MARCH—APRIL 2011 Multiplied INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Ultimate Good Guy Gal 6 Boys vs. Girls? 8 Disaster Preparations 10 CMMBC Summer Fun 21 CMMBC News 25 Events calendar 28 Falling into Autumn! Our cover photo features 5-month-olds Ava and Lucy Coombes with the Topp twins! COUNTIES MANUKAU MULTIPLE BIRTH CLUB P.O. Box 1223, Pukekohe Email: [email protected] COMMITTEE COMMITTEE [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (09) 239-1091 Tel: (09) 235-0442 EQUIPMENT HIRE Renee King [email protected] Tel: (09) 238-8488 HUGGIES CONTACT Esther Williams Donnelle Belanger-Taylor PRESIDENT Esther Williams GRANTS OFFICER Louise Mackie [email protected] Tel: (09) 267-0992 FUNDRAISING OFFICER Lara Utatao [email protected] Tel: (09) 233-6811 VICE-PRESIDENT VACANT GRANTS OFFICER Elaine Rudkin [email protected] COMMUNITY LIAISON Charlie Saunders [email protected] Tel: (09) 235-2295 SECRETARY VACANT MEMBERSHIP OFFICER Alicia Jeffery [email protected] Tel: (09) 238-8363 WEBSITE MANAGER VACANT TREASURER Robyn De Klerk NEWSLETTER EDITOR Tel: (09) 239-1091 [email protected] Tel: (09) 267-9041 EVENT CO-ORDINATOR Lara Utatao CENTRAL CONTACT Esther Williams [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (09) 233-6811 Tel: (09) 239-1091 JOIN OUR COMMITTEE! ANY ASSISTANCE WITH ROLES WOULD BE APPRECIATED. CONTACT ESTHER WILLIAMS FOR MORE DETAILS. Page 2 March—April 2011 PRESIDENT’S REPORT Hello and welcome to 2011! Congratulations to all those members who made it through the holidays with school-aged children! I must admit I am struggling to get back into the routine of work, school, sport and being a mother! Yes it gets easier as they get older but then all of a sudden it seems to get harder again! After watching Nigel Latta on Wednesday night (The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers) I have come to the conclusion that my older boys are hitting puberty very early! On the positive side, George and Harry are becoming very independent ‘pre-schoolers’ and I have left the baby days well and truly behind (with some reluctance and sadness!). I have just started sending them to daycare on their own one day a week so that I can have some one-on-one time with the other. There is so much conflicting research on whether to keep twins together or split them up at school. I have to admit that being able to have them on their own before they start school is just wonderful. You see different glimpses of their personality and their obvious care and concern for the absent brother is something I’m not sure I would have been aware of if they weren’t separated now and then. I’m excited about the up coming year with the club and am enjoying meeting with so many of you at our outings. In our newsletter you will see an advert from ‘The Good Guys’. At the end of last year Louise Mackie kindly nominated me in a competition to win $5000 to spend at their store. To be recognised in this way was a huge honour and a truly humbling experience. I can’t thank Louise enough and would also like to thank the Manukau Good Guys Store Manager, David, for the great time we had spending, and the ‘Aucklander’ Newspaper for their articles and photos in support of our club! It was a wonderful Christmas for our family and it is something we will always remember. Your contributions to the newsletter are much appreciated. If you have any photos or stories you would like to share, please forward them to Donnelle. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Take care, Esther Constant togetherness is fine - but only for Siamese twins. ~Victoria Billings Finn, Harry, Thomas and George ready to go to my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club (CMMBC). Unless stated, products advertised are not endorsed by CMMBC. March—April 2011 Page 3 NEW MEMBERS Evelina & Jason Heemi, along with Kipri and Zodie who are expecting twins in April 2011 Michelle Williams & Jerry Collins, along with Fabian, Melissa and Kyle, who welcomed twin boys on the 8th of February Sian & Justin Stewart, along with Max, who are expecting twins in May 2011 Louise & Stephen West, along with Ethan, Blake and Trent, who are expecting twin boys in March BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Michelle Williams & Jerry Collins welcomed twin boys on the 8th of February. We would love to see you there, to share your photos and stories with us. Just look up “Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club” and join us! Page 4 March—April 2011 Exceptional service, exceptional prices 117 Cascades Road, Pakuranga 576 4002 March—April 2011 Page 5 The Ultimate Good Guy Gal! In December 2010, The Aucklander community newspaper ran a city-wide search for the “Ultimate Good Guy”. Our very own president, Esther Williams, was one of the three winners, receiving a $5000 shopping spree from The Good Guys in Manukau. Congratulations, Esther! About Esther, by Edward Rooney Esther Williams has the kind of energy that only true multi-taskers can muster. For mums as far south as Huntly, all the way into East and South Auckland, Esther's calming, confident voice is a godsend to those who've just been told they're having multiple babies. "It's a real challenge. Twins or triplets can be a real blessing, but they come with a lot of challenges," she says. Esther, 37, says she's humbled and "a bit embarrassed" about being nominated for The Ultimate Local Good Guy but is happy for an opportunity to highlight the needs of multiple birth mums. "Being told the news can come as quite a shock. There's also the fact that they are likely to be premature and there are higher risks before and after the birth." A mother to four boys, including twins Harry and George, Esther is a relieving primary school teacher. The Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club president also runs birth education sessions through Plunket. Says nominator Louise Mackie, "Esther, you are a true superwoman." David Morris, from The Good Guys in Manukau, said, "There were many deserving entries. What made Esther The Ultimate Local Good Guy winner is the level of support she gives to new mums at a daunting time. Her commitment to providing advice and helping ensure communities get together and help birth mothers is fantastic.” Page 6 March—April 2011 March—April 2011 Page 7 BOYS vs. GIRLS? By DONNELLE BELANGER-TAYLOR My twins are very different and are at differing stages of development; is that due to gender, or is it just “one of those things”? When I was pregnant with my eldest, Xander, we didn't find out what sex he was until he was born. I told myself it didn't matter, but secretly I did have a preference for a boy. Why, I couldn't tell you, since I also had firm ideas about how the physical sex of my child wouldn't affect what opportunities they were given, and how we treated them. I assumed gender differences were due to nurture, not nature. It came as something as a shock when his preferences for traditionally male toys were expressed so early and so strongly. He had plenty of opportunities for neutral and "feminine" toys, but his toy pushchair was used to go "fast! fast!", and he ignored the dolls that came with his dolls' house in favour of putting his trains to bed. Now, of course, I have boy/girl twins and the differences are marked. I'm not sure how much of it is gender and how much is just being (very) different people, but it really is amazing. Vieve likes to play with dolls. When we get to Playcentre, she always makes a beeline for the family play area, and carries a baby around with her for most of the session. One of her first words was "baby". She likes to tuck her babies into bed and wave "nini". When she chooses a book, she always opts for one with faces or animals. Her language is far more developed than Finn's. Finn chooses books about trucks and other machines. He likes to hit things with sticks, and to throw things. He likes driving toy cars, and he's very interested in building towers, stacking cups, and so on. It's tricky, actually. There's a fine balance between treating them the same, and responding to their different needs. For example, Vieve can point to her head, shoulder, nose, eyes, ears, tongue, hands, belly, knees, feet and toes. Finn sometimes points to his nose, but he's just as likely to point to my nose... or his head. Vieve makes appropriate animal noises, and is physically more advanced; she climbs, tiptoes and kicks balls. She seems older than Finn in many ways. Page 8 March—April 2011 BOYS