Eleven Twin Things

Eleven years ago today was the happiest day of my life to that point. Our twins were born.

Maybe it was that we had a five year struggle to get them here that made their arrival so miraculous, so joyful. I have still not come down from the thrill of having them.

In honor of # 11 I would like to share eleven sweet things about having twins.

1. They came with a bond that only twins can share. Although they each had their own nursery, they had to sleep together in the same crib or else they cried. In the morning when they would wake up, Lincoln's forehead would be plastered in Rachel's boogies from snuggling up during the night.

2. They also came with all boy, all girl personalities. Rachel is everything pink and sparkly. Lincoln is all about anything that involves a ball.

3. Although they are very different, they complement each other. Rachel keeps Linc organized and on time, Lincoln reminds Rach that mud pies and being goofy are good things.

4. They always have each other to lean on. When Lincoln was eight, he had to try out for baseball in front of about 200 people. He worried and worried for a solid week about how it would go. When the day finally arrived he bravely stepped up and did his best. I could see the fatigue and relief in his face as he finished and walked toward me. I held out my arms. He passed right by me and collapsed in Rachel's arms instead.

5. They are each others biggest fans. When Lincoln is up to bat, Rachel gets so nervous, she can barely look. On dance recital day, Lincoln sits through two recitals in a row without complaint.

6. They take care of each other. One day I was volunteering in their kindergarten class. They came in. Lincoln took off his backpack and handed it to Rachel. She went and hung up both backpacks. While she was doing that, he went and found their name cards and put them on the floor.

Rachel makes sure Lincoln gets his vitamins each day. Often when Linc is getting a drink or a bowl of cereal, he will ask Rach if she wants something.

7. They defend each other. Last summer I took them and some friends to the park. Some older boys were following Rachel and her friend around, trying to talk to them. Lincoln and his buddy noticed and came up with a plan. They went up to the older boys and Linc yelled, "Stay AWAY from my sister!" then Lincoln and his friend ran away as fast as they could.

8. They are teaching each other how to get along with the opposite sex. Rachel reminds Linc that girls don't like boys who burp and are loud. Lincoln informs Rachel that boys like girls who know how the game of football is played.

9. They know each other inside out, kind of like an old married couple. They finish each others sentences. They know the other's likes, dislikes better than I do.

10. They rarely argue. They get annoyed with each other now and then but they have never hit the other or called him or her a name. I can't remember them ever yelling harshly at each other.

11. They are my joy. There is nothing I would rather do than be their mom. It is my privilege in every way. They are double the joy and double the fun. They are not perfect kids but they are the perfect kids for me.

Happy Birthday my twins! I love you.