Our third Twinterview guest post is with Karen who founded the amazing kids travel blog ‘Mini Travellers‘. She’s bravely stepped up to the plate and has agreed to answer the questions that every new parent of twins would love to know!
How did you feel when you first found out you were having twins?
Absolutely horrified initially! Lily was only 5 months old when we went for our first scan and they suggested it ‘might’ be twins. It was a really early scan and they couldn’t quite tell.
The week later they ‘knew’.
Did you have a straightforward pregnancy?
Actually yes, although as they were identical twins I was scanned every couple of weeks, to check they weren’t developing TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome). I was terrified when I first read all about it and worried every time I went for a scan. But actually it all worked out fine and I carried the girls to 35 plus 4 weeks.
How was your birth experience?
I had a C-section booked for 37 weeks but didn’t quite get there as my waters broke at 35 weeks so I had a C-section the next day. My girls were born at great weights; 5lb 13oz and 6lb 1oz.
My Cesarean didn’t quite work out though and I was quite poorly afterwards.
How did you cope with having twins in the early days?
As we had a 13 month old and newborn twins, it was pretty difficult.
We had already decided to hire a nanny though, for when I went back to work (which I did at 6 months), so Carolyn came and did 3 days a week with me, from when they were born. She came Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so if I didn’t leave the house on a Wednesday or a Friday it didn’t matter.
Those days on my own were long and hard. Three in nappies, three lots of bottles, three lots of crying (actually make that four!). I actually don’t remember too much of those first few months.
Did/do you have an essential ‘must-have’ item and what is it?
A second kettle! I didn’t breast feed and in the special care unit the babies were given room temperature milk. We carried on when we came home and it was the best thing. No warming milk in the middle of the night!
What is the best thing about being a parent of multiples?
Now the best thing is the cuddles. You are never ever left feeling unloved and there is always someone wanting to give you and get some love.
And the worst?
The constant competition. My three make everything into a contest and strive to win. Fantastic future qualities but exhausting for mum.
And finally, what would your top tip be for any new — or soon to be —parent of twins?
Accept any help anyone offers you. When they are first born you might think you are ok – or want to prove something. If you say ‘no thanks’ then most people won’t ask again. So say ‘yes!’ – even if at that point in you don’t need it.
You are likely to want the help at some point and you don’t want to have scared them off!!
For some fantastic holiday ideas, destination reviews and things to do with the kids pop over to Karen’s fantastic blog or follow her on Twitter.
If you’re a parent of multiples— twins, triplets or more — and would like to share your experiences, in a ‘Twinterview’, please get in touch I’d love to hear from you!
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
You are a superwoman for coping with such young children all at the same time. I didn’t know they were identical either, I knew they looked alike but didn’t realise it was official if you get what I mean lol. x
Isn’t she?! I think it’s nothing short of amazing! A true superwoman, in every sense of the word! X
Amazing lady. I thought 4 under 4 was hard work. I don’t think I could have coped with a 13 month gap. Superwoman
Amazing isn’t it?! I perhaps could have coped with triplets — but another child in a slightly different routine? I don’t think I would have known what I was doing from one day to the next!! That’s an incredible juggling act!! x
I am Ada and I co-hosted ALL ABOUT YOU today. Thanks so much for joining us. I love meeting new friends and new bloggers so welcome by. Thanks.
Thanks for hosting Ada – and for your comment x
3 under 2! That is incredible, what an amazing Mummy you must be after all that practice! Archie is over 1 now and I still don’t think I could handle another quite yet, haha.
It IS incredible isn’t it?! As I had IVF I knew there was a chance I was having twins, but Karen had identical twins!!! A fluke of nature! I would have been totally shocked — especially if I already had one child! :)
Blimey I feel worn out reading this, you are an amazing Mum Karen a superwoman. xx
Me too!! I’ve first hand experience of looking after newborn twins but I can’t imagine throwing a 13 month old into the mix as well!! X
I read Mini Travellers a lot of love it! This is an interesting blog feature =)
Thanks so Merlinda — it’s lovely to get a feel for the real person behind the blog isn’t it? I had no idea initially that Karen had identical twins! X
Three under two – you are one brave woman! I struggle with one set of sticky little fingers :-) Great post. Loved it xxx
It’s a real eye opener isn’t it? Makes you realise how amazingly resilient some people can be!! Just brilliant! :) Thanks for your comment Katie xx
Wow, Karen what can I say?! I don’t know how you did it but you are amazing!! Those days on your own must have been so hard but seeing all your girls grown up now must be so rewarding, they really are beautiful and you made it though!
Loving these interview too Caro, so interesting to read everyone’s experiences! xx
I totally agree — those early days must have been so tough, but the reward is now 3 gorgeous girls — all so close in age too! Just lovely! Thanks so much for your comment Hayley xx
Hi, I am Ada — I appreciated reading this as a mom to a 2-year old. Even raising her alone is a challenge, let alone having two more little ones under the age of 2. What a beautiful and brave mommy. Your twins are beautiful by the way, Caro.
Thanks so much Ada — Karen’s story is amazing isn’t it?! I have huge respect for her! And thank you by the way — that’s lovely of you to say! :) X
Wpw. I think that would possibly be my worst nightmare to have three kids that close in age and all in nappies. Urgh! Hats off to anyone who came through that and hell yeah on the accepting help/hiring a nanny thing!! They will be a little posse when they’re older which is fab! X Thanks for linking up to #thetruthabout this week!
The mind boggles doesn’t it?! Although having dealt with two, I think after the initial shock — once a routine was established — dealing with a third would almost be like a production line!! Only assuming this though — was it Karen?! Thanks for your comment Sam! X