Saturday, July 15, 2017


My word, life has taken a different turn this year.The twins Mia Grace and Lily Mae, were born on May 11th, nearly three weeks early and weighing 2.6kg each (5 lb 7oz), a good size for twins. They went down to 5lb 2oz and it took them nearly three weeks to return to their birth weight. They also had trouble maintaining their temperature so we were told not to let them cry as it would use up too much of their energy which was obviously needed for other things. They are still on the small side but were doing well until Isobel brought home a nasty cough and fever and passed it on to both babies and me. We haven't had them weighed since but I imagine it will be a setback as they are feeding much less and throwing up some of that because of the coughing.

Mia on the left, Lily on the right
 Mum is breastfeeding during the day and I do one or two feeds at night of expressed milk or formula so that she can get some rest. I had assumed that twins would mean double the work, but I think it's more complicated than that! They are very sensitive to each other's voices- vacuum cleaner no problem, but sister whimpering across the other side of the room, instant waking. Sometimes it's a constant back and forth of settling one, then the other. And they got so used to being held all the time when they were little (to stop the crying which they weren't allowed to do) that their favourite method of sleeping is to be cuddled, all the time.

But I'm soo happy they are both here and healthy,(cold not withstanding) both adorable but very different. You could tell straight away that they weren't identical and their personalities are very different too. Mia is more relaxed and happy, full of smiles and chuckles but Lily is anxious and gets upset more. If Mia gets water on her face in the bath she laughs, spits it out and splashes, Lily cries and has to be comforted and coaxed back to enjoying herself. Mia tells happy little stories and laughs and crinkles up her eyes good humouredly. Lily's stories are tales of woe in a sad little voice, her hands clutched under her chin and her brow wrinkled with worry. I have to admit I identify with Lily more, and when she does smile it's lovely.

Lily, Isobel, Mia.
Isobel adores her sisters and is a big help running and fetching and patting a crying baby. I imagine things will get easier as the babies mature and become a bit more independent, although life will just  be hectic in a different way then. I'm just glad I've been able to be such a big part of their lives; not every grandparent gets that opportunity.

11 comments:

Chookyblue...... July 15, 2017  

how wonderful....glad they are going well now.........hope the colds go quickly...........lucky you are around to help out....makes life much easier.......

Mary Johnson July 15, 2017  

We work very hard to be a part of the lives of our grandkids. It's easier now that we're just 8-9 hours away in Tampa but even when we were 19 hours away, we created opportunities to be with the kids. It's not the same as living in the same town but I'm determined that the kids will know us and have a good relationship with us.

We have twins on both sides of the family so I know how much work they are. It's good that you can be there to help. We're going to welcome our 4th grandchild this December and I've told my DIL that I'll be here to help if she needs me.

Unknown July 15, 2017  

Congratulations! We have lots of twins, all fraternal, and they are amazing. We will be retiring from babysitting this year at 70 y/o but it has been quite an experience. Love your blog!

Panto Pam July 15, 2017  

How precious! I wondered what had been keeping you busy. So glad you are there to help. I have grandson number four due in September and am loving this season of my life.

Barb July 16, 2017  

We had twins born the end of February this year, a boy and a girl. I was surprised at how much work two are, I had four children in five years but twins take much more time and care. They are just now sleeping through the night in their own cribs. Mom is back to work but still pumping for breast feeding. They are a joy and we are so lucky to have them move back to the area so we are just an hour away. Enjoy!

the ark July 16, 2017  

I never thought that anything could be more lovely than looking at your quilts--until I saw these beautiful pictures! The last one, with Big Sis snuggling her little sisters, is the more precious of all.

Bag End Gardener July 16, 2017  

Many congratulations to you all :)

Carolyn July 16, 2017  

Congratulations to you and your family. How wonderful!

Sue SA July 16, 2017  

Congratulations to you all. What a wonderful opportunity to help when help is most needed, not many grandmothers would volunteer for the night feeds! Such a special time, exhausting but very very important bonding time for you all.

Karen July 19, 2017  

At one time, I thought twins would be so much fun to have but I have learned through the years that it is more than twice the work. A lady I knew who had twins first go round had a third baby so she could relax and enjoy having a baby without so much work and stress. Still, though, your little twins are so cute. How good that you can help with their care.

الرحمه للتنظيف March 13, 2019  
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

About This Blog

Lorem Ipsum

  © Blogger templates Newspaper III by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP