My bebes are EIGHT.

Now I've been wondering where all this time has gone, and looked through my pics, and I can see they have grown up so much but it still seems not that long ago.  My little bebes birthday is today Australian time (in fact, almost 4 hours ago)... I feel tired just looking at some of these photos but mostly I just feel so proud of them both.

This was just after they were born in their twin crib.  I kept gazing at them thinking 'I can't believe I had twins!' and also 'How did they fit in my body!?'.. They were 5lb13 and 6lb6oz (Olivia on left, Laura on right) We spent our first Christmas in hospital together - and Laura coming out of special care nursery with apnoea at 9:30pm on Christmas Eve still to this day was the best present I ever got for Christmas.

When we got through their first year I could hardly believe I survived!  I felt like the party should be in our honour, that we stayed married and sane!  Promptly after this shot, Laura on the right fell asleep eating cake.. 

2nd birthday Mummy perfected the art of making dolly varden cakes.  Our girls became real little girls at two.  Little best buddies.

Third birthday it was all about fairies!

Fourth birthday was the infamous rainbow party.  They both still talk about this!  So cute!

Fifth birthday just before they started school and they requested a Hungry Jacks Party.  So easy and I became a convert to having parties outside the house (although I still do also like them at home!)  Having their birthday so close to Christmas though it does take the pressure off!

6th birthday was a busy one, we had a quick cake at Nanny's - that was the last birthday Nanny was at home.

 Seventh birthday and our girls were looking so grown up.  Their Australian Girl Dolls also had their first birthday in our house (they were gifts for 6th birthday)  this is Rapunzel

 And this is Laura with Rosie.

This year, they had a party before we left - as the last couple of years has been rather low-key birthday wise.

Tomorrow (their birthday here in the US) we're taking them to Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular as a surprise.  They keep seeing the Rockettes in advertisements everywhere and asking to go - so this is going be a much loved gift and birthday - I'm looking forward to it too!

Those who have babies now, take heed:  time really does fly even when you think the days will never end, your kids will never sleep through the night or never be toilet trained.  Before you know it they are growing up quicker than you can cope with!

Pecking order of twins...

When my twins were babies I did a stint as a PR Director (volunteer of course) for the Australian Multiple Birth Association.  It is a great organisation where you get 'support from those who know' and at my local chapter just being in the company of those with twins and triplets older than mine I had some hope I would have time one day to wash my hair and have more than a 5 second shower and more than 2 hours sleep.

As the PR Director nationally when it came to National Birth Awareness Week I organised a few publicity events - The Today Show, Channel 10 Evening news in Sydney, Kerrie-Ann (yes, me and my family were on Kerrie-Ann) Ready Steady Cook and even 2 sets of quadruplets playing each other on Family Feud...

The families of quads I found were utterly amazing - the parents seemed so calm and proud and their family units were so tight.. but with one family in particular there was a strong sense of pecking order.  Although as babies they were all born by caesarian section and within 4 minutes of each other from there was no illusion amongst them all who was the 'eldest' and who was the 'youngest'.

This I found so interesting because the youngest of the four being a girl was termed as 'the baby' and treated that way where the eldest, a boy was the natural leader of the siblings.

It perplexed me.  I didn't want one of my girls feeling like they had something over the other one and when I discussed this with hubby we agreed - we wouldn't tell them or people who didn't know (close family and friends who we briefed that we wouldn't tell them).  So our girls have always grown up with no real birth order 'older/younger' twin thing in their vocabulary.  There's no greater responsibility with being the 'eldest' twin or leniency with the 'youngest' twin.  They are equal.

When people ask me in front of them 'Who is the eldest?' I let them answer:

'We're twins, we're born on the same day'.
'But which one of you were born first?'
'Both of us'.

Love the gappy mouths!

I truly don't understand the fascination about this with others - my girls say 'Eloise is the big sister and we're the little sisters'.  That's enough don't you think?

Of course there's going to be a time they will know - it's on their birth certificates 'older or twins/younger of twins'...

If you have or know twins - do the twins know?  Do you think it has a bearing on their relationship with each other or within the family/outside the family?

These boots...

are not only made for walking, they're making mummy realise how much her frills are growing up!

Last year I promised faithfully this winter my girls could have some knee-high boots.    A promise is a promise but waaaah they are so grown up in them!

My big girl Eloise is now seven going on seventeen.     I can't believe how big she is now and the things she comes out with!  'Mum, when can I walk home from school by myself?' "Mum, I need an iPhone'  I'm not ready!!

