Multiplicity - Spring 2013

1

Spring 2013

what to do in the event ofdisaster

great family getaways

months totoxin free12

twins in schoolto separate or not

plus tips for more

YOU time

cover cutiesAt almost 8 years old this spring it was fitting for

Brooke and Brianna to be our cover cuties this issue Brooke likes singing acting and roller

skating Her favorite color is pink and she wants to be a singer when she grows

up Brianna likes directing singing acting talking on the phone and playing basketball

Her favorite color is purple She wants to be a singer and get married when she grows up but

doesnrsquot want kids (ha she comes from a rather large family with lots of siblings)

photos courtesy of Cleo Bella Photography

Sleep training twins - you CAN do the impossible

Is your family prepared for a disaster

Need a little TLC How to make some YOU time

Celebrating Earth Day in lots of little ways

Exercise When - 10 ways to squeeze it into your busy day

Do your kids eat healthy If not find out how to make it happen

Itrsquos never too early to childproof your home

Great Family Getaways - Tips for traveling to some of Americarsquos greatest places

Product Buzz

Healthy snacks from Petit Organics

Appy Spring Apps the whole family can enjoy

Ready for a change Try 12 Months to Toxin Free

Things Every Mom Should Know when traveling

The Low Down on the Baby Blues

Book Review - Audio book ideas for reading this spring

Separate or Not Twin placement in schools

Creative (and Cost-Friendly) Camps for your backyard

Color is the name of the game this spring Check out our Fashion Finds for Less

Five Minute Fix - Love the outdoors Bring it in

Feeding your family by gardening

Do Something Good - featuring Moms of Multiples ChicagoNorth Suburbs

7

10

12

15

16

20

24

26

30

33

35

36

40

43

46

48

51

54

59

60

64

protecting the earth and your family

multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples 3

10

43

51

4

Natalie Diazfounderpublishernataliemultiplicitymagcom

Talitha A McGuinnessexecutive editortalithamultiplicitymagcom

Spring is finally here and my kids and I are loving being outdoorsachooat least when wersquore not sneezing and rubbing our eyes If you and your twinnies are among the many of us who suffer this time of year we have a special feature from a Pediatrician on how to cope with seasonal allergies

I also love that everything is coming out of hibernation the flowers are beginning to bloom birds are singing every morning and we begin planning our family garden Itrsquos a time of year when changes come about naturally Life blooms and is renewed and is extra special in our house because my twins celebrate their birthdays (they turned 8 this year --- how did we get this far so soon) my son will soon be 3 and baby 4 will also make her debut in just a few short weeks (yes my springs are about to be very busy with parties parties and MORE parties) In celebrating these milestones and my growing family it reminds me of how precious life truly is We should be mindful of how best to protect our families in the event of a disaster (do you have an emergency or fire plan in place) how to celebrate Earth Day in even the smallest of

Multiplicity is published as a digital magazine four times per calendar year with additional supplements as desired Multiplicity cannot assume responsibility of statements 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 Questions Email editormultiplicitymagcom

multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples

ways and possibly even how to rid our lives of unnecessary toxins (think of all the processed foods we could eliminate to look and feel better) Of course if making your own laundry detergent and health and beauty products seems more than a little daunting to you we also have some great (and very easy) recipes for helping your family snack healthier Every bit makes a difference right

Of course we know as moms we take a lot of precious time with and for our families but not near enough time for ourselves We hope that you enjoy our tips on how to make more quality time for yourself how to make products at home that will make you feel years younger how to create kid (and cost) friendly camps in your own backyard and even some great tips on where to vacation with your family this springsummer We at Multiplicity and Twiniversity are all about supporting each other as MOMs and celebrating the little lives that made us so so whether yoursquore staying close to home or planning some fun excursions away we hope that you feel the love and enjoy our special features aimed at helping us all be the best we can be

PublisherNatalie Diaz

Executive Editor Creative DirectorTalitha A McGuinness

PhotographersFirewife PhotographyJane Goodrich Photography

Contributing WritersCara KrennDr Joan FriedmanAngel RodriguesJill MarcumRehana ZamfotisTraci ZellerDr Preeti ParikhMichelle LeichtyTobi Stanton StewartKaren FinchumNatasha DrsquoAnnaKinan CopenDr John MascazineStacey GeerKara KozierKimberly AmatoJodi SmeiskaKaren Finchum

Social Media MgrAd SalesJill Marcum

Contact us141 Mulberry StreetApt C-1 New York NY 10013917-442-2020infomultiplicitymagcomwwwmultiplicitymagcom

spring is in the airherersquos to smelling the flowers swinging so high it takes your breath playing in puddles enjoying those last few hours of daylight counting the stars and spending as much time outside with your kids making memories as your seasonal allergies will allow

photo courtesy of nicole depron photography

multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples6 by stacey geer

MISSION POSSIBLEsleep training your twins

ldquoWhatrsquos your bedtime routinerdquo my best friend asked through the waspish grumbles and owly shrieks of my daughters My vision was fuzzy Dingy you know From too little sleep and even less cheer Perceptually compromised as Irsquod been it appeared that my best friend had somehow merged her DNA with a Charlie Brown character - imprecise and wobbly on the edges - and had become acutely fluent in Teacherese Her question translated to womp-womp-womp-womp-womp-womp as Harper slapped me in the temple and June sobbed inconsolably face first into the carpet Up to this point our bedtime routine had all the planning and execution of the dropping of a cooler at the paws of a hungry and consequently quite angry bear Offer food run pray

We began our bedtime routine that very night with my best friend (a School Psychologist from Vermont whorsquod taken all of the Developmental classes Irsquod missed in college) looking on Baths Bottles Bed And for the first time in three weeks silence For four straight hours I was in new mommy heaven And if she hadnrsquot been my best friend before she would have been bumped right to the top of the list six weeks later when the bedtime routine still worked like a spell Or four months later when our girls (and we) were sleeping a full 10 to 12 hours with no night time feedings weaned from their binkies and swaddles and still beaming bright as neon every morning when I responded to their waking squeals

Our bedtime routine which developed into a modified form of Weissbluthrsquos Cry It Out (or CIO)

choose a sleep training method can seem insurmountable

My best advice my only advice really when you boil it all down to bare bones is to find a peaceful moment and just stop thinking about it Wait until that magic instance where theyrsquove both managed to fall asleep at the same time and the house feels like an old west boomtown before a gunfight and stop worrying about it Continue to think about it but rather than trying to figure out whether to sleep train or how to do it just listen to your intuition

Ugh I know Every mother in history who has levelled up and unlocked an achievement that you desperately covet says when asked how she got there ldquojust use your intuitionrdquo or ldquoyou know your baby bestrdquo But that seems to hold true for me Itrsquos just that I have to stop trying to come up with the answer and be willing instead to hear it Next Irsquom going to tell you to just open your soul and allow the positive energy to flow through you or something right I know Itrsquos one of those pieces of advice that you need a decoder ring to understand But all I can say is that I canrsquot tell you how many times Irsquove honestly believed that this was it I was finally going to lose my mind And then I just decided With no idea whether it was the right choice or the wrong one I just chose a course of action and Irsquom pretty sure Irsquom kind of psychic because every time Irsquove just made a choice like that lo and behold itrsquos been the right one For all of us

Irsquove learned many things about babies since then which seems inevitable really when you

has adapted to fit Harper and Junersquos rapidly changing needs At nine months old they are little bed and nap time rockstars I lay them down and they just know that itrsquos time for sleeping and most of the time theyrsquore ready I usually hear a touch of grumbling Maybe some chatter Often there is a cry or two thrown in just to test my resolve But then theyrsquore out and whether itrsquos a one-hour nap or the beginning of a 10-hour night cycle the mommy version of bath bottle bed - a little number I like to call coffee Flannery OrsquoConner dozing - may begin

Choosing to sleep train was essential for me mainly but also for my husband to maintain our sanity Simple things like daily routines with twins is exponentially harder (forget double the work try four times) with multiples and mothers of singletons often donrsquot understand my unyielding insistence on logging those nap hours

Once we made the decision to sleep train (thanks again to my baby guru and best friend) deciding how to go about it was like trying to cut a path through the jungle Google the term ldquosleep trainingrdquo and you come up with somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred million results In point three seconds If yoursquore already reeling from the normal everyday tasks trying to understand let alone

photo courtesy of jane goodrich photography

continue to think about it but rather than trying to figure out whether to sleep train or how to do it just listen to your intuition

ldquo ldquo


multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples8

consider the fact that I knew nothing about them to begin with That you didnrsquot have to wait for instance until they could run through the hallway after a bath like the dog hooded towels streaming behind like terrycloth capes on the backs of superheroes in the eternal fight against Body Odor Just maybe you know not rubbing their faces on the floor or rolling over to have their bellies scratched Maybe just running And my best friend no longer looks (or sounds) like the Charlie Brown trumpet teacher So that she might tell you is the real victory in it all

Stacey Geer is a freelance writer blogger and stay-at-home mom to twin girls She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Mike Stacey

is currently working on a collection of brief personal essays about the perception of mothering multiples versus the reality When shersquos not writing or chasing her girls she enjoys cooking eating and of course sleeping Visit her blog or find her on facebook or twitter Photo by Linda Gross Photography

sleep resourcesadditionalThe American Academy of Pediatrics published a recent study stating the safety of infant sleep training

Babycenter has many message boards specifically created for the sleep training of twins as opposed to singletons Caution you will get many different often heated opinions both for and against the topic If still undecided message boards should probably be saved as a resource for when yoursquore more comfortable with your decision and are simply looking for third-party reports and advice

Because shersquos a member of Twinversity check out this blog post by Jodi Call over at Pistols+Popcorn You also ought to read more than just this post Itrsquos good stuff

If yoursquore interested in a form of Cry It Out check Dr Marc Weissbluthrsquos method out

On the flip side of Cry It Out is a parenting philosophy known as Attachment Parenting associated with Dr Sears You do not have to be a strictly Attachment or a strictly Cry It Out sleep trainer There are countless ways to cherry pick the best of many methods and tailor a routine specifically for your twins

And just to round us out Troublesome Tots is an all encompassing blog specifically about sleep training While a search of the blog returns no results for the term ldquomultiplesrdquo this resource boasts solid information and research Lots of it

Herersquos to success in getting those little ones off to dreamland

Multiplicityrsquos Baby Gear Guide will help you

register for those must-have items design the nursery of your dreams and share information on

wonderful products for mom and babies too

Expecting or just recently delivered

Donrsquot miss it

salescloudbcom 1-888-4CLOUDB (425-6832)

TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy

is sound activated and plays 4 soothing soundsSleep Sheepreg smart sensor

Cloud B SSsensor Multiplicity_Apr_FPindd 1 31913 1128 AM


in case of a disasteris your family

preparedby natalie diaz

iving in NYC my entire life Irsquod definitely consider myself ldquostreet smartrdquo My family always taught me the right way to cross a street not to talk to strangers and what to do in an emergency

Of course when I was a little girl the worst thing I could think of happening was having a fire in our home I can remember doing fire drills in school and planning our ldquoexit planrdquo even as a family I come from a family that believes in being prepared for everything Well on the morning of September 11th 2001 all that went out the window It wasnrsquot just my family in an emergency it was thousands upon thousands of families

The twins werenrsquot born back then I was living with my husband in a small apartment downtown not far from the World Trade Center I was already at work when we learned over the radio that a plane had crashed

To be honest I said a silent prayer and went on with my day I supposed Irsquom a bit on the numb side living here forever Irsquove seen fatal fires in high-rise buildings people pushed onto subway tracks cranes falling on passersby and many other things that people shouldnrsquot witness I suppose we see more than the average person because our ldquosmall townrdquo holds six million people in a matter of a few square miles

That day went on to be one that will live in my

memory with a stronger impression than even the day of my twinsrsquo birth We lost thousands of our fellow New Yorkers We mourned together as a city and as a country

Because of our location we werenrsquot even allowed to leave our home for days after the towers fell because there was a grave fear that the inhalation of bone fragments floating in the air would cause irreversible lung damage However our family banned together We took in family members that were in even worse shape than us We lived 13 people in a 600 square foot apartment It was then that we stayed glued to the television watching what was happening less then a mile away It was then that we kept a hand on the telephone hoping we would get word that the people we knew who worked there were safe It was then that my niece took her first steps we finally had something to smile about

Living through that tough time made us all a little more organized a little more prepared It was in those few days that we made a pact to plan better and be ready for an even more unspeakable event

To be honest as a New Yorker Irsquom always waiting for the other shoe to drop Will it be the Statue of Liberty next the Stock Exchange the Empire State Building Irsquom not sure but no matter what

l

we are prepared because in the event of the next disaster or emergency situation we have a ldquoGordquo bag packed ready and waiting This bag contains a minimal amount of stuff but is easily accessible in case of a fire natural disaster or terrorist attack In this bag we currently have

Copies of birth certificates marriage licences health insurance cards passports and any other documents that would be hard to replace (We also have a thumb drive with this info) A weekrsquos worth of medication along with a first aid kit Face masks in case we arenrsquot able to breath the air A gallon of water A hand crank flashlight (which came in VERY handy during our recent hurricane) Enough cash if we have to get off this island We never lose sight that we are on an island and there are only a few ways on or off Extra pair of glasses for every family member who needs them Basic hygiene supplies (remember we are skipping town not lunching with the Queen) Extra keys When the twins were babies we also had formula and other medicines they needed

Remember to check your bag often (the month of your birthday is a good time) update your medications glasses or anything with an expiration date We also have a plan of action The person closest to the twins will get them from school We have a rally point in Lower Manhattan If we have to evacuate we have a place to meet in New Jersey

