Thank you
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for Kim’s story. If you missed either post, you can read them HERE and HERE. I know that it’s difficult to read about loss, especially that of a baby, but it’s also very important to share stories like this. You never know what another person is going through, and if reading a similar situation may help them, I’m so happy to share it. I also think Kim’s story shows how there is always hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Hope, when you’re given none
On the topic of hope, I’ve been thinking a lot about my boys. Like Kim, a doctor told me that my smaller twin would never make it. He said that he didn’t think he would survive until viability (24 weeks,) and if he did, he wouldn’t weigh enough to survive (at least 500 grams, or a little over a pound.) He, like Kim’s son Caleb, proved that doctor wrong. Not only did he make it past viability, but he was 1 lb 7.5 oz, which is over 500 grams.
He did have a rougher ride in the NICU, but he made it, and even though he’s a little smaller, he’s just as healthy as his twin brother.
But, because they were born so early, I still worry about them hitting all their milestones and watch for delays. I think all mothers do this, no matter if their babies were preemies or full-term.
Milestones
So, I thought I would catch you up a little on where the twins are at, and what they have been up to. I’m honestly not sure how they compare to my oldest son’s milestones, or even to other three year olds. I’ve made it a point not to compare (most of the time,) and just be thankful for where they are at. But, I still can’t help the thoughts that sometimes creep in…Should they be doing this? Shouldn’t they already know how to do that? Will they be wearing diapers to kindergarten?
Which leads me right into …
Potty Training
This is a milestone we have not even come close to hitting.
Not only do they not want to go on the potty, but they don’t even want me to change their diapers anymore. They used to come and complain if they’d made a poop, but now they are too busy playing to be bothered. To say it’s a struggle to change their diapers sometimes would be an understatement.
I’m not really sure what to do at this point. I didn’t really potty train my oldest because I was pregnant and on bedrest with the twins at that time. My husband, parents, and in-laws really took charge of it.
I do know that I am very sick of buying diapers, however, sometimes it is easier to have them in them. For example, we never have to worry about stopping for someone to go potty while we are running errands, and I don’t have to juggle to wild boys in some yucky public bathroom.
So, I guess they will be potty trained when we are all ready.
Speech
Have you ever heard that twins have their own language? I can say this is definitely true.
When the boys first wake up in the morning, they talk to each other A LOT. Sometimes I can understand, but most of the time it’s like little inside jokes between them. It’s pretty cute. They will also sit on the couch and just press their faces together and laugh hysterically.
So, I don’t think they have any speech delays, however, they may need some speech therapy at some point. Like I said, I can understand them most of the time, but other people, including grandparents, sometimes have problems.
Physical Milestones
I am definitely not worried about their physical milestones. They run, jump, and climb on (and off of) everything. They have come a long way from physical therapy they had in their first year. I am especially proud of my little guy, who used to get so mad anytime you would put him on his tummy because he couldn’t hold his head up.
They still are slow on the stairs, but that’s because we live in a ranch, and the only time they go up and down is if we are out somewhere.
Eating
Luckily, they don’t have any oral aversions. While they prefer candy and chocolate to broccoli, and think that’s pretty typical of any toddler.
Questions
Are you worried about how your children are doing with their milestones? Or do you have other parenting questions? While I’m definitely not an expert (especially with potty training!) sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh perspective. Plus, if I don’t know the answer, I’m betting one of my friends will. I’m joining with some other mommy bloggers to answer any questions you might have. Each week, we’ll feature your questions and our answers in a blog post.
So send those questions in! We’d love to help you out!
Potty training is tough and they will do it when they are ready. There is no forcing it.
With my first I was always worried, now with 2-4 I just think that it will happen when they’re ready. I love reading these posts form you lady:)
Awe. Thank you so much Joanna. I really appreciate that 🙂
I learned over the years with seven children (4 were before 35 week births) that milestones don’t mean a whole lot in the long term. As long as they are growing, improving and advancing..they get there. I wish Doctors didn’t make so much of the younger age milestones (if everything else is ok with your child).
Thank you Sherryl. Good to hear!
I loved reading this post! I think the potty training will come 😉 It’s so interesting to read your blog for me because I’ve been nannying twin babies since they were 3 months old. Now they are 14 months. Well, technically I’m done nannying full time but still seem them every few weekends for mom’s date night out. The twins are completely different from each other. Evan got his teeth at 10 months and Max didn’t get his until 13. Evan started walking at 12 months and Max just started walking at 14. It’s interesting for me how different babies are!
Babies are all definitely different. I guess they do things in their own time 🙂 Thank you for reading!
It sounds like they’re doing really well! I can just picture them using their twin language and it sounds absolutely adorable 🙂 My brother was about a year and half younger than me and he didn’t talk until he was almost 4 because I apparently did all of his talking for him. Somehow I knew what he wanted/needed, so we even had our own sibling communication!
That’s too funny. Are you and your brother still close?
Based on my experience with my 3 year old grandson, your boys sound about perfect and right where they’re supposed to be! Including the potty training. :-).
Awe. Thank you so much Debbie!
My first two had speech problems. It was hard to tell at first.
It is very difficult to potty train a toddler but the rewards are vast when they are finally trained.
