But Cubital Sounds Weird

Hi!

First, I am wandering around with my arm tucked against my body like Napoleon (Steve often accuses me of having a Napoleonic complex, actually, what with my being shorter than him and refusing to believe that Moscow cannot be conquered.) I am in pain. Details at REDBOOK. Link to side. And upon further review (in other words people who know what they are talking about commented/emailed) I have decided that it is not carpal tunnel but an ulnar impingement. Oh, and speaking of REDBOOK they are fairly sure they have fixed that niggling commenting problem so... keep it in mind. If you like.

But moving on. Or rather, moving backwards, thank you for the excellent suggestions about how to get two babies out of the house. As it so happens I already own a Kangaroo Kozy (is that right? now I have to look it up - no, Kangaroo Korner) sling and although I have used it around the house I had not thought to, you know, take it outside. Largely because it seemed a little dangerous. Do you want to know why? I'll tell you. Because I am a complete fool, that's why. The Kangaroo Korner fleece sling that I had received as a  thoughtful gift is ordinarily idiot proof, but I am no ordinary idiot.

Contemplate: the sling is a long piece of fabric folded lengthwise and secured at the ends to form a circle. To use the damned thing all you have to do is pull it over your head and pop the baby in. And yet every time I tried it with Caroline or Edward I had to use both hands to keep the child from sliding out on to the floor. Which sort of defeats the purpose of a sling, no?

I know what you are thinking. You trying to figure out how the baby would slide out of the contraption I have just described.

Yeah...

So imagine that you have taped an envelope to your abdomen, no doubt for the best of reasons. You then take five twenty dollars bills and, rather than put them into the envelope, you slide them between the envelope and your skin. Got it? So that when you start to walk the money falls out? THAT is what I was doing with the Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch. S-M-R-T, huh? Somehow I failed to understand the directions or pick up on subtle cues like "kangaroo" and "pouch". I thought the tension of the fabric was supposed to... anyway, fortunately no babies were harmed during the creation of this blog post.   

But now that I understand how to make it work without endangering the children - yes! Thank you! Excellent idea. And for those times when I want something with wheels I just sucked it up and bought a new double stroller. The only one that works with Keyfit car seats is Kolcraft's Tandem Contour. It is kinda snazzy, actually. Rather than snap the infant seat on top of a stroller seat like your basic travel system everything pops off, leaving you with a base with wheels. You can do one infant seat and one normal stroller seat, two stroller, two infant, et cetera. I have not actually tried to use it yet so it is possible it does not work as advertised, but the idea is nice. I'll let you know if I like it, should you be in the market for such a thing yourself. Or you could let me know if you have it and the wheels came off or the baby went flying with the approach of a two degree incline - I still have another 26 days to return it.

Caroline and Edward seem to have taken me literally when I said I did not want them on the same schedule. I meant at night and then I only intended for them to stagger it long enough for me to feed one at a time. Unfortunately they completely misunderstood and have spent the past several days on opposite schedules while the sun shines. The good news is I always have a wide-awake baby on hand - and isn't that what I have spent the past umpteen years moaning about? The bad news is I always have a wide-awake baby on hand - and I am neither a martyr nor a masochist:  how can I miss you if you never go away? Right this second I have Caroline gazing at me adoringly from my lap (new babies are so good for the self-esteem) and Edward is sleeping. She, however, is starting to look heavy-eyed and Edward - as if by prearrangement - is making those little I-might-wake-up-soon noises from over yonder. No wonder I had fifteen loads of laundry to do yesterday; it piles up when you cannot use your one good arm because it is perpetually full of baby.

Speaking of yesterday, Edward rolled over from his stomach to his back for the first time. Steve Patrick and I stood around and applauded him, while Patrick cooed "Good JOB Edward. Nice rolling there, sweet baby." He then insisted that we look up when babies usually start to roll and when he saw that it said between two to three months he jumped on this fact: "WE rolled at two months; so this is early!"

"We" did, you see. His proprietary interest in the babies just slays me. He is so cute with them I could cry. We went out to dinner the other night (we have been dining out with shocking frequency lately - I figure we might as well do it while we still have babies that fall asleep in their car seats and stay asleep while we eat) and Caroline should have been fed before we left. Mistakes were made. So she screamed for the duration of the twenty minute drive. Screaming babies that I cannot do anything about make me want to slam my head in the glove compartment, but Patrick sat next to her and reassured her the entire time: "It's ok, Caroline. It's ok. Don't worry. Don't be afraid. We'll be there soon. It's ok  baby."  The fact that she never shut up did not discourage him, he just kept talking.

