The Sisterhood

Tonight I was at a business networking event. I got to wear my big girl pants, talk a little shop, and drink a glass of wine. But the conversation that affected me the most was with one of the attendees who it turns out is in

The Sisterhood.

Oh how sweet it is when they play well together

Twin Moms Stick Together

We moms of twins, as much as we try to blend in, are different.

We have anxieties that only someone with 2 kids who are CONSTANTLY COMPARED can understand.

This woman has 11 year old twin girls.

As soon as she found out I have 8 year old twin girls she gave me

The Look.

The look that says, "I know what you are going through. I understand your fears. And you are right to be afraid. But we are survivors."

Yes, a look can say all that and more.

Because only a moms of twins (and possibly only a mom of twin girls who are about to embark on a trips through the Sea of Hormones) can understand the fear and anxiety that comes with knowing we'll have to manage

2 girls who are constantly compared BY others and By themselves

maturing at different stages

experiencing hormones, changes, drama...

together, and yet, alone.

As soon as I meet another Sister we are quick to bond.

We understand that we struggle to help our kids navigate because we weren't twins. We may have had siblings, we may have experienced comparisons, but there was a buffer in a difference of sex (I had a brother), age, or grade to ease the comparison.

We bond when we discuss the dominant twin and how that role can switch from time to time.

We trade stories of similarities, differences, separation.

We hold onto hope that they stay close, like Mary Kate and Ashley, rather than divided, like Cain and Able (who were not twins but the only reference of sibling rivalry I could come up with for now)

Then we hug each other goodbye knowing we have met someone who understands.

Fashion Friday - Twin Fashion Designers Behind Sachika

How perfect for me, a mom of twins, to highlight a pair of designers who are - TWINS!

The Sashika Twins are identical twins that have split roles and created an very unique collection of dresses and more.

SACHIKA more wishes,happiness and fortune from cyril mahe on Vimeo.

I love some of the elements they use. Here are a few things from their Fall 2010 Collection

Now I'm on the hunt for more twin designers. Move over Mary-Kate and Ashley!

Janine

We cut it close on the first day of school but at least we eat well

Here's what I did this morning all before 8:00 am:

1. made chocolate chip pancakes

2. made bacon

3. made an egg casserole (for the annual neighborhood brunch)

4. Packed lunches including snack

With all the cooking I barely had time to take the traditional snuggle-up-to-your-sister-and-smile-even-though-I-just-yelled-at-you-for-changing-your-shoes-for-the-third-time photo:

But, they do look so cute don't they? Not matching but definitely twins at their best. And, they were excited.

So excited I could hardly get them to slow down enough for me to take this photo of the walk.

Phew! We didn't miss the line-up outside and we even found a few of our friends in class.

I can't wait to hear how it all went. And the goal for tomorrow? Less cooking, more snuggling.

How was your first day of school?

Janine

For more on back-to-school see

Fashion Friday: bold print backpacks and Chucks

Wisdom from the bottom of a mimosa

Looking for a little help for a local mom

Triplet cubs via ucumari on Flickr

Imagine being pregnant with triplets.

Now imagine being pregnant with triplets and having a toddler.

OK, now imagine being pregnant with triplets, having a toddler, and your husband dies.

Right.

Last month I read the story of Montgomery County Police Office, Hector Ayala's tragic death in a car wreck and I can't stop thinking about it. 

I remember being pregnant with twins and it was hard. I can't imagine what his wife is going through as she prepares to deliver their triplets.

I've never met her or the family but I am moved to help. I have considered having some kind of fundraiser but...

I think I'll start with writing about it here, raising awareness, and posting a link to where you can donate.

And if anyone else is moved, let me know and let's get something going.

Janine

Outdoor Summer Toys and Games for Twins

I was recently checking out Amazon's collection of summer toys and decided we could use a few things to get us through the hot, sticky summer. Here are a few items that area perfect for families with multiples!

Water Shooters - Summer just isn't a party until someone gets their eye shot out....with water. These Super Soakers come in a Twin Pack for just $16.99

Double Slip ‘N Slide - simply put, it's more fun to race while you are sliding. This Slip n Slide has two lanes so there isn't any arguing over who gets to go first. Just GO!

Toobeez Ez - fort - A great summer twin activity is building a fort because they use creativity and teamwork rather than arguing skills. Toobeez are fantastic for inside and outside fort building. Plus, Toobeez can be used to build things you can use when you play with other toys like a house for dolls, a tunnel for cars and more. You might want to double-up on the Toobeez pack though for extra building material that will make larger projects possible.

 My Little Sandbox sets - OK, so these are just about the cutest things ever...themed table-top sandboxes that come complete with toys! Twins could totally survive sharing one but I'd love for each to have their own. That way they can share the toys but have the box and sand to themselves. You can choose from truck, dinosaur, and farm sets to mermaid and beach sets.

Have you found some great summer toys?

Janine