I feel like this has been a month filled with lots of changes for Grace and Owen. Both have been in lower percentiles since they were born (weight, length, head) so we’ve gone in every month to get updated stats. Luckily they’ve been growing steadily with no concerns, which is great- one less thing to stress about. They’ve become much more active, chatty, and just plain fun over the past month so I thought I’d tell you a little bit about their personalities and what they’ve been up to lately…
GRACE
Our “Gracie Girl” is such a wiggle worm! She’s all over the place whether she’s awake, asleep – you name it. Constantly being on the move is so awesome but a little exhausting at the same time. We catch her grabbing at Owen (his arms, face, ears – poor kid) and his toys all the time; she just can’t keep her hands to herself! She is the happiest baby when she wakes up from a nap but insists on whining every time she falls asleep. I guess we can’t be happy all the time, right?
During the first month or two, she was drinking bottles SUUUUPER slowly, we’re talking 45 minutes or more for just a few ounces. It was really draining us and honestly, we just didn’t have that kind of time. We ended up taking her to feeding therapy starting around three months and I can’t begin to explain how helpful it was for us. We were doing stretches and working with her pacifier…all worth it though in the end. She actually just graduated from her therapy program last week and can drink bottles like a champ! We’re all happier and on a better feeding schedule now that she’s learned to drink the right way. TBH I never knew drinking, swallowing, and coordinating all those things could even be a problem. I’m also glad that we mentioned something to our pediatrician when we realized something was up.
OWEN
Lovingly called “Owie” by the big boys, this baby is just SO chill. I think all the Shaughnessy boys have been pretty laid back and Owen’s no exception. He’ll sit contently on his own for a while, play with his toys, and will really only scoot around if he’s super motivated. He’s definitely not in a hurry to go anywhere yet. Luckily he puts up with Grace who is always in his business and the best part IMO is that he seriously LIGHTS UP whenever she’s around. He’s completely her #1 fan! So far though, she’s just not that into him. She’ll check him out, see if he has anything she likes, and then move on. We might be in trouble with that girl!
Owen has definitely been the more smiley and chatty baby of the two and we love that about him. He’s been known to even giggle and smile in mid-cry like he can’t help but be happy even if he’s sad. It’s the sweetest! While he’s been a solid eater (and always a bit heavier and taller than G), we noticed some tummy trouble that was making him crabby this month so we’ve been trying out some new formula to see if it helps. We’ve never had a baby with sensitivity issues so this is like a whole new scene for us. Grace just wrapped up her feeding therapy and now Owen is starting. Stay tuned for more on that situation.
So – that’s where we at this month. Two solid babies who are growing, giggling, and making moves! I think I’ve been in denial about when they’d really start to be more active but that time is definitely coming soon. I can’t wait to babyproof all the things…said no one ever. I’m excited to watch them grow and learn but mobile twins will make life just a little crazier around here. Yay!
For now, I’ll leave you with our daily routine that’s been working well for us lately, among all the other things happening at the Shaughnessy house. The babies have been sleeping for nice long stretches through the night so that’s been a huge help. People ask me “how it works” with twins and while we totally fly by the seat of our pants, we’re all about routine over here. The same concept applies to one, two, or five babies, if you ask me. We keep them on the same schedule as much as possible so our day isn’t consumed with non-stop twin action. While things don’t play out perfectly every day, we sure do try our best!
Btw, how were you able to find your own routine with kids? I feel like babies are just constantly changing, especially in the first year so it’s kind of a whirlwind. Ahh, the joys of parenting!