vs. GIRLS? (cont.) We generally aim for "equal but different". It's easy to compare Finn with his sister- why isn't he talking like her? - but I remind myself that they are different people. She's actually ahead of schedule on many milestones, but then again, Finn's fine motor skills are more developed. He will get there in his own time. Looking back at my personal blog, at the same age Xander was still at the "I think he said 'car'" stage, too. As parents of multiples, it’s even easier to fall into the trap of comparison than during bragging sessions with your friends. Even identical twins may have very different needs, and it can be difficult to meet them. I do worry sometimes that the differences between them are due to an unconscious gender bias on my part. Maybe I talk to her more because she's female, and that's why her language is more advanced. Perhaps I only think she likes dolls and he likes trucks because I just don't notice when she plays with trucks and he plays with dolls. Or is it really just the way it is? I'm still confused as to what role a preference for trucks plays in an evolutionary sense. Sticks, hitting things, throwing, that all makes sense, but trucks? I guess all we can do is keep providing them with a wide range of opportunities, acknowledge and embrace their differences, and keep loving them the best way we know how. Finn always looked up to his sister... March—April 2011 Page 9 DISASTER PREPARATIONS With the recent events in Christchurch weighing heavily on my mind, I had to mention it. There are harrowing stories emerging, and it has made me realise how unprepared we are. Are you? http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf A) Have a list of all the people in your household, and their phone numbers B) Have agreed points of contact to meet or leave a message, including one out of town C) Know who is responsible for picking children up from school or daycare D) Have a Getaway Kit that is regularly checked and replenished E) Make sure everyone knows where the Getaway Kit is stored F) Know which radio station (including AM/FM frequency) to tune into G) Have a list of neighbours who may need help, or be able to help H) Draw a plan of the house with places to shelter, exits, assembly points and where to turn off the water, power and gas I) Have a list of important phone numbers such as the local police station, medical centre, water supplier and so on Page 10 March—April 2011 Getaway Kits Everyone in the house should have a packed getaway kit, in an easily accessible place, which includes: Torch and radio with spare batteries Hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids Emergency water and easy-to-carry food rations Extra supplies of special dietary items First aid kit and essential medicines For infants or young children – formula and food, nappies Change of clothes (wind/waterproof clothing and strong outdoor shoes) Toiletries – towel, soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, toilet paper Blankets or sleeping bags Face and dust masks Pet supplies Important documents: - Identification (birth and marriage certificates/driver’s licences and passports - Financial ( insurance policies and mortgage) - precious family photos Food and water for 3 days or more Non-perishable food (canned or dried food) Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children Water (at least 3 litres per person, per day) for drinking Water for washing and cooking A primus or gas barbeque to cook on A can opener Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic. Check and replace food and water every twelve months. How to store water Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water. Fill each bottle with tap water until it overflows. Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water (or half a teaspoon for 10 litres) Store in a cool dark place and replace the water every 12 months Other items News items have suggested that the following items are useful: Non-cordless phones (as they do not require electricity to work) Hand sanitiser Baby wipes Buckets March—April 2011 Page 11 March 2nd Seren and Gruffud Williams (2) 12th Vahn Waitai (4) 16th Tama Brown Jnr (3) 20th Stella Evie and Evie Violet (1) 22th Annabel and Rosalee Carruthers (2) 24th Claudia Potemani (5) 25th Phoebe Scott (8) 31st Aidan and Conrad (4) April 5th Caleb Lambert (7) 9th Cruz Thompson (4) 15th Keegan and Tyron Baker (1) 27th Chloe and Hannah Lawrence (3) 27th Kyrah Cameron (6) 30th Cruz Piggot (4) If your child is not listed here and their birthday falls in March or April, it means our database is not up to date. Please email the club with updated details on [email protected]. IS NOW OPEN!! Young Explorers provides quality care and education in an environment that encourages active exploration and discovery. We cater for children from 0-5 years of age from 7.30am-5.30pm. We offer 20 hours ECE, WINZ subsidies and a 20% family discount for siblings. For all enquiries please phone Natasha Jones on 2384852 or pop in for a visit at Young Explorers, 566 Buckland Road, Pukekohe. Page 12 March—April 2011 MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS AquaNaut - (10% Discount) 10 Birmingham Ave, East Tamaki (09) 274-7721 The Baby Factory - (10% Discount) 2 Railway St, Papakura, (09) 296-5054; 3 Ronwood Ave, Manukau, (09) 263-4850; Botany Town Centre, 588 Chapel Rd, East Tamaki, (09) 274-6930. www.babyfactory.co.nz Baby Warehouse - (10% Discount) www.babywarehouse.co.nz Beauty On Demand - (10% Discount) www.beauty-on-demand.com Buggy Specialists -(10% Discount) 0800 BUGGYS The Cot Factory - (10% Discount) 77B Wiri Station Road, Manukau (09) 262-2480. www.thecotfactory.co.nz Egg Maternity - (10% Discount) 11 Cook St, Howick; 2 Balm Street, Newmarket. www.eggmaternity.co.nz Evenflo - (10% Discount) (from Tas Baby Holdings Ltd). 25b Birmingham Road, East Tamaki (09) 274-9062 Fitness Imports - (Excellent discounts off the list price) 3/11 Ronwood Ave, Manukau, (09) 263-6860; 26E William Pickering Drive, Albany (09) 415-3486. The House of Toys - (10% Discount) 29 Victoria Road, Devonport. (09) 445-3563. www.houseoftoys.co.nz. JK Kids - (10% Discount) Shop 42 (Behind Whitcoulls), Botany Town Centre, (09) 274-0805; 21 Cavendish Dr, Manukau Supa Centre, (09) 263-8317. Little Tom - (10% Discount) Clothes for your premature or small newborn baby. www.littletom.co.nz. Lush - (10% Discount) 277 Broadway, Newmarket, (09) 522-8580; Ground floor, Landmark House, 189 Queen St, Auckland, (09) 303-3318. March—April 2011 www.lushnz.com. Mocka - Purchase two or more products for a 20% discount (promo code = ‘multiple’). www.mocka.co.nz Partsco - (10% Discount) Car parts for all vehicles. www.partsco.com Tiddlers To Toddlers - 10% off clothing, 5% off accessories & furniture 174 King Street, Pukekohe, (09) 238-6142. Toy Hire Co. - (10% Discount) Mt Wellington, (09) 573-6122; Takapuna, (09) 489-3203; Kelston, (09) 818-6909 www.toyhire.co.nz. Toys NZ - Buy or hire fantastic known brand toys with 10% off for all CMMBC members! www.toysnz.co.nz Toyworld - (10% Discount) Manukau City, (09) 263-4175. www.toyworld.co.nz. Winkalotts - 12.5% off Normal Retail on any double purchases of similar type of product (eg: 2 toys; 2 high chairs). Free Delivery over $100. 1 Silverdale Street, Silverdale. 0800 426 800. www.winkalotts.co.nz Wandering Kiwi - (30—35% discount) PO Box 35981 Browns Bay, North Shore City Auck 0753 | Tel (09) 473 4320 | Mob (021) 134 7521 | FAX (09) 473 4390 | email: [email protected] | web: www.wanderingkiwi.co.nz Lilybel Studios - (10% discount) Log onto www.lilybel.co.nz and create an account. Once you have done this then email us through our ‘contact us’ link on our website and let us know you’re a MBC member who has just set up an account. We will then load the 10% discount permanently on your account and then when you shop on the website the price on each product will automatically show your 10% discount. Page 13 MANGERE BRIDGE TOY LIBRARY Mangere Bridge Plunket Rooms, 5 Taylor Road, [email protected] http://mangerebridgetoylibrary.blogspot.com/ OPEN: Every 2nd Wednesday 9:30—10:30am (even weeks of the calendar); Sat 9:30—10:30am OPEN: Thurs 10-12noon & 2-4pm (School terms only, closed during school holidays) HOWICK & PAKURANGA TOY LIBRARY 2/2 Trugood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland Between the lunch bar and car yard behind Pots & More. Phone Number for New Members (021) 138-5231 www.howicktoylibrary.org.nz [email protected] OPEN: Monday 9.30 - 11.30 