Twins on Wheels

on their way to Manggahan to visit Lolo Lito and Lola Lucy

As our little angels were growing, they began to enjoy and explore new things. In as early as seven months, both of them were already fascinated to any thing that has wheels in it! One of the routines I enjoy with Kuya Paul and Ading Xander is doing our daily "drive at the garage". The Wonder Twins have two toy cars which they really can ride on - the red one is from Ninang Thet given to them on their Christening, and the blue one is from Ninong RC given to them on their first birthday. Actually, he gave them two but since Les and Lei already have one, the third is still in the box. Playing with my boys usually lasts an hour and the fun does not seem to end whenever they are on wheels!

A Year in the Life of the Wonder Twins

one of the first pictures of Les Paul and Lei Xander inside Supernanay's womb

The Wonder Twins' Homecoming - Can you guess who's Kuya and who's Ading?

our little angels having a little chit-chat with each other (one month old)

with Supernanay ang Ninang Ruby on their 2nd month birthday

nap time (three months old)

with Lola Ely, Ate Cha-Cha, and Kuya Rap (four months old)

with Tita Eds, Tito Pot, and Tito Carlo on their 5th Month Birthday

with Lola Lucy on their 6th Month Birthday

Tatay's first monthly birthday (7th) celebration with The Wonder Twins

hotdog and sanwich party on their 8th Month Birthday

with Ate Rosing and Ate Ging-Ging on their 9th Monthly Birthday

Kambal on their 10th Month Birthday

a month before they turn one year old

Les Paul and Lei Xander a week after their 1st Birthday

Bonding Moments With Tatay

To some families, bonding moments would mean going out to picnics, outings, strolling to malls. But for us (me and my husband), spending time with our twins is the ultimate bonding moment. I never thought of my husband being hands-on when it comes to our kids. But when he came home, he definitely made up for times he was not here.

In the morning, he would wake up early as soon as Xander and Paul wake up. While I prepare for morning regimens, Tatay will take them out for a walk or sometimes would bring them to their Lola Linda’s house for a visit. He helps in giving vitamins and preparing their food. He’s my assistant when I bathe our twins. While I’m busy with other things, he would make them listen to ROCK A BYE BABY CD or make them watch children songs in DVDs.

Putting then to sleep is a big challenge because the two kids love to play and move around. You have to turn the TV off and let them play in a quiet place to condition the kids to sleep on their own. We try to invent ways to make them fall asleep – playing rock a bye baby again, lullabyes, or just snuggling close beside them.

Ten, Eleven

TENTH MONTH

ELEVENTH MONTH

LES PAUL AND LEI XANDER AT 10 MONTHS

At 10 months the house is getting more chaotic. This is when the fun starts!!!

Paul, when put inside the playpen, would throw outside all his toys waiting for someone to pick it up. As if following a leader, Xander now, is doing the same.

In the morning, upon waking up, they shout as if calling each other. Paul says, “hhhiiiiiiiiihhhh”, while Xander replies with “aaaahhhaaaahhhh”. Then they will crawl to meet halfway smiling at each other. Paul can now say “Papa”, “Dada”, “Mama”, and “Baba”. Xander is always testing the intensity of his voice and shouts “eeeyyyy”, “zard” (lizard), and “aaahaaahhh”.

At bath time, if one sees his twin already seated on the tub, he would act as if he wants to join the other. They love to play with water that’s why I transfer them to another big basin before washing them off.

They were no longer addressed as “twins” or “kambal”. I feel happy that friends and neighbors took time to check on distinguishing marks or certain behavior that would tell them apart.

More on Kuya

Kuya, has started showing authority over his brother; Xander would always give way to his Kuya especially on toys and books. He was the first to learn how to hold the door knob at 4-6 months. At 10 months he mastered the closing and opening of the door turning the knob by himself. He can balance himself pretty well and can stand for a few seconds by himself which started on his 9th month. He was also the first to learn the “bye-bye” gesture and can amuse us by his “kilig-kilig” actions. He shows interest on pictures and illustrations. When given a book, he will take time to turn its pages one by one.

What about Ading (Xander)?

Xander is more of the physically active baby. He’s the fast learner when it comes to climbing and reaching for something. He started standing with just one hand holding the edge of the playpen. He moves pretty fast. But unlike his Kuya, he still has to learn to balance himself. He’s fascinated by moving objects like a crawling lizard, flying butterfly, and a walking cat. Like his Tatay, his eyes are glued on the T.V. set during commercials.

As their 1st birthday approaches, I feel good that we (me and Tatay) were able to do everything for our children’s early development. We are proud to be parents of these two intelligent babies.