Monday, January 24, 2011

Momma Bag O' Tricks

My sister Amanda turned me on to this blog recently, and although I haven't had time to read much of it (two 9.5 month olds will seriously cut into your blog surfin' time), the post that she sent me was balm for my weary, self-deprecating soul, and officially had me dedicated to read more when time allowed.

Today over at It's Almost Naptime there is a bloggy link up that I decided to participate in. If you've got your own tips and tricks to share - link up!

So what's in my Momma bag o' tricks?

Well, let's start with a little disclaimer first, shall we?...I just want to make it clear that I am in NO WAY claiming to have this Twin Momma Thing down. Because I so don't. God forbid I EVER give off the impression that I've got mothering figured out. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. And while I see myself -(and by God's grace I hope to continue to)- gaining more confidence on a day to day basis, I can assure you I hope to never again be arrogant about my mothering abilities...ya know, like I was before I had kids.

Okay, with that out of the way. Here's my greatest tip:

I'm late everywhere, right? I mean EVERYWHERE. I was late to my own wedding. I have never in my life had a job review that didn't mention my constant tardiness. So you can imagine my fears (and my husbands) while I sat pregnant with two babies dreading how much worse this problem was going to become.

So I got proactive, right away. I make every attempt to ALWAYS be prepared to walk out the door (baby-wise, at least. All bets are off in regards to my putting on deodorant or brushing my teeth) as quickly as possible.

When we get home from an event, I leave the diaper bag someplace obnoxious and in the way, so that I will remember to repack it after everyone is settled in and I have a moment. That way it's always ready to go the next time I need to walk (dash) out the door. I repack the puffs and yogurt melts. I refill it with diapers and wipes. I make sure it has at least two spare binkies and two spare gender-neutral outfits. And only when it is completely repacked do I return it to it's home on top of the dryer.

I also make sure binkies are reattached to the carseat straps.

I guess I just figure that makes for one less thing to worry about in my frenzy to leave our house. And I'd like to think it's helped me stick my steadfast M.O. of being only 10 minutes late everywhere instead of creeping into the 15-20 minute range.



I also keep a fully packed diaper bag in both our cars in case of emergencies. I have baby food, spoons, diapers, wipes, outfits, a blanket, bibs, formula & a bottle (what if the babies get stuck somewhere without me???), and binkies in a bag in each car. I make sure to "upgrade" them each time the babies move up in a diaper or clothes size.

I also keep a big ol' Costco pack of wipes in the minivan driver's seat pocket. And two blankets under the seat. And two binkies in the glove box. Cauz ya just never know.

7 comments:

Tiffany said...

This is such a great post for new mothers, reguardless of whether or not they have twins. Great tips here! -I miss that stage, the infant stage. It was hard, but, such a joy at the same time. -Thank you for sharing!

The Smiths said...

put deodorant in your diaper bag just in case you forget to put it on. I have 1 in mine and one in my car. Great to keep your bags packed

Lauren said...

Very prepared! My diaper bag is always packed, but that's where I stop. I don't like leaving diapers, wipes, food, etc in the car with the extreme temps where we live. Right now its -20 without windchill. Brrrr! And in the summer it's sooooo hot and humid.

Aunt Carol said...

I'm impressed!

Anna @ Frye Fam Happenings said...

Great advice, and oh my goodness. I LOVE the pictures of your kids in their cribs!!!! That is so creative and so cute :)

Risa said...

Extra diapers just in case---I needed to hear this before THAT INCIDENT. What mother would use a sanitary napkin for a 2-year-old!? Of course, that wasn't going to help either. I was just lucky enough that she didn't go in it! Good thing she was a girl, though...I don't think she remembers but I know she'll hear this story later! ;)

Lori said...

Kendra, those are some great tips! I can imagine that would help big time when in a rush! Hopefully I can be as organized!!