Packing

So we leave tomorrow and NO I have yet to pack. I cant pack in advance like I used to because the girls pretty much use all their day-to-day stuff. I did pack their awesome new clothes (I swear they have more than me and my husband put together). My husband has yet to do the laundry as well. He will today. Yes- he is the one that does the laundry. We are equal opportunity employers.



Tonight I pack.



I am really looking forward to leaving. For the most part- it's because I am SUPER family oriented, and I miss my family with a passion. I never grew up with my family. My parents moved here alone from Israel in the 70's. That meant- no holidays with the grandparents, the aunt, uncles, cousins. And I have MANY. Think of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with more cousins. Yes- more.



So to make up for this, we would go to Israel every summer when we were growing up. They were the best memories. It was always hot, and there were so many cousins to play with- and grandparents who would shower you with attention because they hardly ever saw you. We played outside all the time (very rare to play outside when you live in NY) and it was so carefree. As an adult I still feel the same way when I go there. When I am with my family I feel like I belong to a group. Like I belong somewhere.



And to make it even better- I LOVE my husband's family as if they were my own (with the exception of his brother of course). So just spending time with them- and introducing our girls to them is going to be great.

Anywho...

So yes- today is packing day.



I am also looking forward to getting 2 weeks off of work. My brain is frazzled. Being a new mom to twins, while working full time is not an easy task. I just feel like I am in constant motion. When I finally rest my feet at the end of the day- it feels unnatural.

I have to look after my girls, my husband and my boss and my memory is NOT what it used to be at all. I feel like I am at my wits end having to care for everyone.



But you know what? I def feel happy. I don't think I could have ever really said that before. But these girls have filled my heart up and bring joy into my world and I thank GD every day.



Anyway guys, I have a question:



Anything I need to pack with me for my trip for the girls? I don't want to forget something.

BTW have any of you ever given your kids benadryl for the flight. Many of my friends do- to help their kids sleep through the flight.. but I think I would be too worried.



BTW- Here are pictures of Soleil trying out her rolling skills yesterday. Now that she knows how to do it- she is a roll over machine! she wont stop! I had to put the sleep positioner back in her crib- and she was NOT happy about it in the least. She cried for at least 30 minutes.



Here she is trying to roll over. Her sister is in the way, and this makes her frustrated- although she still tries to roll onto Neve:





Neve with fear in her eyes:
Damn it- you're in my way!


BTW- This picture is of Neve this morning. She almost always has that startled/scared look in her eyes

New Trick

Hey Lurkers.. I know you're out there... why don't you just stop in and say a quick hello? Don't be scared, I wont bite!



By the way, Soleil has learnt a new trick:

Maybe if I turn that way I could avoid my spit up Oh boy, I'm going head first into it
Hey Mommy, look what I did!


OK people, she has officially learnt to roll over! At 6 months & 1 week (about 4 months adjusted age).

I am so proud of my little munchkin. I mean, I knew it was coming, since on Sunday night we put her to sleep on her back and she woke up on her tummy Monday morning. But we actually get to see her in action last night. Of course all the rolling around makes her spit up (which is why there is a huge stain of orange on her sheet- don't worry, we changed the sheets !). It was so cool. So every time she rolled over, we would cheer her on and she would smile and coo, like she knew she did something right!

I couldn't help but tear up. I mean- this was my baby girl"B" who was the one placed on a respirator at birth ( scored a 4 on the apgar scale) , and the one who stayed in the hospital longer than her sister. This was the baby I so worried over. My little muchkin is now on the go, and all I can say is- Thank GD. When I went into labor at 25 weeks- it could have went in a completely different direction- I am aware of that. It was a hair away form being a nightmare.

I wake up every morning, thankful that they are both here. Thankful that they seem to be doing well (of course, you never actually know until they are grown). Thankful that the night when I spoke to the neonatal doctor is far, far behind me.

Anyway, I will NOT be one of those mom's who compare their children's development- as all children develop at a different rate (so you're off the hook for now Neve).

So glad I can share this mommy joy with you guys!

This weekend was nice.. but too long. Sometimes I cant wait to go to work to be away from screaming, teething babies.



Saturday was a beautiful day in NYC. We stopped by my parents house for breakfast, then went to the village with my father. It's funny, since I was pregnant, my father has always said he would take the girls to the village (as he used to do with me when I was a child). So we packed the girls up in their new stroller and went.



