Suggestions to help with early morning drama?

[crowcaw]

I have 4 yo twin girls and for the most part our days are smooth and happy but so many of them start off badly because when they wake up they both want me and only me without the presence of their sibling. Our wonderful mornings are when one happens to wake up at least 15 minutes before her sister, gets to cuddle with me enough that Daddy can take over before sister awakes and then the other one gets me to herself for awhile. On those days they're both smiling the minute they wake up and life is good. On the problematic days (which is most of them) they either get up at the same time and immediately start screaming (literally) for my attention or one is up a few minutes before the other, sees that I'm with her and melts down, and the one that was up first starts holding on for dear life so as not to have to relinguish me. Mostly I try cuddling with them together but they kick and push each other and compete for the biggest piece of real estate while fussing and crying and I usually call an end to it and both girls are crying. We've had dh and I equally available, but they always want me. We've tried extended periods where dh is the only option thinking that then when we added me back into the mix they wouldn't be as specific in their needs; in that case dh got the same treatment I did and when I came back in they were both only wanting me again. Short of waking one of them up early, which I really don't want to do as they need every second of sleep they're getting and it would be hard to wake up one without waking the other, I can't figure out how to handle it. Some mornings it's so bad I put them both back in their rooms and tell them I can see them when they're able to share me. It does stop the crying for the morning but I hate turning them away for affection, especially first thing in the morning. Anyone with insight or suggestions for how to deal with this? Thanks

[simplycrunchy]

Is there any way you could make a schedule and alternate who has you first. Have them help you make the schedule and post it so it's the first thing they see? Then maybe have some really fun/special thing that the one waiting can do? Like a special toy or something that is almost as good as you. Maybe even go to the store and pick out something special or at least involve them in deciding. Or, is there maybe something you could do as soon as they get up that isn't cuddling- something that the three of you can do together but that has enough activity to keep them from fighting over you? Maybe cooking breakfast together or something like that- so they have you right with them but something else to focus on as well? Either way, I'd be super explicit with them about the problem and what you are going to try. Maybe even do a few practice runs during the day. Have them get in bed, practice waking up and following whatever plan you decide on. Even practice them getting upset and what they can do to help themselves wait calmly. Do it to the point of where you think it's ridiculous- the more they practice, the more they will be able to do it even when tired.

Of course, all that sounds great, but my dd is only 2 1/2, so it might not work at all. Good luck :-)