FEATURES
Cajan Christmas
A Cajan Christmas operation was founded when Mark Bertrand, an athletic coach, contacted Kilakwa Associates (the webmaster for MOST) to build the Cajan Christmas website to assist the Hurricane Katrina victims who had evacuated to Vermilion Parish in Southwest, Louisiana. As a result of posting messages on the Cajan Christmas discussion board, and with the special families that MOST had located, 3 families were adopted by the nursing staff of the Colorado hospital and over 7000 children received Christmas gifts.
A MOST Quadruplet + Family Reaches Out to Help The Furriest Victims of Hurricane Katrina
A group of Canadian women drove to the southern gulf to rescue dogs that were left behind during the hurricane to bring them back to a safe haven. A mom of quads made several more trips to rescue more stranded dogs and attempted to find foster homes for them. By emailing and networking with other rescuers many dogs were rescued and some were eventually reunited with their families.
MOST’S Holiday Adopt a Family Program 2005 (Read more about this program.)
The Adopt-a Family program was able to support 40 families and over 180+ children with gifts, and gift cards from 63 sponsors of the program which included members, families and friends of MOST.
The packages and gifts were all delivered before the holidays and many families wrote letters of thanks to MOST and their “angels” for making their holidays brighter.
THAT WAS THEN-THIS IS NOW
The Spradley Girls
The Spradley triplets were born at 31 weeks and spent 5 weeks in the NICU where mom and dad learned to care for them under the supervision of the nurses. Although taking them home after 5 weeks was scary, they now look back 2 years later and realize how fortunate they are that they do not have any ongoing medical challenges.
The Hicksons of Ohio
Born at 27 1/2 weeks and weighing only a little over 1 lb the Hickson triplets are now healthy 12 year olds. Mom offers advice to parents of preemies to enroll their children in a gymnastic program along with their early intervention to help in developing their strength and coordination and to build their self-esteem.
GRANDPARENTS PEARLS
Knowing Where to Turn: My Parents
A mom of quads plus 2 is thankful for her parents who have shown her how to love unconditionally and patiently, in caring for her and their grandchildren. Because of their love for her and each other she has learned how to better love her husband and children, and hopes to teach them what her parents have taught her.
The Road to Joy from a Grandma’s Perspective
A grandma of triplets plus 1 recalls the time when her daughter was unable to conceive and underwent several unsuccessful IUIs. After much prayer and a successful IVF she gave birth to triplets, and grandma was there to help with feedings, to watch them grow, and to give the parents some time off. After 2 years and an added sibling she is still experiencing the joy of being a grandma.
SIBLING SPOTLIGHT
How Chess is More Than a Game for the Shokler Triplet’s Big Sister
Mel, the older sister of triplets is 13 years old, and is a champion chess player, winning many tournaments despite being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 4. She continues to experience many challenges and social disorders. While she travels around the country competing in tournaments, her siblings occasionally accompany her giving her support and cheering her on.
Home Run
A sibling to triplets recalls how she felt when she found out that her mom was pregnant with triplets. Realizing that her life was about to change, and that she and her dad now had to work together to get things done, since mom was required to be on bedrest, she felt scared and withdrew from everyone.
Once her mom reassured her that their relationship would not change, she and her mom became closer, and when the babies came she loved each one of them, and was thankful for what she had to experience, and the joy she saw in her mom’s eyes.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: CONNECTICUT AREA COORDINATOR
Cherylynne’s Story
A former area coordinator shares her story of giving birth to 3 girls in 1996 and reaching out for help, called Most. Maureen the director listened to her struggle and offered suggestions to help. Having understood the need to be supportive of families of multiples, she offered to volunteer as an area coordinator for Most, and began the training program. As she was faced with more of life’s challenges, a divorce, remarriage, and the birth of twin boys, one diagnosed with autism, she continually sought the support of Most and the special email groups, while helping to support other families.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Homemade Granola
A nourishing breakfast treat consisting of oats, coconut, assorted dried fruits and nuts coated with oil and honey and baked in the oven.
