Surviving Twins

I was often told by other parents of multiples that 3’s were actually worse than 2’s. The problem was, people told me that when my twins were 2! (And, when life is difficult, the very last thing you want to hear is that life is only going to get harder.) Similarly, when my twins were babies, I was told the first year was the most difficult. But, being a “baby” person, I loved every minute of the first year. What no one told me, was that if one stage is easy, another stage most likely won’t be. (Which is probably part of the reason the 2’s were so hard).
So, what have I learned? When anyone tells you what “the hardest part of raising twins” is… or “the most challenging age is…” take it with a grain of salt. Not only is it dependent on your child’s personality, and the interaction between your multiples, but it also depends on your strengths as a parent. Some people deal with lack of sleep better than others, and some people have the patience and energy to run after a mobile child, and some have an innate ability to deal with talking back. So, whatever difficult phase you’re going through, know that it will end. And most likely, you will soon get to a new stage that is easier for you. Parenting rarely gets easy… it just gets different.
As my girls near the age of 4, and I think about the last year, I realize that things in my life have gotten a lot better. Even though there is more attitude, more opinions, and more bickering between them, there is also reasoning, helpfulness, and a wonderful friendship. I also know that I may come to another difficult stage again, but that will end eventually too!

I apologize (again) for being so inconsistent in writing. I really have no excuse other than the fact that my girls have been 2 for the last year… and they were the epitome of terrible! So for anyone out there who is being driven crazy by their 2-year-old twins, I feel your pain. I used to not give myself enough credit, watching all my friends with their 2-year-olds, getting out frequently, disciplining effectively, living much saner lives, and looking much more rested. But my friends have assured me that they all have a difficult time dealing with just 1 2-year-old.

So, with little-to-no words of advice, I leave you with an empathetic blog entry… and just know that whatever “terrible” phase you’re going through WILL end. My girls turn 3 next week, and while I can’t say life is easy, it is certainly beginning to feel bearable again. Maybe down the road, I can give a few words of wisdom… of what I wish I had known.

My husband and I always said that we weren’t going to take our kids to Disneyland until they were old enough to actually remember it. However… after finding out that kids under 3 are FREE, we couldn’t resist! After all, the next time we go, we’ll be paying for at least 4 people.

So, for the last 2 weeks I’ve been trying to instill excitement into my 2-year-olds as well. I point out every Disney character I see, encourage them to watch all their favorite Disney movies, and remind them every day how many days left we have till we get to see Mickey and Minnie, Woody and Buzz, and Cinderella. Fortunately, and unfortunately, it’s worked. They now seem quite excited to go… so much that when I tell them we need to run an errand, the response is, “No, Disneyland first!” And now, I’m already considering the withdrawal they’ll have when we come home. Somehow, I can’t imagine that taking them to the park the next day will even come close to Disneyland.

So our last dilemma is what kind and how many strollers to take. Do we take our double jogger? Do we buy a double side-by-side (since I’ve been wanting to get one anyway to replace my double tandem)? Or do we buy 2 cheap umbrella strollers so we can maneuver through the crowds easily. And we could rent one… for $10 a day- but for that I could by 2 umbrellas.

I think in the end, the squeals of delight, overwhelming excitement, and pure joy on their faces will make it all worth it! (Not to mention 2 exhausted girls at the end of each day).

First of all, I just want you all to know that no, my children didn’t kill me. I apologize for not writing for such a long time. Sometimes life just gets in the way. My husband started a new job and was traveling for about a month. I’ve started a vinyl lettering business, one of my daughters broke her elbow, and then came the holidays. So those are the highlights of the last 2 months! Oh, and did I mention I still have 2-year-old twins? Fortunately, most of you reading this know that the last one is a list in and of itself.

Second, I’ve received a couple emails since I haven’t written a post in ages… and I just want to thank you. Honestly, I enjoy blogging about twins… but it’s even nicer to know that some of you enjoy reading what I have to say. So, knowing that, I promise (maybe as a New Year’s resolution) to be more consistent with my blog.

I was hoping to have something fantastic to write about- since it’s been so long, but I don’t. So, here are some thoughts I’ve had over the last couple months. In talking with many parents of multiples, I’ve found that every stage is different for everyone. I was told countless times when I was pregnant that the first year would be the hardest. Well, I have to disagree…strongly! I absolutely LOVED the first year. Playing, reading, feeding, taking my new little best friends on errands- everyday we were thriving. I loved life! Then my girls started walking- and talking. Of course, I still enjoy every “new” stage- like learning to walk, and learning new words, but when 18 months hit, I was suddenly not thriving anymore. Many days were physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. Still, at almost 2 1/2, my girls are exhausting. I am more tired some days now than I was when I breastfed 3 times a night. (At least then I could get in a nap or 2). However, I do realize that my girls are getting much better at communicating. And sometimes it’s easier to reason with them.

So, what’s my point? Well, every stage brings something new. New challenges and new blessings. And whatever that ends up being, it’s always going to be double! So, if you’re one of those whose first year is incredibly difficult, hang in there! The next stage will probably get easier. And if you’re one of those whose having the most difficult pregnancy, you’ll probably appreciate those 2 adorable little babies. And if you’re like me, and your twins are taking the “terribles” literally, it’s bound to end. So, while it’s good- enjoy it, and keep on thriving! And when it’s not so good, just keep on surviving. Tomorrow’s a new day.

Now that it’s October, it’s time to start thinking about costume ideas. And what’s cuter than twins in coordinating outfits? Twins dressed in coordinating Halloween costumes! So, here’s a list of some cute costume ideas for your twins. The picture shown is my girls last year in Tom Arma costumes. (A skunk and a flower). He has some adorable costumes, though they are slightly expensive.
Boy/Girl Ideas
Jack and Jill
Raggedy Ann and Andy
Hansel and Gretel
Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia
Cinderella and Prince Charming
Mickey and Minnie
Pebbles and Bambam

2 Boys
Soldiers
Power Rangers
Woody and Buzz
Batman and Robin
Superheroes (Superman, Spiderman, Batman)
Fireman and Policeman
Cowboy and Indian

2 Girls
Princesses
Bo Peep and Sheep
Power Puff Girls
Butterfly and Ladybug
Bumblebee and flower

Unisex
Farm animals
Crayons
Salt and Pepper
Peas in a Pod
M and M’s
Hershey Kisses
Dice
Shoes
Pen and Pencil
Fruit (apple, orange, grapes, etc)
Puppy and Kitty
Angel and Devil

There are plenty of more ideas out there…although I had a hard time thinking of specific “girl” costumes, so if you have other ideas that I don’t have here, let me know… Since I still have no idea what my girls are going to be this year.