And because I think my children are adorable and I cannot stop sharing this fact; here is Patrick reading  to Edward. I had, uh, sort of ditched Edward in the hallway after bathing him while I started on Caroline. Patrick discovered Edward lying there and ran to get a book for him.

Caroline lighting up everything

And, finally, I love this picture of Edward. You know, when the shutter clicks just as a series of involuntary reflexes have converged to give an impression of great profundity

Oh and the Dr. Evil comments about the photo of Patrick on the last post made me laugh. That pinkie thing is a characteristic gesture of Patrick's - so I suppose it is just a matter of time before he makes a doomsday device out of Legos and rubberbands and threatens to hold the entire river valley hostage. Pity.

Comments

[Cherith]

Aw, Dinosaur Binkit! A fav of all three kids in this house!

Good luck getting the hang of the sling. I also own the fleece pouch from Kangaroo Korner and I LOVE IT! It just takes some practice, you will get used to it and it will become your very best friend.

[Country Mouse]

I've never gotten around to registering so I can comment on Redbook, but I had the wrist pain postpartum as well. It's pretty common, and not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It's caused by relaxin, the hormone that loosens up your pelvic joints during pregnancy and prior to childbirth; relaxin acts to loosen all the joints in your body, in fact, including the wrists. For me the pain started before my son was born, and worsened afterwards; but for other women, it doesn't start until baby is born, when wrists are not yet back to their normal state but you're doing all kinds of lifting and holding.

The only real cure for it is babies starting to crawl and then to walk, but it will gradually improve before that. A brace might help when the pain is most acute, but can impede healing if worn too long. The tip that helped me most is: you know that classic L-shape you make with your hands when picking a baby up, sliding the hands under their armpits and leaving your thumbs sticking up? Don't do that. Keep the thumbs flat against your hands, and the hands and wrists in a straight line. Slide your arm under the baby however you need to in order to pick them up this way. It will feel awkward, but your wrists will feel much better.

Best of luck. All three of those kiddos are entirely adorable.

[Beth]

So adorable. Thanks for sharing. We loved our side-by-side twin stroller. Just always allow for extra time for all of the curious onlookers to stop you. ;)

[bigpikchur.blogspot.com]

Looks like Patrick is planning world domination!
Jules

[Jen]

I love that Edward is actually *looking* at the book Patrick is reading him. They are all beautiful.

[clarabella]

Your kids are just gorgeous.

[Mrs. Gregorton]

Thank you for the pictures, they are totally adorable. I'm going to admit that I had some issues with the Kangaroo Korner at first too. I loved the thing and my husband especially used it all the time but I remember at least one stomach-in-my-throat moment when the baby went, ah, let's just say not in the pouch part. And if I remember one there are sure to have been others that were lost to my sieve of a brain. Keep up the good work and I hope your arm heals soon.

[wavybrains]

You can get a second pouch sling and wear both at once: http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/Twins.htm

Check out the "wearing more than one" thread. You may find more ways to help save your arms.

[meg]

I don't think anyone here is ever going to get tired of photos of your babes. Keep em coming!

[sarah]

OOOOH they are all so cute and Patrick sounds like a wonderful little boy, Well done Mommy & daddy

[Joy from WI]

Hi Julie,

I cannot resist making a comment about the last photo of Edward. Just darling. I also wanted to say that I am interviewing with an infant/ toddler position. It is a position that I would loop with the children, move up with them as they move up to new classes.

I've commented before but it's usually been after the limit on your blog for comments. Or at least I don't see it come up because I cannot see all of your comments. Do you see all of the comments? I only ask because I've wondered if I was doing something wrong or why all the comments aren't posted. Do they post later?

Anyway, that's neither here nor there really. Just wanted to say so so cute! :)

[Christine]

So I have my son rolling over to look forward to, huh? (He's nine weeks today.) Cool!

You have gorgeous children. And I adore your sense of humor. Bravo!

