“All who would win joy, must share it; happiness was born a twin” – Lord Byron
Happy Hump Day! Joining Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for another round of Wordless Wednesday.
Everyday Experiences, Lifelong Learnings
By: mamagrace7132 Comments
“All who would win joy, must share it; happiness was born a twin” – Lord Byron
Happy Hump Day! Joining Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for another round of Wordless Wednesday.
By: mamagrace7126 Comments
By: mamagrace7110 Comments
Obviously, having a high risk twin pregnancy came with a mounting pile of emotional stress and a great fear of the unknown.
There were several emergency trips to the hospital, including a dramatic post Christmas ambulance ride and spending 3 days in observation. That was fun…not.
Due to twin growth discordance, fortnightly ultrasound appointments were also vital. Then every other week, there was a mandatory check up with the obstetrician. It was one of those sticky situations where you actually became acquainted with an entire floor of hospital staff on a first name basis…for all the not-so-pleasant reasons.
Despite the unstable journey and all the medical attention my unborn babies needed, we were fortunate that our private health insurance cover could eliminate much of the financial strain.
Then, when the twinlets were born via cesearan 5 weeks early, we were given high priority as private patients in a public hospital that had the best facilities for premature babies in our area.
My tiny babies were in NICU for a fragile 16 days. I’m forever in debted to all the midwives, nurses and doctors that took such great care of them.
As of this new financial year, new government rules have come into place to encourage Australians take up private health insurance. Families within a certain combined household income bracket and who also don’t have elligible hospital cover, may be charged with the additional Medicare Levy Surcharge. So, it makes sense in taking up the option to have extra medical care (even if you need it now), without paying too much more for it.
It can be daunting trying to find the right information regarding which provider and policy works best for you and your family.
Choosi is a resourceful website that compares and reviews private health insurance cover options. It can help find the right policy for your budget and lifestyle.
There’s also useful articles regarding what you need to look for when it comes to hospital cover and extras cover.
Ultimately, it’s about making sure you choose the right insurance to get the most value.
We had two little ones in my womb, fighting to survive. Thanks to our insurance cover, medical support and facilities were immediately available to ensure their safe arrival into the world.
And for me, that’s been invaluable.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Choosi. While compensation was received, I am a big believer in having private health insurance and of course, all opinions expressed are my own.
By: mamagrace7159 Comments
All the signs of twin bonding were there.
With the apparent closeness they established in the womb, during the ultrasounds, we would witness their playful kicks and punches with each other. Watching them intently in the NICU cot they shared, our hearts would melt as they would sleep, naturally leaning in towards each other, only a breath apart.
When we finally arrived home though, there was a significant transition. For the next 6 months or so, the twinlets had very little acknowledgement of each other’s existence.
Or so we thought.
It’s possible that the boys were simply still developing their long-sighted vision but we would hold the boys directly infront of each other, practically nose to nose, and they would still look diagonally away from each other.
There was no touching, or cooing. No real interaction to speak of.
Maybe I had high expectations. After all, they were newborns. I’m sure there was plenty in their new surroundings to get used to.
Perhaps, they were already aware of each other but just had their own secret signals.
Either way, I had no clue.
People would often ask, “Do you think they know they’re twins?”
My standard reply would be disappointing with very little insight, “I don’t know. But I’m guessing…no”
Gradually, along with their milestones, they also reached a sense of recognition for each other.
When it came to learning their names, they actually called out each other’s first before even uttering their own.
Not long ago, when illness invaded our home, K-Bear’s stubborn asthma kept him up and we both found ourselves watching telly together (Don’t judge me…).
As I mind numbingly watched “Everybody Loves Raymond”, there was a sudden appearance of Raymond’s identical twin boys. In fact, the scene was so brief that I would’ve missed it if K-Bear hadn’t called out, “Look Mama, Nunu and K-Bear!!!”
At first, I wasn’t sure what he was referring to but he kept pointing at the screen and again he insisted, “Nunu and K-Bear”
And right there, K-Bear understood his own special bond with his brother. Unfortunately, it was about the only thing I had to smile about that sleepless, ill-ridden night.
As much as I detest how Thomas and his friends have painstakingly invaded our home, our telly, our computer and our iPad, I’ll always be secretly grateful to Reverend W Awdry for the twin engine characters he also created.
After repeatedly watching DVD’s of the the steam engine pairs, Donald and Douglas and Bill and Ben, during one particular sitting, it was Nunu’s turn to pick up on his special monozygotic traits.
“Mama…Bill and Ben are twins…” he said proudly.
“Yes, sayang*. Yes, they are…” I replied.
“Mama, Nunu and K-Bear are twins…”
“Yes, sayang. Yes, you are…”
Finally, they began to truly appreciate their “twin-ness”
I think.
Maybe they’ve known all along, but have only now let us into their little world.
