouweretochoosebetweenfamilytimeandalonetimewitheachtwinwhichoptionismostbeneficialSincehehadbeenlisteningtomytalkforquiteawhileIdonrsquotimaginehewassurprisedtohearmesaythatalonetimeismoreimportantwhentwinsareyoungHeseemedabitperturbedbymyresponsebecauseheclearlyfeltthatfamilytimewasthepreferableanswerFortunatelymanyofthemoreseasonedparentsintheaudiencechimedintoagreewithmeOnemomsharedapoignantpersonalstorythatresonatedwithmanyofusintheroomSheandherpreschooltwindaughterweretogetheratacoffeeshopHertwinsonandoldersonwerenotwiththemSittingldquoalonerdquotogetherwithherpreschoolagedaughtersherecognizedhowemotionallydisconnectedshefeltShestruggledtomakemeaningfulconversationMomvowedtospendtimealonewithherdaughterinordertoaddresshermaternalsenseofsadnessandlossShehappilyreportedthatthealonetimesolutionworkedwondersandhelpedherfeelenormouslyreassuredandoptimisticaboutherattachmentwithherdaughter

ThebeautyofincorporatingalonetimeinyourscheduleisthatitisnevertoolatetobeginanditdoesnotrequireanenormoussacrificeintermsoftimeInrealityittakessomeplanningalongwithacommitmenttomakingalonetimewitheachtwinapriorityinthefamilyroutineTimealonewitheachtwincanbesimpleanduncomplicatedAlonetimecanbegivingthetwinsseparatebathsreadingbooksbeforebedtimendashoneatatimetakingonetwinonanerrandandleavingtheotheroneathomewithyourpartnerorhelperwalkingaroundtheblockwithoneandgoingtotheparkwiththeotherNaturallyitisimportanttotaketurnssothateachtwinpredictablyexpectsthathisspecialtimewillcomeMomsoftwinswhodonothavehelpoftenmakearrangementswithothermomsoftwinstosharebabysittingduties

sothattheycanleaveonetwinandthenreturnthefavoranothertimeThealonetimeactivityitselfissecondarytotheemotionalpleasureexperiencedbyspendingtimealonewitheachtwinThefocusedattentionandattunementthatyoucangiveeachchildduringthesemomentsofalonetimecontributetobuildingasecurerelationshipwithyouaswellasonersquostwinThetimeapartfromonersquostwinsiblinghelpsparentsgettoknoweachtwinwithouttheinterferenceoftheother

Moreoftenthannotmanyparentsoftwinsdonotunderstandwhyspendingtimealonewitheachtwinissoimportanttoatwinrsquosemotionalwell-beingSomeareundertheimpressionthatthetwinsrsquorelationshipwitheachotheristhemostimportantconnectionInfactoftenparentsofyoungtwinsaremesmerizedbytheirbabiesrsquoconnectionandconcernforoneanotherNodoubttwinsdohaveaspecialanduniqueconnectiontooneanotherConsequentlyparentsworrythatseparating

thetwinstotakethemoutbythemselveswillbedisturbinganddetrimentaltothetwinrelationshipNaturallyifthetwinsareunaccustomedtobeingaparttherewillbeaperiodofadjustmentforallinvolvedParentshavetoworkouttheirconcernsandmakealonetimea

familyprioritysothatthechildrenandparentsareonboardwiththeseplansInaveryshorttimethetwinswillgetaccustomedtothisroutineandwilleagerlylookforwardtotimealonewithmomdadorasignificantother

TwinsneedandcraveexclusiveattentionItisatreatforthemtobewithlovingadultswhoaresolelyfocusingonthemItprovidesashortrespitefromsharingthelimelightfightingforattentionandrecognitionandbeingconstantlycomparedandlabeledAlonetimeisagiftyougivetoyourtwinsaswellastoyourselfOnceyouovercomewhateveremotionalorpracticalobstaclesandmakethecommitmenttoalonetimewithyourtwinsyouwillfeelrewardedandpleasedItrsquosabreezetogogrocery (contd)shoppingwithonechildItrsquosheavenlytohave

a

ldquoThe beauty of incorporating alone

time in your schedule is that it is never too late

to beginrdquo



itrsquos tax timeItrsquosthattimeofyearagainWhileusuallyadreadedchoreparentsofmultiplescanrejoiceasmanyfavorabletaxprovisionshavebeenextendedthrough2012including

Marriage penalty reliefTheincreasedstandarddeductionandexpanded15bracketformarriedtaxpayersfilingjointlywillremain

Child tax creditThe$1000creditperchildremains(it was scheduled to revert to $500 after 2010)ThankstotheldquoadditionalchildtaxcreditrdquoyoumaybeabletotakethecreditANDgetataxrefundevenifyoudonrsquotpayenoughincometaxtotaketheentirechildtaxcreditagainstwhatyoupaid

Earned income credit Theincreasedstartingandendingpointsfortheearnedincomecreditandtheincreaseinthecreditamountforfamilieswiththreeormorequalifyingchildrenwillremain

Child and dependent care creditRuleswillremainliberalized(allowingthecredittobecalculatedbasedonupto$3000ofexpensesforonedependentorupto$6000formorethanone)Dependingonyourincomelevelyoucouldgetacreditofupto35ofthemoneyyoupaidforchildcarewhileyouworkedorlookedforworkRemembertoaskyourchildcareproviderfortheirtaxIDnumber

Reduced tax ratesThereducedtaxbracketsof1015252833and35willremaininplacefor2011and2012butarescheduledtorevertto15283136and396in2013

Capital gainsThelowercapitalgainstaxrateof15(0fortaxpayersinthe10and15taxbrackets)hasbeenextendedthrough2012

Itemized deductions and personal exemptionsProposeditemizeddeductionphase-outsandpersonalexemptionphase-outshavebeentabledfortwoyearsthrough2012

Herearefourbasictaxtipstoconsiderfor2011and2012

1Plantocontributethemaximumtoyour401k($17000)toreduce2012taxableincome

Good news for taxpayers with multiples byannreilleygugle

photo courtesy of svilen milev

2Considermakinga2011contributiontoaregularIRAbyApril15th---itmayreduceyourtaxableincomefor2011dependingonyouradjustedgrossincome(AGI)Thatrangeisfrom$92000to$112000forcouplesfilingjointlyIfonlyonespouseiscoveredbyanemployerplanthephase-outzonefordeductingacontributionfortheuncoveredspouseishigherndashAGIfrom$173000-$1830003Rolloverany401kplansfrompreviousemployersndashitgivesyoumoreinvestmentoptionsYouthenalsohavetheoptiontoconvertthisIRArollovertoaROTHIRAin2012withtheideaofpayingthetaxin2012whiletheratesarelowerTheadvantageofthisisthatallfutureinvestmentgainsontheaccountwouldbetax-freegoingforwardThismakesparticularsenseifyourinvestmentshavebeenbeatendownandyouhavemanyyearsuntilretirement

4Setuporcontinuetocontributeto529plansforthosemultiplesCollegecostscontinuetoriseandforthosewithyoungermultipleswithlongtimehorizonsnowisabettertimetoevertoinvestandenjoythebenefitoftaxfreeearningsYoucangiftupto$26000percoupleperchildperyearwithoutincurringgifttaxes

SowithallthosegreattipsinminditrsquostimetopulloutthatfilefolderandstartorganizingandpreparingthosedocumentsHappy saving

