Marriage Stress with Infant Twins in the House

Dear Meredith,

I have 5-month old twin girls. How come every time my husband says something, I turn it the wrong way? I don't feel happy anymore. I love him very much. Is it stress?

Brandie

Dear Brandie,

You have 5-month-old twins and you’re wondering why you’re stressed out? You’re still in the haze -- that mystical fog that descends on parents of single 5-month-old babies, nevermind twin infants. It’s totally natural to start snapping at one’s spouse when you both are dealing with crying, drool machines who don’t sleep, don’t listen to reason and want every piece of you all the time. Don’t worry. The fog will lift.

In the meantime, sleep when you can. Give yourself time-outs when you sense you’re going to blow up at your honey. Also, try to get out of the house alone, just the two of you, if only for a few hours and even if it costs you big bucks for a babysitter. Being together, having an adult conversation and not worrying about whether you hear crying can be magic for tired mommies and daddies. Babysitters are a lot cheaper than marriage counselors or divorce attorneys.

Meredith