The Wilkinson Quintuplets nearly a year ago (I don't have pictures from the very first ultrasound---I was in too much shock to think of asking for some!) Although I don't know for sure, I think that A = Kassidy, B = Kyndall, C = Ryder, D = Rustin, E = Kaydence
The Wilkinson Quintuplets todayKaydence, Rustin, Kassidy, Ryder and Kyndall
Perhaps in honor of the anniversary of our knowledge of their existence, the babies slept amazingly well last night! Kassidy, Rustin and Kaydence slept ALL THE WAY through the night! Hurray! Kaydence woke only once and Ryder woke twice, but both babies went back to sleep after being re-wrapped in their blanket and patted a few times. I think it is a miracle. After last night, I actually have hope that my Christmas wish (of one silent night) might actually come to pass sometime before they all move out. Over the last month, we have been working on “sleep training” the babies. This basically involves teaching them to self-sooth and fall asleep on their own. After the initial training, they have been pretty good at going to bed at bedtime and naptimes with minimal fussing (most of the time). We used several books as well as advice from other parents of multiples to come up with our sleep training plan.Some of the books we used were:
“Sleeping Through the Night” by Jodi Mindell
“Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems” by Richard Ferber
“Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” by Marc Weissbluth
We most closely followed Jodi Mindell’s plan---she is considered by some to be a “kinder, gentler” Ferber. We did a similar training with our older children (who are still both great sleepers) so my books are older editions. I noticed that both of these authors have new revised editions out.
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27 comments:
You don't know me, but I wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog. I am a mother of 15-month old twins from Portland, and I can't even imagine having 5 newborns at one time. It's wonderful that you have so many friends and people in your ward to help out. Even with all the help, I think you are amazing! Keep up the good work. I look forward to following your blog and watching your little ones grow up.
-Lauren
Wow! What an amazing year. :) Congrats on the great sleeping! Hopefully your wish will come true soon.
Still here, still reading, so offering a shout out yo lol.
Congrats on the sleeping success. It's such a huge perk to get extra sleep with babies, let alone 5!
Good job on the sleep training, it can be a pain at first but it's so worth it!
Love the pics of your cuties, and I'm really happy to see the new family picture on your profile. :)
--Mother of the Wild Boys
They just get cuter every time I see them. Is that allowed??
Awesome news about three sleeping through the night! Life gets easier when you get more sleep!
Nicole
I liked those books too. I felt like Healthy Sleeping habits was a Godsend. I'm glad it's working out for you too.
Cute babies!
Laura in IL
Awwww, they are DARLING! All 7! :D I found you through some friends (Krissy & Amber) who know you and just have to say I'm floored, amazed, inspired :) We have 5 cuties, but over 7 years--most definitely not all at once. You must (had better!) feel like you've accomplished so much in this one year!! Hats off to all of ya! :D
I love reading your blog. You do not know me, but I came across your blog thru another. All your children are soooo beautiful and more importantly, healthy. What a lovely, blessed family you have.
It seems just like yesturday, when I saw you at Costco and thought she has got to be pregnant!! Time sure does fly by. I am glad that the babies are sleeping better for you guys. It is fun to read your answer to everyone's questions, very good to know in the off chance I have Quints myself :).....
I love their outfits in this photo. They looks fantastic. Congratulations on the sleeping success too.
They are adorable, and I am so happy for you that they are sleeping more, I can't even imagine the stamina you must have!!!
Awesome Rachelle...such sweeties. Congratulations to you this whole past year. What an accomplishment...I'd say THE GREATEST accomplishment.
Absolutely lovey those babies, and your work with them.
A side note: will you please remove (the Quints Dad) by Jaysons name? If people can't figure that out, they have far bigger problems, and it's driven me nuts since it wasn't said by Rachelle (the Quints Mom).
You awesome woman. I had just ONE in May (my third boy). You have picked some awesome books. And since you have so much extra time for reading. :) Here are a couple of more that have helped save my sanity:
Babywise (Just volume 1, I didn't like the advice they had for toddlers)
Baby Whisperer
I can't believe you ever have time for blogging! Thanks for helping me keep it all in perspective today.
Such darling, chubby babies! What a blessing to have five not only healthy babies, but cute ones too!
I saw your story in the BYU alumni magazine and found your blog! Wow! I had twins in August and feel overwhelmed at times, especially in the early days when they would both be crying. I loved your craig's list post, HILARIOUS! You guys seem like you are doing great!
My husband Jim Anderson was a stats major at BYU and remembers you, he graduated in 1999, he thinks you were his T.A. Small world! Good luck with the sleeping through the night thing! I'm working on that too.
So you found out about the Quints on my hubby's birthday! What a funny coincidence. Those babies are really just getting cuter and chubbier! How is that possible? Way to go on the sleeping thing. Mindy and Audrey have both used the Healthy Sleep Habits book. My kids are dead to the world when they go to bed, but not by my doing. They get that from their dad. :)
I can't Believe how small Kyndall looks next to big brother Ryder.
Yes it is a miracle,the whole year. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. I understand that there are no more night nannies, WOW!
The babies look like ice cream, just yummy. Can't wait to hear what there 6 month weights are, please post.
Give Riley and Kaiya a hug. Love their pictures minus a tooth and wearing sunglasses. Miss all of you.
Congrats on the sleeping!! I know this isn't anywhere near the same thing but when I had three kids 3 and under the whole bedtime thing was the only thing that kept me sane. Now that the oldest is 6 and dad is gone all the time it is soooo helpful that they go to bed beautifully between 7 and 7:30 every night and sleep through until 7:30 the next morning. I'm amazed at how many parents don't have set bedtimes!! You are going to be loving life down the road and you are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You are very blessed and we think you guys rock.
I stumbled on your blog and have enjoyed reading about your family and the upbeat way you handle it all. After a few entries I thought, they sound a lot like Mormons. I had it confirmed on the blessing posting. I'm a Mormon mom to 4 including twins in Phoenix and find you truly an inspiration. Keep up all the great work and I look forward to reading more.
I just found your blog and thought I would say hello! Your babies... all 7 of them... are so beautiful! I have a Kassidy too! :) I look forward to learning more about your family!
Renee
Mommy to: Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy & Keeghan
I can't imagine anyone not being touched by your blog or especially your beautiful family! I think I remember hearing about quints being born down here in Az. (thats where I live) but didn't ever hear the whole story. I think you are an amazing person and it just testifies how much we are blessed when we put all our faith and trust in God. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your truly inspiring journey.
You do not know me either but I wanted to let you know I am taking your advice on the book from Jodi Mindell. I have one 13 month old and the sleep training has been going on for one week. It is working well. I was so frustrated after reading books like Baby Wise (burned the copy i had!) My friend has your blog listed on hers. She knows you from babycenter i think.
Thank you for your wisdom!
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