The girls' first (of many, I'm sure) visit to the Picture People - Week 11
One of the first things I yearned for, as a new mom, was that the girls would finally learn to use a pacifier. Tina learned how to comfort herself with one first at about week 6. I was forever grateful that Ava picked it up just before our plane ride to Washington and became quite skilled during our vacation.
I've started to regret that I encouraged and wished them this new skill. Now, whenever their pacifier pops out, it interrupts their slumber and their naps are forever peppered with whimpers and cries until someone comes to help them reconnect with their new-found comfort source. Just after they learned the pacifier, I learned another wish... When will they learn to put it back in themselves! Or, even better, when will they find their thumbs (their thumbs being harder to mis-place)? I may end up regretting this wish as well...
Once they have fallen asleep, though, it seems that we are making quite a bit of progress. This week, Tina gave us that ultimate gift - she slept all through the night! I'll qualify that by saying she went down at 10:30 pm and slept until 6:30 am. Quite amazing!! Ava is still waking up at least once - usually around 3:30 am - and sometimes still twice, but we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - the promise that so many parents of older twins have assured: you will eventually get a full-night's rest.
One thing we've found, however, is that it's wise to have bottles prepared in advance of Bettina's awakening. Once she's awake, she's very hungry and must be fed right away! Best to have already poured and prepped the bottle; her patience is thin! A small price to pay for 8 hours of sleep.