OK. I read in many twin books about how you become a celebrity handler when you have twins. The attention you get from people is insane (esp when you dress the girls in adorable outfits with bows on their heads). Everyone comments, smiles, speaks to you. I'm a friendly person- but I dislike all the attention. When I tell my husband this, he says "well, you shouldn't have had twins then". Ha.



I don't know, it just makes me uncomfortable. I know that I should be proud of it, but I guess in a deep down way- I am worried that all the attention will somehow take my girls away form me (since I couldn't get pregnant in the first place). Does that make sense? Like you don't want to draw attention to a new job in fear of losing it? I don't know.



The question that makes me want to slap people with a silly stick (I wonder if they sell those) is : "Are they twins"?



Umm.. no. One is actually 15 years old who is a bit small for her age. Are you kidding me!? I usually just nod my head. One woman at Se.ph.ora asked me if they were twins. After I said yes, she said "Well I can tell"! WOW- Do you want a prize?



Anyway, we had a nice lunch with my father. Of course- all I had was a salad, as I am still sticking with my SB diet. I have def lost some weight, but it's only a drop in the bucket when you have 25 more to lose. Of course, I know I wont lose a ton more b4 my flight, but as much as I can will help. My father ordered a red Velvet cake (which I only took one bite from) and it was amazing. I want to be one of those people who take pictures of food... but when I do, I look like such a poser. Anyway- here are some pics of the day:







My father, me and the girls:
Can you see Neve's spit bubbles? Daddy and The girls:

Grandpa saying something to make Neve laugh at the restaurant:
Finally She sleeps:
Red Velvet cake.. yumm...
The girls tend to do the same things at the same time:

So when we got home I received a gift in the mail from my Blogging BFF Heather. If you haven't yet read her blog- go check it out now (OK not right now- finish my post!)- she is funny.

She sent the girls these adorable onesies:

If you cant read what the onesies say: Do we look identical?

I totally LOVED the gift. Thanks H!

Moving on.. a few good things happened this week to my blogging friends:

TOPCAT: Had her baby today! She had a boy (as I predicted) and mommy and baby are doing well. Of course, her husband's health is still a question- so please go over to her site and send you love and support. She is an amazing woman with an amazing life story.

Stacie: Her son Shawn finally seems to be doing well after his last surgery. He is smiling and all. Please send your prayers and love to him as well- as they above all- need to get a break from it all. (Stace- not sure if you still read my blog.. but you are always in my thoughts)

K: I have called her Joan & Kate plus 8... (since she and her partner have a 4 yr old girl, twin boys who are 2, and twin boys on the way!). But all jokes aside- Discovery health will be filming their lives for a one hour show to be aired at the end of the year! I guess the world will want to see how she does it- just like I am always curious. Finally I will be able to meet her "face-to face"- of course she better not forget the little people (plug my blog!). She is currently holding auditions for the part of her "friends" :)

Anyway- started packing for my trip... oy.

My cousin B

My cousin B is one of my best friends in the whole world.

Me and B are VERY much alike.

Our dad's are brothers and are very close, but my family has never been particularly close with my dad's side. Most of his siblings (and he has 9) are cold and gossipy, but B's dad is amazing.

Anyway, when we were kids- I never liked her. She was not my cup of tea. Meanwhile, we were only 8 days apart in age (she too is a Gemini girl). We always joke about our parents having sex on the same day to conceive (although we are a but sick to even think about our parents having sex).

One summer when I was 13 while I was vacationing with my mother and brother in Israel, B's family happen to be in NY visiting. So we pretty much missed one another (B lives in Israel).

Her family returned home while we were still on vacation, and so my mother FORCED me to go sleep over her house (she said I had to since they were just in our home). Begrudgingly I went.

Another reason I didn't want to go was because I was hanging out with my other cousin and his best friend (my husband). And since I was crushing insanely on my husband then, I didn't want to be removed from his vicinity (little did I know that he knew I liked him and was so NOT into me).

So I arrived at her home and we just started talking. And talking. And the talking.

We were so alike! We just hit it off!

The topic of discussion: My husband and my INSANE crush on him (which is why she was so happy when we ended up together). So pretty much, we bonded over my husband and Take That. We must never forget Take That.