Laura is still her cheeky hilarious first but she also has her devious side...and she certainly lives up to the reputation those fiery red-heads have -but she is always kind and quick with a compliment and makes friends easily - socially I never have to worry about Laura... what a poser!

 And my little sensitive one, Olivia - though these days these boots could be mistaken for bossy boots, she  is getting a bit bossy especially at home.  She likes it the way she likes it, and I have to say she gets that from me... so I totally understand her need to be in control!  That said she does have the sweetest side and is very empathetic and sensitive to others..such a sweetheart.

As they say, they grow up too fast!

I will tell you when you're older.... #1

I love the way Laura's mind works.

This morning I was having a shower, and not unusually she found a reason to be in the bathroom too.

'Mum, you know how Daddy's Grandad is in the rose garden?' (his ashes are scattered quite famously in a rose garden in hubby's home town)

'Yes....'

'He got burned up and gets to be in the soil now and is part of the beautiful roses, that's pretty cool'.

'Yes it is..'

'When I die, I don't want to do that though.  I want to go to heaven'

'Um, you can do that too, it's just your body that gets burned up'

'what, it's just your head that goes to heaven?'.

Sunshine

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This morning after a busy week last week and an even busier weekend away from my frills I finally had that little lie in I've been craving for... one by one my frills came into bed with me, told me about their day (I didn't see them before bed last night) and I squeezed them so tight.  I've missed them so much.

Laura jumped in and said 'Mum, I've really been missing the hugs and kisses the most'
'Me too!' I replied: 'Come and have some with me!'

So I kissed her, pretty much smothered her in kisses clearly overwhelming her : 'Mum, that's enough kisses, maybe we should stick to some cuddles now'  I burst out laughing.

She hopped into bed, and wrapped her arms around my neck and snuggled in. I breathed it all in, I felt so happy.  I looked at her adorable face, she looked so happy and almost relieved... she said "mum, can you sing to me'.  This is an unusual request because I usually sing to them when they are sick or upset - she clearly needed reassurance and comfort. So I began to sing a song that just sprang to mind, it was really what my heart was feeling.

'You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey'

I felt choked up and struggled to get through the next bit:
'You'll never know dear,
How much I love you'

By now I had tears steaming down my face. I miss my little girls so much.
'Please don't take my sunshine away'.

She smiled.  She hugged me tighter.  Clearly she was moved by the situation too.
'Mum, nice song, can you change the 'take my sunshine away bit' for 'We always have fun together?'.

This kid is a gem.  Guaranteed every day to make me laugh.  Guaranteed.

Activity Report: Frills go bowling!

Well if you're having the Queens Birthday Long Weekend, and you're in South Eastern Australia - you're probably freezing.  I am.  But I don't mind so much - we're keeping ourselves busy with boardgames, dancing to 80's music video clips on TV and a spot of cooking here and there.

Something that we did last weekend was go to two birthday parties.  This happens when you have three daughters.  Party invites at times are more frequent than toilet trips (ok I am exaggerating, so what?).. I like a birthday party where the adults can get involved a little - not just 'supervising' or being in separate camps... the best fun I've had at birthday parties is where the adults get to play the games too.. don't you reckon?

One of our parties last weekend was great like that - it was a bowling party.   Ten pin bowling has certainly moved along from those daggy shoes and the smell of foot odour.  It's pretty chic these days actually.. OK the shoes are still a little daggy.. but you don't have to try millions of pairs on - you just see how big your foot is on the on-floor sizer:

We went to Dee Why AMF Bowl and it's lovely and modern, bright and clean.   I was impressed.  And the birthday party ran like clockwork.  It did require some parents to stay and help some of the kids - but I didn't mind.  We were all having fun.

It's so exciting and our group of 4 - were first time bowlers so we were all learning together.  In the beginning I was putting the ball on the frame (which helps beginners aim) and aiming it - by the end they were lifting the balls themselves and positioning the frame.

They put the gutters up too, so no one feels totally like a dumkopf.

The kids were loving it, no cross words, no competitive biffs, just pure fun - this is the birthday boy K, strutting his bowling moves!

And no more scoring with pencils!  It's all computerised.  That saves a lot of arguments!

My girls did pretty okay I think!

Then it was time for the party - and well the party food isn't exactly gourmet or healthy - but it is a party and if you can't indulge at a party - when can you?

The birthday boy enjoyed himself - and that, is the main thing.  The other factor was it was his Mum's birthday, and she had no washing up! Bonus!