What’s the bet, that this entire time, they’ve actually been plotting a major twin conspiracy plan to create havoc and chaos for the rest of my life.
Yeah, I reckon that’s it.
*Sayang (pronounced “sah-YAHNG”) has multiple and varied meanings in Bahasa Indonesia, one being a term of endearment best translated as “Darling”, “Sweetheart” or “Crazy but beloved child of mine.”
Joining the lovely Jess for IBOT over at her new home.
By: mamagrace7118 Comments
Happy Sunday! Joining in with the fabulouso Tina Gray for the awesome Week in Instagram Blog Hop.
Our week got to a shaky start with the twinlets getting Gardia. What is Gardia, you ask? Pretty much the same as gastro.
I discovered that the most disgusting and undignified job of being a mother is scooping poo from a nappy into a sample jar. Eeeeewwwww!
On a prettier note, all the beautiful, majestic Jacaranda trees are gently reminding me of our upcoming wedding anniversary.
We’ll be celebrating it this year while on our much awaited and deserved Bali holiday. I can’t believe our first overseas family holiday is finally happening! Woot!
Just went for an ocean swim this morning to, you know, get me in that holiday mode 🙂
What’ve been the highlights of your week ?
By: mamagrace7126 Comments
“Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends…” – Unknown
Joining Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday
By: mamagrace7145 Comments
When we first confirmed our holiday plans a few weeks ago, Mr Surfer told me that these days, robbers and house burglers read blogs as a means to find the next place to strike.
Well dudes, you’ll only find a half functional Thomas train set, a mountain pile of dirty nappies and pee-stained carpet over here. Go for your life.
In preparation for our first overseas trip comes the painstaking process of getting passports done.
The bureacreacy, the paper shuffling – all of it can drive any details adverse person nuts.
The greatest dilemma of all of course, were the actual photos.
Particularly for toddlers, the Australian Passport Office requirements are so unrealistic, they are laughable. Well, unless you’re the unlucky parent trying to fulfil them. No one’s finding it funny then.
No smiling is allowed. Keep mouth shout, infact. White background only. Nothing lower than the shoulders. Not too much space above the head.
Off we trotted to the photographer’s, oblivious to how much commotion it was going to cause.
At first, the twinlets were excited about being in a new little shop, full of interesting machinery and pictures.
Then, a big tall scary man with huge lobe earrings and a big black device wrapped around his neck came walking towards them.
No wonder they were petrified.
And there was no way in hell they were keeping still in front of a white background.
How confusing it must’ve been for them when after all these years of teaching them the association between a camera and a sweet smile, we suddenly commanded, “Don’t smile! No! No, keep still! Like this!!!”
Of course, trying to get them to pose like tin soliders was futile. What were we thinking?
I can count the number of times my husband has lost his cool. This failed photo shoot took up all the fingers on my right hand.
Infact, always the even keel Mr Surfer dropped the F-bomb. And for him to do that infront of a complete stranger carrying the camera added extra weight to the entire dire situation.
We decided to break the tension and walked out sans passport photos, completely defeated.
Thinking that perhaps the twinlets just needed some sustanance (and we needed to get our own shizz together), we went for a walk up the block. Plonking ourselves on the footpath, we fed the little stubborn munchkins some vegemite sambos.
Half an hour later, stomachs were full and moods were a little brighter, we headed back into the photo shop.
But nope. Another epic fail.
Screams, tears, scary photographers with massive ears.
Just wasn’t happening.
Mr Surfer dropped another F-Bomb.
Yikes!
Later that afternoon, as my camera adverse twinlets took their nap, I decided to go to my oracle Facebook for answers and asked if anyone knew the secret to perfect toddler passport photography.
Among the success (and not so successful) stories provided by Toddlers on Tour, Silly Mummy and iSophie, there was Rachel from The Kids Are All Right those who suggested that we “Find a friendly and patient Officeworks who will take the photos.” On the other hand, Renee´from Nee´Say had a quick and easy solution with “Phenergen and a white sheet.”
Then along came my friend, Jen who came up with the ingenious idea to do it the “baby way” – spread out a white sheet, lie the wriggly rug rats on the floor and take the photo from above.
And yes! It was a success…even if their hair did look like it was defying gravity.
Or we nearly blinded them with the flash…
Nevertheless folks, that’s how a passport photo of your tornado toddler is taken with the guarantee that all government documents and papers will be approved. I think…
Let’s just go on that bloody holiday already!
Joining in with the fabulous Jess for IBOT
By: mamagrace7188 Comments
If it wasn’t trippy enough finding out for the first time we were having twins, the ultrasounds thereafter were something out of this world.
Like a silent version of “Aliens”, Mr Surfer and I would sit in that dark room and stare at the huge plasma screen in disbelief. Before us, there were two little heads, two little bodies and all the twenty teeny tiny fingers and toes.
“It’s like you’ve got a little soccer team in there…” The ultrasound technician giggled on one occasion.