Lorenzo’s Spanish Omelet
A tasty omelet for lunch which includes potatoes, onions and garlic, with a sour cream topping and a garnish of parsley or chives.
Rocky Road Bark
An interesting snack for older family members consisting of graham crackers, chocolate chips, mini-marshmallows and nuts.
Skillet Lasagna
A lasagna recipe prepared in a skillet on the stove with tomatoes, meat, spices, onions, and garlic and cheese. The lasagna noodle is scattered over the cooked meat, onions and garlic, covered with the tomato sauce, simmered until pasta is tender, and then topped with the ricotta and parmesan cheese.
CRAFTS CORNER
Start Art Early With Your Multiples
An article that explains why art is important to a child’s development as it exercisers their small hand muscles, develops their eye-hand coordination and i s a means of communication and an emotional outlet. Scribbling is a first stage, so crayons easy to grasp and large sheets of paper were suggested early on. Finger painting can be initiated when they are ready. Non toxic crayons are recommended along with washable finger paint.
Lovebug Brooches
A craft project in Disney’s Family Fun Crafts recommended for ages 3 and up which requires Plaster of Paris, plastic spoons, safety pins, acrylic paints, and a small paintbrush and clear varnish.
LARGER THAN MOST
6 Birthday in The Same Month
A mom shares how all of her 6 babies, quints plus 1 were born in the month of August and how she makes each one feel special on their birthday by allowing them to choose and help make the dinner for that night, and select a special activity for that day. Mom proudly wears a birthstone necklace of 6 stones and teaches the children that “birthdays are a time to reflect on the past year and it’s blessings.”
SPECIAL IN MANY WAYS
Journey With Deafness
Article available for individual purchase
A mom with triplets noticed that one of the girls, nearly one year old, was having difficulty responding to words and sounds. After consulting with the pediatrician and therapists she was diagnosed with severe-profound hearing loss. She initially received hearing aids and later qualified for a cochlear implant. Meanwhile the family learned sign language and enrolled in a program for speech development. When the triplets are 3 years old they will be attending an oral deaf education preschool.
Resources for Deafness
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Online Sign Dictionary
Signed Exact English
Listen Up
Advanced Bionics
Cochlear
Quadruplets, Autism & ABA Therapy
Article available for individual purchase
A mom shares her experiences with 2 autistic children and the challenge to find the best method to help them. She learned about a method called, Applied Behavior Analysis, which she began with the children, with the help of a therapist on a one-on-one in order to help them learn to communicate, and socially interact with others.
MEDICAL NEWS
Preterm Birth Risk Elevated in Medically Conceived Families With Twins?
An article comparing the conception and birth statistics of medically conceived twins with multiple births.
New Evidence of the Benefits of Infant Massage for Infants in the NICU
An article about the use of infant massage as a therapeutic tool in the NICU and it’s benefits. Studies showed that the babies gained weight faster, were calmer, and suffered less from colic.
PREGNANCY INFANCY AND BEYOND
My Intimate and Wonderful Relationship With the Toilet
Article available for individual purchase
A mom shares her story of coping with hyperemesis during her pregnancy with multiples. She encourages pregnant moms to keep hydrated, eat what is tolerated, take care of your teeth, try to relax, let things go that do not matter, and know that it will end.
Resources for Hyperemesis
NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases): Hyperemesis Gravidarum
THE HER FOUNDATION (Hyperemesis Education & Research)
No More morning Sickness: A Survival Guide for Pregnant Women by Miriam Erick, RS, MS (available through the MOST-Amazon partnership).
RSV Season-What it Means to Me
A mom shares her experience with a triplet son who developed RSV prior to his 2nd birthday and was hospitalized several times thereafter for respiratory infections and RSV. Having then developed Reactive Airway Disease, and later on, Asthma, the family learned to administer nebulizer treatments at home, and in school if needed, thus preventing further hospital stays.