We planned right after 911 We actually used this plan a few years later when we had a major black out and then again during our recent hurricane We are ALWAYS on our toes We ALWAYS have the car filled with gas We are ALWAYS ready for the unexpected

So TODAY not tomorrow not next weekTODAY --- put a plan in place with your friends neighbors family and community Start at home Create your evacuation plan (and practice it) Pack your ldquoGordquo bag and just hope you never need it

plan and practice Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster and the types most likely to happen in your area Explain the dangers of fire severe weather and earthquakes Share responsibilities and work together as a team The National Centers for Disease Control recommend the following

Pick two places to meetbull outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a firebull outside the neighborhood if you canrsquot return home

Teach children how and when to call 911 for help Determine the best escape routes from your home Find two ways out of each room Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster Show each family member how and when to turn off the water gas and electricity at the main switches Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher and show them where itrsquos kept Install smoke detectors (and test them frequently) on each level of your home Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit Learn how to ldquoshelter-in-placerdquo or ldquoseal the roomrdquo to prevent outside air from coming in Practice your plan

For a printable template to get you started visit FEMArsquos resources online


As the moms of multiples we spend our days doing things for other people Often our own needs are put last on a list or filed away for ldquosomedayrdquo

Some of these desires are big ldquobucket listrdquoitems like seeing the Greek Islands Other items on our wish lists might be as simple as calling a friend or getting a haircut

Life as a mom is a marathon not a sprint Every day there are very real and valid excuses why we donrsquot have time for ourselves It may be mounds of laundry stomach bugs after school activities or just the daily grind of running a household and often working outside the home as well

Our challenge is to make time and to make our own wellness a priority When we moms become depleted we have less to give to our partners and to our children

Mommy rejuvenation may sound like a silly notion when you barely have time to use the bathroom by yourself So thatrsquos where we will begin --- in the bathroom With a few simple steps we are going to make it your personal oasis

by tobi stanton stewart

why we need more ldquomerdquo time and tips to make it happen

mommy rejuvenation

10 Minutes DailyI am not going to start off by asking you to book that Greek Island vacation Instead give yourself 10 minutes I can already hear the excuses but stay with me I will tell you where they are hidden There is a magical moment in the households of all parents with multiples It happens when you glance at the monitor or tip-toe past their bedroom and you realize THEY ARE ASLEEP

Thatrsquos your moment If you have a spouse ask them to listen for the kiddos If you are a single parent take your monitor into the bathroom with you We wonrsquot call it a bathroom for those 10 minutes we will call it ldquoThe Spardquo I wonrsquot ask you to overachieve You donrsquot have to emerge looking like Charlize Theron Just think of one ignored need you had during the day Did you look down at your nails and see dry ragged cuticles Itrsquos time for some cuticle oil and massage How about your brows You might be able to squeeze in a bath or shower Maybe you will even have enough time for shaving your legsah the simple life of luxury

Rule 1 There is no multi-tasking at ldquoThe Spardquo You are not allowed to text concerns to a co-worker write a grocery list or read an article about The Mozart Effect Turn your phone off as this is all about Y-O-U

When the kids fall asleep if you begin doing housework or collapse in front of the TV you will miss this window of opportunity If you are failing your daily 10 minutes then try to report directly to ldquoThe Spardquo at least 3 times a week

One Half Hour Once a WeekOnce you get the 10 minutes to yourself down you are ready to advance to the half hour These are harder to find but have been known to be hidden when your children are at an activity or school Working moms may find it on their drive to or from work or possibly on a lunch break Moms with tiny kiddos at home may have to trust Dad or a friend or family member Your first half hour outing should be for items for ldquoThe Spardquo Yes you are going shopping Get yourself some cuticle oil especially if yoursquove never heard of it Therersquos a moisturizing cream you have been seeing on TV or a nail polish shade that makes your heart sing No matter how frivolous this item seems treat yourself

Rule 2 You are not allowed to get items for anything other than ldquoThe Spardquo on these first few

trips This means no diapers or potato chips We donrsquot eat in the spasorry

After you master this mini-outing you can use it for other experiences you enjoy It may be a latte or to pick up a book at the library The goal is that it is something that is a nice treat for you

An Outing - Once a MonthIf you start slow and master the daily 10 minutes and the weekly half hour you will work up to the monthly outing This will take a lot of planning You will need the help of your partner or perhaps a paid babysitter I am here to remind you that it is Spring Miracles can happen The sister friend aunt neighbor who has offered to watch your kiddos for you may need to be called in Time away can seem impossible Try to find one hour It is usually enough for a pedicure reflexology a walk through the park or just a cup of coffee at a cafe

If you have a supportive partner or the means to pay a sitter try to work up to sacred time for yourself at least an hour each week

AloneYou need time to just be yourself Wander around an antique shop hit some balls at the driving range choose an activity that connects who you are and what you love Exercise is also a great way to invest in your own wellness The hardest part is getting started so make the call to your local community center or health club today

It happens when you glance at the monitor or tip-toe past their bedroom You realize THEY ARE ASLEEP Thatrsquos your moment

With The People You LoveSome of your outings should include time with your partner Date nights are ideal Steal time for a coffee or a walk around the neighborhood holding hands The important thing is that it be time set aside for just the two of you

You should also try and have some of your outings be with the women who replenish --- contd pg 32



celebratingearth day

kid-friendly activities to learn more about mother earth

counting amp planting projectby angel rodrigues

things you needTerra Cotta Pots Wooden sticks for labelingPatio Paint bottles in various colorsPaintbrushes for each childPot decorationsSeeds amp potting soilPaper pencil amp permanent marker

what to do1 Paint pots and decorations2 While pots dry pour seeds onto paper and label as you go along3 Have the counters count the seeds and write on the sheet the amount for each pack4 Make math problems out of the numbers to show how to divide the seeds for each pot 5 Once pots are dry and decorated fill with potting soil and seeds6 Label each stick with the name of the seed and place n the pot

The great thing about this project is the many combinations of how to use the scents and the recipes are endless

Angel has a feminist brain a thirst for knowledge and writing is her dirty little secret She is mom to a 7 year old 4 year old busy

twin boys and a 2 year old little girl She has been married for over 14 years and is kept alive by coffee You can follow her blog or find her on Facebook and Twitter

pet rocks for the kid in us allby talitha a mcguinness

things you needRocks from around your housePaints in various colorsPaintbrushes for each childHot glue gun and glue sticksGoogly eyes yarn stickers etc

what to doLet each child enjoy selecting their very own rock and then allow them to paint them as monsters animals or with patterns etc After the rocks have dried an adult can use the hot glue gun to adhere the accessories like googly eyes hair etc Once complete display their pet rocks as quirky room decor on bookcases shelves their desks etc

mod podge birdhousesby karen finchum

things you needWooden birdhouseScrapbook paper Mod Podge (outdoor kind for sustaining the weather) Paint brushes

what to do1 Paint the bird house everywhere that you arenrsquot --- contd pg 18

Earth Day is the largest environmentally celebrated event It is recognized internationally throughout the months of March and April and with the

easy access to the internet and books galore there are so many activities available for helping protect the earth and reduce our carbon feetprint Of course therersquos always the importance of teaching about recycling and how to reuse items around the house and now is the season for many of us to begin planning and planting our gardens For extra ideas on celebrating

earth day try out a few of these family-friendly but fun (and even sometimes educational) activities you and the kids will love


e all know that taking time to exercise is a critical part of maintaining our health and sanity but busy moms can find it hard to carve out time for a coffee break let alone hours at the gym However you can always squeeze in bursts of activity throughout your day Studies have shown that small workouts can yield a big payoff The key is making them happen Here are 10 ways you can fit exercise into the busiest of schedules

Actively play with your kids at the park Itrsquos tempting to scroll through your phone once your kids are old enough to play at the park by themselves but

you can burn some serious calories by joining in their play Play chase hide and seek or scramble up the playground structure Just remember to wear comfortable shoes

Wake up early Try to make yourself wake up before your kids once a week to fit in a morning workout session Therersquos no better way to start the day than by

doing something healthy and positive just for you You may even surprise yourself by making this a routine

Put on a DVD when your kids are asleep If you donrsquot have the time or wherewithal to head to a gym try popping in an exercise DVD while your kids nap or

right after they go to sleep for the night From kickboxing to yoga aerobics to Zumba a wide array of DVDs will ensure a little exercise is only a TV screen away

Download a fitness app Downloading a fitness app is a great way to choose a personal trainer app that will guide you through quick push-ups sit-ups

strength training yoga and more Many fitness apps will also track your progress and help remind you to exercise

Make an active date with a partner Instead of meeting for coffee or going out to dinner with your spouse try mixing it up once in a while with an

1

2

3

4

5multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples16

by cara krenn

to squeeze exercise into your day

10easy ways

w

active date You can play tennis with your husband go for a jog with your best friend or walk your dog with a neighbor

Donrsquot take the ldquoeasyrdquo way Yoursquove heard the advice before Take

the stairs instead of riding the elevator Walk anywhere you donrsquot have to drive Consistent short bouts of exertion can have a big impact on your general wellness over time so donrsquot always make it ldquoeasyrdquo on yourself

Try a group exercise class Need the motivation of others to

get into your exercise groove Head to the gym or studio to join a group class If your children are young try a Mommy amp Me class or join a Stroller Strides group Many gyms offer childcare so you can dedicate a solid hour to a workout class of your

Stretch every day Even if yoursquore pinched for time or

low on energy you can always get a quick fitness and mood boost by taking time to stretch Whether yoursquore at the park with your kids or overseeing babyrsquos tummy time roll out your neck and loosen your limbs with a calming stretching session

You may be busy but remember that when it comes to squeezing in exercise a little really does go a long way

Cara Krenn lives in San Diego with her husband and fraternal twin girls A freelance writer editor

and stay-at-home mom visit her blog to learn more about her many adventures

choice Pencil your classes onto the family calendar so everyone knows your schedule

Go for a walk or run with your kids Pile your kids into a jogging stroller and

hit the trail Ignore whining by bribing your kids with snacks play an ldquoI-spyrdquo game ndash do whatever it takes to get a quick 20-minute cardio session When your kids are older you can encourage them to jog short distances with you

Make house-cleaning a speed activity Dreading mopping your floors or

vacuuming your carpets Put on some music and make speed cleaning your workout Flex your arms when vacuuming do squats when picking up toys ndash be creative Hate cleaning Try speed-weeding your garden

6

7

8

9

10

Bottle Choice MattersAll Dr Brownrsquostrade bottles feature our Patented Internal Vent System that reduces colic and helps preserve vitamins See our 2-Packs of Standard Wide-Neck and Glass bottles at BestBottlecom Like you we know that good things are even better when they come in pairs

2-Pack 8 ozStandard Bottles

2-Pack 4 ozWide-Neck Bottles

2-Pack 4 ozGlass Bottlescopy2012 Handi-Craftreg Company

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Twins_Adai 1 121411 116 PM



more earth day activitiesClean it Up - grab some trash bags some disposable gloves and the family and head to the park to do a little trash pick-up

Feed the Birds - Find or purchase a large pinecone and attach the narrow end to a sturdy string or twine Cover the pinecone first with peanut butter and then coat with birdseed Hang from a tree and watch the birds feast

Leaf and Learn - With the trees filling in take the kids on a scavenger hunt to collect an assortment of leaves Have them draw color and label them in a journal that can be used to add more in the future

We Like to Move It Move It - Have somewhere to go within a mile or so of your home Instead of cranking the car put on some comfy shoes and hoof it Make it a learning exercise too by playing ldquoI Spyrdquo games with the kids or using the moment to teach them about the harm our transportation systems can be on our environment

Take a Visit to Trashy Town - Literally make an appointment with your kids to visit your local recycling center to learn about the process of recycled goods It will give you all a much greater appreciation on the amount and types of things we consume and how we can better use and reuse these items

Itrsquos in our Hands - Recycle the largest side of a large cardboard box (think refrigerator or washerdryer etc) by having your kids paint an earth on it Then have them each take turns painting their hands and ldquostampingrdquo them in a circle around the earth This serves as a fun way to teach that the protection and conserving of the earth is the responsibility of all of us

Grow a Promise - Create or purchase a large woodenpaper tree that can be hung on a wall or door within reach of your children Have them make paper leaves and write promises of earth preservation on each one (ie I promise to ride my bike more I promise to help with recycling I promise to try more foods instead of wasting etc)

planning on putting scrapbook paper 2 Once dried cut out the scrapbook paper to fit the areas where you will be applying 3 Coat the back of the paper with outdoor Mod Podge and apply to birdhouse (tip Mod Podge dries very quickly so work relatively fast) 4 Allow a few minutes for the paper to adhere then seal the paper in with more Mod Podge allowing 15 minutes drying time between each coat (If placing outside apply the Mod Podge to the painted areas as an additional layer of sealer)

This craft is so easy and packs quite a punch to the backyard

recycled butterfliesby karen finchum

things you needCoffee filters Pipe cleaners Finger paint Round sponges

what to do1 Protect the area where the kids will be working

contd from earth day

YOUR AD COULD BE HEREWersquore reaching parents of multiples all around the globe and wersquod love for you to be a part Contact talithamultiplicitymagcom to learn about ad rates

and securing your spot in a future issue

2 Lay the filters flat and let the kids dip sponges or their fingers in the paint and decorate 3 Once dry gather the filter in the middle and wrap the pipe cleaner around several times to secure Take the remainder of the pipe cleaner and shape to make antennas

This was such a neat project for the kids to make You could even adhere a magnet to the back to display on the refrigerator or hang string to display in a window to welcome the spring

