The Joy of Twins - Part Two

As I said in my last installment I have recently been thinking about the great and not-so-great parts of being a Mom to twins. This installment is my Not-so-Wonderful List. So here goes:

- When one gets sick... the other gets sick.
- Two sick babies + one tired Mom = Not a fun time
- When one gets settled, the other one usually starts.
- Even 8 month-old-babies love to steal toys, hit and generally not play nice.
- When two babies cry the whole world seems to shake
- Twice the diapers, wipes, formulas, baby food, laundry, cleaning, baths, etc.
- Unless you are in the circus it is hard to juggle two babies.
- Just getting to and from the car can be a chore.
- When two babies have to get shots it is hard to calm two screaming little ones.
- It can be tough to make sure each baby gets individual attention.
- No matter how hard you try you WILL compare them.
- I believe that there is an inborn competition between twins. Not all twins, but many.
- People have double the comments or "advice" for you. You won't just hear peoples suggestions on everyday stuff but you will also get to hear all about how you need not dress them alike, not compare them, not treat them the same, make sure they are individuals, etc. etc., etc. It is a double pain.
- Forget about talking on the phone.
- When your friends who have only one baby want to go out to lunch or shopping they will not understand why you can't do it with twins.

Some of the more harsh realities for those of you who might be expecting twins:

- Your babies may likely need time in the NICU. Not all twins will but many do. I was unprepared for our NICU stay and I wish I would have better prepared myself to leave the hospital without them.
- Twin soften have more specialized needs. The chances of lingering health issues, motor delays (like in our case), weight gain problems, etc. can occur.
- If you plan to breast feed twins no amount of preparation can completely prep you and it still may not work. I was 100% sure I could and would nurse my girls. I read every book, I bought the twin nursing pillow, I made sure everyone around me knew how serious I was so I had support and still I had trouble. I had a C-section which can start the problem by not giving your body the hormone boost for milk production. My girls were also very small and in the NICU causing physical and logistical problems for us. Just know that it is tough and it might not work.
- Buying diapers, formula, wipes, baby food, etc. for twins is a huge undertaking. It is even more expensive that you think it is. Start saving (and buying gift cards for yourself) now.

I say none of this to scare you. Having twins is the BEST and most amazing thing I have ever done. I am thankful every day for my girls and always will be. Raising twins is a privilege and never anything less.