My Life With Twins: The Almost Twos
Forgive me as I step outside of my usual upbeat posting manner to point out a simple fact. There is nothing easy about a set of almost two year old twins. If you have an easy set, I’d love to hear about it.
The fact is, my girls are total joys. I love them deeply, madly, insanely. But I’m kind of on house arrest.
Whomever is in charge of the fact that indoor place spaces have no door obviously never raised toddler twins. So any group play-date that is arranged for the play space at the mall, or at the aquatic center, is pretty much out for me. Why? Because I’d rather drink coffee in my living room and watch the girls rip up the newspaper than chase them, shrieking, all over the mall.
How about the grocery store? No thanks. I think it is great that there are shopping carts designed to keep normal toddlers happy. They are shaped like fire trucks or police cars. I can get over the fact that they are probably never ever wiped down. How clever, they even have seatbelts. Guess what? My girls are Houdinis. Nothing keeps them strapped in. Those seats that normal toddlers sit in on the front of the cart? Not a chance. And if they do sit, that still leaves one running and shrieking. Sometimes I bring along an older brother (he is usually in trouble and the store with the twins is perfect punishment). Sometimes a brother can push one cart, and I can push another. Then I pretend that only one of the girls is mine if they scream. (note to self: don’t dress them alike on a grocery store trip). I’m mostly thankful for grocery delivery.
Helping drive for an older kid’s field trip? Out.
Visiting sick people at the hospital? Out.
If I was a woman of means, I would hire a nanny. I’m not kidding. These kids are testing my mothering mettle like the boys never did. The good thing is, I know that this is a phase. However, I am NOT a patient person. I don’t really want to rush them into growing up. I love them sitting and snuggling on my lap. I love the cute things they say. I love their chubby little cheeks. But I’d also love to be able to take them out in public again.
Chime in! Have you survived twoddlerhood? Any tips? Any funny stories to share to make me feel better? You know I’d love to hear from you!
Do you have twins, are expecting twins or know someone who is? Make sure you click on over to my “Got Twins?” page and learn more about the wonders of twindom! Lots of advice and experience from pregnancy, breast feeding and beyond!
You’ve got some cuties, Momma! I don’t have twins, so I can’t empathize, but I do have 4 kiddos I homeschool who are home with me ALL THE TIME, and they can truly drive me bonkers. Esp the rebellious 17 yr old! Hang in there, Momma! And cherish it. They will be approaching 18 before you know it…(yeah, I know you hear it all the time, we all do, but seriously, it’s so true).
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SERIOUSLY. I do not have twins but I think I can relate. (My kids are 8, 7, 5, 4, 2 1/2, and 1.) We don’t leave the house much either. If we do I like to keep them strapped in places when possible. Here’s a tip- strap them in the van (I assume you have a van?!) and THEN go back in the house, finish your coffee, put on your makeup, etc…
(Unless of course they have conquered the carseats too?!?)
Sometimes we just go for a drive! (A goodwill run, etc) If I do venture to the store or the library, I count it as my workout for the day!
You might like these “coping measures,” too!
http://www.weakandloved.com/p/childfaith.html
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My older set of twins are now 20. I will take them out in public. The younger set of twins are 3. They exhaust me and taking them anywhere in public is a definite stress inducer. At the same time I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. I would like an occasional nap though LOL
I have to laugh a little. I so hear you – and I only have ONE! Oh and the black dress with the silver stripe – yup, we have it too.
Feel free to drop them off when you need to shop, seriously.
We could dress up Dyl and try and pass them off as triplets!
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No twins here, but I did have my first 3 babies in 38 months (and added the 4th 28 months after that). I remember well how lonely it was to stay home but how difficult it was go anywhere, especially in the winter. Hugs to you–I know you already know this stage will pass even though it feels like an eternity right now!
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Thanks Angie:) Like I said, I know it will pass, but for now. . .it is hard. That is life this side of Heaven, I suppose!
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I had *a lot* of toddler trouble mainly because my parents were both at different times sick and in the hospital. The husband was traveling, all my friends and other family were working, and sometimes I just had to suck it up and be there in waiting rooms or their patient rooms while various procedures were happening. It was horrible. But I made the best of it with crayons, paper, small toys or a stuffed animal friend, books to read, snacks and juice. It was pretty much the same with doctor’s appointments, complicated bank visits, rehabbing and selling my parents’ house after they passed, and oh yeah, taking them to the attorney’s office which was a joy for all parties, because lawyers just *love* toddlers and preschoolers in their offices.
Having said all that I have absolutely no advice. I have blocked it all out. I just remember a lot of blushing and frustration and embarrassment and and yelling at the boys in the car, lol. I finally came to the point where I thought this just is what it is, I have to get all this stuff done, and my crying fussy kid is not going to harm these people. I have no idea on earth what I would have done with two of the same age plus more in tow!
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Yes, Shannon, I think that it is the embarrassment factor that is worst. If I was all alone at the store. . .no other customers or employees, I could probably laugh and giggle and run with the girls! (Oh to be so carefree!), but instead I feel like a failure of a parent, because I cannot even get these two little things to behave in public. Sigh.
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I GET IT!!! I had a love/hate relationship with shopping when the twins were two, wait I still have that now!
You were supposed to tell me that it magically gets better at age 3!
Twitter: dakotapam
So at least they can run around at my house for book club this month and then we’ll find a place where they can be contained.
They are so adorable. I understand how discouraging it is for you not being able to bring your twins along with you in any place you prefer. That is just how lively and energetic your twins are.
Oh, Pam!! You make me laugh!