Long story short- we have been the best of friends ever since. We just have the same humor. We laugh ALL THE TIME. What makes it even better is that we're family.

Now let me tell you something about B.

The girl is out of her mind.

She never does anything by the book.

She even changed her name- but I refuse to call her by her new name. Ever.

Last year she got married, and I flew to her wedding alone (my husband was in school). This was a month b4 my retrieval. I had to be there for her (as she was for me) on her big day. I LOVE her husband- they are just perfect for one another.

So my issue with her is this:

The girl NEVER calls me when I am home (in the US). I can call her many times , and she NEVER answers the phone, nor does she get back to me. That is her thing.

You know how pissed off that makes me? I mean when I was laying in the hospital on bedrest- I called her a few times with no answer (of course). I just wanted to talk to her. I left her a long ans nasty voicemail about what I was going through and her lack of friendship. Once she heard the message, she called me right back. She said she was going through a tough time, and didn't know I was in the hospital. Whatever.

She calls sporadically, like once every 4-6 months.

She did send me a nice gift for the girls though.

I digress... anyway, when I am in Israel the girl STALKS me.

This is no joke.

She calls me like 15 times a day, and wants to see me all the time. She offers to come pick me up and drop me back (an hour each way).. and never lets me pay for ANYTHING.

So that is why she confuses me.

My husband says he doesn't get why I am still friend s with her.

But you know what? I mean if this is who she is.. I cant change her. And its not like she doesn't make an effort when I am close to her.

I'm writing about her now bec she just left em one of her classic voicemail messages about being sorry that she hasn't called bec she has been going through a "tough time". Apparently her tough time excuse is getting old.

She started crying into the phone (again, I tell you she's crazy) and says how much she misses me and wants to see me, and to finally meet the girls. Of course, I called her back an hour later and she didn't pick up her phone. Classic.

Anyway- so you think I should keep putting her actions aside? Or should I just tell her that if she wants to be Friends with me, she needs to be in contact more often?

OK so after my post a few days ago, I decided to bid on a new & PINK Combi stroller. I mean, you can always find something better if you spend more money, but mine was $170 bucks with shipping.

It came yesterday, and so did our lovely new camera!


STROLLER:

Can you sense soleil's excitement? (left)

Now no one will ask me if I have two boys. Come to think of it people ask us if they are boys when they see the girls wearing pink.

Anyway- we know it wont outlast a nuclear holocaust (like the Graco Quatro)- it's temporary. If it lasts us a year, then that is still money well spent. We just needed something that didn't weigh 12,000 pounds for our trip (BTW would love tips of what to take for my girls for the trip).

We also got a new camera (obviously these purchases was made prior to my husband's news yesterday. Im sensing we wont be buying anything new for along time):

A new camera makes me so happy! We had one from 2004, and it is bulky and horrible. With all the pictures we take, we needed a new one

My trip is a few days away and naturally, I have not packed. I usually like to pack the night before. But considering I now have two children to pack for (add that to the husband I usually pack for as well) that's about 75 people to pack for. Wow- the job of a mother.

Anyway, i didn't tell you about my Wednesday night.

So we had a company party. Some of you may have guessed who the celeb performer was. I was so excited- I got all dolled up and me and my husband actually went out at night for the first time since our girls were born.We were going to paint the town red.

The party started at 9pm. He was supposed to perform at 11pm. I know this was way past my usual bedtime of whenever my head hits the pillow, but it was supposed to be worth it.

11pm comes and goes. 11:30pm comes and goes. No performer. Every 30 minutes someone would get on stage to say "he'll be here in a few minutes"- BS.. Such a diva.

At 12:15am we called it quits and left- without seeing the performance. Apparently he came on at 12:40am! I mean, that's fine and dandy(did I just write dandy?) for young, unmarried, or childless couples, but we were just so tired and out of it. I feel asleep in the car.

Turns out once he did get on- he was great- and there were a few other celebs there as well. Whatever. The only person I would stay up until the crack of dawn for is for my one and only.

One fun thing that I did do that night (other than eating a mini cupcake... yumm) was sing a karaoke song. I love karaoke. If its in the right note, I can sing my ass off. My fave karaoke song to sing is Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi. I'm such a show off.

Half full?