Hilarious….not.
As sleeping babies in their twin stroller, I would throw a large muslin over the front, protecting them from the sun and flies. But four little feet and their squidgy toes would peep out, catching the attention of many a jogger and by passer.
“Oh, how cute! You have twins?” Asking while having a quick peak through the cover.
These little feet are no doubt the joy of my life. At the same time, have given me great cause to get fit while learning the importance of patience.
They turn stubborn, defiant even, and refuse to budge an inch when I’m in a hurry to get them to the car.
But then they do the Usain Bolt, (usually in opposite directions), guaranteeing me to sprint after them and beating my PBT.
There are also the precious moments when they actually sit still. Then a foot is shoved in my face, requesting for fat little toes to get some “This Little Piggy” tickle time.
“Mama, Piggy…Piggy…”
Back in late August, Betts Kids kindly invited me to the launch of their Summer/Spring collection.
Along with a beautiful morning tea spread, I had the opportunity to see first hand a beautiful and stylish range of shoes that had plenty of appeal for children of all ages.
I can say from experience that Betts Kids shoes are extremely comfortable because they graciously gave the twinlets a pair each. Not only are these sandals look so cute on these mischievous, adventurous little feet, the boys happily wear them without fuss. (Big plus!)
And the news gets even better! Betts Kids are generously offering 3 readers a pair (to the value of $100) each. Awesome, yes?
What’s been your most memorable Usain Bolt moment with your little one/s ?
To enter this fab giveaway:
1) Head on over to the Betts Kids website and leave a comment on this post telling me which pair of shoes your little one would love the most. (Don’t forget to include your email address)
2) Click Like on the Betts Kids Facebook page.
3) Like “With Some Grace” on Facebook.
The important stuff:
1) This giveaway is for Australian residents only.
2) Closing date is Sunday, 4th of November.
3) The winners will be announced on Monday, 5th of November.
4) Please remember to leave your email address in your comment.
5) Betts Kids Shoes will contact the winners who will have the choice of either having the requested shoes delivered or to be picked up at the nearest Betts Kids Shoes store.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
Linking up with the fabulous Jess for IBOT
By: mamagrace7132 Comments
There seems to be this romantic notion that twins should never be apart. That there is both sweetness and strength in the fact that they are each other’s constant.
And no one was more moved by this than I. Seeing the boys kick and squirm during the ultrasounds, it was astounding that two little beings were so compromsing in such a tight space. 2 little sacs, sharing the one placenta.
Often, both relatives and strangers alike, have all “ooohed and ahhhed” at their intertwined bond; the way they run around in a park randomly holding hands; the moments of happily sharing and swapping their Thomas trains; the little badgering conversations they have with each other (“Come on, K-Bear, come on, come ON!!!” “Okay, okaaaay!”)
But alongside these moments are the growing questions many have asked about whether we’ll be seperating them at school.
Again, my initial idyllic plans were to always, forever keep them together. After all, isn’t that what makes twins special?
Not long ago, illness was rife in our house.
The first bomb that hit was Nunu’s throat infection. He incessantly coughed like a barking dog.
There was no way he was fit enough to go ahead with the normal weekly activities of swimming class and daycare.
For 3 days straight, a little pajama clad Nunu, would wave his bro off, as he was left behind and quarantined.
It was heartbreaking.
The day I dropped K-Bear off at daycare, sans one twin brother, I was an emotional wreck.
Luckily, we have a very understanding carer, who also happens to be a personal friend.
I got to the door and when she realised that there was one missing, I almost burst into tears.
It was a myriad of concerns that consumed me. I was worried how K-Bear would cope without his brother at daycare. They had never been apart for this long from each other, let alone without either parent.
And yes, perhaps I was letting the drama queen get the better of me. Singleton kids survive daycare on their own. All. The. Time.
But then, my mind would turn back to Nunu. His cough still wasn’t getting better. The visible changes in his appearance; the waning face, the heavy set dark eyes; all made me completely helpless. I wondered if being sick was exhasubated by the absence of his identical sibling.
It was much ado about nothing.
While K-Bear may have asked for his brother a couple of times during that first day, by the second, his sense of new found freedom was palpable.
Back at the ranch, someone else seemed to enjoy having free reigns of the telly…
and the computer…
It was the week when this over-protective, twin mama realised that in constant togetherness, there is the comfort (and necessity) of being apart.
As a wise bloggy friend of mine Bridget, who also happens to be mum of TWO sets of twins, once said, “They need to find their own.”
And thus, breaketh the inseperability of twins.
Joining in with the delightful Jess for IBOT
By: mamagrace7116 Comments
…is some dirt and rocks.
The twinlets played for hours while Mama G sat in the sun, relaxed and drank some wine.
The toy trucks were $8 from a recycled toy shop and have proven to be the best buy. Ever !
What cheap toys have saved your sanity ?
Joining Trish at My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday