While I was pregnant I spent a lot of time talking to parents of twins, researching online about twins, and just overall soaking up as much knowledge about them. Now that I have 5-month-old twins of my own, I have learned
that fraternal twins are different than identical twins.
Everyone has this preconceived notion that all twins are the same. The built in best friend. Inseparable since birth. "Two
for the price of one." This may be the case for identical twins but not so much for fraternal (well at least my little ones). They rivaled in the womb. Juls was a little rough with Liv. She kicked her a few times. I guess being the smaller one; she tried to
be tough lol. For the first few months they basically ignored each other. I guess I can't complain, after all they never woke each other up from their cries.
I can't say I wasn't
a bit disappointed at first. I've heard stories about twins not wanting to be separated, sleeping in the same cribs, constantly holding hands. I thought, how cute!!! I want that. However, I did see the silver lining. I got two individuals with completely different
personalities yet a lot of similarities. Like the way they will asleep with a blanket: swaddled, with their left arm out and head tilted to the right. I got to experience the moment when they first became aware that there was another baby in the room, someone
similar to themselves, someone they were curious about. That curious look they had on their face before realizing they do have a built in best friend, someone exactly their age and related. That tiny smile began to form.
Over the last few weeks, their interaction has increased. It has been soo much fun. Juliana would stare and Olivia would giggle. Liv would touch Juls with her hand and Juls would smile ear to ear. A few times, they even briefly
held hands as they lay side by side on a blanket.
The ultimate moment occurred in church this past weekend. As Eric and I each held one over our shoulder, I caught a glimpse
of both of these precious sisters staring at each other. They moved towards one another and grabbed each other’s hand and smiled. They knew they were sisters, they knew they were twins. Moments like this are what it is all about.
While my "fraternal" twins may want different toys at times, want to do things on their own at times, even hang out with different people at times, I know there will be moments where they will not want to
leave each other alone. Fraternal twins are special because they have the obvious characteristics and mannerisms of being twins yet completely different looks, personalities and developmental levels as if they were just your average siblings. They are the
whole package deal, and such a joy to be around.