OK- Glass half full....

My husband lost his job today. "Downsizing"aka boss who could in a heartbeat find someone else to replace my husband for less money. My husband has been with this company for 3 years now. His assh*ole boss is giving him until September (just when his school semester begins).

This is not a career. He works for a flower wholesaler while attending school. He was getting paid nice money. He is going to school to get a degree so that he can have job security. This is an example of how not having a degree/career can effect you in a drop of a hat.

I am worried, but I have to put on a brave face. We have so many bills and expenses, and there is NO WAY we could live off of my paycheck alone. And there is NO WAY I will let him lose another semester of school (he took this semester off bec of the girls). He should not sacrifice his schooling in any way, shape or form. Putting off school will only prolong these types of jobs and these types of layoffs.

*I just spoke with my father as I was writing this post. I sobbed and told him what had happened. He said he could supply my husband with a part- time job with his company. My father started a "company" two years ago, and named it after my husband. He had a business partner at first, whose son had the same uncommon name as my husband- so it only made sense to name the company after them (plus his name means lightning in Hebrew so it sounded good).

Anyway- my father and his business partner parted ways, so my father is currently the owner and only employee. My father also happens to be 65 years old- so I am sure he would like to have some help. And my husband is also like the son my father never had (as my brother is not quite what my father had expected from a son). So as of September, my husband will work with my dad 3 days a week. This is super perfect bec my husband will be in classes 3 days a week. I mean we wont be making the same money as before which means we will be just barely paying the bills- but that's fine by me as long as he's working toward his degree (studying mechanical engineering).

My husband is a bit apprehensive about working with family- but I say it will save our asses. We have two mouths to feed and he needs to take what he can get. Maybe a new job could mean weekends at home? He usually works Saturday's, so this would be nice.

Anyway, I feel much better.

But of course, I cant complain. These are only monetary problems.

Please send some love to Topcat.

She needs it right now.

Stroller plus Fun fact!

My girls were born 6 months ago today- it feels like yesterday.

But the post will not be about them.

So TWIN mommies- what stroller do you have? Why is it so difficult to find a good double stroller that does not weigh a ton (and in pink!)?

Mine is the Graco Quatro (weighs 39 pounds). It is one behind the other, so its easier to manuver through hallways and doors, but it is way too bulky.

Graco Quatro:

This is the exact same stroller I have in the same color. I am sick of people asking if I have two boys (I thought it was a nuteral color!)

Anyway- which one do you have and do you like it?

Moving on....

Fact: Did you know that when I was a child, I was afraid that Michael Jackson (pre- molestation charges) would jump out at me from behind the shower curtain?

True story.

Weekend

Hey guys!

Friday was Annoying as hell.

We had to take the girls down to the passport office to expedite their passports. We were there from 11:30am- 4:30pm. Imagine, a government office- with 2 infants. Not my idea of a fun time. Neve would not stop screeching (teething) and it was jam packed. It was rainy and nasty out so when we had our little break from waiting, we went to have lunch at a Mexican restaurant (which was nice). We actually ended up getting their passports that day- which was great. So now, we are all ready for our trip next week. Wow next week- I am Way more excited than I should be seeing as though I will be on a 10 hour flight with two babies. A friend said I should give them some benadryl- my pediatrician said no (while my friend's pediatricians say yes). What do you guys say?

On Saturday, the girls had their 6 month check up. 6 months. Insane.
Neve weighs in at: 17 lbs
Soleil weighs in at 17.2 lbs

The doctor said they are right one track physically (not developmentally) with a 6 month old. He said they are in the 50th percentile. I'll take it.
He said they are more like 4-5 month old- which is to be expected.

They also got vaccinations (which I was NOT aware of- or I would have not went alone!). He gave Soleil hers first-which is never a good idea, bec she cries NON-STOP. Neve got hers, cried for literally 5 seconds and stopped (all the while Soleil continued to cry for the next 10 minutes)

He also said that they were in fact teething. He said that baby oraj*el does nothing and there is nothing that can be done about it, just wait it out. FUN.

Sunday: Mother's Day:
So I hope all of you enjoyed your mother's day yesterday, whether you 're a mother, or are celebrating your mother.

