Emi Taya
Hi Christine – I’m sorry this is late. I ran into some computer problems, Tim was out of town and I am not technically savvy at all. We just got it fixed. I’ll try not to be late again.
The girls are doing well. They’re starting to walk but are very stubborn and will only do it when the mood strikes. I told you in my last post that they didn’t like standing and weren’t pulling themselves up, and if I tried to get them to walk by holding my finger they would use their stomach muscles and lift their legs up. ( They are super strong and have abs of steel) I took them to a specialist and it seems that a reflex in their feet that is supposed to automatically go away at 6 months didn’t go away so they didn’t like how it felt to have their feet on the ground. The fact that it didn’t happen naturally is also a sign that they may have a harder time learning. It is not reflective of intellect (they’re very smart) it just means that they input information a little differently. So we’ve been doing therapy for a couple of months now and it is really making a difference. Both of them could probably run a mile right now but just don’t always feel like it. They zip through the house pushing a walker like they’re running a race. Sometimes they’ll start walking and then catch me watching and drop down. They stand up and fall down on purpose because they think it’s funny. I’m pretty sure at this point they’re just messing with me. The good news about this is that we caught it early and have them in programs to help with walking, the way they learn and how to deal with the frustration of not being able to do what they want. By doing therapy and the work now, they should be just fine in a couple of years. It’s already made a huge difference and it’s taught me how to play with them and teach them at the same time.
One of the things we taught them is a few words of sign language and I can tell you that I’m not sure I should have taught them the sign for “more”. LOL Those girls can eat! Lunch can go on for quite a while. I’ll say and sign “all done” and then they’ll get this sly grin and start signing for more. Taya will then start chanting eat, eat, eat. It’s pretty hilarious. Thankfully they aren’t picky and will eat just about anything. They love fruit and I think fresh pineapple is their favorite. I’m not even sure they taste it because they shovel it in so fast. Usually for lunch they each eat a sandwich, cheese, an applesauce pouch, some fresh fruit and a glass of milk. Then they have 2 dinners. They have first dinner at 5 and that’s usually a big meal – like pasta and veggies, then they have dinner with us as family a little later and they eat whatever we’re having. And did I mention that they will each eat 3 pancakes apiece for breakfast? I’m not talking mini ones either. Full size. I also have to separate their high chairs because they will steal food from each other or start shoving if it’s something they love like mac and cheese. The crazy thing is that they don’t really have any baby fat. They are long and strong.
When they’re not eating they love to be outside and enjoy getting dirty. In fact the dirtier the better, today we were outside spreading mulch and Emi completely kept throwing it on Taya and then they would laugh and laugh. We went camping last month and I bought them these plastic suit things so they wouldn’t get wet when they were crawling around. They were so happy to crawl through mud and throw rocks. We stay at a campsite and rent a cabin so it’s not like we’re alone in the middle of the woods. We go with 3 other families that have children the same age as Tas and and the girls. We go during the off season and get 4 cabins next to each other so there is a lot of room to roam and the girls had a lot of freedom to explore. I was kind of worried that they wouldn’t like it since they’re at a tricky age and not walking but they were great. I think part of the reason the like getting so dirty is that they are obsessed with taking a bath. They throw a big ol fit if we have Tas take a shower before they get their bath and will bang on the door until he gets out. Once they get in they start kicking and splashing and squealing. They don’t really know what to make of bubbles though and tried to eat them like they were mashed potatoes or something so we’re gonna have to wait to try them again. Taya likes to try to stand up and then plunk down and make a big splash so by the end of it the bathroom is covered in water.
Emi Taya
We also go to a music class once a week and they love it. Sometimes they get to play with instruments and they love banging on a big drum that sits on the floor. There are activities and dances that go with these little songs and the girls have really responded to it. It’s not popular music or regular nursery rhymes it’s more classical and children’s songs that are designed to help them recognize beat and tone. I kind of hate the music. The girls love it. We have a cd to play in the car and if they’re getting fussy I’ll turn that thing on and they calm down. I’ve even seen them tap to the timing of the songs.
Taya is very outgoing and loves to play to the crowd. We always get a lot of attention in public because everyone wants to see twins. Taya will smile and wave and clap and put on a big show. Emi will usually give people the side eye. Lol. The funny thing is that Emi is really affectionate. She gives big hugs and likes to cuddle. You just have to earn your spot with her. She’s not giving it away. Taya is a bit more mischievous than Emi. I have to stay on my toes with her. She likes to get in the dog’s water bowl and is always on the hunt for the remote control. She likes to find the remote then throw it until the batteries come out and then try to put them in her mouth. Needless to say, the dog doesn’t get water unless they’re sleeping and I can never remember where I hid the remote. Emi likes to be chased and is always looking to get in the bathroom or our bedroom, where she’s not allowed to play without us. If that door doesn’t get shut right behind you she’s in and giggling while she books it as fast as she can.
I hope you’re doing well. Sorry if this is a bit scattered, I wanted to get it in tonight and so just kind of wrote what immediately came to mind. Please let me know if something doesn’t make sense or you wish I would do this a bit differently. Take care…..
emiandtaya 