Once you celebrate your twins’ first birthday, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You made it. You did it. You survived.
Looking back at my twin daughters’ first year, I’m amazed at how quickly the time has gone.
The first year is an evolution, not just for the twins, but for you as a dad.
From Shock to Normal
When we found out we were having twins, I was in shock. Even after the girls were born, I’d find myself in disbelief that we had two little babies. Now, it is no longer an anomaly, but rather part of life and I can’t imagine life without my little girls.
When we go out as a family or travel, people stop and stare at our twins in the double stroller. I’m so used to having my girls with me that I’m surprised that they draw so much attention. (Well, they are cute, after all…)
From Identical to Unique
Since we had identical girls, I started out paranoid that I couldn’t always tell them apart. As the months went on, I was disappointed with myself as a dad when I couldn’t immediately identify which baby girl that was across the room.
However, even from the beginning, each girl had a distinct personality. This continued to blossom and develop to the point where they physically look different to me now because of their personality, actions, and mannerisms.
It was a joyful realization when I could answer the “how do you tell them apart?” question with a simple “I just know.”
From Overwhelm to No Problem
The logistics of handling two babies at the same time was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Sleep deprivation, rapid fire diaper changes, feedings, burpings, naps, etc. all took a physical and mental toll on my wife and I.
But guess what? Your twins don’t stay babies forever. By the first year mark, the feeling of being overwhelmed has been replaced by more independent little babies, healthy habits, schedules, and the beginnings of communication.
Now you’re in a sweet spot of just making sure your twins get their food, sleep, and diapers changed. You figured out how to do all those things long ago, and now they are routine. You can enjoy interacting with your twins and not have to worry as much about how to take care of them.
What I Should Have Done
I’m sure I made mistakes, but if I check those against my primary goals–keep my girls (wife included) alive, healthy, and happy–I think I did fine.
I know my girls approve because they happily squawk “dada” while scooting over the floor to me when I get home from work.
When I look back at my girls’ first year, I have just one big regret. I didn’t get more pictures of the two of them and me together. I was usually the photographer and thus rarely found myself in front of the camera.
Look Ahead
No matter the regrets or successes of your twins’ first year, now is the time to set yourself up for success.
Going into the twins’ second year, you can correct what you feel is amiss and add in the new traditions and routines you feel are important.
If you weren’t around as much as you wanted in your babies’ first year, make a change now. They won’t remember that first year. You will.
As your twins get older, they will remember more that will stick with them for a lifetime. Will they remember you being there? Let’s hope so.
 | Are you expecting twins? Be ready. Be prepared. Be confident. |
