He's on a roll

Big news chez FDMTG, at four days shy of six months twin one has learned how to roll. At first he kept his new skill under wraps and the only evidence was that every time I left him alone, on his back, on a play mat, I would return to find him balancing on his round little tummy, head in the air looking around for the applause he knew was his due for being so very clever. I think perhaps he was trying to perfect the little shimmy required to get over his pesky arm, as this morning he finally revealed all, and with a couple of hefty wriggles he rolled like a little Weeble right over onto his tummy for all his family to see.

Much cheering and clapping ensued to congratulate him, though I will admit a dark thought crossing my mind, because this is the first step towards movement, a stage which fills me with apprehension. Chasing around after one half mobile, seriously curious child was a trial I would rather forget, trying to keep tabs on two sends trickles of chilly terror down my spine. Still so far twin two shows no signs of giving up his favourite prone position, preferring to doze peacefully and leave it to his brother to battle with his physical limitations.

I think the first suggestion of perambulation is my cue to return to work and hand the problem over to someone else.

Sweet dreams

I am a stickler for sleep. I am so terrified that relaxing my routine would result in endless sleepless nights, thereby turning me into a ravening, child hating zombie, that I never, ever give in to the temptation to wrap my babies up inside my arms at night and let their soft baby snuffles lull me to sleep.

But tonight I was in for a rare treat. Thanks to a mammoth nap today the babies were both awake when I went in for my nightly check. Jonah was predictably tied up in knots with his blanket, being physically incapable of stillness, but when he heard the door creak open his twisted out of his cocoon to face me and as soon as his dark eyes spotted me a smile split his face in two, cheeks bursting out in rotund joy like two perfect, tiny apples.

He made that 'I'm so happy to see you' chirrup and pumped his tiny arms and legs in an ecstatic greeting. He was so irresistible that I confess to breaking all the rules and scooping him out of his cot and covering him with kisses until he was bubbling with giggles. His body warm and soft from his bed and his gummy smile wide at this unforeseen nighttime cuddle.

The occupant of cot next door was clearly disturbed by all the fun and games as I noticed a pair of blue eyes were creasing up in a hello smile, while soft gurgles and squeaks suggested that it was now time for twin two's turn in mummy's arms.

There is nothing more delicious than an illicit kiss and snuggle in the darkness of the babies' room. The night air is a fug of milky sweet baby smells, their sleepy bodies seem to melt into your arms, while their adoring eyes shine out in the dim light dancing with amusement at this special midnight treat.