From Delivery Room Divas to the Birds and the Bees we are seeking your stories Check out our guidelines and send us your ideas

tots to teens amp everything

next issue

sneak peek

in between


20

You may have noticed that feeding your kids can be quite a challenge From finding time to prepare food to getting them to eat it without a fight you have your hands full The following is a list of what Irsquove done to get my twin daughters to eat healthy and a few things that some of my readers have done as well

1 Lead by example This applies for more than just food If you want your kids to do something then you must set the example They copy everything you do and say Replace your bad habits with goods ones Snack healthy avoid sugars and prepare meals consisting of Real Food not processed foods

2 Start from the beginning If you are just beginning to introduce solid foods then you are in the perfect starting position Make every moment count Introduce organic healthy fruits and vegetables avoid processed foods and make your own baby food

3 Donrsquot buy it If yoursquove ever tried to diet you know what Irsquom talking about Easy access to unhealthy food just makes eating healthy harder Keep it out of your fridge freezer and pantry This applies to fast food restaurants as well Stay out of them If your kids have never had a Happy Meal they wonrsquot ask for one Irsquom proud to say that since I quit unhealthy foods when they were 6 months old my girls have never been to a fast food restaurant

4 If they havenrsquot tried it they wonrsquot ask for it For example if they havenrsquot been given soda and you donrsquot drink it around them they wonrsquot want it Soda has no nutritional benefit to anyone Why train your kid to think it tastes good

5 Keep it positive They arenrsquot going to like everything you put in front of them the first time This starts at 6 months and continues for life It took me about a year when I was 19 to get myself to start liking bananas and now I could eat them

by kara cozier

how to get your kids to eathealthy



tipmake it a family affair


all day Acquiring a taste for different healthy foods is possible given time and opportunity Avoid allowing negative comments from anyone at the table Irsquove seen my girls avoid cut peppers (their favorite snack) for a day after another little girl stated that she hated them

6 Get all on board I wonrsquot lie to you on this one this is the most daunting task Grandparents and other caregivers seem to have this need to give children sugary foods as a demonstration of love Outlawing this type of behavior doesnrsquot seem to work for anyone involved I have instead gone with the lsquoless is morersquo approach Irsquove explained that giving them too much makes them sick later or alters their behavior Both results have actually occurred It has been my experience that once everyone sees how well your children eat and how healthy they are they will start paying attention to what you are doing

7 Theyrsquoll eat when theyrsquore hungry This method has worked for me and some of my readers though I have heard of children that will essentially go on a hunger strike My girls have heard me say ldquoI am not a short order cookrdquo several times One meal is made for everyone I will accommodate small requests but I do not make one meal for the kids and another for everyone else

8 Kidrsquos menu is the devil It is rare to see healthy food on the kidrsquos menu Grilled cheese mac and cheese french fries and breaded chicken fingers are

staples on the menus None of which are healthy I try to order off of the adult portion of the menu and have the meal split between my daughters If you absolutely have to order off the kidrsquos menu then ask to substitute the fries for steamed veggies a side salad or fruit (and note the shock on the waiterrsquos face)

9 Water everywhere Somewhere along the way I was brainwashed into thinking that my girls needed excessive amounts of milk and juice to survive Not true I donrsquot regularly purchase juice I will buy juice boxes for long car rides and pull them out when my husband and I stop to get coffee Irsquoll also bring them along to the beach or pool Otherwise day-to-day life consists of water As a bonus water is very easy to clean up when they spill it

around the house I have one daughter who asks for water with lemon at home and at restaurants Have you ever heard a 5 year old ask a waitress for water with lemon Priceless moment

10 Get them involved in food preparation Invite your children into the kitchen I know this doesnrsquot make dinner preparation easier I donrsquot do this every day but I do it often From washing vegetables to stirring sauces my children are in the kitchen My theory on this is that if they are invested in the labor involved in preparing the meal they will be more inclined to eat it

11 Good brainwashing Irsquom always telling my girls to eat their healthy foods so theyrsquoll grow big and strong We ask them to ldquoshow us their musclesrdquo after they finish dinner They think this is hilarious We identify healthy foods and unhealthy foods and why they are classified that way Irsquom amazed at how much they actually do understand and remember

12 Make it easier Life is crazy if you havenrsquot already noticed Make a little extra effort when you have a few minutes to prepare yourself for the crazy times Bags of trail mix and cut veggies will help you have something to grab and go when yoursquore short on time Be prepared Meal planning is a huge help When I plan my meals we eat better Yet it has been 5 years and I havenrsquot mastered this yet Healthy eating may seem like a daunting task for those of

The fewer sugars you eat the more amazing fruits and vegetables

start to taste

us who start out with poor eating habits Believe me when I say it can be done I personally started out loathing pretty much every vegetable and now I eat them regularly You can do it and your kids can do it too If they are older and you are starting from scratch take baby steps Eliminate or replace the unhealthy foods one by one The fewer sugars you eat the more amazing fruits and vegetables start to taste I never knew I could love an apple without drenching it with cinnamon and sugar until I changed my habits Invest in your familyrsquos health Make a change today

After years of eating processed foods soda and other unhealthy habits Kara decided to make a change She started investigating what it meant to eat healthy and live a natural life in 2008 when her daughters began transitioning to

solid foods Down the rabbit hole she tumbled Kara currently homeschools her 5 year old twins and blogs about her journey to a more natural self-sustaining life by eating real food gardening and making her own cleaning and personal care products Follow Kararsquos journey on her Life Sanity blog or find her on facebook twitter and pinterest


Cultural Care Au Pair offers

live-in childcare for up to 2 yearsa weekly cost of just $355weekqualified amp carefully screened candidatespersonalized matching servicea cultural exchange experience for the whole family

Want more information Contact 7049420729 or

email RebeccaPeplinskirepculturalcarecom

Looking for an alternative to

daycare

discounts for families with multiples

of the monthsponsored by

All submissions entered will be consideredreviewed by the Twiniversity Mom Squad The chosen twinnies will be featured on Twiniversity and will receive a toy from our sponsor Step2 Send us your submission today

aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n

Thanks to Step2 for partnering with us and congrats to our 1st Quarter winners

Got great twins Tell us


childproofing

What would a nice night on the town cost you You know a nice romantic dinner maybe a movie or a show and of course a babysitter What if for the cost of that night on the town you could instead transform your home to a safe zone for your kids You might even save their lives Interested Itrsquos easy

Irsquom talking about childproofing Yoursquove probably already child proofed your house right Yoursquove gotten outlet plugs drawer latches gates for the stairs and maybe even toilet locks and door knob covers The reality is while these are important itrsquos only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making a home safe Without a complete home safety proofing the risk of a serious injury or even death to your children is very real

Accidents are the leading cause of death of children

According to Safe Kids more than 3 million children under 14 suffer unintentional injuries that require care in an emergency room every year Pediatricians and emergency room physicians report that parents often say they were lsquoright therersquo in the same room and were powerless to prevent the accident from happening and their child from being injured or killed right before their eyes

So how do we figure out where to start Get down on the floor of each room of your home and think like a baby or toddler Look up under down and around Notice what they could reach tip over pull on climb on or knock over Notice smaller items that could end up in their mouths A good guide for choking hazards is if it fits inside a cardboard toilet paper tube that is cut in half itrsquos a choking hazard to a child under 5 Next make a list with two columns on one side write all the hazards you find and on the other side

write down what you need to do to make it safe Then purchase what you need and get to work In a few hours yoursquoll have a safer home

While therersquos no substitute for supervision itrsquos impossible for parents to watch their children 247 especially with twins or more However there are many safety devices available that can make your child and your home safer theyrsquore not expensive and are easy to install

Common dangers to children in and around homes include falls drowning strangulation burns choking and poisoning Magnets and button batteries (in toys hearing aids watches car key remotes and more) pose both a choking hazard and a serious health risk if swallowed and should be kept out of reach at all times Traumatic brain and crush injuries are usually caused from a fall or by a falling object like a piece of furniture or a TV which could instantly kill a child

by kimberly amato

why itrsquos never too early

Some key child proofing devices you might be unaware of or have that can be used to prevent these types of injuries include window guards door alarms cord containment cord and blind winders power strip safety covers bi-fold sliding and top-of-door locks as well as door knob and lever handle guards Toilet locks oven and appliance locks and latches outlet plug covers or slide outlet plates instead of traditional outlet covers and lazy susan locks are also important Rail nets banister guards or cardboard and duct tape can be used for spindle gaps on stairways railings and decks Magnetic locks are superior to the plastic drawer latches and cabinet locks

You should secure ALL furniture TVrsquos and appliances to the wall

You should also have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home and know how to use it as well as working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a family fire escape plan Do you know the number for Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

I know your parents have probably told you ldquoI didnrsquot do any of those things and you survivedrdquo While that may be true we live with a greater knowledge of what the dangers are and how to prevent them Donrsquot allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking lsquoitrsquo canrsquot happen to you or that your kids are

not at risk because they lsquoknow betterrsquo or arenrsquot climbers No one who has ever lost a child thought it would happen to them either Despite my well childproofed home I lost my daughter Meghan because her dresser was not secured to the wall She was a twin I forever see one where two should be and it couldrsquove been prevented

As parents we have the responsibility for the health and well-being of our children As parents of multiples that responsibility can weigh heavier on us as we have not just one child to keep safe but two or more of the same age We can only go in one direction ourselves after all Our job as parents is to keep our kids safe Their job is to be free to explore their environment through play So when do you plant to get started

For additional resources on child safety visit Safe Kids Home and Life Safety Meghanrsquos Hope

Kimberly Amato is a busy mom of three Her two boys age 11 and 14 still walk with her on earth Her

daughter Meghan the twin of her 11-year-old died at the age of 3 from a furniture tip-over accident Kimberly continues to parent Meghan through her teaching and writing about child safety as her goal is to prevent any other family from knowing her pain Kimberly created Meghanrsquos Hope and a Facebook page by the same name as well as Home and Life Safety to educate the public about making homes safer In her free time she blogs and ballroom dances with the love of her life


Answers for todayHope for tomorrow

Pregnancy is a beautiful part of life

and should be full of wonder and love

Being pregnant with multiples doesnrsquot have to be scary

even if an unheard of diagnosis is involved

Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad

great family Getaways

Who doesnrsquot love to take a vacation especially with school soon to be out and wanting to plan lots of fun summer experiences Here yoursquoll find tons of ideas for possible new places to visit things to see and do while there and even some twin-friendly tips from moms whorsquove done it before

Great Wolf LodgeThis Disney-esque indoor waterpark resort has so many locations from which to choose and is the epitome of a family-friendly resort Plus the waterpark passes are part of your experience and the only way

yoursquoll get access to some of the best waterpark entertainment year-round

The hotel My kids especially loved the themed rooms with cabins that have bunkbeds and their very own television The only thing I would recommend as an added benefit (and obvious convenience) would be to have a towel warming rack in the bathroom to help dry swimsuits during your stay Also while there are many restaurant options on site be sure to take advantage of possible coupons and savings at restaurants just outside the lodge My family

of 5 ate breakfast at Dennyrsquos for less than $20 because up to 2 children could eat free for each paying adult with our waterpark wristbands

If you want to keep your kiddos busy even outside the waterpark there are activities galore From the wolf walk first thing in the morning to the storytime before bed plus

fun had by all


the arcade spa MagiQuest mini golf and bowling too therersquos something for all ages And with so many locations surely therersquos one near you

The waterpark With a number of waterslides ranging in speed twists and turns and thrills and excitement you canrsquot do anything BUT have fun Not into slides Take the kids and enjoy jumping the waves in Slap Tail Pondtrade or the fun of Chinook Covetrade Activity Pool complete with trying to jump from one lily pad to another in efforts to cross the pool without falling in There are areas tailored to different ages like Cub Pawtrade Pool with its zero-depth entry and Fort Mackenzie an interactive treehouse with twisting slides and water falling well everywhere For those wanting to relax consider renting a private cabana complete with beverages your own TV table and chairs and several other perks (what mom wouldnrsquot love having her own personal cabana boy waiting on her every beck and call Yes please)

To book your stay visit Great Wolf Lodge online and let the fun begin ~ talitha

Walt Disney WorldKnown as the ldquoMost Magical Place on Earthrdquo Disney World has over 47 million people visiting the Parks each year There are 33 on-site resorts and four theme parks spread over 47 square miles Use these tips to keep the magic in your vacation

1 Plan aheadThere are many resorts in various price ranges and all suited for children but they may not all be suited to your family

Once you decide on a resort plan your tickets A standard ticket will allow you to visit one theme park per day for as many days as you purchase The more days you purchase the lower the cost (ie an adult one day pass is $89 and a 5-day pass is $5360 per day)

The Park Hopper option allows you to visit more than one park in one day The Water Park amp More option is what yoursquoll need for visiting Disneyrsquos Blizzard Beach or Disneyrsquos Typhoon Lagoon

You can book dining 180 days before your vacation including character dining Booking these

early is best as you can get mealtimes as close to normal as they would be at home

One mistake a lot of people make is trying to do it all Yoursquore traveling with multiples so donrsquot fret if your plan gets altered take your time and enjoy the Parks

2 Choose a good strollerIf you bring your own stroller do not lock it up like a bike as Disney will remove all locks Disney does offer stroller rental but keep in mind that the strollers are designed for durability and are costly If you need to rent I recommend an outside stroller company as you will get great service and a much better stroller

Since all Disney strollers look alike put a piece of ribbon on yours to identify it in a crowd

3 Prepare your twinsExplain to them that the characters they see will be as big as mommy and daddy and that they are all nice Show your children ride videos on Youtube If they are not yet 40 inches tall prepare your child that they wonrsquot get to ride some of the rides

my twins loved racing

on the 4-story slides


4 Guest Assistance CardThe Guest Assistance Card is a card you get from Guest Relations at any one of the theme parks and is for children or adults with special needs Once you have the card it can be used at all four Disney World Theme Parks You also donrsquot have to have an obvious need to obtain one It is for those with Autism heatsun sensitivity physical disabilities being able to use your stroller as a wheelchair etc