And you bring your own cake or pay for one - up to you - happy birthday K

The lowdown - 
Buy your tickets online - They are much cheaper !  Online you can get tickets for $7.95 a game whereby normally they could be almost double that.


Party cost from $19.90 per child - includes 1 game, arcade tokens, party bag for each child, and party food as pictured.   This may vary upon where you live and what packages they offer.  Click here for more info.


Do you go bowling or did you as a child?  We're going back, the kids love it and it's a great activity to do as a family - especially in extreme weather!

Snap Happy Saturday: Bookworms

Eloise since getting her glasses is having a new found love affair with books - not that it has ever waned... and now Laura and Olivia have almost got the foundations of reading sewn up they are looking at books in a whole different way... you know.. with WORDS not just pictures!

So when Eloise reads them stories now, everyone is glued not only to the pictures, but to the words.  Love this pic!  They are looking so grown up in their sports uniform too!

We're off to the farm today - hope you've got a lovely day planned x

Chapter Two: The school yard romance has now got a little complicated...

{my little minx}

Remember last week how I told you about Laura and her 'boyfriend' Z?  It's a cute and amusing story if you haven't caught up, recommended.

This past week has been a little more amusing if that's possible.  It seems Laura has more than one admirer.  Apparently Master E declared at his family dinner last Friday night: 'I love Laura in my class and I'm going to marry her'.  His father obviously a bit shocked to hear this from his five year old who never expressed any interest in girls at all, let alone marriage asked him why:

'Because she smiles at me Dad, and I want to marry a girl who smiles at me'.

Good point.

Anyways, when Laura arrived at school on Monday, in her locker she found some drawings, of her and Master E under a rainbow with some flowers.  She said thanks and put them in her bag. Master E asked Laura if Z was still her boyfriend.   To her credit she said 'Yes, Z is a nice boy'.

At lunchtime that day Master E thought he might see if he could try his luck another way and asked Eloise, my eldest some advice:

'Can you tell Laura to be my girlfriend, I think I love her more than Z does'  Eloise's quite astute response was:

'E, I can't get my sister to do anything, I don't think it's going to work'.

Aaah, young love... here's the cute something I found hanging in the classroom:

In other related news, apparently the class has been spoken to about 'the germs we spread when kissing'.  Perhaps I'm raising the class hussy? hehe.

School yard romance

Yes, I know it's a bit early but I just have to share this with you.   It all started almost a week ago.  He let her get in front of him in the lines.  He thought he was sweet so gave him a kiss on the cheek.

That's all it took my friends.  

That night he went home and declared Laura was his girlfriend.  He asked his Mum to invite her over and drew pictures of them both with hearts and flowers.

Laura was oblivious but was very excited to see him on Monday.   Even more excited on Tuesday when it came time for the playdate.  Tuesday afternoon they walked out of school hand-in-hand.  Other kids pointed and giggled.  They did not care.

Laura returned home with a big smile and a token of Z's affection - a kite he made her from paper and masking tape.  She won't let us touch it - it's HERS.   

A few hours later, a picture comes up on my facebook wall - it's a photo of Z who is missing Laura so has made a life-size replica, in paper.   How ADORABLE is that?

It's all so sweet and innocent.  Two little people who are special friends. Awww.  Melts my heart!

Did you have a school yard romance or have your kids?

How my frills are growing up!

Just had to share this with you (and record this for me) just how much my little frills are growing up!

Eloise, who hasn't had much of a mention this year due it being her second year at school and her little sisters starting school - has had a lot going on herself.  She has started in year one in a 1/2 composite class.  Although she was one of only three of her class from last year she's settled in brilliantly peer-wise.  Last year she had some ups and downs in this area due some clashing with and instability of another student last year - it kind of tainted her school yard relationships somewhat.

But I'm happy to report that this year has been much more positive.  I'm sure it has something to do with that student no longer being at the school but also she's just that bit older and enjoys playing with lots of different people rather than just one or two.

Eloise at school friends birthday party

She's taken up recorder as part of her composite class and all parents who have a new recorder player in their family will be nodding as they read this:  it has been getting on our nerves a little. But actually she's doing less squeaking and more playing and she takes herself off to the backyard to torture the neighbours practice, it's all good.  She's loving it - it's a positive thing. really.