Ann Reilley Gugle is a Principal at Alpha Financial Advisors an independent fee-only firm based in Charlotte NC Annrsquos expertise includes building comprehensive financial plans for clients that integrate all aspects

of her clientrsquos finances including investment management insurance tax planning

and estate planning Ann has 8 year old twin boys and two daughters age 10 and 6 She is currently serving as treasurer on the NOMOTC Convention Committee for this yearrsquos national convention in Charlotte

just do it contd --------dinneroutwithonechildAsonemothertoldmeyouhaveamuchwiderselectionofbetterrestaurantswhenyouhaveonlyonetwinwithyouItrsquosaterrificdevelopmentalaccomplishmentforyoutoseethatyourtwinscanhandlebeingapartfromeachotherandlookforwardtotheexperienceForparentsalonetimeprovidesopportunitiestodiscovereachtwinrsquosuniquenessandsensibilities

Whiletwinsdohaveaspecialconnectionchildrencannotbenurturedbyasame-agesiblingItistheparentswhoprovidetheimportantemotionalnutrientsthatsolidifyhealthyattachmentswithothersTwinswhoseparentshavetakenthetimeandtroubletocarveouttimealoneandprovidevaryingdegreesofseparateexperiencesgrowuptohavethehealthiestadultrelationshipsTwinsinthesecircumstanceshavenotexperiencedexcessivedependenceontheirsiblingsbecausetheirparentshavebeentheirprimaryattachmentfiguresSingletonsrarelydependsocompletelyontheirsiblingsUnliketwinstheyhavetofacetheirdevelopmentalchallengesontheirownTheyattendpreschoolwithoutabestfriendgoonplaydatesbythemselvesandnavigatesocialrelationshipsontheirownItisimportantforparentsoftwinstorealizethatattimeshavinganotherpersonaroundallthetimecanpreventachildfromtakingrisksfeelingself-reliantandmanagingseparationanxiety

ThinkaboutldquoalonetimerdquoasalifechangingcommitmentTrytomakeitpartofyourdailyroutineandfamilyritualsWhetheritistakingturnstowalkoutsidetogetthemailhavingseparateplaydatesorenrollingindifferentafterschoolactivitiesyourtwinswillreaptherewardsofahealthierrelationshipwithyouandtheirtwin

Joan A Friedman PhD is a critically acclaimed twin expert mother of adult twins and an identical twin herself She is the author of Emotionally Healthy Twins She has just completed her second book entitled My Self Your Self a breakthrough

book that offers guidance to adult twins adjusting to difficulties traced to their twinship Dr Friedman is an avid spokeswoman and advocate for fair treatment of twins in the media education and psychology



hewinterseasonbringscoolertemperaturesandanincreasedlikelihoodthatourkidswillgetsickespeciallywithacoldorthefluForparentsoftwinsormorethechancesoftendingtoahouseholdofsickchildrenandtakingnumeroustripstothedoctorrsquosofficearedoubled--eventripledldquoWhenoneofmygirlsissickyouknowtheotheroneisgoingtogetit--whetheritrsquosthenextdayorthenextweekrdquosaysTammieWhitakeramomoffour-year-oldtwingirlsldquoAtleastwhenithappensrightawayIknowIrsquollbesleepingagainsoonrdquo

TripstothedoctorincreaseduringthewinterwhentheviralinfectionsthatcausethecoldandflurunrampantThetopconcernfor

parentsduringanillnessiswhethertheirchildisinanydangersaysDrArthurLavinMDapediatricianfatheroftwingirlsandco-authorofldquoWhorsquostheBossMovingFamiliesFromConflicttoCollaborationrdquo

ldquoItrytobeverycleartoparentswherethelineisforeachillnessldquoLavinsaysldquoForcoldsandflusweworrymostwhenachildisstrugglingtobreatheorhavingsymptomsofseverepainastiffneckortheinabilitytowakeupForstomachflusweadddecreasedurinationtothelistofconcernsrdquo WhiletheissuesallparentsfacewithwinterviralinfectionsarethesamethekeydifferenceforparentsoftwinsormultiplesisasalwaysintensityldquoItismuchhardertohavetwinssick

winter woeshow to hang when the kids are feeling the bluesbybethstrauss

Whiletheissuesallparentsfacewithwinterviralinfectionsarethesamethekeydifferenceforparentsoftwinsormultiplesisasalwaysintensity

t

winter woes

withabadcoldthanjustonechildillrdquoLavinsaysOthercommonconcernsthatcomeupinthedoctorrsquosofficerangefromtheappearanceofarashonachildrsquosskinandwhethertheirlungsarecleartohowtostopacoughatnightorgettheirchildtostopspittinguptheirmedicineParentsoftwinswithspecialneedstypicallyhaveaddedconcernswhentheirchildrenbecomeillldquoWhenmyboysgetsickitrsquosalwaysaconcernwhetherornottheyaregettingenoughcaloriesrdquosaysAprilBeardamomofthree-year-oldtwinboyswhowerebornprematureandareautisticldquoIusuallymodifywhattheyareeatingusingsomerecipesmydoctorhasprovidedtomakesuretheyarenotlosingtoomanycaloriesduringtheirillnessrdquoLavinsaysviralinfectionspresentdangerstochildrenwithspecialneedsspecifictotheirparticularsituationForexampleifyouhaveachildwhohasasuppressedimmunesystemyourdoctorwillpayspecialattentiontoensuringaseriousbacterialinfectionhasnrsquotdevelopedevenwiththemostviral-lookingfeverOrifachildhasashuntoracatheteryourdoctormaybeconcernedaboutwhetherashuntinfectionhasdevelopedifthechildhasafeverBeyondthedangersthatanillnesscanpresenttotheirchildrenmanyparentsoftwinsormultipleswanttoknowwhattheycandotohelptheirkidsavoidgettingsickinthefirstplaceSometipsforhelpingyourkidsavoidgettingsickthiswinterinclude

Get flu vaccinations-Mostdoctorsrecommendchildrensixmonthsandupgetoneinthefalleveryyearandthisisespeciallyimportantforparentsoranyothercaregiversinwhichthemultiplesmaycomeinfrequentcontact

Wash hands frequently-GermsarespreadeasilyamongchildrenbecausetheytendtoputtheirhandsontheirfacesandintheirmouthsWashingtheirhandsfrequentlyespeciallywhentheyhavebeeningerm-ridden

environmentscanhelppreventthespreadofgermsUsehandsanitizerswhensoapandwaterarenrsquotavailable

Wipe down common surfaces with Lysol or Clorox wipes-Itemslikecarseatsoraplaytablethattendtocarrygermsshouldbewipeddownatleastweeklytohelppreventillness

Take a multivitamin-SupplementahealthydietforyourtwinswithamultivitamineverydaytohelpkeepthemhealthyMakesureyourkidseatplentyoffruitsandvegetables

Watch for sharing of items that could spread germs-IfyoutwinsaredrinkingfromabottleorsippycuptrytoavoidallowingthemtodrinkfromeachotherrsquosbottleorcupThesamegoesfortoothbrushesIfyouusesalinenosedropsbuyseparatebottlesforeachchildandlabelthem

Get plenty of sleep-RestissoimportantbothphysicallyandmentallyforyourtwinsrsquooverallhealthMakesuretheyaregettingtherecommendedamountofsleepfortheirageeachday