5 Companion Restrooms and Baby Care CentersCompanion bathrooms are single room restrooms in which you can take more than one child They have baby changing stations for the really little ones and enough room to bring your double stroller right in

Disney also offers Baby Care Centers in each Theme Park They offer amenities like private nursing rooms a microwave and sink and sometimes even a television table and chairs They also offer a shop with formula diapers and sunscreens

6 PhotoPassA Disney photographer will give you a plastic PhotoPass card with an ID number on the back Each time you see one of the them just hand them your card Theyrsquoll snap the pose scan your card and off you go You can do this as often as you like

7 Child SwapChild Swap is a program for families with young kids where the grownups (andor older kids) want to do the more adult-oriented rides This is a special form of FASTPASS that can be

obtained from a Cast Member when there is a young guest who canrsquot go on an attraction

8 Things to bring from homeTwins means double the ldquoI want thisrdquo A good money-saver is to go to a dollar store and get a few things that the kids are going to want I brought some Disney stuffed animals on clearance and told my kids Tinker Bell brought them since they were so good My twins loved it and never asked for another stuffed animal

9 Take restwater breaksIn one day at Walt Disney World the average person walks about 6 to 13 miles Most people simply arenrsquot accustomed to that much walking As far as little ones go they WILL get tired Between 12-3pm is the hottest time and crowds are at their peak This is a good time to go back to the room and rehydrate take a nap or swim

10 FastpassNo time for waiting With Disneyrsquos FASTPASS you wait a little less EACH PERSON NEEDS A FASTPASS TICKET You are given a timeframe and may

return during that period Once your FASTPASS time has arrived return to the attraction and get in the line for FASTPASS holders

A trip to Walt Disney World can be a truly magical experience Taking the time to plan things out will make all the difference

~ Cathy Zakibe is a mother of three year old twins She plans Disney vacations as a part of Magic of Mickey Travel Contact her to help plan your trip or find her on Facebook

New York CityTo stay Club Quarters are roomy and include plenty of extras like free wifi complementary coffee universal charging stations

and more Lowes Regency is nearCentral Park museums and the world famous FAO Schwarz This hotel also features childproof rooms and cribs

To do Uptown - Donrsquot miss visiting The Plaza to see if Eloise is home Check out the Central Park Zoo and donrsquot miss the museum of Natural History Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Childrenrsquos Museum To eat Burger Heaven and Serendipity (home of the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate)

Midtown The Toys R Us in Time Square is not to be missed Visit the TKTS booth in Time Square for up to 70 off tickets for a play Note - lines can be long To Eat Shake Shack (go early to avoid lines) Virgilrsquos BBQ Greys Papaya (best hot dog ever)

Downtown Put your walking shoes on and stroll through Soho Little Italy and Chinatown


New York City (contd) Austin Texas Seattle WashingtonTo eat TacoDelirsquos breakfast tacos are divine as is Thursdayrsquos special scallop tacos Kerbey Lane is open 24 hours and serves breakfast lunch and dinner all day long They focus on cooking affordable locally-grown food Itrsquos known as funky family-friendly and very Austin Last but not least check out Philrsquos Burger House a terrific burger joint with a playground for the kids Right next door is Amyrsquos Ice Cream where you can get yummy ice cream with ldquocrushrsquonsrdquo

To stay Hyatt Regency Austin located on Lady Bird Lake in the middle of Austin or The Driskill an iconic hotel located in the middle of downtown Austin within walking distance to the State Capital Congress Avenue Sixth Street and so much more

To do Zilker Park a 351-acre park in the heart of Austin has a variety of things for families to enjoy Or for something different check out Glow Bowl at the Texas Union Underground

Twin Mom Tip Visit in March or October when temperatures are ideal Weekends during these months are packed full of special events concerts and festivals Check out event calendars for something your family might enjoy ~ kristi m

To eat Check out local favorites like Anthonyrsquos Bell Street Diner the Cheesecake Factory (for more variety for kids) or the Old Spaghetti Factory

To do The Seattle Center includes Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum EMP Museum Childrens Museum Pacific Science Center International Fountain and the Space Needle Use Seattle Great Wheel to tour Seattle by land and water on a World War II amphibious landing craft

To stay Edgewater Hotel which islocated on the waterfront offers rooms with gas fireplaces pine furnishings plush comforters and great views of the Puget SoundThe Olive 8 Hyatt in Seattle offers great shopping and also offers spa packages for mom and a fabulous pool for the kids The Four Seasons Hotel has an outdoor pool and offers a great welcome package to all kids if you provide the names and ages of each child prior to arrival

Twin Mom Tips A visit to the Pike Place Market with fun shops and the ldquoGUMrdquo wall are a must Woodland Park is always fun too Seattle offers the Seattle Link Light Rail from Sea-Tac Airport to downtown Seattle Children under 6 are free ~ jana s --- contd pg 38

Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry (free) for that billion dollar skyline view and visit Battery Park the financial district and the World Trade Center Memorial To eat La Mela on Mulberry Street is one of the only restaurants in the city where kids eat free with a paying adult Dumplings on Mosco Street in Chinatown is where you can get five homemade dumplings for $1

Twin Mom Tip (from a native New Yorker) Almost all hotel lobbies have a bathroom use them The subway is the fastest way to get around and kids under 44rdquo ride for free on all public transportation Taxis only take four passengers so larger families should consider a limo service like Lincoln Car Service (212) 571-2828 They have great rates and large cars Many museums have free or pay-as-you-wish days Call ahead to see if one of the days will fit your schedule

For safety consider writing your cell number on the inside of your childrensrsquo jackets or buying wristbands with it on it (Mabelrsquos Labels) Itrsquos a big city so have a plan in case one of your kids gets out of eyesight

Check family websites like New York Family Magazine and local blogs for up-to-date tourist info ~ natalie

30

the buzzthe scoop on things worth giving a try

twin testedMOM

approved

hey sugarSNAP - diaper bag filing systemAny moms out there have the black hole of all diaper bags You know the ones where you know you placed something in it just this morning but when you need it itrsquos nowhere to be found Hey SugarSNAP has created an ingenius filing system (the OCD side of me sings ldquohallelujahrdquo) for diaper bags and it will be even handier for us moms of multiples with all the ldquoextrasrdquo we tote Each diaper bag filing system is made of breathable mesh on one side and an easy to clean beautifully patterned back side (there are 3 beautiful patterns from which to choose) The filing systems include tabs like ldquoDipes + Wipesrdquo ldquoShirts + Socksrdquo ldquoSnacksrdquo and even a ldquoMe + Minerdquo for us moms who need our own space for items too Best of all the filing systems are connected by a sturdy hook and ring system and can easily be switched into any other diaper bag or purse at a momenrsquots notice This is perfect for any first-time mom or for those of us who crave order in our everyday lives ~ talitha

kiehlrsquos face washSince Irsquove had my twins my skin has changed (along with my digestive system but Irsquoll save that for another time) I used to have oily skin pre-twins and then once I had them all the oil was sucked out and itrsquos more on the dry side I really dislike the feeling of my skin about three hours out of the shower Something had to change I started buying ldquomoisturizingrdquo facial washes but after dozens (literally dozens) of attempts nothing was working for me THEN one day I was at a cosmetics counter and noticed a Kiehlrsquos display Since I tried almost everything on the shelves of my local CVS I thought why not give it a try Now that Irsquom a grown-up maybe I need a more grown-up face wash I spoke at length to a sales woman and she suggested I try this She said if I didnrsquot like it I could return it for a full refund BEAT THAT I brought it home and used it for six days and saw a difference immediately I use this wash daily in the shower and itrsquos done the trick since then If you

are in the market for a new face wash go for it See if your store offers the same guarantee and then you really have nothing to lose ~ natalie


kushiersquos reusable training pantsI have really enjoyed using the Kushiersquos reusable training pants on my 2 year old twin boys Knowing that Irsquom not throwing money away into pack after pack of disposable training pants makes money spent on Kushiersquos worth it They come in such cute and fun colors and the best part is they work Wersquove definitely had our share of accidents in them but the training pants held every timeno leaking at all The pants have a soft cotton flannel liner inside the waterproof shell and the cleaning instructions are super easy I would definitely recommend them to anyone getting ready to start the potty training process with their kids I am positive Irsquoll be using them again when the next little one comes along ~ cindy

amy michelle cosmo go toteIrsquom sure there are lots of moms out there just like me who L-O-V-E handbags I am highly recommending the Amy Michelle Cosmo ldquogo toterdquo (and donrsquot just stop there as they have a whole line of bags that are beautiful stylish and totally functional too) I just returned from a business trip and love everything about my bag From the oversized front pocket for keys to the numerous slots for a driverrsquos license and credit cards (I even used them for business cards since I was networking) it had ample space for everything in between including a laptop snacks and bottled water Not into the business scene No worries as there are elastic side pockets within perfect for bottles or sippy cups I was also very excited about the stroller straps that I was able to put to use for a playdate special plug - be sure to check out the zebra tote as Irsquove been told itrsquos a perfect bag for moms of multiples with ample room for it all ~ talitha

YOUcould be our

winner

step2 party time kitchen amp fixinrsquo fun outdoor grill If your twinnies love to help in the kitchen theyrsquore going to love Step2rsquos new Party Time Kitchen With real lights and sounds a cordless phone to place those important phone calls a refrigerator and stove and even an electronic microwave they can use itrsquos just like mom and dadrsquos The kitchen even has built-in cabinets to store all the play food and a working clock so that you always know what time it is Also be sure to check out the outdoor grill just like the real thing that comes complete with utensils and condiments for those yummy hotdogs your little ones will serve up Want to see more Check out this Twiniversity video ~ natalie

Enter online to win a f iling system in Jax by Hey SugarSNAP and make organizing that diaper bag for your twinnies a S-N-A-P Drawing to be held April 30th

origins face maskWhen itrsquos ldquothat time of the monthrdquo sometimes my face needs a little extra love or I look like a 15 year old pimply-faced teenager Ok maybe not the teenager part but you get the picture I find that if I use this face mask the week before I can avoid all the breakouts and coast by until the following month Irsquove been doing this for about three years now and Irsquove had almost 100 success My mother-in-law was the one who told me about this mask and Irsquom so glad she did Also a little goes a LONG way so itrsquos a small investment for a facial mask I get about 15 uses out of one bottle (thatrsquos over a yearrsquos worth) Just be sure that you store it top side down to block any air from coming in or it will dry out your

mask IF that does happen add a little water and you should be set ~ natalie

Want a jump-start on summer Grab some brand new Bling2O goggles (launching springsummer 2013) and fret not as they are stylish AND provide UV protection Swim on twinnies


contd from rejuvenationyour spirit Plan lunch with your mom or sister Go shopping or out with your best girlfriends The planning of your outtings whether with loved ones or alone is really half the fun

If even ten minutes seems like too much I offer you a ldquoMom Momentrdquo Whether it be during nap time or when they are at school give yourself a moment Breathe Think If it is your faith tradition Pray In that moment give yourself credit for being a parent It is the toughest and most important job on the planet

Someday we all deserve a Greek Island vacation but until then your children have an amazing mother who loves them very much Please take excellent care of her

Tobi Stanton Stewart is a twin mom and writer who blogs about the good the bad and the fabulous world of multiples at The Posh Mommas

DIY beautifying masks (for face amp hair)

honey amp lemon face maskThis mask brightens clears and smooths skin for the softest finish For the best results

1 Tie your hair back away from the facial area

2 Steam face to open your pores (why not take a hot shower --- relax and enjoy)

3 On clean skin apply your mixture of honey and lemon all over

4 Let the mask sink in for 20 minutes

5 Wash off with warm water and a final splash of cold water to close pores amp smileThis recipe was brought to you by Blossom Everyday where you can find tips on beauty travel and style

2 tsp lemon 2 tsp honey

+

homemade hair maskGrab these easy ingredients and try this hair mask for shine nutrition and strength

1 Mix half an avocado with 2 eggs and 2T of honey

2 Blend and spread evenly throughout dry hair (for longer hair double the ingredients)

3 Let sit for 20-30 minutes covered in a shower cap or saran wrap

4 Rinse wash and let shineThis recipe was brought to you by Lily amp Jasper an editorial based commerce site full of inspiration on health amp beauty amp fashion

+ +

superM O M

sponsored by

We are partnering with MAM to recognize 12 of the most outstanding moms of multiples around the the world

To nominate a Mom please complete the form online and tell us why she should be one of our Super MoMs All submissions will be reviewed and considered by the Twiniversity Mom Squad The chosen Super MoM of the

month will receive a $50 SpaFinder Gift Card Even Super Woman needs a day off every now and then

Thanks to MAM for partnering with us and congrats to our 1st Quarter winners

Recognize a Super MOM today

shannon amy natalie michel le

ow that spring has finally arrived my two-year old twins are chomping at the bit to get outside for some fun in the sun With lots of upcoming outings it is imperative to have plenty of healthy grab-and-go snacks on hand As the co-founder of Petit Organics Baby Food and a busy mom of twins I also know that time is of the essence Here are three of my little onesrsquo favorite snacks that are super simple to prepare ahead of time and can easily be grabbed as you head out the door

Every time I make oatmeal raisin bites for my kids I marvel at the fact that there is no flour no added sugar no eggs and no dairy Best of allhellipthe ingredients are mixed together in just one bowl You canrsquot get much easier than that

