TWINS

Are your twins your first children? Sounds like it if you are asking about differences between a single child and twins (or more). I think having twins first is better (like you get a choice ha ha ) that way you don't realize the extra work. I have a few friends who have twins and there advantages. They have a built in playmate for one. I don't have any insider information for you that I am aware as my girls were single births. I will check back and see what kinds of comments you get and maybe it will trigger something.

Congratulations on your double blessings!!

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

I had a single birth and then a twin birth. There are lots of differences between the two. Twins after a single birth was WAY hard for me. For instance, when they were under 6 months old, I had one twin who liked to grab a late night/early morning meal and then stay up for 2 hours more. By the time I had her finally back to sleep the other one would wake up for breakfast. Needless to say, keeping them on one schedule I feel is a must when they are infants.
As they grow up, you must not treat them as the same. They both may not be ready to potty train at the same time. One may learn faster than the other, so you shouldn't put them in competition with each other.
I highly recommend putting them in separate classes as they get into school too. Even though they grow in the womb together, doesn't mean they are one, they are individuals and should be treated as so.
As far as money saving goes some places do offer multiple discounts, so ask. I know Babies R Us and Carter's had one when mine were little. Also, find a second hand store that you can sell and buy at. That will help keep costs down and most stores buy/resell stuff that is in pretty good condition. Also, get hooked up with a multiples mom group. They have lots of info and sometimes they have rummage sales that can save you a bunch of $.

I think I have gone on long enough. I hope I helped you out a little bit.
Congrats on your new bundles!

Yea Angie! Congratulations! Let me start by saying my husband and I had two children 4 and 6 when we got the shocking news twins were coming. We had one set of friends who enjoyed every second of their twins and another set who complained a lot! So, we didn't know what to expect. We are happy to report it has been dreamy!!! However, we've gotten lots of help. I'd suggest if you belong to a church or temple or any organization really, tell someone you wonder if anyone would be able to help you with the babies in the first month or two, depending on if/when you return to work. (We had a line out the door!) Someone was scheduled for two hours every day of the work week for the first month and a half. Sometimes they'd come in pairs and I could grab a nap, or better one would help with the housework. Like my Mom says "It never hurts to ask!" Many who couldn't help brought dinner, so that was great too!

I received a list of companies who were supposed to have special deals for twins and I wrote to them, although some sent coupons, I don't think the effort was really worth the reward.

The advice on joining a MOMs group (Mothers of Multiples) is a good suggestion (check on line for the one nearest you), if for nothing else, I hear they have a kick *ss rumage sale once a year. I've never been able to make it. I got by using all the stuff I had kept from my first two kids, and from donations from friends who were done with their stuff. So our stuff didn't always match, but if anyone ever noticed, I'd be surprised.

The biggest challenge I've experienced (my girls are 27 months) is when we are out, like at a plant nursery, and one will stick next to me, and one won't. Two year olds times two. Basically, I just don't do that kind of errands when I have them both with me, unless I really need to.

The level of challenge will depend on their personalities. The joys are awesome. There is nothing like being bowled over by kisses from two babies. It rocks.

We did buy a van with remote open doors. That made it easier when my arms were full of babies coming across a hot parking lot.

Last thought, I read a book about birthing twins, and felt like it's purpose was to prepare me for the worst case scenerios. I was also over 35 so it had lots of worst cases. I think I could have lived without this "insight" and just talked everything over with my doctor about my specific case, like I did anyway.

Twins are such a wonderful blessing, only those of us who have them know, everyone else is either jealous because they think they want twins, or relieved because they think they don't!!

So, what do you know about them so far? How are you feeling? Feel free to ask anything!

Good luck! It really is wonderful, and crazy, and exhausting adventure! Just like with any new baby.

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

I had twins for my one and only pregnancy. It was incredible being pregnant and seeing them on the ultrasound. So enjoy.

As far as the level of difficulty? I don’t honestly know that, they were my first pregnancy and my babies came home from the hospital on the "3 hour deal". Every 3 hour they woke up; ate, pottied and went back to sleep. I had no help as my husband worked and I had no family, so I was fiercely protective of my 3 hour window. I slept when they did and recovered from my c-section and later did chores when they slept. So to me it worked because I stuck to my schedule.

When they were 3 and I had an operation and ladies came over to help me, they were so impressed because my kids knew their schedule and where things were at because I had the foresight to know that is really important in having kids.

I am not fond of the twin groups, I'm sorry to say. Don't be mad ladies, But I met moms who were so competitive they went to war on breastfeeding their babies at the same time and one mom yelled at me that I had to teach my 9 month old babies that one had a penis and one had a vagina so I quickly bailed and found nice normal friends of single birth babies.

I did a lot of reading (what to expect the first year), called my pediatrician a lot (who was wonderful!) and used my own common sense of what felt "right" after I had learned the facts.
My kids are awesome and I too wish you lots of luck and happiness.

moladybug ~ mommy of twins

There are national groups available for support that have local chapters. Check into M.O.M.S. (Mothers of Multiples) or the N.O.M.O.T.C. (National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs). Congratulations!

THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES!

I already have 3 girls ( all single births) and then finding out I was having twins was very exciting.... now I am excited but the reality is setting in and I am getting very nervous.

I love all your kind words and excellant advice.

Angie

I just got this - it is one of THE Sale for multiples... I know you aren't due for a while, but you might want to stock up early, or at least check it out?!?!

What: PV MOMs Semiannual sale of baby & children's clothing (to sz 12), baby furniture including cribs, changing tables, baby gates, etc., all types of baby and little kid accessories, clothing, shoes, maternity clothing, strollers, toys (indoor and outdoor, small and large), books, DVDs/videos; basically all baby/toddler/young-kid related stuff you can imagine! Cash only, please.

When: Sat, April 12,
11:00 AM to 2 PM, $3 shopping fee/no kids ($1 off fee with attached flyer)
2 PM - 4 Pm, no fee/kids ok

Where: Desert Springs Bible Church
16215 N. Tatum Blvd, Phx 850032 (On Tatum Rd., 1/2 mile south of Bell Rd.)

Why: Raise money for our non-profit group, recycle our "good stuff", and give back to the community (most non-sold items at 4 pm are donated to various charities and specific needy families, and a small portion of proceeds go to other groups we support as well).

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.