“After nearly three years on this earth as a twin parent, I’ve been asked some pretty odd questions and received an array of comments from heart-warming compliments to flabbergastingly offensive insults.
From little old ladies simply delighted by the sheer sight of two kindred cherubs to people’s passive-aggressive advice based on their experience raising twins they never had.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more interesting, I fell pregnant when my twins were 3.5 months old.
It was like I had a sign on my forehead saying, ‘Please…tell me what you really think.’
One time I was walking through a mall, pushing my 10-month-old twins. A woman was halfway through telling me how adorable they were when she caught a glimpse of my heavily pregnant belly and interrupted herself by yelling at me, ‘What have you done to yourself!?’
So, on behalf of all twin moms, I thought I’d break it down and answer the most common questions and statements we receive.
Obviously, some answers vary depending on what type of twins you have (yes, there are different types of twins!)
And I’m going to start with my favorite…
1. ‘Are they twins?’
Who? These two? Nah I just push around this double stroller with my kid plus some random baby that I borrowed from a neighbor which happens to look exactly like my kid.
Yes, they’re twins.
2. Yes, I have my hands full.
All day and all night! Hands full of babies, full of sh*tty diapers, full of bottles, full of laundry, full of wine. You name it…my hands are holding it! Full hands, fuller heart.
3. Yes, they’re identical.
See how they look so exactly the same that you can’t even tell the difference? Yep, identical!
4. No, twins don’t run in my family.
Fraternal twins are genetic, identical twins are a random act of nature!
5. No, my boy/girl twins are not identical…
I don’t even know what more to say here other than no…that is not possible.
6. Yes, I fed them at the same time.
Two babies, two tits, two bottles. You know what one baby looks like feeding? Just imagine another one doing the exact same thing at the same time!
In fact, I try to get them to do pretty much everything at the same time. Sleep at the same time. Play at the same time. Hell, sometimes they even sh*t at the same time!
7. ‘Are they natural?’
Sorry, what? Well, they aren’t robots! Is your question actually meaning how were they conceived? Weird!
8. ‘Can you tell them apart?’
Sure can! From the sounds of their voices to the back of their heads. My husband constantly mixes them up though.
9. No, the two children you had really close together is NOT like having twins.
10. ‘Did you have a vaginal birth?’
No. One came out each ankle! What did you say your name was again?
11. Yes, I always dress them the same.
I don’t know why. It becomes obsessive. Everything must match! My twin mom friends who don’t dress their kids the same think I’m crazy! But it’s actually easier and there are no arguments about who wants to wear what.
12. Oh, that’s so interesting to know your friend’s next-door neighbor’s sister’s uncle’s cat’s owner had twins.
13. ‘Double Trouble!’
Yes, and double the love!
14. I don’t know how I do it either.
But I just do! And while it’s crazy and exhausting and hard and absolute mayhem, it’s worth it. And I believe you’re only given what you can handle.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Teagan Natoli and originally appeared here. You can follow her journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here.
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