Archive for December, 2011
December 25th, 2011 | 
Author: 
Twins = Two of Everything?
Trying to figure out what to register for on your baby registry can be a challenge. And if you are expecting twins, you probably wonder what you need 2 of. Does everything have to be doubled? Not really.
Some things, like car seats and cribs, are obvious double needs, but most of the other baby accessories can be single items.
Here’s what we have in our household …
Double items:
- Car seats
- Cribs & mattresses- We used one crib until the girls were 8 months old.
- Walkers – For a couple of months, we only had 1 walker but then the girls started to “fight” over who played in the walker. So, eventually 2 will be a necessity. Our girls love to chase each other and play bumper cars while in their walkers.
- High chairs – We chose booster seats (like this one) instead of high chairs simply because of space in our kitchen.
Single items:
- Stroller – We have a double Graco stroller. However, I could see the need for having two simple strollers (like the $15 ones you can find at Walmart) for certain occasions.
- Swing
- Jumperoo
- Changing table
- Dresser - This could be a double need if you are expecting a boy and a girl.
- Toys – Twins do not need two of the same toy, especially larger noise-making toys.
Some things, like dolls or stuffed animals, are nice to have two of but they don’t have to be identical. LG and DJ both sleep with a stuffed animal – same style and brand but one bear and one tiger. - Diaper pail – You’ll empty it more often but why take up more space with another one?
- Play yard
- Bathtub – Read my review of two infant tubs.
- Bumbo seat – This is an item that you may want two of. We primarily got our Bumbo seat to help LG develop her muscles to sit better. DJ was already sitting fine on her own at that point.
- Carrier/Sling – We have a Baby Bjorn carrier as well as a Moby Wrap that I used mainly around the house. If your spouse wants to carry a baby too, then this would be a double item, otherwise one would be sufficient.
Would love some input from other twin moms of what items you doubled!
Review: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE BOOK
They vowed, as children, to be silent…
When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.
Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago…of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. One sister believes their silence must end and the truth be revealed. But they soon come to wonder if they can trust their memories.
Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee’s affection, Mark becomes a strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to healing…or will she risk losing the chance to embrace love?
MY THOUGHTS
Tracie Peterson has been one of my favorite authors for years and years. However, I think House of Secrets might be her first contemporary novel that I’ve read. Aside from the superb writing, the entire book is completely opposite of her historical fiction book.
Gone are the streams of history and details, the romance that the plot revolves around (although there is a romance), and the 3rd person viewpoint. Written in first person, House of Secrets reveals the innermost thoughts of character Bailee Cooper. What makes this book unique in the Christian fiction realm are the weighty topics Peterson explores.
Bailee Cooper and her two younger sisters have vague memories of the night their mom died years ago. Sadly, the girls believe their father killed their mother. And for as long as she can remember, Bailee has felt responsible for her sisters, although she isn’t entirely sure why. When the Cooper sisters return to their summer house after years of absence, the memories come flooding back and Bailee reveals to their sisters that their mom was mentally ill with schizophrenia. To say that the Cooper girls led a dysfunctional life in a dysfunctional family would be an understatement.
Other weighty topics that tie into the plot are depression, psychiatry, repressed memories, abandonment, and medical illnesses. Author Tracie Peterson treats each topic with delicacy and accuracy. She offers a biblical perspective as well as a balanced perspective through the various characters.
Overall, House of Secrets felt very “real”, like the story could have happened to a neighbor or someone we know. The book is not overly preachy about religion but offers that the solution to many fears and difficult situations can be found in a relationship with God.
Like most of the books I’ve reviewed by Tracie Peterson, I highly recommend House of Secrets. If you’ve not read any of Peterson’s books because you don’t like historical fiction, consider picking up a copy of House of Secrets. It’s not a “light” read, and probably not something you would want to read during the holiday season, but it will be well worth your time.
As far as a recommendation for teens, I’m on the fence mostly because of the weighty issues mentioned above and whether most teens could grasp the seriousness of the book.
Posted in book reviews | 
Tags: contemporary fiction, house of secrets, Tracie Peterson | 
No Comments »
10 months old
Totally hard to believe that LG and DJ are TEN months old today!
DJ weighs 20 lbs 1 oz and is 27 inches long.
LG weighs 20 lbs 11 oz and is also 27 inches long.
They wear mostly 6-9 month clothes, but have begun wearing some 12 months clothes. The girls are shorter than the average 10 month old (they’re in the 15th percentile) so pants tend to be a little long.
Both girls are on the go constantly! Daddy says that they wear him out more than going to work.Their favorite activity is to chase each other or Daddy around the house or to race each other in their walkers. Our house is full of shrieks and laughter almost all day long.
On most days, DJ and LG take two naps, and they sleep for about 11 hours at night. They wake up once, and occasionally twice, for a bottle.
They’ve had their two bottom teeth since they were 7-1/2 – 8 months old and are starting to get additional teeth.
They eat 3 good meals a day of baby food, and they love eating finger food. Gerber puffs are definitely their favorite finger food.
Both girls are incredibly sweet and loving. DJ tends to be a tad more ornery (she gets that from her Daddy. ) They are full of smiles and giggles, and only cry or fuss at strangers when they are tired. (And twins attract quite a few strangers when we go shopping!)
At 10 months old, both girls are sitting, crawling, pulling up, clapping, waving bye-bye, and walking while holding on. DJ, who tends to be about 3 weeks ahead of LG, stands without assistance for about 30 seconds and has taken her first tentative steps on her own.
Their vocabulary consists of “(d)addy” and “(k)itty” as well as imitating other random words they hear. Mommy is diligently trying to get them to say “momma” but without success. They also “call” each other when they aren’t in the same room. It’s very obvious that they understand and communicate with each other. They are the best of friends!
I can’t imagine life without these two little bundles of joy! We are so incredibly thankful for the gift that God gave us!!!