Ingredients (Makes about 25 cookies)bull 2 ripe bananasbull frac12 cup applesaucebull 2 cups quick oatsbull 1 cup dried dates pitted and choppedbull frac14 cup canola oilbull frac12 teaspoon cinnamonbull frac12 cup raisinsbull frac14 teaspoon salt

for families on the gofrom

PreparationPreheat oven to 350 degrees Mash bananas until creamy Stir in remaining ingredients and allow to sit for 10 minutes Scoop approximately one tablespoon of the batter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet Bake for 20 minutes cool and serve

healthy snacks

oatmeal raisin bites

n



contd from healthy snacks baked zucchini chipsPotato chips are a picnic staple this time of year however we all know they are void of nutritional content Here is a low fat recipe that ups the nutrition by using zucchini --- bet you canrsquot eat just one

Ingredientsbull 1 lb zucchini bull 6 Tbs dry bread crumbs bull 4 Tbs grated Parmesan cheesebull 1 tsp dried basilbull frac12 tsp saltbull 2 egg whites

Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees Slice zucchini into 18-inch rounds Mix bread crumbs Parmesan cheese salt and dried basil Beat egg whites until slightly frothy Dip each slice of zucchini into egg whites and then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture Place breaded slices on an ovenproof baking rack coated with cooking spray Place rack on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until crispy

Garbanzo beans are the secret to these amazing muffins These little powerhouses are packed with protein and fiber the perfect snack to keep your little onesrsquo energy up on those days at the park

Ingredients (Makes 24-30 mini muffins)bull 2 14 cup canned garbanzo beansbull 4 eggs bull 34 cup Sugarbull 1 tsp baking powderbull 1 12 cups semi-sweet chocolate chipsbull 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees Spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or use paper liners Rinse and drain the beans Grind completely in a food processor with the eggs until smooth Add sugar and baking powder to the beans and blend Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments (or in a double-boiler) until completely smooth Add the melted chocolate and vanilla to the mixture and blend until smooth Pour the batter into the muffin tins Bake approximately 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean Allow the muffins to cool completely before removing them from the pan Enjoy

protein-packed chocolate mini muffins

Rehana Zamfotis is the co-founder of Petit Organics Manhattanrsquos only 100 organic fresh baby food delivery service Rehana sources local organic ingredients for her handmade baby food Every perfect puree is whipped up less than 24 hours

before delivery - you canrsquot get much fresher than that Rehana lives in New York City with her husband Andy and their two year old twins For more time-saving recipes that will delight your foodies-in-training be sure to visit the Petit Organicsrsquo blog find them on facebook and twitter Bon appeacutetit to you and your beacutebeacutes

appy springfun educational apps for kids of all ages --- and for mom and dad too

for the preschool and under crowdIn efforts to find more games and apps to keep my little one quiet when waiting places I recently discovered Kids Phonics a cool app aimed at teaching spelling and letter sounds Granted with its ldquoLearnrdquo ldquoFindrdquo ldquoWordsrdquo and ldquoTestrdquo features itrsquos still a little advanced for my near 3-year old without my assistance However I love that in the ldquoFindrdquo level he can see a letter and find the word that starts with that particular letter (using pictures of course) Download it free in the Android Market for Droid devices

Another great app for the little ones is Kids Preschool by Intellijoy My little guy is a whiz with puzzles but it amazes me that he can take random multi-colored shapes and somehow place them correctly into the puzzle without boundaries The Lite version is free through the Android Market with a limited 20 puzzles to try Upgrade to the full version for only $149

for kids 5 and upStack the Countries allows older kids to learn about countries around the world by answering questions about capitals geography and much more For every correct question answered the country can be stacked on top of others until it reaches a pre-determined line where that level is then won The countries also show up on a map that can be personalized by the player This app is free and available through iTunes

Scribblenauts is a puzzle of sorts more for the imagination that strategic thinking as you can create pretty much anything you can imagine to help solve each problem There are at least 50 levels of play and you can even share your creations via facebook and twitter Scribblenauts is available for $099 through iTunes

Think math canrsquot be fun Let your elementary school kids try their hand at Mathmateer and see how much fun they have With over 56 math missions that range in difficulty from evenodd numbers to multiplication and division your children will enjoy hours of fun while trying to beat their own best scores and honing their math skills This app is currently available through iTunes for $099

for mom and dadStuck at the airport Waiting at the doctorrsquos office Who wouldnrsquot love movies on the go With their ldquoTV Shows and Movies Anytime Anywhererdquo slogan signing up for Netflix is a no-brainer Netflix allows you to stream your favorite movies and television shows across the internet through your computer television Kindle iPhone or other Android mobile devices They offer various genres for adults like Comedy Action amp Adventure and Romance among others

This app might also come in handy for the family with the ldquoJust for Kidsrdquo version (geared torward those 12 and under) They can watch episodes from many of their favorite shows like Curious George Yo Gabba Gabba and The Backyardigans

You can purchase a Netflix subscription for $799month


I like to think of myself as your average mother of twins This statement might not be totally accurate I guess you could say Irsquom normal with a touch of crazy Five years ago when my identical twin daughters were 6 months old and starting to eat solid foods I decided to figure out what it meant to eat healthy The food industry tries to sell us on ldquodietrdquo food or ldquolow-fatrdquo and then there is also the ldquolow-carbrdquo option I was very confused and overwhelmed I was finally eating whole bananas apples NOT drenched in cinnamon and sugar and no longer eating Chef Boyardee I was heading into unfamiliar territory I started reading posts in natural living forums various blogs and I visited Dr Michael Smith a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) from the Carolinas Natural Health Center in North Carolina All three of those sources steered me down the right path The most important things I learned from Dr Smith were to make small changes over time and to try not to beat yourself up for mistakes of the past Basically you can only make decisions with the information you have at the time

Irsquom obsessive sometimes and when I get something in my head I just roll with it I went out and spent way too much money replacing everything in my pantry and fridge I decided I was going to eat ldquoReal Foodrdquo and I was 100 all in I didnrsquot listen to Dr Smith about baby steps I took more of a cold turkey approach I believe that approach led to some of the challenges and the binges I went on (several Trader Joersquos brand Joe Joes which were my replacement for Oreos) The one thing I remained perfectly committed to was the Infant Food Introduction Schedule he gave me I began making all of my own baby food Surprisingly this was not as daunting a task as one might think I saved money and gave my girls healthy organic foods I felt really good about what I was

months to12toxin free

by kara cozier

and why baby steps will make all the difference


doing for the girls and that strung me along during my personal change low points Once I eased up on the amount of things I was trying to change I became more successful Baby steps work

Five years later I looked back at my achievements and struggles and created a plan to take my healthy lifestyle to a whole new level I wanted to eliminate as many of the toxins in my life as possible and start growing my own food Buying toxin-free products from health food stores gets very expensive and I still found unnecessary ingredients in them I decided to go the homemade route I began by making a list of all of the things I wanted to change shampoo conditioner deodorant and household cleaners were a part of that list As I broke them apart into a manageable schedule my personal plan for 12 Months to Toxin Free was born Changing one item in each category over a 12 month period would help me achieve my goals in a reasonable amount of time I focused this plan around the concept of ldquohabit investmentsrdquo the idea that making small changes over a period of time will increase your likelihood for success With life being what it is---crazy---this makes complete sense

Balancing work life home life and personal sanity can be quite a challenge I created three overall categories for the plan ldquoReal Foodrdquo ldquoMake Your Ownrdquo and ldquoGo Greenrdquo Under the ldquoReal Foodrdquo category I challenged myself to add one new fruit and veggie every month and remove one processed food item At this point in my life Irsquom limited on my processed food items I have left I went through my cupboards and identified items I was purchasing that I could make myself I also added a small additional challenge in the ldquoReal Foodrdquo category every month For example in month two I challenged myself to eat meat every other day I donrsquot think that there is anything wrong with meat but I have noticed that meals begin to center around it The goal is to stop thinking ldquowhat do I put with this chickenrdquo and branch out This method is how I discovered some of my favorite staple recipes like eggplant

parmesan and cauliflower potato soup In the ldquoMake Your Ownrdquo category I put together a list of all of my household and personal care items that were full of nasty chemicals I spread them out over the 12 months and challenged myself to make them on my own with natural ingredients This has been incredibly rewarding for me as Irsquom in love with the shampoo and conditioner recipe I have been using I never thought I would be able to pull that one off successfully and be happy with it My husband has even been impressed with some of my

concoctions Lesson learned by my husband on the body scrub --- coconut oil is slippery on the shower floor (oops)

Going Green wasnrsquot a part of my initial list of goals but as I wrote out my lists I started thinking why not There were some things I was really interested in trying and if I put them in my plan I might actually do them Rain barrels composting and purposeful plants are some of the goals I included I want to plant herbs and plants that do

something for me or give me something to eat instead of just planting pretty flowers or bushes Citronella horsemint and marigolds help to repel mosquitos Why not plant those around my patio in lieu of spraying nasty chemicals in the air on the ground and on my body

So far I love my 12 Months to Toxin Free plan because it is providing me with a loose framework to make changes It is posted where I can see it so I can check items off and so I donrsquot forget to add certain items to my grocery list Irsquom building a recipe database for myself (and others) in Yumprint and photo guides on Snapguide Now if I can just find my dream farmhouse life will be complete

Kara currently homeschools her 5 year old twins and blogs about her journey to a more natural self-sustaining life by eating real food gardening and making her own cleaning and personal care products Follow Kararsquos journey on her Life Sanity

blog or find her on facebook twitter and pinterest

you can only make decisions

with the information you have at the time



Baltimore Maryland Colorado Springs CO Las Vegas NevadaTo eat Hop on board Solorsquos an actual Boeing KC-97 tanker that seats 275 diners Fargorsquos Pizza is known as an lsquoexperiencersquo restaurant The worldrsquos largest family pizza restaurant itrsquos set in the Victorian period and is a step back in time Last but not least check out Gunther Toodyrsquos Diner with Daily Specials awesome shakes a jukebox and 50s deacutecor

To stay Cheyenne Mountain Resort is surrounded by extraordinary mountain backdrops Within driving distance is Garden of the Gods park Pikes Peak Cog Railway Cave of the Winds and more Another great place is Homewood Suites with suite-style rooms with a full kitchen They offer free daily hot breakfast amp free evening dinners four nightsweek

To do Santarsquos Workshop Pikes Peak Cog Railway and The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are all must visit places in this area

Twin Mom Tips Know about altitude sickness and how to prevent it as many of the mountains in the Pikes Peak region rise to 14000 feet Dress in layers Summer temperatures can be in the 80s to mid-90s with cool nights in the 60s ~ donna l

To eat Lindo Michoacan for Mexican Food (a twin owned business) Jimmy Buffetrsquos Margaritaville In N Out Burger (fresh food fast and delicious)

To stay - The Golden Nugget (downtown Las Vegas recently remodeled and has a water slide that goes through their aquarium) It is also right by the Freemont Street experience which has a lot of free entertainment Another good one is the RedRock Resort (off the strip) The Westin at Lake Las Vegas has a fantastic pool area with a water slide but is quite a distance from the strip There is also a nice little village with shopping and dining

To do Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Lied Discovery Childrenrsquos Museum and Springs Preserve The free shows in front of the hotels along the strip can be fun too especially the infamous Water Show at the Bellagio While there be sure to check out the conservatory inside as the flowers are changed throughout the year Also check out the parks and recreation website for the location of various lsquosplash padsrsquo (water features that are part of the parks and are free to the public and fun for the kids to run through) ~ charissa l

To eat The Inner Harbor has a Cheesecake Factory a Philliprsquos restaurant (of Philliprsquos crabmeat fame) and a stand that sells pastries from the Maryland famous Vaccarorsquos pastry shop in Baltimore The eacuteclairs are not to be missed On the other side of the harbor there are restaurants such as Dickrsquos Last Resort and many other chains like Chipotle and other interesting surprises All of these have seating on a large outside dock patio that overlooks the harbor

To do Baltimore Inner Harbor is loaded with shops paddleboat rides quick eats as well as nice boats and scenic views for walking There is a famous ldquoDuck Boatrdquo that gives tours of downtown Maryland on a double-decker duck-shaped bus The Baltimore Aquarium sits on the edge of the harbor with several floors of exhibits and a daily dolphin show The Maryland Science Center is an interesting museum for children with several exhibits an Imax Theatre and a Planetarium Port Discovery is a ldquohands onrdquo childrenrsquos museum approximately 3 miles by cab or car from the harbor There is even a waterplay room where you can actually try to engulf yourself in a giant soap bubble ~ natalie

contd from getaways


Washington DC

Innovative one-step fold16 Unique seating combinationsIdeal for twins or children close in age

Visit wwwbabyjoggercom to learn more

To eat DC is a foodie wonderland The National Mall and Harbor are decorated on the perimeters by food trucks serving authentic homestyle dishes of so many nationalities These trucks cut down on overhead for great new chefs they cut down the prices for you and me and allow us to try foods to which we wouldnrsquot otherwise

be exposed If a food truck meal is not your thing DC is a lot like NY in that every block has something to offer Take a small walk or get in a cab and see what jumps out at you

To do The National Mall is a large rectangular walking area that is encased by the many complimentary museums provided by the good old US government These attractions are highlighted by the Air and Space Museum the Museum of Art the Museum of Natural History and several others

The National Zoo is a nice clean zoo with nice attractions decent views of the animals (a must in our opinion) and a great price (free) There are petting areas indoor exhibits and a food court in the middle of the walk One tip when visiting this zoo --- park at the bottom of the hill and walk

up to start your trip It will save you from getting winded at the end

There is also a new Childrenrsquos museum at the National Harbor in DC In the words of one website it is a cultural and educational center with exhibits and activities that focus on the arts civic engagement the environment global citizenship health and well-being and play The mission of the National Childrenrsquos Museum is to inspire children to care about and improve the world We couldnrsquot have said it better so why try ~ natalie

