I have a pretty strict routine with the babies (you have to especially when you have more than one baby, and daddy is gone a lot) at night, and it has worked like a charm most nights. I cannot complain! They know what to expect, and we get through it. Although it's still difficult to get through it some nights, when it's done, it's all worth it.
To anyone who might find it useful, here's what I do:
1.) I feed them both in their booster/high chairs around 6 or 7pm. Olivia is a very messy eater, so I try to give her the 'messiest' foods at dinner since she'll have a bath.
2.) I let them play a little, while I clean their chairs/plates/cups. I get her bottle of milk warmed, and Lucas' cup with water in it.
3.) Around 8pm I tell Lucas to clean up the toys. Most of the time he does a lot. He even helps roll up the little carpet to put away so the dogs don't damage it. I grab Olivia, her blankie/pacifier, bottle, sippy cup and head upstairs. He gives his hugs (if he feels like it!) and continues saying
"nee-ight!" (good night) to everyone while slowly going up the stairs.
4.) I start the bath, undress them and put them in, let Lucas squeeze some 'Toy Story' bubble bath stuff in with their toys. I put their room heater on, get their pjs + diapers ready.
5.) After washing/shampooing them, I let Lucas pull the plug and tell him to pick up the toys. He used to pick them up, but just play with them now...I brush his teeth, get Olivia in a towel, Lucas climbs out on his own and I give him a towel--he sits by me in his towel and waits--but sometimes gets in his bed still wet!
6.) I dry Olivia off, put desitin on her butt, diaper her. Rub baby chest rub/vasoline on her dry cheeks, lotion all over the rest. Pajamas on, and comb her hair, give her her bottle, blankie, and put her pacifier by her head.
7.) Repeat for Lucas *.
8.) But now I tell him "lets go mark the calendar to see when daddy comes home!"
And I help him cross off today. I am going to get a picture of John to put on 2/23/11. I think he might be able to comprehend time and what's going to happen, but if not, it helps me feel better to see the days "x'ed" off! And at least it has Elvis pics on it :)
We love you so much daddy. Good luck on all your interviews and stay safe out there. Eight years almost behind you honey :) Thanks for taking care of us.
