Alright all you parents and helpful observers, here's where we call upon your insight and wisdom for a safe and sane transition home. We are anxious to hear your tips, best practices, and suggestions on essential gear.
Because we didn't know the age, sex, or condition of our future children before we came to Ukraine, (and certainly didn't expect to find two!) our preparation is a bit behind. We've just returned from the street market where Sasha and Victor helped us find a collapsible double stroller, two winter coats, two onesies, two jammie things, and two hats. We'll finish off the clothes shopping later this week with shoes, underclothes, diapers, more diapers, and a good going away outfit.
Here's the 411 on the boys to help with your suggestions (just multiply by two):
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- Height: 32.25 inches tall (2ft, 8in)
- 18 months old
- Not potty trained
- As an amendment to Newton's Laws of Motion, the boys movements tend to be in equal and opposite direction to one another.
- They both walk well on flat surfaces, with the occasional hand plant or tumble thrown in.
- Both boys need some catching up in language skills, since they have only been spoken to in Russian.
- Their food at the orphanage is BLAND. No sugar or salt. Some dairy. They have never eaten any citrus foods and we probably shouldn't experiment on the way home.
Thanks all.
8 comments:
For keeping the twins coraled when they want to go in different directions try harnesses with leashes. Used one at the Grand Canyon with Martie and had a much safer and saner visit. If they aren't available at the local stores put one together yourself. Also don't forget some kind of roll-up mat that you can use for diaper changes, you never know what kind of surface you'll be forced to use while in transit. Plenty of low calorie snacks for the trip. Congratulations again.
Cat & Dave
So many things to learn but most of it will come naturally so don't freak out. i would start out with toddler food from gerber like applesauce, oatmeal and very gradually incorporate small portions of salty and sugary things to avoid diarrhea. And until all of you get adjusted to home and each other one parent will be relagated to the grocery shopping, etc. Try not to let things get you crazy because these will be the best time of your lives!
LOVE Dad and Paula
Some will warn you to really limit their sugar on the flight home because it could cause a sugar high and then crashing low, others have broken down and bought huge bags of suckers to keep them quiet and help their ears...Something for them to chew or suck on at least! Praying for you!
HI Kathy abd Greg,
plenty of snacks ie cheerios are great, books that you can read to them. Toddlers love to hear the same story over and over. Crayons and paper are also wonderful entertainment. Don't forget wipes to go with all the diapers and changes of clothes for the accidents that WILL happen...
Also, bottles or sippy cups that they can suck on and drink from during take off and landing to help avoid pressures changes in their ears and the painful screams that can follow...
More ideas to come as we think of them...
We can't wait to meet them!!!!
Carol & Paul
one thing I have learning while working with toddlers and infants is to always keep things around that they can teeth on.Possibly even having a little teething medicine handy. This is about the age that they would be cutting molars and that can be painful. I will try to think of more tips as they come
Love
Jessica
p.s I am super excited for you guys
Good luck! Make a special backpack of kid things for the trip home: coloring books, books, small toys, etc. Get two of everything and don't let them see any of it before the trip. Take one or two things out at a time. Hopefully they will be entertained for a few minutes!! Also, have them wear those one- piece pajama outfits so they will comfie. -Sue and Mike
Keep working on your Russian. The boys will learn English soon enough, but this is your best time to learn Russian. Everyone around you can give you a few minutes to practice speaking. Have them write down phrases that you will need to use for the transition period. Write them phoenetically if you must, but practice them. Try your Russian out with the boys. This will help you see their level of understanding your accents. Cat
Hey Cathy and Greg!
I have a few suggestions for the boys.
First, since they like to move in opposite directions from one another, get the cute little animal backpacks with the leaches for tails, then you can store toys (or whatever) in the back packs, and keep a hold on both of them, even when they go wandering off.
A way to corral them at home would just be to put up a small gate in their door, there are gates you can set up so that you can get in and but they cant get out, so with a baby proofed room they will have a safe place to play.
The new magic markers that only write on the special coloring books are also great for traveling and at home, so that they can color and be entertained while still not being able to color all over the walls. The markers only show up on the coloring books.
Love.
Devin
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