No matter where you decide to vacation or spend some time with your family we hope that these ideas and tried and true tips help make your journey and time together a little less hectic and a lot more memorable


travel safely

photo courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography

ith Spring gently creeping upon us and holiday vacations scheduled for everyone safety is a number one factor for all families For moms traveling alone or with your little ones here are ten things that should be considered while making your travel plans Letrsquos start with some at-home planning before leaving for your vacation 1 Whether you are a mom traveling alone or with your family make sure that you do the most research that you can on the location where you will be staying and itrsquos surrounding areas It is always best to stay in a highly populated tourist area close to the city especially when traveling out of the country The best places to stay for boarding are usually on popular travel websites such as Trip Advisor and Travelocity where you can find other customersrsquo comments and ratings If you are traveling alone leave all forwarding information regarding the name of your hotel your check-in and check-out time and keep in touch with friends and family back home on a pre-determined schedule

2 Always pack your necessities in your carry-on luggage or an easy to access bag if

things every mom should know

10by natasha drsquoanna

w

traveling by car (ie passports driverrsquos license itinerary credit cards favorite snacks items for the kids chargers and means of communication etc) Also make sure that you begin your journey with a fully charged phone or laptop and at least $200 in cash

3 Instead of copying your passport and photo ID scan and email all passports to yourself

4 If traveling with your own car have your mechanic check your oil make sure your wipers are working along with all major lights Most importantly fill up your tank with gas Always pay attention to your gas tank along with speedometer on roads with heavy traffic When your tank is a quarter full begin to look for a popular well-lit area to get gas Donrsquot wait until the last minute and take the chance of having to drive into a dark unfamiliar area looking for gas

5 When traveling with children that are still using a carseat always bring their own You are familiar with the history of your childrsquos carseat but not that of a borrowed one that may have possibly been in an accident This safety precaution applies to cribs as well You are better off bringing a pack-and-play with you If you plan to fly the safety precaution is to make sure that the crib that the hotel is providing is in great condition is not broken is a popular brand and has not been recalled

6 Another precaution for roadtrip mamas is to not force yourself to make it to your destination if you are tired especially if you have a long drive Plan ahead for a room to rest for the night that is in a popular location and continue your journey the next day

7 Always let your children know in advance that they will be traveling on vacation This will give them a chance to get excited ask questions prepare mentally for the transition and avoid possible melt downs It will also allow you the chance to give them the list of safety rules to follow such as no swimming in the pool without an adult and no wandering off

8 When traveling with your children to heavily crowded locations such as amusement parks and other popular tourist locations have them wear bright similar colors Also take photos on your camera or phone before reaching your destination Another great thing to do is to place a tag in their jacket sneaker or shirt with their name along with your name and telephone number where you can be reached

9 Trying new foods while traveling should be done with precaution especially when you are with your children There may be unknown ingredients used that can cause an allergic reaction (food allergies) Although it may seem fun and exciting to fit in with the locals childrenrsquos palettes are not as developed to eat and drink new foods To avoid unplanned trips to the hospital and plenty of sick time in the bed stick to what you know when choosing your lunch and dinner locations

10 Overall remember to relaxyoursquore on vacation Be the creator of the mood and everyone shall follow This will allow you to keep a clear head enjoy and make smart decisions

Natasha T DrsquoAnna is a mom of wonderful twin girls an educator a self-published writer of a childrenrsquos book titled Twindollicious and a blogger she enjoys blogging about all things twin-like and fashion for kids You can also find her on facebook



trsquos not breaking news that the trifecta of pregnancy childbirth and breastfeeding can unleash a torrent of hormonal changes that basically render you as messy as the drug-addled guy you avoid outside the grocery store Yoursquore sad yoursquore happy yoursquore furious yoursquore crying --- and thatrsquos just the first five minutes of your day But what about when those unbalanced feelings donrsquot go away Post Partum Depression or PPD is an umbrella term that covers a spectrum of mood disorders from depression to anxiety to obsessivecompulsive symptoms that can appear any time in the first year after your bundles of joy have arrived

While you yourself may not have experienced it PPD may be more common than you think In the United States itrsquos reported that 15-20 of new moms experience some form of PPD (thatrsquos about 1 million women each year) Of course this statistic only reflects the diagnosed cases Many medical professionals believe the numbers are actually much higher but that new mothers experiencing symptoms of PPD often try to shoulder it on their own rather than seek help perhaps ashamed they arenrsquot feeling that incredible joy they had expected while they were expecting The case is even stronger for us moms of multiples who quickly have to adapt to shouldering double (or triple or quadruple) the newborn load Itrsquos to be expected that we

might be more tired more anxious more over-all ldquofreaked outrdquo than our singleton mom compatriots so we try to explain away our symptoms as part of the job We tell ourselves wersquore strong we can ldquohandle itrdquo but this stoicism can be to our own detriment

At least it was mine

Despite an easy pregnancy and going full term with my identical twin boys I exhibited symptoms of pre-eclampsia after my c-section which meant I wasnrsquot able to be with my babies right away Those five hours seemed like eternity as I stared at the blood pressure monitor willing those numbers to go down body shaking as the drugs left my body All I could think was that they hadnrsquot even been in this world a day and Irsquod already let my sons down

After I recovered and we were home from the hospital I was haunted by recurring thoughts that there was no way I could protect these wonderful fragile creatures --- that I simply wasnrsquot up to the task A common symptom of PPD is having trouble bonding with your newborn and I suppose this was my version of that I was so busy worrying I couldnrsquot protect them it was hard for me to truly enjoy being with them

My love for them was large and overwhelming Instead of feeling good it felt terrifying

the low down on

(and signs every mom should know)the blues

by kinan copen

i



Everyone was always telling me ldquosleep while the babies sleeprdquo but instead I would sit with eyes glued to the monitor convinced if I didnrsquot watch them one if not both of my babies would die In my mind they were too perfect and I didnrsquot deserve them I became obsessed by the various awful fates that could befall us My new little family suddenly felt so vulnerable

These unceasing negative thoughts began to cause me a ton of anxiety another symptom of PPD Obviously being unable to stop thinking about your newborn babies dying is not the best way to experience the joys of the miracle of life Something bad was going to happen I was sure of it

Despite all this I still didnrsquot think anything was wrong with me Thanks to having two best friends who are therapists I was pretty clear on the symptoms of PPD from the time I got that plus sign on my pregnancy test but that didnrsquot stop me from making excuses for how I was feeling I told myself ldquoThis is me Irsquom a stress case an adrenaline junkie who is used to going at 110 even when the gas tank is at zero There were many times in my life I felt like was drowning --- why should this be different

Instead of seeking help I tried to ldquonormalizerdquo I cleaned the house obsessively I kept the boys and I on a strict routine I made sure to take a shower and put on make-up every single day as though as long as the house was in order and we were all dressed everything would be okay I got a lot of ldquoI donrsquot know how you do itrdquo and ldquoyou have it so togetherrdquo but I was living a lie Although it mustrsquove seemed like I was on top of things on

the outside on the inside was another story On the inside I sat quiet in my panic until it finally broke open and spilled out everywhere

One day our dog accidentally took a wrong wiggle off our bed He wasnrsquot hurt only startled but at the sound of his small doggy yelp I started sobbing Even once it was clear he was fine and back to his crazy terrier self my tears just kept coming Here was proof of how unqualified I was to be a mother I couldnrsquot even keep my dog safe How could I possibly keep my babies safe

My husband (and hero of this story) held me close and told me gently that I didnrsquot seem

like myself I knew he was right Sure becoming a mom can be a tough transition but it shouldnrsquot have to be so miserable right We made me an appointment with a wonderful therapist who specializes in PPD Within a few weeks I was on a low dose of an antidepressant and soon able to function better and better each day It was that easy Before I knew it I was calm and patient For the first time I felt like all those people were right I was handling becoming a parent pretty well My mood went from ldquoIrsquom drowning in thisrdquo to ldquoHey Irsquove got thisrdquo and that felt really good My confidence in myself as a mom grew while all the fear sadness and panic faded to the background This made all the difference in how I was able to relate to my new babies and become the mom I always wanted to be present involved and loving rather than anxious and overwhelmed

My boys are now a year and a half living proof we all survived that harrowing first year Irsquom no longer on the medication although I reserve the right to call in my support system of friends family and pharmaceuticals if I need some extra help again Thanks to them I was able to make it through the toughest transition of my life becoming a mom

Kinan Copen is a screenwriter and journalist living in Venice Beach CA who writes for screens large

and small and has freelanced for ESPN The Magazine and various online publications Shersquos the mom of identical twin boys as well as a ferocious terrier-dachshund You can follow her on facebook or twitter

instead I would sit with eyes glued to the monitor convinced if I didnrsquot watch them one if not both of my babies would

die My new little family suddenly felt so

vulnerable

ask the veterans

twins beyond the twos

What happens when itrsquos time for your twins to start school and the principal wishes to forcibly separate them While some twins adjust well others clearly show that it isnrsquot in their best interest Do you know your rights as a parent of multiples

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy

According to the majority of twin research and education it encourages schools to have a flexible placement policy where parents and the administrative staff work together in making the best decision for the twins in question Some twin-specific research even shows poorer reading scores and that they suffer to a higher degree over twins not forcibly separated

As this topic was very hot on our

facebook thread herersquos what a few of our readers had to say

ldquoThe school cannot decide if it is necessary or not to separate your twinsrdquo said Taylor K ldquoThey can have an opinion I am a special education teacher and I know my principal would never go up against a parent regarding their children and placement However if your principal does not agree with you then go to the Superintendent If they

know you are serious about this matter there is no way that they will fight you on it Find a teacher to take your side That will helprdquo

ldquoWe struggled with that but convinced the school to put [our girls] in the same class by sharing research with the principal on the fact that separation can be injurious to twinsrdquo said Cathy S ldquoWe also had twins who played separately until they were forcibly separated at circle time in preschool (who then began talking ldquotwin talkrdquo and refusing to interact with anyone else) Once we sorted out why that all started and gave them back the choice to sit with each other at circle time the ldquotwin talkrdquo disappearedrdquo

Andrea B said ldquoI would schedule a meeting [to] talk to the principal with a list of reasons why you want to keep them together and [include] some research to go with it If it doesnrsquot go in your favor you can always appeal the decision with the Superintendent or school board No principal wants to start a public debaterdquo

ldquoMine were oh too ready to be separated in Kindergarten but not everyonersquos [twins] are If you have one that is placed in the ldquoyoungerrdquo less mature class I think you can argue that putting them together in the middle class will bring up the less mature one as the more mature one will help bring them alongrdquo said Susan W

Want more information on how to handle twin placement in school Visit Twins Law and be sure to read the article in this issue by world-renowned twin researcher Dr John Mascazine



Road trip Those words can inspire excitement and dread So many hours on the road can get tedious even with iPods DVD players and other inventions of modern-day life Listening to audio books as a family is a great way to establish common experiences start conversations and (added bonus) pass the time during your summer travels While some audio books can be a drag for parents these delightful books will engage both children and their parents

Ages 3+Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo follows the antics of a silly pig who lives in a house Her real-people

parents treat her like a child much to the annoyance of their neighbors Mercy is lovable though and her crazy situations usually end happily As books these stories are written for early readers so the sentences can sometimes be short and abrupt when read aloud But Ron McLarty who reads the collection handles them well allowing the audience to focus on the funny

Rabbit Ears Treasury Rabbit Ears Entertainment produced several of these treasuries including

Treasury of Fairy Tales Treasury of Tall Tales and Treasury of World Tales Celebrities read the tales which are interspersed with original music from various artists which capture the mood of each tale These tales are true to the original tales very well performed and well-written Each tale is roughly 30 minutes (some more some less) so listening to one is not overwhelming Our family favorites are The Talking Eggs read by Sissy Spacek and Davy Crockett read by Nicolas Cage - although I would call them performances rather than readings

Ages 5+Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis take place in the mythical world of Narnia The

Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe follow the adventures of Peter Susan Edmond and Lucy as they fight the evil witch to reclaim Narnia for Aslan the lion which created it Subsequent books follow the adventures of other humans (including Edmond amp Lucy) as they find themselves suddenly in Narnia to help right a wrong Different readers read the unabridged versions of the audio books but each one does a fine job of bringing the stories to life

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder These semi-autobiographical novels tell the story of Laura and her family as they move from the Big Woods of Wisconsin to the prairies out west Cherry Jones reads the entire series which is great if you enjoy her reading style but not so great if you donrsquot appreciate her voice

Ages 8+The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood are difficult

to describe They are part mystery part parody part irreverent rabbit trails However you describe them they are deliciously delightful The rabbit trails had my older children and I laughing hysterically while my younger children looked at us quizzically Wood writes with a fairly difficult vocabulary so it is easier for children to listen to her books than read them Plus Katherine Kellgrenrsquos warm personable voice brings each character to life - the dim-witted and very silly Lady Constance the too-good-to-be-true governess Miss Penelope Lumley the wolf-children Alexander Beowulf and Cassiopeia

To truly enjoy The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry children must have a basic understanding of fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel Anne of Green Gables Pollyanna etc And adults must understand that The

bookreviewby michelle leichty

Would your children rather play their DS or watch DVDs than listen to audio books Here are some ways to encourage a change

1 Start early Childrens listening level is generally much higher than their reading level Its really never too early to start listening to audio books in the car Start by listening to something you enjoy when the children are tiny Once they are about three start listening to books they might enjoy like the Rabbit Ears Treasury Mercy Watson or other shorter books

2 Make a deal On long car trips agree to listen to one CD of an audio book (or one chapter or 30 minutes) followed by an equal amount of time for their individual pursuits Added benefit it helps the time pass more quickly

