7 ways to potty train twins

***Content source: http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/7-ways-i-potty-trained-twins/

1) Let them be individuals. This is particularly important if you’re potty training twins. For us, one twin trained almost instantaneously. The other was more tentative, Treat them with respect and meet them where they are – be patient with whomever does not “get it.” Let the other twin move along toward the finish line if necessary. They can encourage each other and celebrate together!

2) Set a specific time. Set a specific time and be available those days, week/s or whatever it takes to potty train. We chose a week to “Potty Train” and that week we were home and working on this. We made sure to schedule fun at-home activities to make it more enjoyable too. Easy access to the potty is key.

3) Wait for warmer weather. If at all possible, try to potty train during Spring or Summer. The warmer weather provides for easier access and less clothing for mishaps. This worked well for us.

4) Create charts and rewards. The visual chart was very helpful to our twins, and me! As parents of twins, we used charts for everything from day one when we started with the nursing schedule. The potty training chart helped us monitor their progress and their rewards. I still remember how their little faces lit up each time they got to put a sticker on their chart! M&Ms were a little reward and ultimately we gave them a toy when they were successfully trained.

5) Break up day and night training. We began with day time training, using pull-ups only at night. Every night we would take them to potty when the last adult went to bed. The schedule and routine began to be ingrained. They did it!

6) Use a toilet seat if they are older. This may be personal preference, we used a potty seat in lieu of those plastic portable toilets. This worked beautifully. We were with the child so it was safe and it was comfortable for them and we all thought it was more “big kid.” Also, there was no transition to the big potty.

7) Stay positive. Encourage and build up their every effort. This is work for them, they need to know you are with them. Expect accidents, then you will be ready to appropriately teach them skills to clean up and move on. No emphasis on the mishaps.

“ But What Should I Do?” The New Father of Twins Asks

By CCPOM member Micheline Kirsebom

First time fathers of twins sometimes feel a bit helpless.  Obviously there is a lot to do, but so much of it seems to require breasts!  Well, perhaps I can help outline the priceless position you pay at this time.  You’re actually quite important!

For the mother of twins, priorities have changed.  She neglects her own needs in favor of those of her children.  The new mother will wait to eat until both babies have been fed, changed, and put to sleep.  Her sleep is no longer a given, but rather something she does when no one else needs her.  This pattern is innate.  Putting her children’s needs ahead of her own is instinctive for Mom.

Dad, however, has a little to learn.  He grabs the paper on his way to the bathroom not sure who’s been fed or burped – “Hey, when you’ve got to go…”

Okay, Big Guy, now that your partner is no longer taking care of herself, let’s make that your new job.  She is top on your list of priorities.  Make sure all of her needs are met so that she can concentrate on the babies.  You need to do all the things she used to do.  The following is your new job description. 

 

Before leaving for work in the morning

• Check to see if there are supplies of diapers and wipes
• Check for other necessities such as milk, bread, and toilet paper
• Check to see if the diaper bin should be emptied
• Check to see if the garbage needs emptying on your way out

Extra bonus points for:

• Making a quick piece of toast or cereal for your wife if she’s up
• Changing a diaper or two before leaving
• Doing a quick clean up

While at work:

• Pay the bills – arrange automatic payments
• Call to check on your family at least 3 times a day
• Make any outside calls that you need to make
• Arrange weekly grocery delivery
• Arrange help for Mom during the time you are away
• Do a GREAT job at work so you won’t have to worry about finances!

Before coming home:

• Eat BEFORE coming home and remember to bring something for her
• Have some caffeine to wake you up
• Use the toilet before coming home
• Buy any necessary household items
• Put a smile on your face and some love in your eyes
• Be ready to HELP!

Things you should know:

• Where the diapers are & how many are left
• How old the babies are
• How much they weigh
• What time they eat
• What time they sleep
•  Which medicines they are taking
• What things they are allergic to
• The phone number to the pediatrician (by heart)
• How to work the stroller, crib, baby carrier, and any other equipment
• What size diapers the babies use
• That babies should sleep on their backs

Other things you should know:

• Making love isn’t going to mean what it used to for a while
• Bringing home dinner, rubbing her feet, and holding her when she cries are all new definitions of “making love"
• Dinner might NOT be cooked, served, or cleaned up when you get home
• Your wife is tired and frustrated and a little overwhelmed
• Anything you say could be construed as criticism

Things you can say:

• “Things at the office are great” (even if they’re not)
• “You’re doing such a great job”
• “Aren’t they beautiful, Sweetie.”
• “Where should I start?” (helping)
• “I knew you were going to be a fabulous mother.”
• “I love our little family”
• “I don’t think I could do what you’re doing.” 

Other ways you can help:

• Be your wife’s number one advocate (speak only positively about her both in front of her and when she’s not around.)
• Speak extra fondly of her to her parents and yours
• Stand up for her when others are giving their opinions about breast-feeding, caring for, dressing, tending to the babies.
• Be her memory for her (remind her of appointments, up-coming events, and even to use the bathroom now and then – she’s forgetful right now!)
• Keep her abreast of current events outside the home
• Acknowledge her hard efforts and compliment her

You see, it’s quite a big job!  Your new family needs you in a number of ways, but you can handle it.  You’ll be a great dad to your twins.  You’ll be closer to them than you ever imagined and your relationship will be more meaningful because you’ve played such an important roll.  I know you can do it, your wife is counting on you…

…and so are those babies.

Congratulations and good luck!

turkey and dumplings

***Content source:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/turkey-and-dumplings-recipe?go=EM111124J3&utm_source=EM111124&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&spMailingID=4237822&spUserID=MTYxNzM4Njg3NzcS1&spJobID=254505670&spReportId=MjU0NTA1NjcwS0
(go to content source website for pictures and more info)

dumplings

• 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley), or 2 tablespoons dried (optional)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg

pot pie filling

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 3 cups turkey stock, or a combination of stock and leftover gravy (or chicken stock)
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups diced cooked turkey or chicken
• 2 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1. For the dumplings: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Stir in the herbs, if using. Cover and refrigerate this mixture while you're making the pot pie filling.

2. For the pot pie filling: Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the stock 1/2 cup at a time, whisking it into the roux to prevent lumps. When all the stock and/or gravy is added, season with the thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, then stir in the meat and vegetables.

4. Return the filling to a simmer, and transfer to a 4-quart baking dish with a lid. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

5. To assemble: Once the hot filling is in the dish, whisk the buttermilk and egg together, and add, all at once, to the dry mixture.

6. Stir together until evenly moistened.

7. Scoop the batter on top of the simmering liquid, leaving space between the dumplings (they'll almost double as the cook). Put the lid on top, and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

tips from our bakers

• If you don't have buttermilk on hand for the dumplings, you could thin 1/2 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup milk. Plain yogurt would also work as a substitute.
• You can make the pot pie filling in advance, as well as the dumpling recipe (stop before adding the buttermilk and egg). When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven while you bring the filling to a simmer. Mix the buttermilk and egg into the dumpling mix, scoop, and bake.
• This is a good recipe for using odds and ends of vegetables, if you have them: gather any stray mushrooms, onions, carrots and leeks you have in the refrigerator, and saute them until tender before adding them to the sauce.
• The steam from the sauce helps to keep the dumplings tender, so try not to peek at them while they're cooking, at least for the first 20 minutes. Your patience will be rewarded with lighter, fluffier dumplings.
• Don't mix the dry dumpling mix with the wet ingredients until you're ready to put the casserole in the oven. If you let the mixture sit too long before baking it, its baking powder will lose some of its rise while waiting.