Whilesomepreventionmeasuresmayhelpavoidsomeillnessmostmomsknowthattheycanrsquotpreventtheirkidsfromevergettingsick

ldquoSometimesIdebateifitrsquosworthittotakemygirlsoutorifweshouldjuststayathomerdquosaysWhitakerldquoButIrealizethattheyrsquorenevergoingtobuildanimmunesystemifwealwaysstayhomePlusItakecomfortinknowingthatthingswillbeeasierastheygetolderrdquo

Beth Strauss is the founder of wwwworkingmomsoftwinscom which offers support and advice for working moms of multiples and is the mom of 13-year-old twin girls and a four-year-old singleton daughter You can find her on Facebook

1

2

3

4

5

6



ohbab(ies)amexhaustedbutcannotsleepIjustwanttostareatthemIaminaweoftheirtinycuticlesndashhowtheylookliketheycouldbelongtoagrownpersoneventhoughtheyareonlydaysoldIwonderwhichtheypreferbeinginsideofmeornestledundermyarms

ThisiswhatitfeelsliketolovesomebodyHoweverIdefinedlovebeforenowseemssoterriblyoffSOverynotlikethis

WhenIlookoveratmyhusbandIknowheknowsandunderstandsittooFromthismomentforwardhewillbetheonlypersonwhounderstandshowIfeelwhocanlookatEllaandAidanwiththesameeyesnomatterhowdifferentlywemaylookateachotherortheworld

IwantedtoliveinthathospitalbedinthatverymomentIknewthatthehousewouldsoonbeamessandthenursewouldnrsquotcomeintocheckonmeandwrapEllaandAidanupintheperfectwayintheirswaddlingblanketsWeweresocomfortablerightthenandthereinourbubbleworldwitharedbuttonthatbroughthelpTherewonrsquotbeanyredbuttonsfromnowon

EllaandAidanaresotinyjustsweetlittlenewbornsInmanywaysIamanewbornaswellEverythinglooksdifferentnowTwobabiesInmyarmsIhavetopinchmyself

TheyarestilltherenestledinthecrooksofmyarmsbreathinginsweetlittletidesinandoutIamcrazyin

exploring the journey from ldquomerdquo to motherhood

byjenniferparker

i

loveandscaredtodeathAsweleftthehospitalIswallowedtearsandsatsquashedagainstthedoorwatchingoutthewindowsastheworldpassedbyOncewearrivedhomethechaosbeganandtheecstasywasonlymatchedbytheagonyTheywonrsquotsleep---theyjustscreamandcry

IjustwanttosleepbutIcanrsquotFinallywhentheydosleepandImanagetodozeofftheyareawakeanditismyjobtostoptheircries

IfeelcompletelyaloneeventhoughIhavenrsquothadamomenttomyselfsincebeforetheywerebornYetamidstthecrazinessthereisasenseofpeaceWhenbothEllaandAidanareasleepintheirswingsIgetlostinthesoundsofstillnessthesweepingwhooshoftheswingsthetickofthewallclockthatcountsthesecondsofpeaceandquietlikeachildcountsthecracksinasidewalk

IknowthiswonrsquotbeeasyTherewillbetimeswhenIwillbebeyondfrustratedwithmyselfandmyhusbandand

maybeevenEllaandAidanTimeswhenIrsquollwanttobealoneandwonrsquotbeabletowhenIrsquollwanttogetinmycaranddrivetoarusticshackwhereIcanhideoutandjustwriteinpeace

ButthatrsquostheothersideofwhatitmeanstobeinloveTobepassionateistomomentarilyfantasizeaboutthrowingitallaway

MyhusbandandIhavenowenteredanewlifephasewithlinesthatwemustnrsquotcrossandthingsweshouldnrsquotsayTherearetwobabiesnowwhorelyuponustoshowthemtheropessetagoodexampleandlovethemunconditionallyWersquollmakeplentyofmistakesaswefindourwayasparentsbutintheendwewillsucceed

Jennifer Parker is the owner of FireWife Photography and enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to three little ones --- 45 year old twins Ella and Aidan and 4 month old Lauren Jenniferrsquos little ones were her inspiration for picking up a camera in the first place and she has been determined to never miss a single moment either via the written word or a moment in time captured on film She uses writing as an outlet as she still has all of her diaries from childhood Add a husband three children and a successful business and Jennifer now has extensive journals ndash from struggles with infertility miscarriage and IVF (and finally pregnancy) to the unbelievable surprise baby (our Disney miracle) that the doctors told us we would never have

ldquoiamcrazyinloveandscaredtodeathrdquo

just say no contd -----ldquoThehardestthingIrsquovehadtosayldquonordquotoisalotofGirlsNightsOutweekendsawayrdquosaidShermanldquoItrsquosnicetogetabreakbutIfeelguiltysayingldquoyesrdquotoafriendwhen(andif)IcouldreallygetabreakIrsquodlikeittobewithmyhubbyrdquo

OfcoursewearenotalwaysgiventheoptiontosayldquonordquotoeverythingandanyoneUnderthesecircumstancesthebestsolutionistotrytoreachacompromiseandifallelsefailsdealwiththesituationthebestwaypossibleBelieveitornotlearningtosayldquonordquomayturnouttobeablessingindisguiseanditwillnotbetheendofyourworldasyouknowit

ldquoLookatthebenefitsthatyouwillgetwithyourfamilyrdquosaidGunter-BartnikldquoAnewmemoryagoodlaughasurpriseLookatitasinvestinginyourchildrenrdquo

lsquoWrite what you know and keep readingrsquo This is the inspiring advice that Frankie Howley has carried with her from the very start of her writing career and has done since hearing of expecting twins in 2009 She is the mother to her 12-year-old son Zachary and toddler twin daughters Jasmine and June With a bachelorrsquos degree in Journalism from USF St Petersburg Frankie is a staff writer for Twiniversitycom a former staff writereditorial assistant for the St Petersburg Times and freelances for outlets such as ParentGuide Magazine and CitiLife Magazine



theyrsquore twins contd -----thisbecausesheonlywantedtocometomeasababygrewfasterThedevelopmentofherverbalskillsalsooutpacedthoseofhertwinTheseverbalskillscoupledwithanintensedesiretocommunicate(ieshetalksalot)positionedhertobecometheldquodominantrdquotwinButsincewersquodreadaboutthistwinphenomenonandwereofreasonableintelligencewepickeduponitrightawayandlettheirpre-schoolteachersknowsotheywouldnrsquotunknowinglyfeedintoitWewereconstantlyonthelookouttomakesurenoonefellintotherolesofleaderandfollowerOurmaingoalwastopreservetheirself-esteemwhileallowingthemtodevelopattheirownpaceldquoNocomparisonsrdquowewereadvisedldquoNocomparisonsrdquowecounseledourfamilymembersEveryonewentalongwiththegameplanandeachtwinflourishedindifferentways

ItwaseasytomanagethetwinsrsquosurroundingswhentheywereinfantsandtoddlersButchildrengrowupAssoonasthegirlshitthebigtimeingrammarschoolourabilitytoprotectthemfromthehurtcausedbysometimesinnocentcommentsandatothertimesignorantwordscametoanend

Itdidnrsquotevenoccurtousthatthedifferencesbetween

themphysicallymightcausethemproblemsuntilBlondiersquoskindergartenteachersuggestedthatwenotdressthemalikeanylongerIdidnrsquotdressthemidenticallybutIdidbuysimilararticlesofclothingindifferentcolorsIaskedherifthiswasbecauseitwasimportantforthemtodevelopasindividualsldquoNordquosherespondedItwasbecausethekidsinbothoftheirclasseswouldoccasionallypointoutldquosameshoessameshirtsamepantsbutshersquoslittlerdquo