am; Wednesday 7.00 8.30 pm; Saturday 9.30 am - 12..00 noon (except public holidays) PAPAKURA TOY LIBRARY Elizabeth Campbell Centre, 2 Chapel Street, Papakura. Phone (09) 299-3635 [email protected] OPEN: Tues 9.30-11.30 am; Wed 6-8pm; Thurs 9.30 - 11.30 am; Sat 9.00 - 12.00 noon MANAKAU CENTRAL TOY LIBRARY FRANKLIN COMMUNITY TOY LIBRARY Franklin Baptist Community Centre, Victoria St, West Pukekohe. www.toylibrary.co.nz Papatoetoe Stadium Communities Rooms, Tavern FREE NAPPIES FOR NEW MULTIPLES Kimberly Clark will send out a carton (4 packets) of Huggies nappies to each new family of multiples in New Zealand (This offer is only available once). Please contact Esther on (09) 239-1091 or e-mail [email protected] as soon as you can after the babies’ birth as only newborn size is available. Please note this offer is only available to CMMBC members (you will need to provide us with your membership number). Page 14 March—April 2011 MULTIPLES IN THE NEWS Gary McCormick and his wife, Katherine Cottier, welcomed identical twin girls on February 11. Florence Pearl Cottier McCormick and Kathleen Bridie Cottier McCormick were born two minutes apart. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark became the proud parents of boy/girl twins on January 8. The boy was 47 cm long and weighed 2674 grams. The girl was 46 cm and weighed 2554 grams . Their names will not be announced until their christening in a few months’ time. Céline Dion plans to carry on breastfeeding her twins when she starts her Las Vegas residency. The My Heart Will Go On singer is due to start a three-year run of concerts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on March 15 and intends to keep nursing four-month old sons Nelson and Eddy for as long as they need it, despite her gruelling schedule. Advertising in the Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Newsletter: If you are interested in advertising in the CMMBC Newsletter, please contact us on [email protected] or call (09) 239-1091. COST: 2 Editions (½page) = $25.00 2 Editions (Full Page) = $35.00 4 Editions (½page) = $50.00 4 Editions (Full Page) = $70.00 6 Editions (½page) = $75.00 6 Editions (Full Page) = $105.00 March—April 2011 Page 15 Page 16 March—April 2011 MEMBER PHOTO Vieve being classy as always If you have any interesting stories, cute photos, great recipes or tips, please share them with us! Contact the club on [email protected] New Zealand Multiple Birth Club Association If you have any queries or questions for NZMBA, please contact them in confidence on 0800 4 TWINS or e-mail [email protected] March—April 2011 Page 17 BABY-SIGN BASICS FOOD MOON Tap your fingertips against your mouth. Make a crescent moon shape with your hand and lift it up to the sky. TWIN LOSS NZ Twin Loss NZ is a nationwide support group for those who have suffered the loss of one, more or all of their twins, triplets or higher multiples in a multiple birth from early pregnancy through to childhood and beyond—including the loss of a twin sibling in adulthood. Hearts & Wings is our magazine. It gives a place for the expression of our feelings, the telling of our stories and is a way to acknowledge our lost twins. Those who have lost twins may be connected together with others in a similar situation through reading the magazine, or if they would like, through meetings or by phone or email. On our website you will find more about us, as well as articles and information available to download for families, health professionals and others. Twin Loss NZ P.O. Box 51-984, Pakuranga Manukau, 2140, New Zealand [email protected] www.twinloss.co.nz Contact: Jan Liddell—(09) 411-9922 Rosemary Smart—(09) 576-6359 Page 18 March—April 2011 MEMBER PHOTO Finn and Vieve Belanger-Taylor make the most of their watermelon! March—April 2011 Page 19 CMMBC SUMMER FUN Page 20 March—April 2011 CMMBC SUMMER FUN The Morunga triplets, Teina, Niwa and Kai Previous page: Mason and Liam Talagi Vieve Belanger-Taylor Tyler and Harlem Hoggart March—April 2011 Kyson and Levi Shaw Harry and George Williams Finn Belanger-Taylor Page 21 Entitlements Home Help: Families who have triplets or under fives at home and then have twins are entitled to a home help subsidy from WINZ. This is not income tested and comprises of 