Zoe Fuimaono is a 27-year-old, Auckland mum of four who welcomed her second set of twins this month. She will be sharing her and husband Junior’s story of raising four kids under two with us – including all the ups and downs.
What a week we have had. Without a doubt it has been the most exciting, overwhelming, thought provoking, painful and beautiful time of my life.
For the past few weeks, so many thoughts have been running through my mind. About how the birth and beyond was going to go. About how Theo and Henry will cope having to share Mum and Dad. How it’ll be once we are all home. And just how we’re going to manage with four kids under two (eek!)
We welcomed our precious second set of twins, Harlow and Noah, in the first week of January and we couldn’t be happier.
Having done this once before, we felt like we knew what we were in for. It couldn’t be that different the second time around, right?
.JPG?resize=380%2C285)
.JPG?resize=380%2C285)
How wrong were we?
Theo and Henry checking out the new arrivals
With Henry and Theo, our beloved two-year-olds, I had to have an epidural. But this time around I was really keen to have the birth my way. All I can say is wow – the female body is just amazing.
I am so proud of myself for pushing through the pain and for what my body and mind did for me to birth these beautiful babies.
Right before I knew I needed to push there was a point where I thought “I just can’t,” which I know a lot of mothers will appreciate.
But having my husband by my side was exactly what I needed to get me through. I also had the most incredible midwife who backed me every single step of the way. I know that without them both I would not have achieved the birth I wanted.
Little baby Harlow was born first and I just looked at her in awe – my first little girl. It was such a precious moment holding her in my arms.
Exactly 31 minutes later, Noah was born. I couldn’t believe how much he looked like his older brothers; he could be their triplet.
The happy family
For hours after the birth, Junior and I just held the babies and had skin-to-skin contact. It was such a peaceful, beautiful time for us and we lapped up every moment.
But as our luck would have it – our older boys Henry and Theo came down with a vomiting bug right as I was in labour. I did joke that perhaps they were having sympathy pains for their poor mum…
After one day in hospital we went home so the boys could meet their new brother and sister. Is there a more beautiful sound than hearing your kids call out mummy and daddy?
While the boys aren’t too fussed by their new siblings just yet, they are stealing the odd glance at Noah and Harlow, and I know they’re going to be the best big brothers around.
For the two days post birth we stayed at the birthing centre in Helensville, in absolute bliss. My milk came in after only two days which is super-fast and I felt like a bit of a milk maid for a while!
Our bubs have been full and sleeping lots so it means mum and dad can rest too. We have had so many amazing messages of love and support which is just enhancing this incredible moment in our lives.
Four babes under two. How on earth will we cope? Will we get any sleep? Will there be time to eat?
For now, I don’t have the answers, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Let the games begin!