ThisbrokemyheartIbeatmyselfupforbeingsostupidHowcouldIhavedonethisHowcouldIwhohadtakensuchpainstakingcaretomakesurenoonecomparedthemtoeachotherhavesetthemupforthis

IstoppeddressingthemsimilarlyforschoolrightawayIslowlybegantoletthempickoutanoutfithereorthereanditwasinterestingtoseehowdivergenttheirtasteswereWhenIwentbackforthenextconferenceherteachertoldmethecomparisonshadstoppedandthatBlondiewasfeelingmoreconfident

aroundhersister

NaturallythecomparisonshavenotcompletelystoppedMoreoftenthannotpeoplewhodonotknowuswill

assumethatwehavethreedaughtersofdifferentagesandthatBlondieistheyoungestButwequicklycorrecttheconfusedpersonandexplainthattheyaretwinsldquoTheyrsquoretwinsrdquo

ThegirlsofcoursehearitdifferentlyldquoYoursquoretwinsrdquoIrsquovewitnesseditatthemonkeybarsattheswingshellipwellyougetthepictureSometimesthecommentendstherebutsometimesitleadstoteasingIcanrsquotstoptheoccasionaltauntjustlikeIcanrsquotpreventthemfromfallingButIcanhelpthemgrowtobehappyandcomfortableintheirownskinnomattertheirsizeAndsowedowhatwecantoencourageandfostertheirdifferentskillsCurrentlyBlondieisourresidentgymnastandtoughcookiewhileMamaisanavidreaderandadultpleaserAndeventhoughoccasionallythewordsldquoyoursquoretwinsrdquostillstingthestingisdiminishingandtheyclearlyrevelintheirindividualityAndtheyloveeachotherlikeonlytwinscan

Maria Amelia Bazdekis is the mother of three beautiful girls and the wife of her college sweetheart While pledging

to never work in human resources or healthcare management her professional career consisted of increasingly responsible positions in human resources and healthcare management She luckily joined the stay at home workforce just prior to 911 and has worked in online marketing and social networking since 2006 She is the founder of Mommylogue and can be found tweeting as MariaAmelia3 and on Google+ as Mommylogue

ldquoThis broke my heart I beat myself

up for being so stupid How could I

have done thisrdquo

5bytracizeller

a place for everything

notherholidayseasonhascomeandgoneandnowndashbesidesthewonderfulmemoriesndashyouareprobablyleftwithlotsandlotsofstuffWellifyourhouseisanythinglikeminethatisToysphotosmemorabilia(reindeerantlersanyone)ndashyounameitanditseemstohavemultipliedduringthemonthofDecemberSowhatrsquosanldquoIhaveenoughchaoswithmymultiplesrdquomommysupposedtodo

MostimportantlytakeadeepbreathandrelaxThechaoswasnotcreatedinadayanditmaytakemorethanadaytogetitundercontrolButjustknowthatyoursquollfeelbetterasyourorganizationalsystemstakeshapeandyouregaincontroloveryourenvironment

easy steps for controlling the chaos

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f dus

tin p

eck

phot

ogra

phy

a



UmmmwellasmuchcontrolaslifewithtwinstripletsormorewillletyouhaveNowletrsquosgetstarted

(1) Donate or throw away anything you donrsquot need or want IamruthlesswhenitcomestodonatingorthrowingawayIfitrsquosbrokenandyoudonrsquotwantitnooneelsewilleitherndashsogiveGoodwillabreakandjustputthatgame-missing-half-its-piecesintothetrashIfwhateveryouarelookingatisingoodconditionndashsayboardbooksyourchildrenhaveoutgrownndashearmarkthoseitemsforyourlocalthriftstoreorconsignmentsaleForitemsgoingtoathriftstoreputtheminthecar---nowIfthefrontpassengerseatisfilledwithbagstodropattheSalvationArmyitrsquoshardtoignorethemForitemsyouplantoconsignstoretheminaclearlymarkedstoragebinndashldquoForSpring2012ConsignmentSalerdquondashsoyouwonrsquotforgetwhatyouintendedtodowiththemhelliporheavenforbidgetthemmixedbackupwiththekeepers

WhataboutthethingsforwhichyoujustcannotdecideMaybethepairofshoesthatpinchyourtoesbuttheywereonsaleandoh-so-fabulousIfyouarenrsquotconvincedyouwanttheshoesyoursquovealreadydecidedthatyoudonrsquotYousimplyarenrsquotwillingtoadmititBegrudginglyndashbecauseyoudonrsquotreallywantthosethingsndashIrecommendusingaclearlymarkedstoragebinndashldquoMaybeReevaluateJuly2012rdquoOnceyouhavealltheldquomayberdquoitemsstashedinthestoragebinputitsomewhereslightlyoutofthewaybutnottoodifficulttoreachIfyoureallywantanyoftheldquomaybesrdquoyoursquollrememberandpullthatitemouttouseIfyouhavenrsquotpulleditoutwellisnrsquotthatallyouneedtoknowTakethoseitemstothethriftstoreandbedonewithit

OfcoursetheeasiestwaytocleanthingsoutisnevertobuythemLetyourresolutionfor2012betoonlybuythingsthatyoutrulyloveandhavedefiniteplanstouse

(2) Create empty storage space HopefullyyouhavealreadyclearedoutsomestoragespacebydonatingordiscardinguseditemsIfyouhavenrsquotclearedoutsomestoragespacepleasereturntoStep1Butletrsquosassume

thatyouhavecreatedasmuchemptyspaceaspossiblendashandyoustillneedmorestorageNowisthetimetothinkcreativelyWhetheritisspaceonthewallsspaceunderfurnitureorspacehangingfromtheceilingthereislikelyavailablestoragethatyouhaveoverlooked

TakeafamilyroomforexampleEvenifyourmultipleshavetheirownplayroomyouprobablystillhavetoysfloatingaroundCorralthemDoesyoursofahaveaskirtedbottomIsyourcoffeetableleggyTheseareperfectspotsforstashinganopenbasketYoucanfindabaskettofityoursizeandstyleatretailerslikeTheContainerStoreorTargetAssignabasketperchildorabasketpertypeoftoyndashwhateverisappropriateforyourroomandthetoysthatfindtheirwaythereWhenthebasketgetsfullitrsquostimetoputthetoysbackwheretheyusuallyldquoliverdquo

AldquodropzonerdquoisessentialwhetheritisamudroomorjustthespacenearthedoortothegarageoroutsideNotenoughroomThinkverticallyYouarelosingstoragespaceifyoudonrsquotusetheverticalspaceLockersystemsarereadilyavailableatretailerslikeIKEAandPotteryBarnInexpensivewirebasketscanbehungonthewalltoholdlightweightitemslikemittensormailIfthespaceisawkwardacustomsystemcanmaximizeeveryinch

(3) Put everything awayEverythingneedsanassignedldquohomerdquoThinkpracticallywhendecidingwhereldquohomerdquoshouldbeInotherwordswhereisthatitemneededthemostPerhapsascrewdriverdoesbelonginthekitchenjunkdrawerbecauseyouneedittoopentheendlessbatterycompartmentsFirst-aidkitsarecommonlykeptinbathroomsbutndashifyouspendmostofyourtimeinthekitchenandadjacentroomsndashwouldnrsquotitmakemoresensetokeepbandagesandantibacterialointmentinthepantryToysshouldhavetheirldquohomerdquosomewherethatmakessensetooandiseasilyreachablebychildren

