I once read that, when it comes to multiples, having twins is easier than having triplets because Mother Nature gave us two arms to hold them, two boobs to feed them (if that’s how you roll) and two legs to bounce them upon. When my twins were tiny, this was true.—
It used to be easy to scoop both of them up in my arms (safely of course) and carry them around the house. I can remember numerous times when I had to do this because they were both screaming at the top of their lungs for a little love. Oh, the good ol’ days! (Not!).
As they grew older, I would often negotiate holding both my kids while reading stories or watching Sesame Street. I would whisper how much I loved them in their ears while taking in their freshly washed scent. I would hug them close to me and think, “Thank you for giving me this armful of joy.”
I often wondered what folks did with just one baby. Did their arms feel empty? What did they do with their other hand? Such a funny thing to think of, but I got so used to holding two babies at a time that I couldn’t picture it any other way. It was a weird circus act that I mastered.
Today, my twins are seven-years-old, and it’s no longer so easy to hold both of them in my arms at once. This morning, as I was jetting out the door for a trip to Chicago on “Official Twin Business” (yes, I really do go on official twin business), I was pounced upon so roughly by them that I actually got the wind knocked out of me. I wondered if it might be time to start holding them one at a time?
But then I thought…nahhhh I’d rather be attacked by my twins and lose my breath. Soon enough they won’t want to be held or snuggled at all, much less at the same time. I’ll be left with memories of their sweet scent (especially in summer when they smell of sunscreen and chlorine) long after the time they grow out of snuggling with me.
So, for now, I stop and smell my kiddies. I enjoy my armful of the sweetest things on the planet and I try to remember–there is enough of Mommy to go around, at least while my twins want it.