We went out for brunch with my parents and the girls. It was great weather in NYC (thank GD, since it has been raining non-stop the past week). We went to a Turkish restaurant. We sat outside. Soleil didn't stop crying (while Neve slept). I don't know if it was crankiness from the vaccine, or for the simple fact that she doesn't like being in places that are unfamiliar. She does this often when we are out. I don't know what to do since she needs to be ok with being outside the home. I mean, we wont be home for 3 weeks starting next week- and she will see many new and unfamiliar faces. She even cries hysterically when she seems my father (I know this secretly hurts him)!

Anyway, we had a nice lunch. Then we went to the mall with my mother while the girls slept the afternoon away.

At 5pm we went the my Friend's son and daughter's bbq bday party. We got there at 5pm (pretty late for a children's party) but apparently were the first ones there. The girls were cranky from not being home all day so it made the night pretty horrible. We took some pictures, had some bbq and went home.

So guys, take out your confetti: I lost 10 pounds (ok 9.5 but its close)! I am def feeling it- but no one has said anything to me (which totally sucks!). Today though, I am looking pretty cute since a few people told me that I look great (thank you mall eyebrow threaders and a nice blow dry). Even a cocky, full of himself, a-hole at work said I look really nice (Did you do something with your hair? You look really good). Since become pg and gaining weight, I have not really felt pretty. I promise you- it's not a pity party- I don't want to hear "but you are pretty". I just know when I feel good about myself.. and with these extra 25 pounds, I don't feel it. I just don't. So hopefully this SB diet will continue helping me drop the rest off. I am sure I will plateau eventually, but I really need to get to the weight I am comfortable in again. I hope I get there.

Here are some pics from yesterday:


Me, My mother and Neve:

My Parents:
Husband & Neve: Soleil:



Neve sleeping:
My friend's daughter (she disliked the crown):
My friend's son with the gift I bought them:

My best friend, Me and Soleil:

Family:
Neve thinking "Hmm.. me wants some food":


Girls with a flamingo marionette we bought them (they were a bit freaked out at first):

I couldnt help it. They will hate me one day:

Happy Mothers Day

So today is mother's day: My first.

I def feel that it is just another made up holiday created by greeting card companies, but the significance is nice. I mean, people don't really appreciate all their mother's do for them year round.

I have my friend's children's bday party today at 5pm. I am about to go out to brunch with my mother and husband and girls.

So much to write about tomorrow, but for now- I have to run.

So for all you mothers or expecting mothers- Have a happy mother's day.

For all of you experiencing IF... know that there is hope. There truly is. Never give up.

I was listening to the radio the other day when I was shopping in a store.

They were doing a segment on couples/ practical joke.

A woman called in, and said she believed her husband was cheating on her with his boss. She says that his boss calls way too much, even on weekends and that he works long hours.

So the radio DJ disguised as a flower company, called the husband (while the wife was quiet on the line) and said that they were having a promotion, and were giving away a free bouquet of flowers to the first 50 costumers on their list. At first he was suspicious, and asked where they got his name from. The DJ answered "from a random list".

The husband went along and believed this.

The DJ asked if he had someone to send it to.

The husband responded "Of course"

The DJ said that he needed the name, address, and message of the recipient.

This is where is got bad.

The husband said "Make it out to Patti (his boss is Patricia) and have it say 'Dear Patti, I enjoy working UNDER you' "

The husband proceeded to laugh and also asked if they could throw in a box of chocolates!

OMG his wife must have wanted to die!

His wife then made herself be known, and the husband was in SHOCK. He said that his boss has been 'sexually harassing him' and he needed to play the game in order not to lose his job. OH COME ON NOW.

Could he have not made up a better excuse?

I felt so bad for his wife. I wanted to crawl into a hole- for her!

Poor girl (she sounded young).

What a way to find out.

I just don't get guys who cheat. I mean, if your going to do it- why stay with your partner? My husband's brother (the one who just had twins) cheated on his wife with his boss as well. But he was IN LOVE with his boss and told his wife (after she found out) that he had never loved someone the way he loved his boss. I think an emotional affair is worse than a physical one.. actually, in my opinion they are on the same spectrum.

I don't know why my sister in law stayed with him. At the time, she took their son and left. Everyone around him said that he was losing such a great woman and that he was breaking up their family. But truthfully, I don't think he cared. He apparently was in love for the first time in his life. I find that sad though. I mean, he married his wife when he was 22, they had been dating since they were 17. She got to a point where she wanted to break up or get married. I guess he chose to marry her, but never truly loved her. So I guess he was experiencing love for the first time in his life.