(4) Label with names or photos to identify where everything belongsOnceyouhavedecidedwhereeverythingbelongsandputittherenowitistimetolabelEspecially

whenanorganizationalsystemisnewitisimportanttolabelwiththenameofwhatbelongsthereHangingtagsareespeciallyusefulforbasketsandbagsAdhesivelabelsworkwellforshelvesandanythingthatgetssenttoschoolordaycarePhotosarefantasticfortoybinswhenchildrenarenotyetabletoreadMyfavoriteproductsincludetheBrotherP-touchLovableLabelsandPotteryBarnKidsrsquoChalkboardLabelsIfyouownapersonalelectroniccuttervinylletteringworksinmanysituations

(5) Create a routine to clean upCongratulationsYouarefinishedndashfornowThenexttaskistokeepeverythingorganizedCreatearoutinewhereeverythinggetspickedupatcertaintimesofthedayEveryonendashparentsandchildrenalikendashshouldparticipatebecauseeveryonebenefitsfromanorganizedhomeMoreimportantlyifyourchildrenandspousearenotinvestedinmaintainingtheorganizationyouwillmakeyourselfcrazypickingupafterthem

IalsosubscribetotheldquotoucheverythingoncerdquoruleIftheldquohomerdquoyouhavecreatedandlabeledisintuitiveitisquickandeasytoputsomethingawaynowandbedonewithitYoursquovecompletedthefiveeasystepsforcontrollingchaosWhatnowEmbracelifeHavingmultiplesisawonderfulcrazyexperiencendashandyesitoftenrequiresorganizationRememberthoughthatthegoalisnottohaveaperfecthomeoraperfectlifeThegoal

istohaveahomethatfunctionsforyouandyourfamilyandenablesyoutoenjoyeachotherHappyorganizing

Named by Charlotte Style magazine as one of Charlottersquos 50 Most

Stylish People in 2010 Traci Zeller is an interior designer known for her clean sophisticated mix of classic and modern pieces Traci developed her refined aesthetic through years of extensive travel

including exposure to the finest art architecture and interiors around the world

As a busy wife and mother to active twin boys she appreciates the need for spaces that are beautiful and functional Degrees in both accounting and law enable Traci to assist clients with budgets and contracts throughout the design process Traci also authors a blog in which she shares her stylish favorites with as many as 120000 readers per month Her firm Traci Zeller Designs provides full service design and e-decorating packages

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f dus

tin p

eck

phot

ogra

phy



willneverforgetthedayIsatinmyOBrsquosofficediscussingmytwinsrsquobirthdaySinceshedoeshersurgeriesonMondaysthekidswouldbemakingtheirdebutonMay5thMyhusbandScottandIimmediatelythankedherforpickingsuchanamazingday(ourkidswillthankusincollege)OnthatdayIwouldbeexactly37weeksand5dayspregnantIliterallywasthesizeofabeachedwhaleanditwasamazing

OnMay4thIfeltlikegarbageMyparentswereintowncontinuallycommentingonmywhale-likeshapeandweweregoingtohaveonelastdinnerbeforethebabiescameWewerehavingmyfavoritespaghettiwithasmuchmeatashumanlypossiblewhichiswhatIcravedateverymomentofeverydaythelastfewweeksOhandithadtohaveatleast

halfacontainerofparmesancheeseonitThewholedayIwassicktomystomachandjustfeltuncomfortableIassumeditwasjustnervessincethenextdaywasldquothedayrdquoIdidnrsquotsayawordtoanyonesinceeveryonewasalreadyconcerned

AfterthefeastScottandIfinishedpackingourhospitalbags(yeswewerethatballsyanddidnrsquotpackuntilthatnight)andsettledintobedforwhatwastobeourlastfullnightofchild-freesleepAsScottwasgettingreadytorolloverhesaidldquoHowlongdoyouthinkyouwouldhavegoneifthec-sectionwasnrsquottomorrowrdquoAlmostoncueAaron(BabyA)kickedmeandbrokemywaterLetmetellyouapregnantwomanhasnevermovedasfastasIdidwhenthathappenedAllIcouldrememberwastheLamazeteachertalkingaboutthewatergettingintoyourmattressandhavingtobuyanewonebecauseyouwouldneverbeabletogetridofthesmellScottletoutsomechoicewordsandrandownthehalltomyparentswhileIrantothebathroom

OncemymotherrealizedwhathappenedshewasinthebathroomwithmeandtherersquosnothinglikeyourmotherseeingyouinallyourgloryatthismomentintimeMyfatherontheotherhandwasliningthepassengerseatofourcar

withblackgarbagebagsLetmeclueyouinonmyDadhersquosoldschoolandifthereiseveraproblemchancesareitcanbesolvedwithducttapeablackgarbagebagorDranoWhenIgottothecarIdidnrsquotevenbothercountinghowmanybagswereontheseatIassumedhalfaboxAsIrollmyselfintothecarmyfatheristryingtobucklemeinatthesametimeYoucanonlyimaginehowwellthisworkedFinallywewereofftothehospital

byamandanethero

sectionC-my not so planned

iThecontractionsstartedwhenwewerehalfwaythereYesthatwasafunsurpriseIwasmetwithawheelchairatthehospitalandprettymuchtakenbackimmediatelymuchtothechagrinoftheotherpregnantmothersintriageOncetherethenursehadmehookeduptoallofthemonitorsandsaidtheyhadtoverifymywateractuallybrokeandthatIdidnrsquotjustpeeallovermyselfUmIrsquomprettysureIknowthedifferencebutyespleasecheckMynursealsocommentedonhowinall

ldquotherersquosnothinglikeyourmotherseeingyouinallyourgloryatthismomentintimerdquo

atmynurseanesthetistandaskedifItheyneededmeforanythingelseorifIcouldjustfinallygetsomesleepAfterallIhavetwinsnow

Amanda Nethero is a native south suburbanite of Chicago who has the accent and White Sox apparel to prove it

that now lives in the sunshine state Besides taking care of her 3 frac12 year old twins Aaron and Jillian she also runs Multiples and More a blog network for families with multiples You can also keep up with her on Twice the LovehellipHalf the Sleep Amanda is also a sippy cup hunter boo-boo kisser peace talk negotiator pop culture know-it-all cook amp loving wife

Thenthec-sectionstartedIthinkIheldmybreathuntilIheardAaronnotjustcrybutscreamThenIheardthenursegaspwhenheldquochristenedrdquotheentirelengthoftheORNextupwasJillandintrueJillformshewasnotcomingoutuntilshewasreadyThedoctor(and I am not lying)hadtopeelherfingersoffofmetogetheroutIevenheardhersayldquoYouhavetoletgordquoThatiswhysheis2minutesyoungerthanAaronandnot1minuteorlessJillalsoletoutabigscreamwhichwasanamazingsound

ThemomentIsawthemwasthemostamazingmomentofmylifeAftereveryonelefttheroomIjustsmiledwelluntiltheassistantmentionedthatwashisfirstsetoftwinseverIrsquomgladhesavedthatbitoftriviauntilthatmomentIrolledmyheadtothesidelooked

heryearsshehasneverseencontractionssohardandclosetogetherforsomeoneatonly3centimetersFabulousjustwhatIwantedtohearSobetweenthatandScotttellingmetoldquojustrememberthebreathingrdquobecauseyouknowIreallypaidattentioninLamazeIwasreadyfortheanesthesiologistlike5minutesagoApparentlyJillian(BabyB)couldreadmymindandbrokeherwatersackIwasonmywaytosurgery

