We have so much help. I think I’ve mentioned it before. I hope I have. I know I have when I talk to people and they ask how we manage being new parents with twins no less. I often reply with, “I’m not sure we know how to be new parents… fully”. When both boys were in the hospital we had TONS of help and guidance from the wonderful staff at the RNICU. Then when Simon came home both Grandma’s were there on a moments notice if needed, and most times just knew to be there. Mostly for comfort for me, I think.
At first when Elliott came home, the first couple nights we had both babies we’d wake up and I’d look at Barry and say “what are we going to do?!” I was terrified that we’d never sleep again, wouldn’t be giving the right one the right thing at the right time. He’d look at me and simply say “we’re doing it…” It didn’t take long for me to realize he was right once again, we just had to do it, and we were.
But really I suppose I always knew that when we needed advice or a nap, someone would be there. When I went back to work, the Grandma’s stepped in and covered the whole week, while the boys were still gaining immune systems and we were waiting out the dreaded cold and flu season. Then when they went to daycare, we had the benefit of still having Grandma’s at the house every week. You see, they don’t just watch babies, they do dishes… and laundry… and pictures… and are so hands on, you wouldn’t believe. So much so that I almost start with anxiety when Wednesday rolls around and I know we have four whole days when we’re on our own (as if any of the grandparents wouldn’t come running if we needed)! How will we manage, do we know what to do?!? Do we know how to be parents? Can we take care of a household?
Then we have a night like last night. All four of us, just the four of us, lay on the floor; talking, laughing, goo-ing and gaga-ing, rolling, playing, and resting. The bottles got washed, the babies got fed, and they even had baths. The laundry stayed in the dryer to be folded later, mom and dad ate separately, and we managed. We had fun. So while I’m ridiculously grateful for the help we have, I relish in rolling on the floor, with just the four of us!
I also have to add, our boys are surrounded by so much love - I’m astounded by it literally almost everyday. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few others than their grandma’s! I think there’s been 3, maybe 4 weekends that Papa Maier has missed visiting with the boys; their GG makes sure to see them at least once a month (and I’m sure that Great Uncle Terry and Great Aunt Sandy aren’t far behind that); and of course their cousin Jackson, although he doesn’t get to decide on when he visits, he always showers the babies with attention and love… and fun! Not to mention all the other family and friends that are always asking about how they're doing, even if they can't visit; like Grandpa Cook and Great Aunt Terri. We're so lucky, and our boys are even luckier!
