Just look at these two- happy, tan, well-rested, and more than likely three sheets to the wind as we are pictured vacationing at a friend's home in California's wine country.
Little did these gals know in 2004 what their life would be like in 2011.
We met in Chicago, lived in New York and San Fran, traveled round and round, only to finally settle down in rainy Seattle. Then after two long years of living our life in two-week increments, with mountains of negative pee sticks, two fertility doctors, three donors, and endless fertility shots, we finally got to do this...
Belly Bump!
TWINS
Please note the look on Terry's face, either disbelief or worry that I would deliver the girls right on his back porch.
During those two painfully long years, we had lots of time to decide what kind of parents we would be.
We had it down! Really, two nurses taking on motherhood... piece of cake right?
WRONG!
If the mother I was gonna be, met the mother I am, there would be years' worth of judgement.
People told me to put aside any of my preconceived ideas and expectations of what I thought the perfect mom should be and enjoy the ride.
What did they know? If I was gonna do this, I was gonna do it right!
I made lists (I love lists!) I made plans, I cut out pictures, highlighted articles, circled much-needed gear in all my parenting magazines.
It was on!
The girls would only eat only organic foods.
They would be perfectly dressed and styled at all times; after all, they are girls.
We would read five books a day, every day.
Despite my insane sweet tooth, they would never know junky treats, candy or chocolates.
I would make all of their food from scratch, bake bread, grow vegetables,
and never, ever microwave anything!
Apparently I was going to become Amish.
They would never know what or where McDonald's was.
NO TV!!
I would stay home and be the best housewife and mom Seattle had ever seen
I would give up the booze for tea and bottle water.
Kids live what they learn so I had to be a positive example.
No juice, just water or milk!
I would plan educational outings to stimulate their little brains every day.
I would speak to them in Spanish and French so that they would be trilingual.
Please note, I do not speak French, so Rosetta Stone was on the list of must-have gear.
Bottom line: I was INSANE!
Those fertility drugs did a number on my already fragile psyche, because I was delusional!
The reality of the motherhood is that nothing is ever, or will ever, be perfect.
That is that.
The faster you get that thru your thick skull, the sooner you can enjoy the ride.
I mean, you know what they say about the best laid plans, right?
The girls are "healthy and thriving" says our pediatrician, and I like to think that they are happy.
They laugh a lot and we play all the time.
At the very least they get organic milk
They drink juice, in boxes, from plastic straws.
I say it's to prevent constipation but really it's just easy and keeps them from screaming at the store.
Sometimes we don't leave the house becasue it's just easier than wrestling twins.
On those days we watch Sesame Street. And yes, Elmo was one of their first words.
"Healthy" take out is just as good as home-made, or at least I tell myself this.
The only thing we grow in the garden these days are weeds.
The girls have had McDonalds french fries, chicken strips and milk shakes,
all very proud parenting moments for me.
Candy is a sure-fire silencer and has been mommy's little helper during many a tantrum.
bribery has it's place in parenting
Some days all we read are the street signs as we are rushing home from running errands,
but that counts right?
Some days I am soooo tired that all I can speak is jibberish, let alone English, Spanish or French
I never did get those French tapes!
Some "super special" days we skip baths altogether, because the sooner they get to bed, the sooner we get to cocktail hour! At least they don't stink.
We have compromised a lot on this journey, and it has only made us a better moms and partners.
Andi after a partcularly long day
Indeed that is chocolate on her sweet little face
Sometimes all she wants to wear is a diaper, but at lease she's happy.
Topless seems to be a pattern with Marlo...should I be worried yet?
Here are the gals on one of those didn't-leave-the-house-and-watched-Elmo-days.
At least Eme is reading... coupons.
We take what we can get.
Buddy, I love our life and our family!
And this super-crazy, but now medicated, broad you chose to make your life with hopes you love it too.
So a little late, but no less sincere
HaPpY MoTheR's DaY!
I couldn't do it without you and wouldn't want to!