240 hours for twins and 1560 hours for triplets. Phone 0800-559-009 for more information. Childcare Subsidies: Through the WINZ ‘Working for Families’ assistance package you may be entitled to childcare subsidies. Antenatal & Postnatal Course Page 22 March—April 2011 March—April 2011 Page 23 CLUB SUPPORT Antenatal Support/Education Charlie Saunders [email protected] Elaine Rudkin [email protected] (09) 235-2295 (09) 294-6200 Premature Babies Ali Larsen (09) 239-0279 [email protected] Caesarean Information & Support Robyn de Klerk [email protected] (09) 235-0442 Postnatal Depression Elaine Rudkin [email protected] (09) 294-6200 Breastfeeding Elaine Rudkin Charlie Saunders (09) 294-6200 (09) 235-2295 [email protected] [email protected] Regional Breastfeeding Help & Assistance  La Leche League, www.lalecheleague.org. For your nearest meeting: (04) 471-0690  Pukekohe Maternity Hospital – (09) 238-9359. Monday support group: 10am—12pm nd th  Papakura Maternity Unit – (09) 299-9102. Every 2 & 4 Tuesday of the month from 9.30am – 11am. Ring for advice or an appointment  B4Baby - FREE service based in Mangere at Turuki Health Care (09) 275-5788, also covering South Auckland (Otahuhu, Papatoetoe, Otara, Manukau, Mangere and Manurewa). Call 0800B4Baby (0800242-229) for info. Formula feeding Robyn de Klerk [email protected] (09) 235-0442 Reflux and allergy support Elaine Rudkin [email protected] (09) 294-6200 Gastric Reflux Support Network NZ for Parents of Infants & Children - 0800 380 517 National free calling line 9am—9pm Mon-Sat. www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz Page 24 March—April 2011 CMMBC NEWS Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club is going from strength to strength!  We gained approximately 40 new members (Jan 2010 – Jan 2011) and our renewals also increased.  The club now has close to 100 members.  Fraternal twins outnumbered identical twins and we welcomed two sets of triplets.  Just over half of these were first time parents and girls outnumbered boys nearly 2:1!  Back in July we had seven sets of twins stay at Pukekohe Maternity Unit!  Thanks to Katy Newman for donating a port-a-cot and mattress to the club. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club will be holding our AGM on April the 18th, 7:30pm at Two Fat Cows, 236 Great South Road, Drury. We need YOUR input. Please come along; we will make you very welcome! If you’d like more information, contact Esther Williams. Tel: (09) 239-1091, Email: [email protected] March—April 2011 Page 25 WIN AN AU PAIR! Note that this competition is only open to families with multiples! Page 26 March—April 2011 COFFEE & PLAY GROUPS MANUREWA Coffee Group Plunket Family Centre, 10 Halver Rd, Manurewa Mon, 10.30am–12.30pm. Contact Anne Smythe: (09) 263-8336 MANGERE Playgroup & Coffee Group Plunket, 5 Taylor Rd, Mangere Weekly: Mon, Tues, Thurs, 9.30-11.30 am Contact Frania (09) 275-7615 Playgroup 18a Bader Drive, Mangere Weekly: Tues & Fri, 9.30am–11.30am Contact Helen (09) 256-9964 Puzzle & Toy Library 5 Taylor Rd, Mangere Open Mon 11:30—12:15 & Sat 9:30—10:30 Contact Debbie (09) 634-0094 HOWICK Beachlands Playgroup Beachlands Community Hall Mon, 10-12 Contact Jenny (09) 536-6566 Multiple Birth Playgroup Beachlands Memorial Hall Second Wednesday of the month (starting 9 Feb), 9-11 $2 donation / koha (first 2 visits free) Email Lee at [email protected] Pakuranga Playgroup Anchorage Park Community House Fri, 9.30-11.30. Contact Kristine,(09) 271-0640 Young Mums Coffee Group Tuesdays 10 – 12 St Johns Church Hall, Bucklands Beach Contact Sam on 027-244-2016 Thursday Coffee Group Board room, Westfield Plaza From 10am Contact Nicola (09) 533-5919 BUCKLAND Playgroup Buckland Community Hall Weekly: Wed, 9:30—11:30 Contact Catriona,(09)-238-9648 March—April 2011 PAPATOETOE Plunket, Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe Weekly: Mon, 10-12 Contact Katrina: 0272-437-859 WAIUKU St Johns Ambulance Hall, Constable Road Coffee Group Fridays, 11am Tots & Tunes Fridays, 10 - 10.30am Contact 027-235-9741 WAIAU PA Coffee Group Plunket. Last Thurs of month, from 10am. Contact Kylee (09) 232-1808 PATUMAHOE Coffee Group Plunket, Rugby Hall, Patumahoe Contact Sandra (09) 236-3306 AWHITU Twiglets Coffee Group Plunket