Having learned last year how important it is to nurture and encourage healthy and positive friendships in the first year of school - most weeks everyone has had a playdate.  If they have behaved, they may invite (or go on if they are invited) one friend home for an hour and a half after school.  Eloise totally surprised me when she wanted to invite a boy...!  But the boy had been in her class last year and was into Zhu Zhu pets like her so didn't really seem like a stretch - and I have to say - the best playdate ever - they just had so much in common.  I used to have male friends even in primary school so I guess it wasn't so out of the norm...!

Some days we've had two of the frills bring someone home for a playdate on the same afternoon and that's been a little crazy!  I let them run around like mad in our garden (Luckily it's enormous) and then chill out time before they go home (Thank you Barbie movies!)

And this next week - Laura is off to a boy's house for a playdate.  He apparently is drawing pictures of her and him with love hearts so I'm guessing he's a little smitten with the unsuspecting Laura who thinks of him as 'a very nice boy from my class'.  (Don't worry Laura I was always clueless in the same situations even as an adult) Laura also has her first school party on tomorrow.  There was a little tantrum when Olivia realised she didn't get an invite but that's life!  When I explain that they don't get invites to all Eloise's classmates party I think the penny dropped.  Olivia's time will come.

In fact, she's quite a popular lass herself, another playdate invite has been accepted for Monday and she's off to a playdate at a classmate's house for the second week in a row.  She's settled in beautifully and she's the only one of my three daughters that can remember to bring all her lunchbox containers home every day.

Laura, who unlike Olivia who was writing her name at 3 years old - had been very reluctant to learn how to write her name, learn the alphabet etc before school.  Her teacher is such a great fit for her personality wise because she is very structured and presses on.  Laura, 6 weeks into school is an ACE at her sounds and has improved in all areas - writes her name well now and even insisted on writing in and on the card for her classmates birthday party.. how CUTE is this?

So suffice to say, I'm a super proud (and busy) mama of three girls.  The weekends are shorter than ever - but it's thrilling to see them develop, grow and blossom.  It really is.

The 'other stuff' we're learning at school - as twins

When people learned we've made the decision to put our twins in separate classes at the start of school there's about a 50/50 split:  Those who think it's a great idea and those who pause then tell me it's a great idea.  I'm guessing that last 50 percent aren't exactly sure why I'd do it.

I mean it is more work for me and I do feel torn at times about who I watch line up or when I'm detained at one classroom trying to get one out whilst the other is looking for me.   There are two teachers, two routines and two lots of friends and two lots of settling into school.  But I've never regretted this decision we made.

We made this decision even before they were born - I was so relieved to hear they were fraternal twins and even more overjoyed when I noticed how visibly different they were - over time they have developed of course very differently - as they are individuals - they have very different likes/dislikes/temperament and of course learning styles.

We really did want them especially in their first year to have the opportunity to be just themselves.  Not 'the twins' as they are often called by new friends or compared which is inevitable when you have twins.

When I did canteen duty the other day I noticed that they play separately, quite happily.  They have found their own group of peers and have settled in nicely.

What we have been dealing with last week is a few things:

- Sharing friends - each of the little frills has had a play date this week at our house - they have invited someone home from their respective classes and whilst it was intended to be the same day - due to the one child's schedule we spread it out over two days.  

There was initial excitement when we walked home with our new friends - but within the first hour on both dates the twin who was not hosting the playdate was upset because they felt that the playdate had somehow replaced them.  'Laura's not my best friend anymore' and then only two days later the same from Laura's mouth 'Olivia only loves Emma, she doesn't love me anymore'.   This will only continue as they get older but I do expect it, and I have explained to them that they can have friends outside the family (they have had for a long time anyways) but it doesn't mean their special relationship has changed.  I encouraged them all to play together and that helped that the 'other' twin was reassured.

We also have an amazing week with praise in school.   Eloise received 2 respect cards on the same day Laura received a responsibility card (one-off praise cards) Olivia was gutted.  The next day she got a Learner card and then the day after that (on Friday) she received a Merit award at assembly as Student of the Week whilst Laura received a respect card.  Pretty exciting stuff..   Laura asked why she didn't get one - because we are a house of equality I can understand why she would feel that way.  I just explained that she was especially good in class and I'm sure she'll have a Merit Award before long - and reinforced how she had been fabulous she had been this week.

So I suppose with all the learning done in the classroom there's just that little bit more of a learning curve socially as a twin.  And a Mama of twins too.

We're growing up!

A budding novellist perhaps?

And before you're thinking it's me - the newest blogger with a book deal... think again!

Last week her teacher waved at me at home-time asking me for a minute.  'Sure'  I waited.   'Does Laura wear glasses?' she asked.

I was confused: 'No... she doesn't...' and suspiciously: 'Why?'