3 Let them pick This could be a good way to encourage participation or it could cause fights You know your children best If they will fight pick two audio books you will enjoy and let them choose between the two If they willingly work together then take them to the library to pick an audio book they would enjoy

4 Start small Start listening to a short book (two or three CDs at the most) while running between school practices daycare or on errands You will be surprised at how much story you can cover in only a few miles

audio books give lsquoem a try

Willoughbys is a parody The parents in this book are horrible and the children arenrsquot much better But the story itself is hilarious and Arte Johnsonrsquos

masterful performance is worth listening to more than once Be sure to listen and laugh through the glossary at the end

Michelle Leichty has read hundreds of books to her four children in the course of their homeschooling journey So

many people asked her to recommend books that she started blogging about her favorite childrenrsquos books at CultivatingReaderscom You can find out about her writing business at MLContentcom

ldquoFor anyone expecting or raising multiples this book needs to be on their recommended reading listrdquo mdashMultipleBirthsFamiliescom

ldquoOffers advice to frazzled parentsrdquo mdashBrooklyn Daily Eagle

ldquoFull of information it is richly flavored with tips and tricks that are certainly very practical for the busy parents of twinsrdquo mdashTwin Research and Human Genetics

A must-read book


Dr Joan A Friedman PhD

New book about adult

twinscoming

soon too



twins in school the placement issuearents are increasingly concerned about the placement of their multiple-birth children

in school Interestingly many states (in the US) have passed laws regarding school placement and many other states are considering such laws The laws are a formal way of enforcing sound professional policy In other words there would be no need for such laws if school administrators and education professionals would consider the needs of each set of twins or multiples and their educational needs before making a placement decision This is typically the procedure for other

students in unique circumstances and is routinely done for students with individual social behavioral or disability issues Why then should it be much different for students who happen to have a same age brother or sister

Each child uniqueEducation professionals know that each child and each student is unique in his her educational development and learning needs We realize that one approach or one strategy will not adequately address the needs of everyone in our class Therefore the most effective teachers vary their

by dr john mascazine

p


teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students

Anyone studying twins and multiples realizes this as well each set of siblings is unique as a set Therefore one policy or placement strategy will not ldquofitrdquo each set of siblings Some siblings do very well to work and learn in the same room or within easy sight of each other Some siblings benefit from time away from their sibling(s) as a way of discovering talents or making new friends And for some the placement arrangement will not matter The point is It doesnrsquot make sense to have a policy that doesnrsquot address or consider the needs of all types of twins multiples The only policy should be a flexible policy A flexible policy realizes the need for different approaches and different placement arrangements It also places importance on evidence (or data) to make decisions that are most likely to be in the best interest of the children And finally a flexible policy includes a review and revisit process in the case where a placement decision appears to be counterproductive to the development of the children

Research studies have also confirmed that the placement decision is most important in the preschool through grade 3 years After grade 3 the multiples are likely to have less of a need or concern for whether they are placed into the same or different classrooms Similar studies have also shown the placement decision can affect fraternal

and identical twins with similar intensity

How do I know whether or not to separate my twins in the classroomFirst proceed based on observations of the children in home school and social situations How do they ldquoget alongrdquo not only with each other when engaged in the same activity but when they spend time apart How do they communicate and solve disputes Is one much more dominant or subdued by the other(s) How do they interact with other non-twin siblings Have they had positive experiences spending ldquoquality timerdquo with each parent apart from each other These questions may help make the placement decision The side-bar offers more guidance into twin placement in schools

How do I work with my school to ensure the best possible support for my childrenTeachers administrators and school personnel donrsquot always have knowledge of the latest research on multiples The best way to support your children and their educational needs is to do your research Sites such as Curtin Universityrsquos twinsandmuliplesorg and multiplebirthscanadaorg can provide resources that help parents and teachers find common answers to puzzling questions For many educators it may be the first time they realized such resources existed

Providing print resources is also recommended I suggest leaving booklets or my own Understanding Multiple-Birth Children and How They Learn at your childrsquos school --- contd pg 53

Reasons to Separate

Different learning needs that can best be addressed by different teachersDifferent developmental or cognitive abilitiesSiblings are confrontational when togetherSiblings often do not socialize with peersOne sibling overshadows other sibling(s)Both siblings want to be in different classroomsSiblings resent having to be placed togetherSiblings are overly competitive adversarial

Reasons to Keep Together

Siblings adapt well to different environmental or social situationsSiblings make have their own friends They complete tasks whether together or apartSiblings have similar cognitive abilitiesThey are motivated by each otherrsquos presenceThey may have experienced a traumatic event and may need the other one to help them transitionPrevious classroom experiences together were productive and each child adapted well in the same classroom

things to consider

with placement


creative camps for kids

ften itrsquos not what we want for our kids but rather what we can afford for them Letrsquos face it when it comes to sending kids away for camps it can become expensive when paying for twins or more (even with a possible discount) Ever considered joining up with a few other friends and creating your own one-of-a-kind summer camp With these fabulous and fun ideas you can tailor the perfect summer camp for your own kids --- for TONS less (and without the worry of them being gone overnight)

First consider what type of camp would best suit your kids and if theyrsquore old enough to weigh in let them help in the decision-making process (ie think ages interests amp abilities etc) Then be sure to agree with the other moms in your group on dates and locations (ie your house vs theirs) Finally get to work doling out responsibilities and creating or purchasing the supplies and crafts needed for making camp happen Yoursquoll be surprised at how much fun you

have interacting with your kids in creating a fun atmosphere while also fostering friendships and memories that will last a lifetime Need ideas Here are a few tried and true backyard and home camp ideas sure to make even the whiniest summer kiddo smile

arts amp crafts campIf you have a little creativity and a lot of patience you can purchase craft supplies for mere pennies at Dollar stores One day could focus solely on painting new t-shirts or painting on canvas (like this giant mural idea from Pinterest pinner Handmade Charlotte) For more art ideas check out Deep Space Sparkle (one of my all-time favorites for

o

(for your own backyard)DIY

by talitha a mcguinness



my twins) for complete age-specific lesson plans and instructions on everything from paper weaving to line drawing and creating art with oil and pastels Other ideas include beading jewelry designing clay pots and other useful items like buidling bird houses etc

drama campHave kids that love drama Put it to good use by creating scripts for them to act out If theyrsquore too young to read a script well consider having them act out stories with which theyrsquore already familiar Take it one step further by allowing them to create the backdrops and costumes using items around the house (ie cardboard boxes discarded dress-up clothes hats etc) What fun it would be for the kids to put on their very own play for neighborhood friends and family

olympics campWho doesnrsquot love the thrill of the Olympics and what better theme for a camp Traditional games could include tug-of-war relays and even the egg toss Blogger mom Melissa Taylor suggests taking the fun up a notch by including events specific for the parents (what kid doesnrsquot love to watch their parents make a fool of themselves) Some ideas were a daddy hula hoop contest to see who can twist the most and blindfolding the moms and having the campers shout out ldquomomrdquo to see if each mom can find their own kid If itrsquos hot where you live include water games as a water balloon toss is always a favorite Also remember the sunscreen and consider adding some cold snacks to the menu to keep everyone from overheating In our last Olympics camp we offered sno-cones and plenty of water but also provided an inflatable water slide for some extra fun once the games concluded

cooking campIf yoursquore looking for an escape from the heat consider a cooking camp complete with having campers decorate their own chef hats and aprons too Fun and easy ideas for little ones include

making cookies and cupcakes decorating fruit (think chocolate dipped strawberries) or for the older ones create a more complex menu including international fare Learn about each country and help them create their own cookbook for adding recipes for years to come

nature campHave explorers on your hands Encourage their curious minds by giving them tools to learn more about the animals and environment around them Set up a bird watching area complete with binoculars and a book for identifying birds

they see If you live in a more rural area lead them on a nature walk explaining different types of trees plants and animals you see Have them bring along a journal and pencil so that they can draw their favorite things along the walk One last idea for nature lovers is sending them on a scavenger hunt by giving each child a brown paper bag listing the items they must find to complete the hunt

a little bit of everything campIf yoursquore looking to spread things out consider combining a few of each of these camps over several days Not only will it allow for easier sharing of mom responsibilities but it will also cater to many interests and give the kiddos more to experience

Regardless of what you choose have fun

chic design with multiples in mind

full service e-design textiles blog


Then schedule a time to discuss these materials with your teacher or principal Print out some of the guides from the twinsandmultiplesorg site and ask your school to consider discussing them at one of their professional in-service events The checklist at that site can help guide the placement decision

Find out if there are other parents of multiples in your school or in your district Discuss their experiences and take a proactive approach to planning Invite parents who have had their twin children in the school to discuss their experiences and to help advocate for a flexible and workable arrangement Emphasize the positive aspects of your advocacy I have found both as a teacher and as a professor that itrsquos easier to have school officials consider your point of view when you express a positive willingness to seek what is best for everyone Counter negative

comments with information and evidence to support the needs of your children

As a classroom teacher I always appreciated ideas from parents who were operating from an attitude of mutual collaboration

After all if the students are having a rough time adapting to the placement decision it will likely affect life on all fronts So a little effort in the beginning before the decision is actually made is worth much more in time and energy for everyone involved

Research is providing more evidence that multiples are different in subtle but significant ways And that ldquoone sizerdquo (or simple decision) will not address the needs of all siblings Therefore it makes sense to evaluate the needs personalities and previous experiences of the siblings before making the placement decision

Dr John Mascazine is a twin researcher at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus Ohio and has explored how twins and same-age siblings learn and interact in the school environment He teaches education courses to pre-service teachers and experienced teachers seeking masterrsquos degrees He has been investigating twins and how they learn since 1995 completing his dissertation research on the unique learning styles and study strategies of fraternal and identical twins in 1998

Other possible sources includeKlein B S (2003) Not all twins are alike Psychological profiles of twinship Westport CT Praeger

Mascazine J (1998) The learning styles of monozygotic twins A qualitative study Ann Arbor MI Dissertation Abstracts

Segal N (1999) Entwined lives Twins and what they tell us about human behavior New York Plume

Wilson R (1983) ldquoThe Louisville twin study Developmental synchronies in behaviorrdquo Child Development 54(2) 298 ndash 316

Wright L (1997) Twins and what they tell us about who we are New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc

contd from placement

multiplicity the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples54 FASH

ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess

the scoopon jessica coral high-waisted blouse amp snakeskin skirt - Marshallrsquos $1699 each on sarah coral striped top amp tan capris - Marshallrsquos $1699 amp $2499 on emily patchwork top amp skinny jeans - Burlington $1199 amp $1299

all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy

the scoopon brittany aqua print top capris amp scarf - TJ Maxx $1699 $2499 amp $1699

on jessica aqua satin blouse amp blackwhite diamond patterned skirt - Marshallrsquos $1299 amp $1699

on sarah black amp white halter amp yellow skinny jeans - Marshallrsquos $1499 amp $1999


the scoopon becky black leggings - Burlington $699 one shoulder top - Motherhood Maternity $2999

on brandy black leopard print top capris amp black wedges - Ross $899 $1299 amp $1799

on emily navy and coral top - Burlington $799


the scoopon brittany navy amp white dress - TJ Maxx $3999 on jessica green navy amp white dress - Marshallrsquos $3999 on emily navy dress with necklace set - Burlington $999 amp $1399 on brandy green amp navy scooped neck dress - Ross $1499


the scoopon becky blue top with front tie amp jeans - Burlington $1299 amp $2199

on brandy coral paisley dress amp brown rhinestone sandals - Ross $1499 amp $1299

five minute fixby traci zeller


fter a long winter cooped up my twins and I are ready to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air I also love the renewed emphasis on performance fabrics ndash those designed for outdoor use and are able to withstand the ldquoelementsrdquo In years past performance fabrics were unremarkable An average selection consisted of several shades of cream or khaki a few stripes and probably a ldquotropicalrdquo pattern or two Thankfully that has changed as now you can find performance fabrics at all price ranges and in all patterns The best part however is that these chic fabrics donrsquot look ldquooutdoorrdquo ndash you can bring them indoors and enjoy the luxury of low maintenance

A client of mine who happens to be the mother of adorable triplet boys and a precious singleton

daughter recently renovated her screened-in porch to serve as an additional living dining and play area The moderate climate in North Carolina means that spaces like this can be enjoyed for nine out of twelve months Because the space isnrsquot fully enclosed performance fabrics were a natural fit for her space Notice though how chic and modern the throw pillows are Those patterns would work just as well in a sophisticated living room Most mishaps wipe up easily with water but tougher messes can be tackled with a mild detergent solution

Thatrsquos why this ldquofive-minute fixrdquo ndash my term for easy inexpensive things you can do to make your home lookfeel better in the short amount of free time we busy MOMs have ndash is a ldquotwo-ferrdquo of sorts New throw pillows made of outdoor fabric transform a living

room in a few minuteshellipand it will only take a few minutes to clean up after any ahem accidents Calico Corners and Premier Prints are both great sources for stylish fabrics but donrsquot forget about Etsy Many Etsy shops specialize in pillows including fabrics customarily available only through interior designers Happy shopping

Traci Zeller is an interior designer known for her clean sophisticated mix of classic

and modern pieces As a busy wife and mother to active twin boys she appreciates the need for spaces that are beautiful and functional Traci also authors a blog and her firm Traci Zeller Designs provides full service design textiles and e-decorating packages

bring the outdoors ina

60

feed your

s winter lazily releases his hands on the land plants seize the moment and spring forth from the earth breathing the fresh air after so many months under the soil Each season has its charm but spring has a special place in the hearts of my family It is a time to prepare for the growing season a time to reflect on the lessons learned from the summer before a time to thrust our hands into piles of soil and breathe the scent so long forgotten

