When did this happen?

My husband and I find ourselves saying that to one another quite often. Juggling one baby and then the other, each trying to pry his or her way from our arms, we can't help but look and ask "When did this happen?"

Of course we know when it happened. And how. Where is also understood. The why. Well the why was evading us for some time I will admit. The why and the how are both difficult to understand at first, because, wow, how is one to handle such an obstacle? But, once those little babies were in my arms both were immediately apparent. Having twins is both a blessing and an obstacle. But the hurdles are well worth the prize.

I think any mother of twins will admit, whether they are fraternal or paternal, that once arrived, she cannot imagine having one without the other. They are a pair. They compliment one another quite well. While my son is laid back, my daughter is quite the diva. Apparently, when the nurses wheeled her into the nursery from the delivery room the song "Wild Thing" was playing on the radio. My doctor, a woman with a very stern demeanor, but gentle in her own way, had to laugh. For while he had been born with no difficulties what-so-ever, my daughter had to born by emergency c-section. She was hiding. Perhaps seeing her brother suddenly vanish into the light scared her, because she jumped up underneath my ribs and would not come down.

They are now 6 months old, and she is still my needy one. She is much like her daddy in the fact that she wants to be constantly entertained. Seeing this now, I am so glad she has a brother to play with in the future. Their bond is already very strong. Every night when I check on them before I go to bed, they have scooted their way toward each other, until they are either holding hands, or leaning their heads together. I don't care who you are, that is precious.

The twins are not, however, the only light in my life. I also have another son, who will be turning 5 in only a couple of months. It's funny watching boys grow up. They hit these crazy growth spurts and before you know it, shoot up inches at a time. After the babies were born we cut his hair, which had always been long, into a neat little crew cut. I cried. And over night he grew up. He no longer looked like my baby boy, but like a full grown kid. He is the best little man a mom could ask for. Always polite and considerate, he loves his brother and sister so much and is such a great big brother. The dynamic is so nice right now, I know I need to soak it up and appreciate every last drop because I can already see the scene in 5 years.

Enter Oldest son: "Mom! GT won't quit bugging me!"
Enter Youngest son: "Mom! AK won't quit stealing my toys and RayRay won't let me play with him!"
Enter diva: "Mom! They're being mean to me!"

For now, he loves them. He gives them kisses on the cheek and they both light up when he enters the room. AK (my daughter) giggles and squeals when he dances for her, and GT (my youngest son) belly laughs when they play peek-a-boo. These moments are my saving grace when it later seems like they are ganging up on me. RayRay (my oldest son) will be asking me a million questions, while AK yells in defiance, and GT screams as he tries out his voice.

When my husband walks in the door at the end of the day it is such a blessing. I now truly have the greatest respect for single moms, because I would lose my frigging mind if I did not have that help at the end of the day. Although there are places in our relationship where we don't completely agree or go about things the same way, in parenting we are almost always on the same page. We have a rhythm that is smooth like clockwork, and we have learned from past mistakes, that when we need help, we just say so. Communication is key.

At the end of the day, when the babies have been fed, bathed, and are down for the count, we still stare at them in the crib. To have two is still surreal. It's one more than we ever counted on having, but a true blessing in disguise. I see big Christmas' in our future, peewee football, and piano recitals. I also see the scrapes and bruises, broken hearts, and things to be mended, but I'm looking forward to it.

When you're young it feels like you're forever waiting for it. Waiting for your life to start. This is it. This is your life. This moment, this day. And this, well, I've finally realized, this is my life.