[dee]

Yep. No doubt about it. Your kids are really freaking cute. And cubital tunnel syndrome sucks and folks are gonna look at you like you've grown a third arm when you say it. Get yourself to an orthopedist before you end up with neuropathy in your elbow. Ice helps a bit to reduce inflamation, as do anti-inflamatories, but the most relief I've ever gotten was from the electrical stim machine at my PT's office. Too bad there is no home model that I'm aware of (of course if you hear differently, I'd love to know.) If it get's really bad there is a surgical release they can perform similar to the carpel tunnel release, but my doc said it isn't always effective. It sucks I tell ya.

[Wendy]

Honestly, Edward looks like he has it all figured out - stroking his chin as he ponders his next course of action. I laughed out loud at that picture - priceless!

[Katherine]

Slings are wonderful things. I never figured it out with my first, but the second needed to be carried more - and that whole keeping track of 2 kids thing. When they get a little older I used a backpack a lot. I can't tell how many times I cooked dinner with my little one looking over my shoulder - and the backpack felt much safer when I was around the stove.

On other matters, I want to know how Patrick is enjoying full-day kindergarten. Please.

[Alex]

Your children are just lovely. Also, thanks for including the explanation for the photo of Patrick reading to Edward. See (though I don't have the excuse of twins or an injured arm), it's good to know that I'm not the only one who might sometimes, ah, ditch a baby. Temporarily. In a safe place.

[stephanie]

When I see those pictures I feel immensely glad that you never gave up on having more children.

[cagey]

Oh, my.

I do not comment often, but wow. You had me at "Dinosaur's Binkit" Sniff.

Some of my favorite moments these days are my two children interacting - I am so happy that you are finding the same pure, unadulterated joy in your children. :-)

[Brad]

Hi Julia! I haven't posted in ages and want to congratulate you on all your joy. That being said: I appreciate that you can realize you shouldn't have a single, negative thought about having babies since you struggled for so long to have them. LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL If it weren't for the occasional, "My God, why did you give me such a b**ch to deal with?" I would never survive. So... have you're "if only it were so easy" thoughts without a moments guilt, ok? :-)

Love ya!

[Molly]

Try a chiropractor. Yeah, I know a lot of what they do is medically unproven, but for stuff like this? Relief from nerve pain? You can't beat them. Seriously.

[Marleen]

Is that blanket that Edward is on in the lower picture around from when Patrick was little? I got that one as a present from an American friend when he was born 6 years ago. It really brings me back. Btw, those are some lovely looking babies!

[Marleen]

He = my son Ward. In the post above. Sorry.

[Slim]

I may need protective eyewear to shield me from the cute. I will gladly procure some, because ahhh . . . cuteness.

[TracyB]

So sweet! And Dinosaur's Binkit! Good thing it is one of my son's favs, because it certainly is mine. I NEED MY BINKIT!!!

[Chickenpig]

I've got the Contours stroller, and it works great! My only complaint is that it is the 3rd double stroller we bought, and I wish it had existed back in 2005. When the kids get older and they start to torture each other, it's great because I just put them back to back. So far it has been the sturdiest and most reliable of the 3 strollers we've had, and we are NOT easy on strollers.

Right now the scheduling thing isn't a huge pain, because they aren't really awake for very long. As they get older, though, and their "feed, sleep, play" schedule leans more and more to "play"...you really need to coordinate the being awake part or you will never leave the house...or get anything done....ore get a break. I had to get things under control at about 3-4 months of age. I could never feed my babies at the same time, either, but I did feed one right after the other while the other played, then played with them both, then put them both to sleep. If you always have one that is eating while the other is sleeping, or only one that is awake at a time...you WILL go crazy. It kind of messes with your mind because there isn't any logical progression to your day, if this makes any sense.

[amanda]

Possibly delurking? I can't actually remember if I have commented before. But I only wanted to say how beautiful your family is. Honestly, Patrick is THE MOST fascinating child I have never met. Every time you write about him I think about how unlucky it is that I do not know him personally and how much more interesting and remarkable he must be in person. I am sure that those babies will be as lucky to have him as he is happy to be there.

I know you do not particularly need to be told this as you are already aware of how wonderful your family is, but I am compelled to say so anyway.

[~ bridgette ~]

I can't get over how much Edward looks like Patrick in that last photo. It must be the grin. They're all so cute!

[ALH]

Man. That bottom picture of Edward looks like he just read his first P.G. Wodehouse novel and had to take a moment to say "Good one, old bean. Good one."

They are all too adorable for words.

[Candy]

Those children could not be more perfect.

I especially love Patrick's feet in the first picture, crossed over themselves while he knelt next to Edward. Maybe because it would take an act of planet alignment to make my ownbody morph into that position.

[Ginger]

OMG! Those are the cutest pictures ever. Hope you feel better soon.

[Jen]

if it makes you feel any better, i never got the hang of slinging and i have ONE baby to contend with. plus, postpartum brain and all that.

seriously cute kids - and patrick's reassuring of caroline nearly made me misty.

[Deb]

Just delurking to say: beautiful babies! oh, and Edward's professorial expression in the last: "Now, let me explain myself. . . zzzz."

[Aurelia]

Oh my LORD how cute is that picture of Edward?

I want to eat him up. Or steal him. Mine will never ever be as cute as that.

[Natalee]

My reproductive system has melted in the face of this adorableness. That photo of Edward is too precious for words, Caroline's smile makes ME smile, and Patrick is such a peach!

[Midsummer Night]

I too have a Tandem and love it! The boys love playing with each other and then when they fight I just turn them right around. Love it, love it, love it.

[JuliaKB]

Awwwwww..... Too cute, all of it-- the stories, the pictures. Not the hand thing, though, definitely not the hand thing. I am not sure what that new hypothesis entails-- whether it's mechanical or of other causes. I have had hand numbness that is reminiscent of carpal tunnel, but it has usually been of hormonal instigation, thyroid to be exact. Just saying, in case you want to check it out.

I am also behind on laundry, and have nowhere near as good an excuse as you do. I'd better get to it, ha?

[CA]

I *LIVE* for Patrick stories, baby stories, and Patrick and baby stories. Keep em coming.

:)

[melissa]

thanks for posting pics! they are all so cute! they are soo big now!

[Pam]

They are all absolutely adorable - that is very young to roll over!

[winecat]

Oh, the photos are priceless. Patrick reading to Edward got an awww, Caroline's smile got a deightful chuckle and Edward, oh my, a great laugh.

Patrick's ownership of the babies is just so cute.

Hope the hand thing gets better soon!

[Kim]

They are just gorgeous. And as a non-mom, I am still lost about this kangaroo pouch thing. Are you enjoying having a girl? Is it any different than having boys? Or is it just different because the twins are such different babies than Patrick was?

Congrats to Edward (and Patrick, of course) on the early rolling milestone!

[Paz]

I had forgotten how quickly newbrons change and how very young they are when they start to reveal their personalities. They are darling, all 3 of them.

[Carrie (in MN)]

God your kids are gorgeous!

[Susan]

Your children are beautiful! Love the picture of Patrick reading to Edward.

[Lisa]

I'm so glad you keep sharing the adorableness of your children. I loved all three of the photos, but I must say that Caroline does indeed light up everything, inluding my mood. :-)

[Mary Ellen]

So cute! I have a 3-year-old and 12-month-old twins, and the 3-year-old is great at "Shhh! It's okay! I'm here! Your sister is here!" and she says it in this not-normal, squeaky, baby-soothing voice that I can't imagine where she picked up...
Glad to hear you're trying the sling! I liked the New Native, because it's small enough to fit in the diaper bag -- for emergencies. You know, sling emergencies... (Okay, like if one of the babies is SHRIEKING in the stroller, or the 3-year-old is a whiny walker and begs for a seat on the double, then you can whip out the sling and redistribute the load.)
Good luck!

[Mama with Marriage Tips]

I love Caroline's outfit! So cute...

[Jo]

Caroline's smile could light up a whole state! They are both beautiful and look like they are doing wonderfully.

[Lynnette]

Thanks for the head's up on the Keyfits/Kolcrafts...I really miss my Graco Snug Ride/Snap 'N Go combo for the twins. Might be worth the expense to go back to that system. I wonder if they'd sit still for an infant seat again? Seems like it would take them forever to gain another 10 pounds at 14 months, so I could probably get a lot of use out of them. Plus, I'm not liking the Britax Boulevards much. Note to self: Must curb the cursing around the twins...Sorry about the pain. Hope you get it fixed, soon. The kids are adorable.

[denise]

First off, all three kids are so cute!!! I love the picture of Patrick reading to Edward.

Second - just any FYI, but my sister got a cotrisone shot for some wrist pain, and it dried up her milk. Just be careful about that.