WithinwhatseemedlikemomentsIwasintheORwaitingfortheldquoteamrdquoandScottIcouldnrsquotseeathingbecauseIwaswrappedinwarmblanketsbutIknewScottwasintheroomwhenIheardhimsayldquoWherearethemirrorsIdonrsquotwanttoseeanythingrdquoThedoctorremindedusthatwemaynothearthekidscryatfirstandnottobeworried

AsachildsafetyprofessionalIamoftenaskedldquowhatarethemostimportantthingsthatneedtobebabyproofedrdquoWhileeachhouseisdifferentwelistedthe5areasofahomethatrequiremedicaloremergencyroomcareTheseaccidentsinmostcasesarepreventablewithproperparentalplanningandsupervision

1 Fire safety-makesureyourhomeisequippedwithfireextinguisherssmokeCOdetectorsandawell-rehearsed

fireescapeplantoensureallfamilymembersescapeunharmed

2 Anchor all uneasy furnitureBookshelvesTVschangingtableslampsandmanyotherscaneasilybetippedcausingseriousinjuriesifnotworsetochildrenofanyage

3 Latch all cabinetsthatcontainanytypeofdangers

4 Secure all loose cords and wiresAchildcaneasilybecomeentangledindanglingcordscausingchokingand

orstrangulationCordcleatsforblindsaswellasstripsthatsecurelowwirestowallsarehighlyrecommended

5 Cover all electrical outlets and power stripsLowlayingoutletsandpowerstripsareperfecttargetsforcrawlingandwanderingtoddlers

Alltheseitemsshouldensureyouasaferhomebutthereisnosubstituteforparentalsupervisionandyoushouldneverrelyonmerebabyproofingalone

top 5 babyproofing tips byjameshirtenstein



positipositi

veryparentwantstheirchildrentogetalongbutitcanbeespeciallydifficultwithmultiplesThekeytodevelopingapositiverelationshipamongsiblingsistobeproactiveandstartasearlyaspossibleTherearesomekeystocreatinganatmosphereofloveandsafetywithinyourfamily

Avoid comparing kids to one another ThissoundssimplebutcanbedifficultinpracticeRecognizethateachchildisunique(eveniftheylookjustalike)andtreatthemaccordinglyGettingtoknowthembetteronanindividualbasiscanhelp

Present a United FrontAsparentsitrsquosvitallyimportantthatyouworkoutparentingdifferenceswitheachotherinprivateandshowthekidsthatmomanddadareateamWhenonechildcomesandasksyouforpermissiontodosomethingnewagoodanswerisldquoMomandDadwillhavetotalkaboutthatandgetbacktoyourdquoThiswillhelpyouavoidmakingacommitmenttoachildthatyourpartnerdoesnrsquotagreewith

how to foster a

relationshipbetween siblingsbyjennyrichard

eveve

photo courtesy of jane goodrich



Donrsquot take sides AlongwiththeaboveyouandyourmateshouldavoidtakingsidesinsquabblesThebestthingtodoistoletthemworkitoutontheirownBeaconsultanttoyourchildrengivingthemadviceonhowtoworkthingsoutwiththeirsiblinginsteadofsolvingtheirproblemsforthemAlwayspayattentiontoensurenophysicalforceisbeingusedandthatsomeoneisnotbeinghurt

Fair isnrsquot always equalAsadultsweunderstandthisphilosophy---wewouldnrsquotexpectashopliftertohavethesameconsequenceasajewelthiefThesamegoesforourkidsEachchildisuniqueandhasuniquechallengesandneedsForexampleifonechildisinvitedtoapartythatdoesnrsquotalwaysmeantheotherisinvitedtoo

Donrsquot force your kids to be ldquobuddiesrdquo AllowyourchildrenrsquosrelationshipstodevelopasnaturallyaspossibleForcingthemtospendtoomuchtimetogetherorplayonlywithoneanothercancauseresentmentandnegativefeelingsItrsquosfairtoexpectsiblingstobecivilwithoneanotherbuttheymaynotalwaysbeexcitedtospendtimetogetherThereforeitrsquosimportantthat

youhelpeachchildtodevelopfriendshipswithotherchildren

Provide Opportunities for Fun and Bonding FamilyoutingsdonrsquotalwayshavetobeaboutthewholefamilyhavingfuntogetherSometimesbringingthechildrentoaplacewheretheycanhavefuntogetherinasafecontrolledsettingcanhelptodeepentheirbondandbuildapositiverelationshipForinstanceyoucantakethemtothebeachwheretheycanplayswimandbuildsandcastlestogetherbutyouarenotnecessarilyinvolvedin

eachactivitytheydoPlaycooperativeboardandcardgameslikeForbiddenIslandHootOwlHootandRichardScaryrsquosBusytownEyeFoundItaregoodfunandrequirethekidstoworktogether

Give each child their own special space FinancesmayrequirethatyourmultiplessharearoombutyoushouldstilltrytofindawaytoalloweachchildtohaveaspacethatrsquostheirownEveryoneneedstohaveaplacetogotoldquorechargetheirbatteriesrdquoandbealoneKidsalsowanttoknowthattheirspecialbelongingsare

safeProvidingthiscanbeassimpleasgettingatrunkforeachchildthathasalock(foryoungerchildrenmakesureithassafetyfeaturestopreventachildfrombeinglockedinside)orspecifyingacornerorsideoftheroomthatisforonechildonlyIfeachchildhasasafeplacetogoandbealoneandfeelstheirbelongingsarealsosafetheycanbemorerelaxedandabletointeractpositivelywiththeirsiblings

Physical play can be OKEspeciallywithboysitseemskidsrequiresomestrenuousphysicalactivityeachdayWrestlingandotherformsofphysicalplaydonrsquothavetobetabooJustmakesuretosetclearlimitssuchasldquoWhensomeonesayslsquoNOrsquoyouhavetostoprightawayrdquoAllowing ph

oto

cour

tesy

of c

hris

ty d

avis

pho

togr

aphy

childrentoreleasephysicaltensioninapositiveandcontrolledenvironmentcanhelpthemtobondandletgoofstress

Support each other YourchildrenhavedifferenttalentsandabilitiesandwillprobablyparticipateindifferentactivitiesorsportsWhenonechildisperforminginaconcertorplayinginasoccergameencouragetheothertosupportandencouragetheperformerThewatchingchildwilllearntoappreciatetheirsiblingstalentsandabilitiesandtheperformerwillfeelvaluedbytheirsibling

Seek helpIfyouhavebeentryingtofosterapositiverelationshipbetweenyourchildrenandnothingisworkingitmaybetimetoseekhelpAprofessionalmediatororfamilytherapistmaybeabletohelpyourchildrentodevelopcopingstrategiesandtocompromisewitheachother

additionalresources MOM = WOW

inresolvingfortheNewYearfellowMOMssharetheirproudestMOMentsI feel accomplished when I do things that most moms only have to do with one It really makes you think creatively ~ Theresa M

I felt like a rockstar grocery shopping with my 3 year old and 3 month old twins Said rockstar moment came to an end in the ice cream isle but 45 minutes with three happy little ones was a proud mom moment ~ Karen H

I feel accomplished when I make it through the day of running 2 businesses a household being a stay-at-home Mom to 3 year old twins and a 6 year old a ton of carpooling amp activities amp still have a smile on my face at the end of the day ~ Tiffany N

