Caribbean Soul and Mrs CS found out today that we will need to supersize the nursery! That's right...twins! As the saying goes in Jamaica, these will be known as the Wash Bellies (last baby to grace the womb). We are ecstatic, of course, and obviously quite nervous and shocked. Anyway....thought I'd pass that along to my friends here on the board. Happy New Year!

Wow! What a great way to start the New Year.Congradulations!!Let us know the sex of the twins as soon as possible.Also I wish Mrs.CaribbeanSoul a healthy and happy pregnancy and delivery.

PS...we need to have a "Fodors Baby Shower" and send you both some diapers,wipes,clothes.etc.
Christie

Congratulations. Twins are alot of work, but they are also a lot of fun. I only ever offer one piece of parenting advice. Buy exactly the stroller you want, regardless of the price. I thought I was saving money buying a less expensive twin stroller. I bought 4 of them before they outgrew strollers. And if your older child will be younger than three when they are born, consider a triple stroller.

OMG! CaribbeanSoul, I was so shocked and elated to read your wonderful news! Twins! How fabulous! Twice the joy! Congrats!

Although I have no personal experience with twins. My mother always told me, "They entertain one another when they're toddlers." That oughta take the load off a little, eh?

You both have so much to look forward to in the new year!

CS - wonderful, wonderful news! Are you both still in shock?

I agree with Statia's Mother, my girls were born 10 1/2 months apart, for 6 weeks of the year they are the same age :-S - Mmmm.... can you guess baby number 2 wasn't planned? They are very close and never wanted for a playmate while they were young.

It wasn't easy in the first months but I wouldn't swap the experience for the world - However I wouldn't recommend it either. I'm sure you will get lots of help.

To try to put your mind at rest I know someone who has 7 children under the age of 10 (a set of triplets) and she is the most together, organised and serene woman I know - nothing phases her!

I wonder what she's on

Thanks to all of you! Christie: No need for shower things....we have plenty of resources....but a nice thought! Scarboroughmom: Yes, our son will be about 2.5 when the twins are due. I understand the importance of good strollers...trust me. We had a great Zooper for our son until my wife's vehicle was "compromised". We since settled for a lesser stroller...but still nice...a Britax. It works well....but a new one will obviously be in order...a two seater in Caribbean blue, no less! Statia: I am evious of your location....that is all I have to say to you! Alya: Unfortunately my wife is not very organized (her own self-admission). However, I do all of the grocery shopping and cooking in the house....along with the "manly" duties! So she has it pretty good. I am the finacier, as well....so the landscape will be changing a bit on that front. But we are always up for new challenges. By the way....still in shock, Alya.

CS,

I can only imagine your shock - put yourself in my shoes! We had a 3 month old when we found out I was expecting again!!!

Luckily I was at my best when I was pregnant - tons of energy! So I don't think my Katie missed out too much.

CS!!! YAY!!! How exciting for you!!! Congrats!

I'm sure your head is still spinning from the news. Keep us posted on her progress, and we can help you pick names. Let's see - Kitts? No. Eleuthera? NO! (Sounds like a medical disorder.) Martinique maybe? I like that one! Just kiddin'.

My husband's mother is a twin and my husband was the biggest baby born at this particular hospital with a record that stood for almost 40 years - he weighed over 12 lbs.

All three of his mother's twin brother's children had twins. (I guess it commonly skips a generation.)

The prospect of having 12 lb twins has been an effective birth control method for me!

Alya, 7 under 10? Oh my. I can't even begin to imagine, but if they are Caribbean children, at least they are most likely respecful and well-behaved. I am always so impressed by how much time obviously goes into making sure children act nicely when I travel to the islands.

Christie, the Reggae Rasta Luminary Party for 2005 was a smash success. After a slow start for my 82 year old Dad and his wife (due to their unfamiliarity with Beenie Man, Yellow Man, Sizzla, Vybez, Capleton et al) the champagne kicked in and we had a stellar time! I hope your holiday was a good one!

Congratulations CaribbeanSoul and Mrs. CaribbeanSoul!

That really is a wonderful way to start the New Year.

Good luck to you and your wife during the duration of the pregnancy. Although my husband and I don't have children, I did nanny for a family in college. The fact that your son will 2.5 when the twins are born helps out a lot.

The difference in terms of independence between a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old is major. Your son will be able to occupy himself somewhat while you're dealing with the twins. That will make feedings much easier.

Congratulations again!

Wonderful news for the CaribbeanSoul's! I wish you alot of health and happiness for your family, especially Mrs. CS., in the coming year.

Diana,
Glad to hear that the "Rasta Luminary Party" was a success.I was too busy to look for it. We normally ride around and look at the Christmas lights...but this year was crazy.

Brett,
Sorry to hijack for a minute.Congrats again.I'm sure that the twins and your son will entertain each other.

Mine are 11,8 and 3 and they fuss alot but then they have moments that they love each other and get along..probably the age difference.

Christie

Double WOW! Congratulations and all the best for 2006.

I'm so pleased for your whole family, CS. When's the happy day? I'm having fun now imagining your first trip to Negril with all 3 kids in tow.

Diana, I'm so glad that the Rasta Luminary was a hit. If you can't actually be IN the Caribbean for the holidays, I can't imagine a better way to bring the islands to you.

Congrads!!! have a great and "BUSY" 2006....