For our family spring starts before it actually arrives The first seed catalogs appear in our mailbox in January and I am hypnotized by the bright colors and delicious descriptions I mull over the catalog for the better part of a month using a few guidelines to decide what produce we will grow in the coming months Some of my decisions are completely based on the needs of my family while others are completely based on the names and photos of the vegetables Last year I discovered a variety of chard that was beautifully red and delicious when sauteacuteed with garlic this year I am trying two new varieties of squash When deciding what seeds to order I look at what our family eats most Rather than creating a garden exploding with every variety of vegetable in existence today we plant larger amounts of the veggies our family enjoys the most This year that includes a large raised bed filled almost entirely with cauliflower and broccoli Use your creativity to drive the varieties you choose After all gardening is an art of all the senses

by jodi smeiska

family

a

gardening done right

DIGEven us parents enjoy seeing the birds nest and lay their eggs Mount this birdhouse on a window so that you and your little ones can watch it all as it happens

Got a little digger or two Put them to work and let them try their hands at helping with these big kid tools --- perfect for little hands and big hearts

Check out this great book for hands-on activities that hone not only math and science skills but language and nutrition as well Grab the kids and get to planting

Who wouldnrsquot love to watch butterflies form For moms not keen on dirt but still wanting a great way to teach kids about nature check out this simple-to-use butterfly kit

A great idea for learning about the importance of recycling is to watch items decompose Kids can even get a close-up look with the magnification spots

Encourage your little explorersrsquo bugrsquos eye view with this outdoor kit The drawstring backpack is complete with a sketchpad and colored pencils a magnifying glass and LED headlamp

61

outdoor play things your twinnies will


ldquoslicesrdquo in which a different vegetable that your children enjoy on their pizza would be planted ldquoPizza Nightrdquo will take on a whole new adventure when you send your children into their garden and let them return with their favorite toppings Another way we engage our daughters in the gardening activities is by giving each of them a task --- digging holes covering the seeds with dirt pulling weeds watering the plants etc Making games out of the chores and perhaps adding a few whimsical tales of fairies and elves will make even the least enjoyable tasks pass quickly and enjoyably

After the seedlings are planted and watered and watered and watered (seriously folks depending on where you live you may have to water frequently) the first tiny vegetables will begin to appear Suddenly you have a 35 foot zucchini 3 dozen cucumbers and 50 tomatoes all seemingly overnight As overwhelming as harvest time is it is gratifying to see your hard work pay off in sustenance (and your neighbors will appreciate it too) Most vegetables can be blanched and frozen providing months of vegetables for your family If your freezer fills up as fast as mine does in September canning is another excellent preservation method If you have never canned before check out home canning online or consider taking a class at a local community center Whatever method you choose for preserving your harvest will make for sweet summer memories in the dead of winter

No two growing seasons are the same leading us to swing between feeling like a Master Gardener and a failure Take these lessons learned with you by journaling garden successes and opportunities Your children will see your garden bounty as nothing less than amazing and Irsquom confident that you will reminisce about your summer gardens for years to come

Go forth and cultivate

While we like to try new things we have a few staples in our garden from which we rarely deviate tomatoes lettuce peas and beans I adore instant gratification so being able to pluck lettuce from the ground in early June fills me with excitement for the harvest to come Tomatoes peas and beans are easy to grow easy to preserve and eaten with gusto straight off the vine by my little ones

Using a square foot gardening approach allows us to plant the most seeds in the smallest amount of space For example we plant 16 carrots in a square foot section Creating a comfortably close-knit grouping of vegetables creates a more abundant garden due to companion gardening Carrots fare well with peas peas dislike onions and garlic Planting marigolds throughout the garden wards off aphids nematodes and beetles Once you begin to plant vegetables next to their friends your garden will flourish

After choosing the seeds or seedlings you wish to plant the fun begins Gardening is dirty as is childhood On planting day make a pact with yourself to allow your children to get dirty Watch the emotions cross their faces as they squish mud between their fingers or hold a worm in their hand Children so often learn through doing and involving them in your garden planning planting and harvesting will not only bring much joy to your life but also aid them in understanding where their food comes from This year we plan on creating a childrenrsquos pizza garden --- a round plot of land divided into

Seasonal allergies the battle that you or your family members may face each year This allergic reaction is most commonly caused by mold spores and pollen in the air which then causes your bodyrsquos immune system to start a reaction This reaction may cause symptoms such as itchy eyes nose and throat and various other symptoms It can make one feel miserable You know theyrsquore coming so here are 5 things you can do to head them off

bull Shut the windows in your car and home or use the air conditioner to keep the air movingbull Before heading out listen to the radio and check the Internet for the daily pollen count Hot dry windy days tend to be the worstbull Avoid hanging sheets or clothes out to dry Donrsquot mow lawns or rake leaves because that can also increase your exposure to mold and pollenbull At the end of the day take a shower to rinse allergens off your skin and out of your hairbull Use simple nasal saline sprays and rinses to wash allergens out of your nose

If even after following these steps you or your loved one is still suffering from allergies talk to your doctor about possible medications There are many options so that you donrsquot have to continue to suffer

Dr Preeti Parikh is a Board-Certified Pediatrician with a special interest in preventive medicine advocacy and patient education She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Pediatrics Department at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and sees patients at Pediatrics of New York She also serves as the Medical Director of Programming at HealthiNationcom contributes to Multiplicity magazine The Bump and the upcoming book ldquoWhat to Do When You Are Having Twordquo to be published in the fall Outside of work Preeti enjoys free time with her husband and wonderful twin children

the dr is in 5 facts onspringtime al lergies

what yoursquore talking aboutWhat did you rule out of your diet when nursing your multiples

Dairy wheat eggs and berries Berries would make my girls break out all over their little faces The other foods caused eczema - Erin BCoffee I swear it kept them awake - Danielle FBroccoli amp cauliflower as it gave them awful gas pains - Cheryl MMy kids didnrsquot like ANYTHING spicy - Jamie D

I know itrsquos tough losing that timebut look at it as an opporunity for some one on one time - Tracy PFor day naps I placed them in separate bedrooms If one twin stayed awake it did not affect the other The twin that stayed awake got books on the bed to read so still some form of a break - Paula GAt some point you have to parent them as individuals They have different needs Your schedule just changes and you just have to adjust Charleen R

How woulddo parents handle it if one twin is clearly ready to switch from two naps to one



do something GOOD by the mom squad

This issue features the Moms Of Multiples - ChicagoNorth Suburbs club With over 350 families involved and so many affected by prematurity the group is participating in the Chicago March for Babies to benefit March Of Dimes on April 28th Last year only their second year walking as a group they earned two fundraising awards in fundraising over $12000 This year they are in the running as a top five team fundraiser so far

This year the MOM club has 13 families - over 30 kids - walking So far they have raised over $14000 One of the clubrsquos families walking will be celebrating their twinsrsquo first birthday on the day of the walk Sarah Boulos has three girls an older daughter who is now six and her almost one year old twins All three of Sarahrsquos girls were born prematurely (Madeline was born at 32 weeks gestational age and her twins Charlotte and Eleanor were born at 29 weeks gestational age) Clearly this family is grateful for the research and support March of Dimes offers

As the March of Dimes continues to accept donations for a few weeks after the walk visit the teamrsquos fundraising page if interested in donating

Other examples of this grouprsquos philanthropic efforts are the truck-load of donations they collected in March containing kidsrsquo clothes toysbooks bottles gear etc that benefited a local organization called Family Focus Within the group they have also had clothing and supply drives for families in uniquely challenging situations ranging from a sibling with childhood leukemia their first set of quadruplets a sudden loss of a twin to SIDS a parent with a chronic illness etc

On top of their educational meetings family outings and couple events clearly this group of MOMs connects with each other and within their communities to make a difference


I certainly understand your concerns about wanting your 3 12 year old twin son potty trained Parents frequently view successful toilet training as an important developmental milestone However as with all developmental markers we must treat each child according to hisher own individual circumstances I must disagree with your husbandrsquos desire to resume potty training in the midst of your sonrsquos protests and tantrums The most salient point to remember is that we are entering dangerous territory if we attempt to control something that we do not have control over Your son has experienced a number of upsets within the last few months Moving to a new house is a very big transition Moreover an unexpected visit to the emergency room can be quite upsetting and anxiety provoking

I would advise you and your husband to give your son control over his readiness to use the potty He needs to master this milestone by himself so that he can feel proud motivated and successful Of course your praise and encouragement are essential however the primary wish to be ldquoa big boyrdquo and use the potty must be his decision

based on his readiness and comfort level Giving your son the control to decide when he wants to use the potty again will allow him to experience a renewed capability to manage whatever feelings emerge in respect to using the toilet

I understand that you might feel concerned that he is not trained as yet Please try to appreciate that you recognize intuitively what your son needs better than anyone else He will use the potty when he is ready He will experience feelings of pride and competence which will nurture self-esteem and resilience Toilet training is not

a requisite that can be forced upon a child When it is it can have detrimental consequences because it may interfere with a childrsquos natural inclination to find and to trust his own threshold for mastery and self-control

Dr Friedman is a prominent and well-respected twin expert who shares her passionate views and insights with twins and their families throughout the world The fact that she is an identical twin and the mother of five including fraternal twins makes her ideally suited to this task Her commitment to twin research and her treatment of twins of all ages demonstrate the breadth and depth of her skills and experience

ask joan about potty readiness

vs reactivity

ldquoI have been potty training my twins who are 35 years old I started with the one who I felt like was ready He was doing pretty good but he refused to poop in the potty Then he had an accident that sent him to the ER and then two weeks later he got a bug that made him sick for six days Needless to say we lost any progress we had made in potty training Now in a new house we are trying to train him but he says he just doesnt want to go and throws a fit if we take him My husband thinks we should push him since hes proven he can do it Any suggestions ~ jill m


photography by firewife photography

Mama said therersquod be days like thisJoin moms of multiples all around the globe in supporting each other on the good AND the not-so-good days

cover cutiesAt almost 8 years old this spring it was fitting for

Brooke and Brianna to be our cover cuties this issue Brooke likes singing acting and roller

skating Her favorite color is pink and she wants to be a singer when she grows

up Brianna likes directing singing acting talking on the phone and playing basketball

Her favorite color is purple She wants to be a singer and get married when she grows up but

doesnrsquot want kids (ha she comes from a rather large family with lots of siblings)

photos courtesy of Cleo Bella Photography

Sleep training twins - you CAN do the impossible

Is your family prepared for a disaster

Need a little TLC How to make some YOU time

Celebrating Earth Day in lots of little ways

Exercise When - 10 ways to squeeze it into your busy day

Do your kids eat healthy If not find out how to make it happen

Itrsquos never too early to childproof your home

Great Family Getaways - Tips for traveling to some of Americarsquos greatest places

Product Buzz

Healthy snacks from Petit Organics

Appy Spring Apps the whole family can enjoy

Ready for a change Try 12 Months to Toxin Free

Things Every Mom Should Know when traveling

The Low Down on the Baby Blues

Book Review - Audio book ideas for reading this spring

Separate or Not Twin placement in schools

Creative (and Cost-Friendly) Camps for your backyard

Color is the name of the game this spring Check out our Fashion Finds for Less

Five Minute Fix - Love the outdoors Bring it in

Feeding your family by gardening

Do Something Good - featuring Moms of Multiples ChicagoNorth Suburbs

7

10

12

15

16

20

24

26

30

33

35

36

40

43

46

48

51

54

59

60

64

protecting the earth and your family


10

43

51

4































ldquo ldquo

















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





4































ldquo ldquo

















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





















ldquo ldquo

















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity



















ldquo ldquo

















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity

















ldquo ldquo

















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




















Donrsquot miss it


TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






TM

Sleep

Be Happy Be Healthy















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity

















l


















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






















mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity













mommy rejuvenation













































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity

















































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity































1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity















1

2

3

4


by cara krenn


10easy ways

w
















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




















6

7

8

9

10





C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity

























next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity











next issue

sneak peek

in between


20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





20







by kara cozier

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity



















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity

















start to taste










daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity














daycare




aiden

amp kiernan

kayla

amp lily

trevor

amp jona

h

jackamp

jameso

n




childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






childproofing









by kimberly amato

















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




















Have questions

We can help


by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






by the mom squad








fun had by all
















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




















































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




































30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


















30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





30


twin testedMOM

approved







YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






YOUcould be our

winner



















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


















+






+ +

superM O M

sponsored by












healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity










healthy snacks


n

























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




























by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


















by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity








by kara cozier


























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




























contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity















contd from getaways


Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






Washington DC











travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






travel safely






w




















the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity
























the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity













the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity












the low down on


by kinan copen

i
















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity



















vulnerable

ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





ask the veterans



phot

o co

urte

sy o

f fire

wife

pho

togr

aphy





































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity































A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


















A must-read book




twinscoming

soon too








p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity











p









Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity













Reasons to Separate




things to consider

with placement







o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity











o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity










o































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity
































ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






















ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity






ION

finds

for le

ssby

talit

ha a

mcg

uinn

ess


all f

ashi

on p

hoto

grap

hy c

ourt

esy

of fi

rew

ife p

hoto

grap

hy























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity



























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity
























60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity




















60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity


















60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity















60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity





60

feed your



by jodi smeiska

family

a








61



































vs reactivity











61



































vs reactivity






































vs reactivity






























vs reactivity




















vs reactivity













vs reactivity








Date post:	10-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	multiplicity-magazine
View:	218 times
Download:	0 times

Multiplicity - Spring 2013

Documents