By: Sarah
Updated: January 18, 2018
Originally Published: July 11, 2013
Six weeks post-delivery, after receiving my doctor’s approval, I would take my twins for a stroll in their double-jogging stroller. My destination was a Starbucks just over a mile away, with a notable uphill trek in one direction. The reward for my efforts? A refreshing iced venti skinny vanilla latte. To maximize my outing, I’d often stop at the international grocery store to catch up with the owners and explore new ingredients for dinner, or visit other stores in the shopping center for some much-needed adult interaction.
During these outings, it was common for me to encounter individuals who found twins to be a spectacle, often unable to contain their excitement.
Man in line behind me at Starbucks: “Hey, you better have two in that thing!”
Me: [Turning slightly] “And what if I don’t?”
Man: “Oh, heh, um, yeah.”
(Tip: Avoid being absurd to a mother of twins before she’s had her caffeine fix.)
Woman waiting for her drink: “Oh, aren’t they adorable! They’re so quiet! How LUCKY you are to have two babies who sleep all the time!”
Me: “We’ve been here for only 5 minutes after a 15-minute stroller ride. You really think they are this quiet all the time?”
Woman: “Oh, right. Are they good for you at home?”
Me: “No. They cry when they’re hungry, tired, or need attention. I only have two hands. They cry a lot.”
Woman: “Oh, I guess two is harder than one. I remember when MINE were babies, I just LOVED holding them ALL the time! You have DOUBLE the love!”
Me: “Right. Everything is certainly doubled… including the diapers.”
(Tip: Refrain from romanticizing the experience of a twin mom when you’re decades past changing diapers.)
Curious man in line: “Ooh, twins! Are they paternal?”
Me: “You mean fraternal?”
Man: “Yeah, whatever is not identical.”
Me: “Exactly, they are fraternal.”
Man: “But they’re both girls?”
Me: [What gave it away? The pink and purple outfits?] “Yes, both girls.”
Man: “I thought fraternal meant both boys.”
Me: [Sigh] “No, fraternal simply means they are not identical. Two separate eggs can result in either gender or one of each.”
Man: “Oh, cool. So do they look exactly alike?”
Me: [Sigh] “No, they resemble any other siblings, just born on the same day.”
(Tip: If biology isn’t your strong suit, avoid using terms you don’t fully understand.)
During my trips, I often encountered enthusiastic comments from strangers, such as a Walgreens employee exclaiming, “Wow! TWO babies! Are they TWINS?” to which I responded simply, “Yes.” The follow-up questions often became intrusive, with people expressing their disbelief or curiosity about my life as a twin parent.
Woman at the Farmer’s Market: “Ooooh, aren’t they cute! Twins?”
Me: “Yes.”
Woman: “A boy and a girl?”
Me: “No, two girls. Did the floral dress confuse you?”
Woman: “Oh, ha ha, right.”
(Tip: If you can’t distinguish gender, just ask for their names.)
Another curious customer at Starbucks: “Wow, twins! Are they natural?”
Me: [Pausing] “No, we already have a real daughter, so we decided to make these out of plastic.”
(Silence followed, crickets chirped.)
Woman: [Looking puzzled] “Oh, ha ha, right – they are beautiful.”
Me: “Thanks.”
(Tip: If discussing conception makes you uncomfortable, try not to pry into others’ experiences.)
In an amusing exchange with a grocery bagger, who struggled with English, she pointed to my pregnant belly, gestured to her breast, and said, “from here?” I merely nodded in confusion, only to have her flex her arm and exclaim, “Good! Grow strong!” One has to wonder how we could navigate parenthood without the unsolicited opinions of strangers.
For those interested in the science behind conception, check out this excellent resource on Genetics and IVF Institute, and if you’re exploring fertility options, this at-home insemination kit is a great starting point. Additionally, for a comprehensive approach, consider the Cryobaby home insemination syringe kit combo for your journey.
Summary
In conclusion, navigating the world with twins often involves a series of amusing and curious interactions with strangers who seem fascinated by the idea of twins. While these experiences can be entertaining, they also highlight the unique challenges and joys of parenting multiples. Whether you’re embarking on your own journey into parenthood or just curious about the experience, understanding the dynamics of twins can provide valuable insights into family life.
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