I will always remember the 1st time the two of them giggled at each other I also treasure the 1st ldquoI wuv oordquo from them ~ Jenny S

The 1st time both my babies tackled me was amazing ~ Mandie B

bull Parenting School- Age Twins amp MultiplesChristinaTingloff

bull Emotionally Healthy TwinsJoanFriedman

bull The Art of Parenting Twins The Unique Joys and Challenges of Raising Twins and Other MultiplesPatriciaMalmstrom

I felt like an accomplished MOM the 1st time that I left the house with three kids and returned with three kids ~ Sara W

One of my proudest moments was when my son defended his twin brother on the playground I donrsquot condone violence (especially not with 4 year olds) but itrsquos nice to know that even this young they have each otherrsquos backs ~ Juliane K

I love when my twin girls reach out and hold each others hands while nursing ~ Sarah H

The excitement and squeals of joy [my twins] showed when I would pick them up after I went back to work full time That makes having to work full time worth it ~ Tabatha S

The 1st time they really interactedplayed with one another crawling after one another and laughing Itrsquos like medicine for the soul ~ Brittany M



ampraising a bilingual

multicultural familybyjoscelynramos-campbell

sawifeandmothertoamulti-culturalfamilymyfamilyisa

totalmixedbreeddescendingfromEuropeanandLatincountriesMyIrishandScottishPhiladelphiabredhusbandmy

ownNewYorkraisedPuertoRicanCubanSpanishandItalianheritageandourchildrenwhoareatotalcompilationofallourculturalbackgroundsHavingchildreninourhomefromtheageoftoddlertwinstoateenagerhashelpedusinthedesiretointegrateourculturalcustomsandtraditionsintoourlivesWewantourchildrentobeproudandhonoredthattheyareAmericansandequallygratefulthattheirancestorsmadethatpossibleforthemWetrytoshareourbackgroundswithourchildrenthroughfrequentinteractionwitholderrelativescookingtraditionalandethnicfoodsreadingbilingualbookswatchingculturalmoviesandtalkingtotheminanotherlanguageBilingualcultureisapartofeverydaysocietyincludingintheworldofchildrenTheprovenbenefitsofchildren

speakingduallanguageshavebeenreflectedinschoolsandthemediaFromduallanguageimmersionprogramsinelementaryschoolstotelevisionshowsthatportraybilingualcharacterssuchasDisneyrsquosSpanishHandy MannyorNickelodeonrsquosChineseNi Hao Kai-Lanteachinganotherlanguagetoachildhasbecomehighlyrecommended

MostfamiliesofmultipleshaveanldquoinstantrdquoschoolintheirhomewithtwoormorechildrenofthesameageInarecentarticleintheNew York TimeslanguagespecialistRobertaGolinkoffsaysldquoBeingimmersedinaduallanguageandlivingwithinitarewhatleadstolanguagelearningrdquoParentsincludingthoseofmultiplescancreateadailyenvironmentwheretheduallanguageisprominentForabilingualfamilyyoucankeepthelanguagesseparatebypersonandplace(contd on pg 56)

a

curly girl contd -----MylittlechickjumpedupgavemeabighugandkissandsaidldquoIknowrdquoAwwwhowcouldyounotloveher

Afterourlittlepow-wowwiththeothercurlygirlclientwemetMichaelourstylistHedidaconsultationthencutitdry(yesdrywhenthecurlsareintheirnaturalform)wetitandusedsomeNoPOOletitdryunderadryercutitagainandthensatusdownandschooledusontheArtoftheCurlyGirl

Lesson One Know Your CurlFindoutifyouhaveCherubCurls(likeTaylorSwift)BotticelliCurls(likeShakira)CorkscrewCurls(likeNicoleKidman)etcForafulllistyoucancheckoutthisgreatbookcalledCurlyGirlbyLorraineMasseyOnceyouknowwhattypeofcurl youhaveyoucanfigureouthowtotreatitbestNote my chick has Corkicelli Curls

Lesson Two NEVER use shampooWHATApparentlythechemicalsintraditionalshampooaretooharshUsingsulfate-freewashesareyourbestbetInourhouseweuseaproductcalledNoPoobutonlyonceaweekSheconditionsherhairdailyandusesJUSTtheconditionerlikemostofususejustshampooNote When you are in the shower

make sure you squeeze out ALL the water before adding in the conditioner so it can really be absorbedAlsonoteafteryouareoutoftheshoweritrsquosnotabadideatoaddinabitmoreconditionerforgoodmeasureTHENwhentoweldryingldquoscrunchrdquoitdonrsquotrubitFinallydonrsquotuseacomborbrushuseyourfingersIfyoucanrsquotgetyourfingersthroughaddabitmoreconditioneruntilyoucan

Lesson Three Say Goodbye to FrizzWhenstylingmycurlygirlweuseagelthatisalcoholandsiliconefree(onceagain

becauseofdryingissues)anduseaboutahalfpalmfultoholdhercurlsintightwithoutthefrizzAfteritcompletelyairdriesshecanwearitupdowninaheadbandorinponytails(mypersonalfavorite)

Thesethreelessonswillensurethat

yourcurlygirlhasthemostbeautifulcurlsontheplaygroundIfyouhappentobethemomofacurlygirlISTRONGLYsuggestyoupickuptwobooksandreadthemcovertocover1 Curly Girl The HandbookbyLorraineMasseyand2 The Guide to Girlsrsquo HairbyCozyFriedmanofCozyrsquosCutsforKidsThesetwoguidebooksshouldbeonhandandIpromiseyoutheyareworththemoneySinceSeptemberwehavebeentreatingmydaughterrsquoshairwithourthreenewgoldenrulesofcurlygirlsandthedifferenceisnightand

dayOncewestoppedusingshampooalonethedifferencewasremarkable

AsforproductswelikealmosteverythingintheDevaCurllineWeusetheirNoPooOneConditionConditionerSetItFreedailyconditioningsprayandtheirAnGELgelWehavetriedandfailedmanytimeswithmanyotherproductsandweareTHRILLEDtofindsomethatfitthebillformylittlechickYoucanfindtheseproductsonlineoratoneoftheirauthorizedstylistsinyourarea

SoifyouareluckyenoughtobethemomordadofacurlygirlorboystudyupandletyourchildlovethefactthatheshehassomeuniquelyoutstandinghairthatmostadultswouldkillforThinkaboutithowmanyfolksdoyouknowthatgotapermorboughtacurlingironrecentlyEnough said


54

findinghopeafteradiagnosis

bykatianaharrison

rsquollneverforgetSeptember82006ThatrsquosthedayIreceivedmydaughtersrsquoofficialdiagnosisofAutismItwasadaythatwouldchangeallmydaystocomeHearingthewordAutisminregardstomythen15montholdtwinswasheartbreakingFromthatdayoninadditiontobeingawifeandamotherIwouldbeanadvocatefightingeverystepofthewaytogetmygirlstheservicesthattheyverymuchneededtomakeprogressAnAutismdiagnosismeantmyfamilyasawholewouldhaveaverylongandhardjourneyaheadofusFindinghopeinwhateasilycouldhavebeenaseaofdespairwasanenormouschallengeforme

