When I first found out I was having twins, I was ecstatic. Everyone knows that babies are adorable, and I was about to have not one but two precious little ones to love on. Knowing moms of multiples who had been in my shoes tried to warn me of what lied ahead, but I brushed off any warnings about twins being more than just "double trouble." After all, I'd managed to care for all 7 of my baby dolls growing up. And babies slept a lot, right? How much harder could having twins be, really?
The truth is, the nuts and bolts of having twins — the sleepless nights, the around-the-clock feedings, the constant and never-ending piles of tiny dirty laundry — isn't something anyone can really prepare for. Twin parents become masters at multitasking. They're able to feed a baby with one hand while burping the other. They learn how to navigate stores graciously while people treat their babies like tiny celebrities, answering the same questions over and over (identical or fraternal? Who's older?) when all they really want to do is grab milk and bread and get home before the next feeding.
But the joy and love that comes with having twins is so huge, so powerful and awe-inspiring, it makes every single double diaper blowout and all the other hard parts completely worth it. Twins share an amazing bond, and getting to watch that relationship blossom (even when they're causing trouble) is the best.
Wonder what it's like to have wombmates that became roommates? These 20 photos perfectly sum up what life is like as a twin parent.
Buried Under Babies
It's impossible to get anything done when buried under two sleeping babies.
Double Fisting It
Nothing says multitasking mama like feeding two babies bottles at the same time.
Bottles for Days
With twins, the dishes never end — this haul is just a single night's worth of feedings.
Back-to-Back Babies
When there's only one baby swing at the playground, a mama knows how to get creative (and get the cutest photo ever!)
One Strong Mama
When both babies want to be held at once, twin moms know that two carriers are the way to go. But what happens when mom has to go to the bathroom? Don't ask.
A Serious Balancing Act
Caring for two babies at once is a constant balancing act, but this mom makes it seem like a total breeze!
So Much Laundry!
Double the spit up and diaper explosions mean the washer is always going. On the plus side, the soothing sounds of suds sloshing can help the babies fall asleep.
But When Does Mom Eat?
Feeding time with twins can feel like a mini assembly line. Everything goes smoothly until someone rejects their pureed carrots.
Mom, She's Touching Me!
Having a twin means always having a best buddy … and always having someone to bug.
We'll Take Two
Having twins means doubles of everything (and still watching them fight over the same toy!)
Double Trouble
Think one toddler can make a mess in a flash? Twin toddlers can demolish a house in the time it takes for mom to run to the bathroom.
The Shopping Cart Paradox
It's a problem every twin parent knows well. Put both kids in one cart but have no room for food? Or form a double cart chain and risk taking down an end cap full of cereal boxes?
Snack Snatcher
Twins share everything, and for them, that includes whatever looks good on each other's plate.
Cribmates
Twin parenting milestone: Waking up in the morning to find the twins have crawled into the same crib.
Totally in Sync
Some say twins have a psychic connection. Who knows for sure, but some are definitely in sync with each other.
Forever Besties
With twins, there's never a need to set up play dates. Everything they do becomes a fun time with their bestie.
Picture Problems
Getting one baby to sit still and smile for a photo is tricky. Two? Good luck!
Binge Watching & Bottles
Despite the sleepless nights and mountains of diapers and laundry, it's the sweet moments like this that make twin moms say it's all worth it.
Epic Fashions
Newborns are a lot like living dolls. Having twins means double the dress-up fun!
Super Stroller
A beast to wrestle through store doorways and nearly impossible to fit in a car trunk, twin strollers are massive, but a twin parent must-have nonetheless.
