Final Month of 2 two year olds

When I was pregnant, I read every thing I could get my hands on about twins. One thing I remember very vividly: in every book I read, only one, maybe two chapters would cover after the first year of twins.  I’d read about changing thousands of diapers, how much milk I would produce, what I should buy for multiple babies, etc…but I recall thinking: what about when they’re not babies anymore? How am I going to survive with 2 toddlers? Two going through the terrible twos? So, if I ever write my memoir about twins, here’s my final thoughts on 2 two year olds:

LIKES:

• Seth and Sam always have a playmate. True confession: I rarely play with them. They don’t need me. They’re sufficient with just each other.
• They have learned how to share and get along with others quicker and easier than other kids their age—because we practice it ALL THE TIME.
• Because they’re the exact same age, they are going through the same things at the same time (in contrast to a mom that has a three year old and baby at home).
• Having their clothes be all the same size…keeps things simple.
• Watching their social interaction with one another. Saying things like, “Don’t be controlling,” to one another.
• Having 2 little boys on my lap reading stories with me.
• Their language; I was sure that my boys would be slow to talk because all the books said that twins talk slow, and boys talk slow. However, their being twins has seemed to help them talk better. Seth and Sam are talking constantly and in complete sentences. I think it’s because they are always chattering to one another.
• Every “idea” they have of something to do or play with gets even bigger and sillier because they feed off one another.
• Seth and Sam being brave together; example, them holding hands to go touch the puppets at story time. I never worry about leaving them with babysitters or nursery because I know they have one another.

DISLIKES

• They go through the same annoying stages at the same time. Example: both really into opening and shutting the door. Translation in twin life: always fighting over the door.
• Playing referee a lot because I’m teaching them to share ALL THE TIME.
• The question phase x 2. Imagine how annoying it is to answer questions all day. Now imagine answering the exact same question twice in a row. They never listen to the answer the first time.
• Having to remember who’s turn it is—all the time.
• Constant chattering x 2. Add in lots of arguments and I go crazy!
• All the injuries and emotional outbursts x 2.

Summary for twin moms: If you’ve made it through the first nine months, 2 two year olds is a piece of cake. They have a built-in playmate. And in our case, we went “ugly early” or “strict early” as far as obedience in public places, parking lots, etc. (because who can run after 2 kids going separate directions). This has really paid off, because they are pretty well-behaved (although, we’ve heard that often times boys go through terrible 3’s not 2’s…so maybe this next year will be tougher). Also, I’ve enjoyed this phase because it seems that the public novelty of twins has worn off a bit. When they were babies EVERYONE noticed us in public; but now that they pick out their own (and mostly different) outfits and have grown into their distinct personalities more, we can blend in better. Or perhaps, I’ve learned to deal with all the twin comments better. Either way, I’ve gotten really used to this twin thing, and couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I love having my twin boys!

Seth, Sam