IntheverybeginningitwashardtofindanytypeofhopeIrememberreadingtheevaluationreportsandcryingasIabsorbedalltheinformationthatledtotheactualdiagnosisIwasscaredformygirlsandIwasworriedabouthowmuchcatchinguptheywouldhavetodobecauseofhowdelayedtheywereWhatdidthosereportsreallymeanformygirlsrsquofutureWouldmydaughtersbeabletoliveindependentlyonedayMyhusbandwasconcernedaboutthembeingacceptedbysocietyandthepossibilityofthembeingbulliedbecauseoftheirspecialneedsNoonewantstheirchildtohaveahardlifeHowaboutallthegoalsanddreamsthatwehadforourgirlsWouldthosehavetodisappearcompletelyThesearejustsomeofthequestionsandworrieswehad

i


To learn more about Autism and whatrsquos being done

to help visitwwwautism speaksorg

RightafterreceivingthediagnosisIstartedresearchingaboutAutismandthedifferenttypesoftherapiesIdedicatedmostofmytimetofightingfortheservicesmygirlsneededandwereentitledtoreceiveItwasnrsquotanovernightprocessbutovertimeIstartedtothinkdifferentlyIhadtostopmourningthelossofdreamsandgoalsthatmightneverhavecometofruitionanywayevenwithoutadiagnosisOurdreamsforourchildrenarenrsquotpromisedtoanyofusThisdidnrsquotmeanthatIwouldstophavingdreamsandgoalsformygirlstheywouldjustbealittledifferentIwentonamissionalwayssearchingtoseewhatdifferentspecialneedsprogramswereavailableIwantedmygirlstofeelliketheywereapartofsomethingtoenjoythemselvesjustlikeneurotypicalchildrenIftheylikedsomethingorweregoodatsomethingIwantedtobeabletofacilitatetheirinterestsIdonrsquotalwaysfindtheactivitiesthatIam

lookingforbutthatdoesnrsquotstopmefromalwayssearching

ItrsquosbeenfiveyearssincereceivingthatdiagnosisAndwithalltheresearchthatIhavedoneandstilldoIhavegatheredsomuchinformation---informationthatIneverhesitatetosharewithotherparentswhohavereceivedanAutismdiagnosisItcanbecomplexanddauntingtonavigatetheeducationalsystemSinceIrsquovebeenthereanddoneitmanytimesnowItrytomakeiteasierforotherparentswhoarejuststartingoutBesideslettingthemknowwhattheirchildisentitledtoreceiveIalwaysmakesuretotell

Autismaffects1in110childrenAutismaffects1in70boysChildrenasyoungas1yearoldcanshowsignsTypicalsignsmayinclude archingawayfromcaregivertoavoidcontact nosmilingorjoyfulexpressionsfrom6monthson nobabblingby12months

learn the facts

Information collected from wwwautismspeaksorg and the Autism Research Institute at wwwautismorg

themtostayhopefulAllthatanyofuscandoisourindividualbestforourchildrenPassingontheinformationIhavegatheredaswellasthemessageofhopehelpsmetostayencouraged

OvertheyearsmygirlshavecomealongwayTheyhavemadesomuchprogressandtheyhaveworkedsohardtolearnskillsthatseemsoeasyforothersTheystillhavealongwaytogobutIknowtheywillgetthereIknowthattheirpotentialislimitlessitjusttakesthemlongerIalwayskeepinmindthatImustseemygirlsbeyondAutismbecausethereismoretothemthanjustadiagnosisTheyarebeautifulaffectionatelovingsweetandintelligentgirlswhojusthappentohaveAutismThosewordsbestdescribemygirlsTheymakemelaughoftenandcanputasmileonmyfaceevenonthehardestofdaysIamsothankfulforthem

CopingwithanAutismdiagnosisaswellasnavigatingtheworldofAutismcanbearduousWehavegooddaysandbaddaysbutthroughitallIholdontohopeIoweittomygirlstohavealltheoptimismintheworldforthemOnthistheycandependIwillneverstophopingforthem

Katiana Harrison is the mother to six-year old twin daughters who both have Autism Her love for and dedication to her daughters have helped her to grow into an Autism advocate This article is her writing debut

Ourdreamsforourchildrenarenrsquotpromisedtoanyofus



Ah wersquore so glad to see you happy

Want to see more Want something specific

We want to hear from

You

For suggestions or comments (please be nice) email us at editormultiplicitymagcom

raising bilingual contd ---ForexampleOlgaMurphypregnantwithtwinswantedtoraisethembilingualShespoketotheminGermanandherhusbandspoketotheminEnglishAttheageoftwothetwinshadnoproblemseparatingthelanguagesayinggoodnightinGermanandinEnglishNowelementaryagedschoolchildrenthetwinsspeaktoeachotherinEnglishatschoolbutGermanathome

Somehelpfulresourcesforraisingbilingualchildreninclude

Language Lizards dual-languagebooksCDsandpostersinover40languages

Multilingual Livingaplaceforinspirationtoolsadviceandsupport

HispanicheritageresourcesfromScholastic MagazineandThe Smithsonian

FloridaDeptofEducationbilingualrecommended reading list

Whetherteachingchildrenasecondlanguageorjustwantingtogainadeeperunderstandingofyourculturalrootsmakeitatruefamilyexperiencehellipbecauseafterallhellipitrsquos who you are

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e best laid













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ifor the new year



















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e best laid













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ifor the new year



















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bysommerharkins




















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ifor the new year



















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bysommerharkins




















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54


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similaritiesrdquo

ways to encourage



























bynataliediaz

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nojust say



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e best laid













the best laid plans


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ifor the new year



















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bysommerharkins




















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54


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bynataliediaz

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bylizacorbo














twin testedMOM

approved

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bymikepoff



thpart 1


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e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


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54


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twin testedMOM

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bymikepoff



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e best laid













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ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















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54


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twin testedMOM

approved

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nojust say



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e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

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ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

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o co

urte

sy o

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leig

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winter woes












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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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twin testedMOM

approved

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lunchbox)Contigo



















n

nojust say



bymikepoff



thpart 1


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e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

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leig

h ph

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winter woes












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avis

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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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twin testedMOM

approved

youcouldbeour



lunchbox)Contigo



















n

nojust say



bymikepoff



thpart 1


p






e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f cas

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leig

h ph

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raph

y

























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winter woes












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oto

cour

tesy

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avis

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54


bykatianaharrison



i








learn the facts












You























n

nojust say



bymikepoff



thpart 1


p






e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

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leig

h ph

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winter woes












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phy









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how to foster a


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oto

cour

tesy

of c

hris

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avis

pho

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aphy



























a














54


bykatianaharrison



i








learn the facts












You











bymikepoff



thpart 1


p






e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f cas

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leig

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otog

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winter woes












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oto

cour

tesy

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avis

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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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e best laid













the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















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bysommerharkins




















bygabriellemorel


with multiples

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o co

urte

sy o

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leig

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winter woes












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tesy

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avis

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54


bykatianaharrison



i








learn the facts












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the best laid plans


awayrdquo


























healthyhabits


weeks

bykristigonzalez

ifor the new year



















i

bysommerharkins




















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with multiples

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54


bykatianaharrison



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healthyhabits


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ifor the new year



















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54


bykatianaharrison



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54


bykatianaharrison



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54


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54


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learn the facts












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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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54


bykatianaharrison



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bygabriellemorel


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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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bygabriellemorel


with multiples

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54


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54


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54


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54


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54


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54


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54


bykatianaharrison



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54


bykatianaharrison



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learn the facts












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54


bykatianaharrison



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54


bykatianaharrison



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54


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learn the facts












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54


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54


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learn the facts












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Date post:	14-Mar-2016
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Multiplicity Magazine - Winter 2012 Issue

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