The Diaper Dilemma: Who Did What?
Raising triplets is like being the star of an African comedy-drama. You’re constantly unravelling the mystery of “who did what,” and let me tell you, it’s no easy feat. Amidst the daily mayhem, I discovered that keeping a diary for my trio was not only practical but also a very useful treasure.
Picture this: I had just returned from a heroic 5km walk, drenched in sweat and determined to conquer the world. Little did I know, a diaper surprise awaited me in the babies’ room. I turned to the nanny, grinning mischievously, and asked, “Which one of these mischievous munchkins blessed us with a surprise?” The poor nanny scratched her head, initially pointing at Nia, but then changed her mind and directed the blame towards Cia. It was like a game of musical diapers, African style! The nanny’s selective memory left me in stitches—I understood her confusion. With three babies to care for around the clock, even I, as the mother, would confuse who did what. I made a mental note of the incident but didn’t take any action, as I was unclear on how to resolve it.
Milk Mysteries: Cracking the Consumption Code
Now, let’s talk about one of Nia, one of the triplets with an insatiable thirst for milk. This little bundle of joy could gulp down a bottle faster than a cheetah chasing its prey. If you dared to offer her more milk, she’d eagerly continue her liquid conquest. Meanwhile, the second triplet, Lia her sibling, took a more measured approach, sipping on half a bottle and gradually morphing into a petite version of the other two. I was concerned about the two extremes in terms of milk consumption. Determined to crack this milk code, I became Sherlock Holmes, seeking answers. I delved into reading and discovered that each baby at their age and weight should be consuming a minimum of 500ml per day. It became abundantly clear that we lacked a record-keeping system, leaving us clueless about each infant’s daily intake. Just like a detective closing in on a breakthrough, I vowed to establish a reliable method to track their milk consumption—a necessary step in this parenting adventure.
Doctor’s Inquisition: Diary as a Parenting Shield
But wait, there’s more! Every visit to the baby clinic felt like a lively doctor quiz. “How are they feeding? How are they pooping?” Seriously, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being interrogated by the baby police. They expected me to possess a photographic memory of every single detail about each triplet—a challenging task for any parent. I often felt like a contestant on an African game show called “Parenting Jeopardy.” In this whirlwind of chaos, I realized that maintaining a diary of their feeding habits and bodily functions would be my ultimate lifesaver.
African-Inspired Documentation: Navigating Chaos with Order
In my quest for organized chaos, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect tool to document the whirlwind of the triplets’ lives. I purchased a black counter book and, using a ruler, drew three columns—one for each child. With this book, we transformed into meticulous record-keepers, noting down every detail. We diligently recorded the amount of milk consumed by each child, the time of their milk intake, and the dosage of medicine administered and even ventured into the uncharted territory of poop analysis—yes, we had a section dedicated to the quality of their precious little poops. And because we were determined to stay on top of their well-being, we introduced a section for recording their body temperatures twice a day. Taking their temperature readings turned out to be a lifesaver as we could identify when a baby was unwell, and we would go to the hospital quickly. This trusty counter book became our compass in the midst of the parenting adventure, guiding us through the chaos with a touch of order and a sprinkle of humour.
With our African-inspired diary in hand, we set out on the documented daily journey, capturing the essence of triplet-raising in all its unpredictable glory. Each page turned into a canvas of shared memories and anecdotes, reminding us of the unique context in which we raised our trio. From the colourful descriptions of their poop to the triumphs and challenges of their daily milk consumption, our diary became a reflection of our parenting journey—a testament to the joy, resilience, and love that bound our family together. Here’s to the black counter book that transformed our lives—a humble companion as we parented Cia, Lia and Nia!
Lessons Learned: Keep a diary
In the spirit of African wisdom, here are a few tips to help you on your own vaccination journey:
- Communication is Key: Clear communication among caregivers is crucial when dealing with multiple babies. Keep track of each child’s activities and needs to avoid confusion.
- Customized Care: Every child is unique. Understanding and catering to individual preferences, like Nia’s milk consumption, ensures each child’s well-being is properly addressed.
- Diary as a Lifesaver: Maintaining a diary for your children’s daily routines can save you from memory lapses and help you monitor their health more effectively. It’s an essential tool for organized parenting.
- Cherishing the Journey: The diary serves as a record and a canvas for memories. Embrace the challenges and triumphs of parenting as they shape a unique journey that brings your family closer together.