Main Rd, Awhitu Monthly/As required. Contact Andrea, (09) 235-1696 PUKEKOHE Plunket, Cnr Wesley & Edinburgh Streets Tots ‘N’ Tunes Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11am New 2nd session: 12.30 - 1pm Coffee Group Tues & Thur, 11-12.30pm. Contact Cathie (09) 238-1365 PAPAKURA Coffee Group Wed, 11am–12.30pm. Plunket, 20 Orchard Rise, Papakura. Contact Nicole (09) 296-9197 Young Mums Coffee Group Tues, 10.30–12.30. Page 27 EVENTS CALENDAR MONTHLY CMMBC MEETINGS Our next monthly meetings are held on the 4th Monday in each month, so that'll be 28th of March 2011 at Two Fat Cows, 236 Great South Road, Drury. The meeting will start at 7.30pm. Please feel free to come along and join us! Our AGM will be on 17th April (NOT the 25th, due to ANZAC Day), same time, same place. We are a great bunch of disheveled mums who enjoy a monthly meeting that always has wine, food, fun and laughter! CHIPMUNKS PUKEKOHE Wednesday 16th March 10am. Club Contact: Louise Mackie ((09) 267-0992) MORNING TEA Thursday 17th March 10am, at Juliet Nawisielski’s house (Address: 286B Hill Road, The Gardens, Manurewa). Contact no. 269 2607 or 021654414. McDONALDS BOMBAY Come along to Bombay McDonalds in April 2011 (date to be confirmed). Let the kids play while you enjoy some much needed adult time! Club Contact: Esther Williams Tel: (09) 239-1091, Email: [email protected] Page 28 March—April 2011 NOTICEBOARD There are Multiple (Twin) Antenatal classes being run alternating between Mt Albert and Takapuna. If anyone is interested please contact MAMA Maternity on (09) 815-8108 for more information. Premature baby nappies are available from www.babyonline.co.nz There will be a bake sale to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Saturday 12 March, 9:30am onwards, Papakura RSA carpark. Contributions welcome, or come along to buy the tasty fare! Papakura Playcentre is holding a fundraising garage sale at 15 Opaheke Road on Saturday, March 19th. Come along and find a bargain! DNA TESTING FOR MULTIPLES Always wondered if your twins or triplets are identical? Why not do a DNA test? Contact: DNA Diagnostics Ltd C/O Diagnostic Medlab P.O. Box 14743, Panmure, Auckland Phone: (09) 571-6474 Email: [email protected] March—April 2011 Page 29 EQUIPMENT HIRE Equipment Hire Contact Renee King: (09) 238-8488 / [email protected] Double Capsules with Snap n Go Base Units Jolly Jumpers Port-a-Cots Strollers Double Buggy Exersaucers Carry Cot for Mountain Buggy Safety Gates Double Umbrella Kari Me Baby Stroller Carriers (Slings) Front Packs Baby Swing Please contact Renee for availability Wandering Kiwi Toddler Locators Baby Hammocks Safety Harness Safety Barriers Bouncinettes Wooden Play- Anywhere Chairs pens (Portable High Chair) Bonds vary for equipment type and the hire term Page 30 March—April 2011 SOMETHING SOMETHING KNITWORLD AND NZMBA KnitWorld is supporting the NZ Multiple Birth Association in the production and distribution of woollen baby singlets! Get your fingers knitting and support a great cause. A free pattern is available here: http://www.multiples.org.nz/images/stories/Events/Knitworld_Pattern.pdf March—April 2011 Page 31  Expecting Twins, Triplets or more? Why not join the Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club for only $30.00 a year? Been a member in the past? Don’t want to miss out? Renew your membership today! COUNTIES MANUKAU MULTIPLE BIRTH CLUB 2010 – 2011 SUBSCRIPTION FORM □ MEMBER RENEWAL □ NEW SUBSCRIPTION (Please tick appropriate box) PARENTS NAME HOME PHONE MOBILE HOME ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS SIBLINGS NAME DATE OF BIRTH SEX □ BOY □ GIRL □ BOY □ GIRL □ BOY □ GIRL □ BOY □ GIRL MULTIPLE DETAILS NAME EDD / BIRTH DATE SEX BIRTH WEIGHT □ BOY □ GIRL □ UNKNOWN □ BOY □ GIRL □ UNKNOWN □ BOY □ GIRL □ UNKNOWN □ BOY □ GIRL □ UNKNOWN Please send your completed subscription form and cheque for $30.00 to: Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club P.O. Box 1223 PUKEKOHE Alternatively, you can transfer payment directly to our bank account: ASB Bank 12-3032-0762177-000 PLEASE USE YOUR FULL NAME AS A REFERENCE (If paying by electronic transfer, please email [email protected] with all relevant details – ensure you [email protected] mail us your completed form too)