TODDLER TIMES
Tips for Flying with Multiple Toddlers
Article available for individual purchase
An article on suggestions for flying with multiples taking into consideration, discounts, having identification , car seats and strollers, changing facilities, what to bring along for emergency situations, clothes, diapers, snacks, and fun stuff.
MEDICAL UPDATE
Bedwetting: A Developmental Delay Problem.
This article suggests that bedwetting is fairly common in children especially in boys. Studies indicated that children who continued to wet the bed past expected ages were slower to achieve language and motor skill development and behavior, and that it may be due to a central nervous system delay.
SCHOOL AGE QUANDARIES
Adolescence: Multiple Madness
Article available for individual purchase
Dr. Elizabeth A. Pector comments on the period of adolescence where twins and multiples and their parents face unique challenges in the physical, academic, social and romantic arena.
Physical development, separation from parents and siblings and the need to develop a separate identity is discussed. The tasks of parents, coping strategies, and a positive approach to the children’s performance in academics and other activities is stressed
Brandi’s Choice
A mother’s painful account of her daughter’s choice to be with her friend instead of the usual time spent with mom. Memories of her as a little girl and the dates they planned together made it difficult to accept the reality of the her growing up.
Ten Tips to Teach Children About Money
A mom of quads offers some advice on teaching children about money. Starting at an early age children should be exposed to how money in used and spent. Giving an allowance for chores and behavior can develop responsibility. She also suggests their starting a savings account, and as they get older, getting a job and earning their own money.
ASK THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
Preemie Triplets Struggling in School
Dr. Jennifer Brout offers advice to a mom who has concerns about her daughters understanding information in school due to being developmentally behind in speech and processing information, and suggests that each of the children have a full neuropsych evaluation to assess each child.
When Competition Becomes Unhealthy- What Should a Parent Do?
Dr. Brout advises a mom who is concerned that her triplet boys are very competitive and fight constantly. She suggests a conference with their coach to foster more collaboration and perhaps a few sessions with a therapist. The boys need to understand that each one is different and has different needs.
WOMAN-TO- WOMAN
When Mom Needs a Time-Out-She Should Take it
A mom of quad girls, who is also a therapist, offers some advice based on her own experience in raising the children and suggests some coping skills to meet those challenges. Taking time out away from the situation is sometimes necessary, using positive discipline, and having a plan. Reaching out to others for support is important, and belonging to a group which has programs for parents and for children.
My MOST Incredible Year
A mom shares her incredible experience moving to a new state where she found a member of the QQS network living a few miles away. They were able to take turns watching each others children, giving mom a break. She met with other moms on the QQS network in the area and while visiting in another state. They were all part of the QQS group and get together at the national gathering held each summer. They all support each other in their community and also on the network.
What Happens When a Bunch of Women Who Have Never Met in Person
Get Together For a Weekend of Fun
Eight mothers of triplets and quads got together for a weekend of fun and fellowship, sharing stories about their children and their lives, and the strategies for making it through each moment.
I Sleep in The Shower
A mom reflects on her moments in the shower where she can multitask in her mind the day’s events and what’s left to be done. Her eyes are closed, she can’t move, she’s falling asleep, but then realizes she better get out and continue on.
You Know You’re a Mom Of Triplets, Quads, Quints or More When…
A list of humorous ideas submitted by several moms of multiples which indicate when you know you are a mom of multiples.
LOST ANGELS
Love, Fear, Loss, Survive, Thrive, Learning to Live, Defying the Odds: Life Looking Something Like Normal
A mom shares her story of initially being pregnant with 5 babies. Due to early premature births and many complications, 3 babies did not survive. Two of the five, Ava and Hayden, survived many complications after spending several months in the NICU. They are 2 years old now and both are doing well and receiving therapy for their individual needs.
Updated 5/2/08
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