Monday, February 22, 2010

The Twin's Schedule part A

The twins have been home for four weeks today, and we have a pretty good routine going, although it starts way too early for me.

The twins wake up at about 4:50 am. Jessica convinces them to say in bed until 5:15-5:30 when everyone else gets up.

The twins join us for devotions at 5:45 (yes, that's a.m.)Then while the older ones finish eating and packing up, the twins watch two half hour videos--Barney, Miss Patty Cake, Donut Man or Potterfield Pond--something I can tolerate that early. I lay on the couch and try to get excited about the day, and they sit on the floor in the dark. They know there is no eating or playing until after the videos are over at around 6:50-7:00.


After the videos I'm more awake and friendly.




They have milk and fruit first and then either toast, cereal or instant oatmeal. I gave them poptarts today but they didn't care for them. Me either unless they are the brown sugar cinnamon ones.
Then we brush teeth, wash faces etc.




The twins get dressed. Kayla is a lot more independent than Kaleb. She would take over as his mother if I let her.







The dogs are out during the day except when it rains and it poured this morning.


After the twins are dressed, we play. This is about 7:20 am.













At about 8:15 we pick up toys, get backpacks, coats and shoes and head for preschool. They attend a Christian school about 5 minutes from our house.

I had not planned to put them in school this soon, but I found that the constant one-on-one with them by myself the entire day was getting to me. And frankly, I was not enjoying my time with them.

They were also used to 128 other playmates so I'm sure they were bored too. Bonding is very important to me so I was concerned about what to do, but decided on this readiness program. They have new friends, are hearing English for three hours a day and I am getting a short break to work on a book I have under contract, although I find that by time I do all the organizational stuff that comes with being a mom, I don't have much time left to write.

Kaleb and Kayla are in separate classes and this is very good for Kaleb. Kayla tends to take over and do everything for him so this gives him a chance to be his own person.

The twins look forward to school and they have come to realize that I will always be back for them. The classes follow a set schedule so they know what to expect at school too.

After the short time apart I am ready to be the mom again.



I pick the kids up from preschool at 11:30. This is their Bible story for the week.



They start the Bible story on Monday and talk about it Wednesday in chapel.



When we get home we make lunch. Sometimes they help. Kayla is making a really easy bean recipe that Karen Kingsbury gave us: one can black beans, 1/4c chopped onions, 1/4c water, 2 T olive oil. Mash together and cook until the onions are tender. My advice--use good name brand beans. It makes a difference!

















After lunch is nap time. I put in a movie but usually they fall asleep. I have to lay there too until they are sound asleep.








Jessica has early release on even days and is home about an hour after the twins.





To be continued....

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I also found that it was good for my twins to be in separate classes.

For some odd reasons, your photos and the comments going with them never line up. Do you know what could cause it?

Karen said...

Hey, everyone needs a break and it usually better for all. See ya next week!

junglemama said...

They are already changing so much. THey look bigger.. happier.. :)