I am mom to two sets of twins. My fraternal boys were 26 months old when my identical girls were born. They are now in elementary school (whew!). Life is hectic, but I love it!
Many people ask me, “What are the odds of having two sets of twins?” Ann Barrows, author of “The Magic Half“ – a children’s book featuring two sets of twins, has compiled some interesting twin statistics, including the odds of having two sets of twins — which she puts at 1 in 50,000.
Yes, we had fertility help with the boys (the first set)… but the girls were just a total surprise. Yes, we were happy to be pregnant again… Yes, we were very surprised to learn they were twins again. My husband used to joke that when he was a kid, if he did something wrong, he’d have to do it over again — so that must be God’s way of saying “Try Again”.
Our lives are complex and difficult on many levels — like yours, I’m sure. My motto in raising twins has always been, “You do what you have to do.” And another favorite of mine, “It’s all relative.”
Everyone’s lives are complex and difficult. Parents of singletons have sleepless nights, aging parents / grandparents, difficulties at work, job changes or job loss, moves to new homes, children with special needs… stress. We have experienced these things and more, and hope our experiences can help you with your experiences.
I don’t know what it means to sit back and relax… I lost that ability with the arrival of my first set of twins. Many people over the years have told me that I should write a book — so now that all 4 kids are in school all day, I’m making a go of it. It’s not that I feel I am an “expert” — but rather that I’ve learned so much from my fellow mommies over the years, and I’d love to share it.
Happy Birthday to Survival and Beyond! Kat, I know you will be a great support to parents of multiples! My cousin is being induced with triplets on Friday…I’ll let her know about your site when she comes up for air!
Julie Guest
Congrats Kat, this is very impressive! I’m proud of you
Kassia
What a wonderful and refreshing site written by a mom who obviously “really knows” the downright craziness of having multiples (two sets even, I am so impressed!).
Congratulations to you for putting this site together. It is very informative and I look forward to checking back often.
Stacey Vandell
http://www.alototots.com
Thanks, Stacy!
Hey everyone, be sure to check out Stacy’s website — lots of great stuff for busy families of multiples!
Hi there! I noticed your comment on Problogger. I don’t have twins, but I do have boys six months apart (due to adoption) and a daughter that is two years older.
I think your blog can fill a need out there for those with multiples!
Jamie
Thanks Jamie –
You officially qualify for a membership in some twins clubs (my particular club’s by-laws state that adoptive parents of children born within 6 months of each are qualified to join). What a wonderful thing you did in adopting internationally. If our particular craziness hadn’t happened, I think we’d have been on that track, too.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Kat
I recently came across a book featuring two sets of twins. The author has compiled some interesting statistics, including the odds of having two sets of twins — which she puts at 1 in 50,000.
Check it out:
http://www.anniebarrows.com/magichalf/stuff/
Hey Catherine – nice blog! I too have twins – but only one set! Your children are absolutely adorable!
Hi there,
Your blogs are great, so helpful and honest for multiple families. I am the editor for a Multiple Birth club in Sydney Australia and thought your article on stopping the bad behaviour with the stop medicine was great. Would you allow me to use it in next months newsletter? I would definately put your information and a link to your website in. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks
Thanks for asking, Julie. At this point, I am usually open to having multiple clubs use my articles, if asked, and when proper credit is included. I will contact you via email to discuss further.
What a wonderful resource! I am so glad you told me about your blog, and will tell others about it as well. I wish you the best with your book. I am also writing a book, and know it’s a lot of work. Hopefully I can meet you sometime at Northshore. Happy 2010! Cherrie
http://www.cherriemac.wordpress.com
Fannies: Reflections on Cookie Dough, Life, and Your Derriere
Hi Catherine –
I just stumbled on your blog and am very interested in using your articles for our newsletter. Can you contact me so that we can talk about that? I am President of my twins club in Boulder.
Thanks!!
Nikki
Hi!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier and leaving a comment.
I’m very pleased to have found your site. What a great resource for parents (and expectant parents) of twins!
You are soooo lucky to have blessed with twins twice! I feel very privileged to be a mum of twins. Yes, it can be hard work (especially in the early months) but the rewards make it so worthwhile.
I only have my one set of twin girls, who are now five years old. I am VERY “clucky” at the moment, and would love to have another baby (or babies! LOL)
Annette
http://www.mammakerr.com
I’m also a mom of two sets of twins (5 y/o fraternal girls and 22 m/o fraternal boys). I’ll have to keep stopping by to keep up with your journey since you’re a bit further along than I am. My girls are in school, but not the boys.
Two sets of twins! Amazing. I had one set eight years ago and what a challenge that was. Looking forward to reading more of your blob.
I am a MOM to 2 sets of twins, too. Both were a total surprise! I have 2 sets of b/g fraternal twins. Older twins were also 26 months old when baby twins were born! They are now 3 and 1.
I also have a motto, well two really: 1) It is what it is and 2) You just DO. These are my most common responses to the questions people ask when they learn I have 2 sets of twins.