'Oh she mentioned today she couldn't concentrate because she left her glasses at home'..

Hmmmm.  Her eyesight is fine.  Little trickster!  She has has always had an active imagination...

Then last night at parent information night 'I don't suppose Laura is going to Dreamland with her Nanny without you and the other girls right?'

'Yes, that's right, nothing planned like that'  we laughed - Laura's teacher is in for an entertaining year - that's for sure - this talent for 'story-telling' may bring her fame and riches - for the time being it's giving me giggles and some thinking to do on how to allow her to have her imagination without 'stretching the truth'.

Can't wait 'til she can write - she's going to write amazing stories!  I think I might even take dictation from her.....?  If only for posterity!

Do or did any of your little ones have a hilarious or runaway imagination? Or was it you?

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It's Marvellous Monday today (for monkeys and mice that is...)

Hello!

Just had to share these cute photos of my twins - today it's Marvellous Monday at school.  Where it's all about the letter 'm' and they'll be eating milo, marshmallows and M&M's apparently...!  Very exciting.  We also had to dress up as something starting with 'm' just using 'something you have at home' which in our case was a little difficult given I had no masks and my girls did not want to sport moustaches to school.

So I got hot glue-gunning last night and made headbands with felt.  I used Eloise's possum tail from last year and curled it into a monkey tail and then quickly sewed up some grey fleece for a mouse tail.... 

May I introduce:

My Marvellous Miss Mouse:

And my Mischievous Miss Monkey!

They were SO excited to get to school and BEGGED me for face paint but you know, I didn't think they needed it.  

Aren't they cute?

My bebes go to school!

When I first fell pregnant with my twins almost six years ago I named my 'baby' - 'bebe' until of course we discovered there were two 'bebes'.  This feels like seriously a few years ago at most and today, I took them off to school - my smallest, littlest bundles of gorgeousness.

To parent twins and in particular 3 children with an 18 month age gap has been a challenge to say the least but I have loved it.  When they were indeed 'bebes' I used to fantasize about them all being in school, having time to myself and not having to wrangle 24x7 but I must say the reality so far has not hit me.

I want to go back!

I'm sure this is temporary and in the few days it will be an adjustment.  Ok, on with the photos!

It was a restless night - both with Cyclone Yasi and my parents, sister and her family all in Cairns, the heat and my bebes being very anxious, it was after ten they fmally settled into a slumber and for me in the early morn. My Mum called at 6:15am waking us reporting the cyclone had passed and they were all safe.  I have never been so relieved to hear her voice in my lifetime!  I cried with relief and then passed on the news to other family members.  Then our day began.  Up, dressed, breakfasted and ready to go!

Here's the production line of lunchboxes and drinks!

On with the hair elastics I made and the badges their school buddies made and we were ready for photos!

Olivia in all her finery...

Laura my little wall-flower (I hope her teacher has invested in some good ear plugs!)

Nanny (my grandmother arrived) and shared the big day with us.  Particularly with my bebes she's been with us through everything (read this when you have time).  My bebes adore Nanny.

And here's Nanny with her 'big girl' Eloise - it's hard to believe this time last year it was SHE who was starting school!

And here's the gorgeous pack!

Then it was time to head off!  First walk to school all three in uniforms *sniff*

And obligatory pose in front of the school sign (think I'm going to do this every year!)

And then it was time to report for first day!  Daddy takes Olivia to her classroom to sign in and find her bag locker....

And I do the same  with Laura (excuse the haggard look - stress and no sleep people!)

The girls then meet up with their Year 6 Buddies - Laura's got changed as her buddy hasn't returned to our school but lucky us because our new buddy the lovely Chloe - her little buddy didn't start this year - some things are meant to be!

And here's our Olivia's lovely buddy Amy - honestly I hope my girls turn out as lovely as she is!

Then it was time to say goodbye - and yes, I cried.  Mostly on the inside but a bit on the outside.

Here they are in their classrooms (sneaky us!)

Olivia:

Laura:

 Looks like Laura's been put straight to work!  She's a messenger this week!

So really - they went off without a hitch!  No real looking back or anything - just like their big sister.  Today I felt like the hen whose chicks had left the nest and hubby was a smart man and kept me occupied by taking me to spotlight. But as we sat down for lunch a mum with her two girls sat beside us and my heart sunk.  He gave me a wink:  'You'll be alright, they were ready'.  He's right - they ARE ready and I will be alright.

Tell me I'll feel better about it tomorrow!!