But how sad is that? I mean how much love could he have possibly be in. Of course his boss/ girlfriend was great- she wasn't the one to ask him to throw out the garbage, or take care of the kids, or complain about money...

Anyway, he went back to his wife and said that he broke it off with his girlfriend. He said he would make an attempt to change his ways (not coming back home at 2am after hanging out with his friends, etc.). My sister-in-law is not self sufficient. She is very old fashion and obviously didn't want to get a divorce, and take care of herself and a child. So they got back together and a year later apparently became pregnant with twins. I doubt that having 3 kids now will change him. I hope it does, for her sake.

Come on guys!

I still haven't really gotten too many ideas for gifts.



I expected more from you.


Anywho.


My husband and I will finally get to have a "date-night" next Wednesday. Well, it's not really a date, as a work event. But since I work for a kick ass company, the event will be awesome. We are having it at a lounge in NYC and although I will not outright tell you who our guest performer is.. I will give you a hint:


-He has a HUGE ego

-His mother passed away a few months back



That's all I will say. But I hear his live performance is awesome. It got a B+

The party is at 9pm, which totally sucks. I mean, I only get home at 6:45pm. I guess I will get gussied up and we will take our car into the city, and since there is never actual parking we will have to pay for a garage.

My mother has offered to watch the girls for us. She said she will go home on wed around 3pm, and come back before we leave for the party. She also said that there is no point for her to go home so late, so she might as well sleep over that night since she has to come back at 7:30am the next morning to watch the girls. That's nice of her.


I know it's a work thing, but

a) It's free

b) It's free


It is on a random Wednesday though which is NOT cool bec I am usually in bed by 9:30pm. Yes.. I am THAT boring.


Seriously, I love my DVR because if a show that I watch is on past 9pm, I am not watching it. This works out well bec Lost is on at 10pm now. By the way- Best show ever.

Other than that, I guess I am a bit excited for my first Mother's day. Like I said before, I will be spending the day at my best friend's children's bday party. My husband is soooo not the type to celebrate anything. I have already told him that as of next year on, he and the girls will be making me breakfast in bed on Mother's Day.

I told him to make me pancakes.

He said he refuses.

Then he said he didn't know how. I told him I would leave him a recipe the night before. I am a big believer that if another parents genuinely shows interest in a holiday, birthday or anniversary- than the children get excited as well.

So that's all for now.

Advice

You know what I hate about telling family overseas that I am coming to visit? The insane amount of requests I get.



"Can you look into the price of an MP4? It has to be a 4g or 5g... and preferably in black. Let me know the price and I will let you know if I want it"



"I need 2 sets of mot.orolla walkie- talkies that will work with our old walk- talkies. Can you make sure that they will work together on the same frequency..."



Umm.. seriously people. I am on vacation. Why the hell do you think its appropriate to always ask for things prior to my arrival? This means I have to look into these things, buy them with money that I don't have, and bring them overseas and hope not to be taxed at the airport. I have already let them know that if the electronics that they have us buying don't work- it is not me who will be returning it.



I used to buy some many gifts for relatives when I would visit. No one is getting diddly this time around.



Sorry, I have two babies- I don't have money to buy you guys anything. You should be buying ME gifts. The only person that I am buying a gift for is for our amazing hosts- my husband's aunt and uncle. They are letting us stay on the bottom floor of their house which they usually rent out. His aunt is amazing. She really is like the mother I never had. And to top it all off- she is the BEST COOK EVER. So exciting. I know we will be well taken care of.



So my dilemma is:



I already purchased a beautiful gift set for his aunt (she loves victoria s.ecret body fragrances) and since they don't have them there, I went yesterday and bought her a bunch.



But I think i need to buy his uncle something as well, and maybe even their daughters who live at home ages : 20, 18, 11



Do you guys think I should buy them something? If so- what?! I need help ASAP.



Here are some more pics from last night:


You think the onesie is too small on Neve?

Soleil trying to console her sister:

Please mommy- no more kisses!
Yes that is tomato sauce on my chin. And no, my husband did not tell me.:

Daddy & Sol: