Better Full Than Empty

While the babies and I were at the grocery store shopping yesterday, I noticed a woman watching us. The woman finally came up and said, "I have been watching you as you shopped around the store with both of those babies. How do you do it?" but then the kicker, she asked me, "Do you really like being the mom of twins, I just have one baby and I can't imagine how hard it is with two - I feel so sorry for you."

Of course, those of you who know me, know that I didn't take that “pity” comment lying down, I quickly corrected her in the error of her ways and ensured her that I loved being the Mother of twins, not to EVER feel sorry for me and how I felt blessed that I was chosen for such an honor.

Without even blinking an eye, I can think of so many reasons that I love being a twin Mother. While it definitely has its challenges, it is by far the most rewarding experience of my life. Someone once told me that they planned to have their children back to back, and then it will be just like having twins. Hmm.....I have to disagree...nothing but having twins is "like" having twins.....except maybe triplets....or quads, or more!

1. Armfuls and Handfuls

Every child fills their parents' hearts and home with joy. That's what I really love about having twins. The love and joy are compounded. Cradling two infants in your arms was so incredibly, almost unbearably, sweet. Carrying two infant carriers -- one on the right, and one on the left – made me feel complete. Double hugs, double kisses, mommy-in-the-middle "sandwich" cuddles on the couch... life just doesn't get any better than that.

2. Single-mindedness

Parenting happens in stages. For me, it's much easier to manage two infants or two toddlers, than to juggle the needs of a baby and a preschooler. The phases of parenthood are experienced more intensely, sometimes, because they are simultaneous, but I love it that way.

3. Shared Accomplishments

It's always exciting to see your child meet a milestone. But when twins accomplish their goals simultaneously, it's a wonderful experience for a family.

4. Private Jokes

It's such fun to hear them babble to each other and play together. Once when they were about 10 months old, we were driving down the road, when giggles erupted from the car seats in the back seat. As Aidan laughed, Ella broke out in giggles; they spurred each other on the entire ride home. What a sweet sound those baby giggles were; it is still sweet to hear them laugh together.

5. Alike, but Different

It's fascinating to be an observer of twins. With so many similarities, but such stark differences, it's always interesting to see how they develop as individuals. Where parents of singletons may say, "oh, you are just like your sister was at that age," parents of multiples have an instant basis of comparison and contrast among their children.

6. 2-for-1 Bonus

Short and sweet .... One pregnancy = two babies! Such a deal! Although a pregnancy with multiples may have more risks, and sometimes more complications, it truly is a two-for-one deal.

7. A Sense of Status

Okay, I admit it .I get a little thrill of pride in being a mom of twins. It's like being a part of an elite club. You feel an instant bond with other parents of multiples. I love the reaction I get when I tell people I have twins. "Wow!" "I always wanted twins..." "I don't know how you do it..." It's almost like we enjoy an exclusive status in the parenting world, earning a slight nod of respect for pulling double duty.

8. Sharing

Twins share everything -- their birthday, their parents' attention, and most of their belongings. Although they may get frustrated with their situation, as a parent, it's very gratifying to witness their "what's mine is yours" attitude in a moment of unselfish benevolence.

9. A Beautiful Bond

The twin bond is more enduring than any other relationship on earth, starting even before birth, and often outlasting many friendships and even marriages. Despite their squabbles, it's comforting to know that they will (hopefully) enjoy their unique relationship for all of their lives. As their Mother, I feel really privileged to be a party to their special bond, and to have the opportunity to nurture it.

10. Confidence in Companionship

I love the confidence they exhibit simply because they have always had each other to rely on. I love to watch them enter new, unfamiliar situations with total confidence because they are together. I love seeing all the ways that being a twin shapes their personalities, both as an advantage and a disadvantage. They have never and will never know loneliness because they've always had and will have each other as a companion.

So, lady in the grocery store, don't feel sorry for me or any other twin Mother. Yes, we have our hands full, but better full than empty. We are doubly busy, but doubly blessed and so, so happy!