In my opinion, potty training is the worst transition/milestone. My son is 3 and we started this summer because he had to be potty trained for school in the Fall. All went well but we had a public restroom incident that has caused him to be terrified of going anywhere but home (ours, yours, a friends). It’s a tricky situation. I often times miss diapers.
Oh no! I probably will too.
Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on your little one’s milestones. I think what you are doing is great. This blog and the stories are such great resources for families going through the same thing.
Hi Shann 🙂
Thanks for sharing how well your twins are doing! As with the potty training, it will come 😉 Always love your posts girl 🙂
Thank you so much Joan 🙂
Hey Shann,
I think the q&a posts are a great idea. I love collaborating with others, and I think this will only help you, those who will be part of this and your visitors.
I will say that I have no doubt that the kids prefer chocolate over broccoli. That may never change (although you never know) 😉
And I meant “not only” help you. I really need to edit my own comments sometimes…lol
Ha! Got it…thank you Dana 🙂
On kid #3, I don’t worry about milestones much anymore. I still know what to expect, but I don’t obsess. Every kid has their own pace.
Sometimes we worry over milestones for our kids because we are looking at the milestones for other kids…Each kid has they own pace so we should also remember that
I remember thinking diapers were more convenient than potty training. We ended up waiting until Aiden was really ready and it went pretty quick at that point!
Good to hear! 🙂
Sounds like your twins are doing wonderfully! I love this “Moms Tribe Advice”! What a great idea!
Oh potty training is quite the beast to tackle. I’m a super huge control freak so did potty train my kids when I was tired of diapers, but each child is different and you will figure out what works for them each.
It sounds like they are doing wonderful. What a blessing that you get to see them grow together, such a special bond. It is so encouraging to hear stories of little ones who beat odds.
Yes, I totally agree. Thank you so much.
Good luch with the potty training. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be having to do it for the first time with 2 toddlers. Once it’s over it’ll be an accomplishment you can all be proud of.
Hey Shann,
I am always having surprise moments when I read your posts. Of course mothers would be worried and observing whether their children are meeting milestones. I just never thought. There must be so much going on in a mothers mind.
As for your twins, they sound adorable, don’t you have mischief on your hands. Thanks for a great post.
Rachel.
Thank you so much Rachel. I appreciate that.
I remember my potty training days…now my daughter is going through that with my 16 month old grandson. 🙂 Great post Shann!
Thanks Cori!
My son was stubborn about potty training too. He could totally do it, I know because he had done it on occassion..but he just refused to make the jump, until HE wanted to. He finally hit that point..and then he was fine. Did it and almost never had accidents. Sometimes things are just done on their own schedules. So, I think they’ll get there and be just fine 🙂
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I hope so! Thank you!
My husband and I were just talking about twins having their own language the other day. It’s kind of neat!
It is pretty cool. I hope they’ll be able to tell me what they were saying some day. 😉
This is an excellent post. Thank you for sharing where your guys are at… and for disclosing they’d rather have chocolate vs. broccoli. My boys too lol! Sounds like they are on the right path to having a happy, healthy life!
Awe. Thank you so much!
These is really worth to read. Thank you for sharing these awesome post. I’m happy that your twins are doing great 🙂
My nieces hit all of their milestones even though they were preemies. Maybe off 2-3 months but they eventually hit them.
Your boys sound absolutely precious! I don’t even want to think about potty training (thankfully I don’t have to quite yet…). I say wait until your guys show they’re ready!
How sweet that they have their little language! It’s so hard to be a momma and not worry but you have got this… Our 2 girls were pretty easy to potty train. Im nervous what my baby boy is going to do!
The first is always the one you worry about…but the subsequent children each get ess and less worrisome.:)
I think our own strength gives our babies hope. It’s really up to us whether they’re going to get through a tough ordeal or not, we are their first line of defense anyway. I love how you don’t compare your kids to other kids. Each child is special in their own way!
my family is a little concerned about my baby cousins milestones or lack there of but i keep reminding myself all kids are different & do things at different times. i’m so glad the twins are doing well
I love reading this. My son was need to go on the potty training
I can see how you’d keep an eye out for the milestones, but I’m so glad he’s been defying the odds since he was born!
Thanks for the update on your little wonders! 🙂
My boys all had some speech delays and qualified for preschool early for speech therapy. They have made huge leaps of improvement. I am so happy and blessed to experience life with multiples. It is truly a challenging journey, but one I would never trade. 🙂
Agreed. I will have to look into the preschool and speech therapy. Thank you!
You just have to let your babies go on their own pace. They were born early so they would be needing a lot of catching up to do and by the way to describe what they can do now..they are doing really great!
Potty training is really tough. Give them time and they’ll come around.
I bet listening to the twins and their own language is just about the cutest thing ever!!
I too prefer candy to broccoli hahaha!
So happy to hear they are doing well!! Potty training has been rough in our house too ?
My niece wasn’t born early but she was born with the cord wrapped around her neck and ended up in NICU for a good long while. She is doing great, but we all still watch and think about her development to see if it’s delayed in any way. so far so good. 🙂
Hi Shann, I love reading your post especially about your little munchkins. I really wander how difficult parenting is! – from potty training to first day at Kindergarten and teaching them enormous life lessons. Hats off to all the mommies of this world. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story. 🙂
You’re welcome. Thank you for reading Anamika 🙂