April is a pretty busy month. I’m hosting two gatherings (my husband’s birthday, and the twins’ birthday,) plus throw in Easter and the March of Dimes’ March for Babies. Not to mention it’s Multiple Birth Awareness month. I’m kinda exhausted just thinking about it.
Luckily, I’m not doing much for my husband’s birthday. I sent an Evite, sent reminders, and sent more reminders, and that’s basically it. We’re just meeting friends at a bar for drinks after we go out to eat as a family. Last year, I did the whole “surprise” thing, and my husband was so mopey all day because he thought everyone forgot his birthday….So, there will be no surprise this year. I, of course, bought him some super awesome birthday gifts like….just kidding. You’ll have to wait because I know he’s reading this.
As for Multiple Birth Awareness, my twin club is putting together baskets of books for twins born in the hospital where we have our meetings. Also, we have a display at a local bookstore, and we’re reading “twin” stories, as well as answering “twin” questions. MOMs stands for Mothers of Multiples, which I didn’t know either, until I became one. AND Just in case you’re wondering:
No. Twins do not run in my family. (Identical twins are not genetic. The medical field is still unsure what causes the splitting of the egg.)
Yes. I do have my hands full. (But, I’d rather have them full. Both me and my babies fought hard for them to be here, and I love them very much)
Yes. They are identical. (If twins share a placenta in the womb, they are identical. Once that egg splits, their environment, including the one in the womb, has an effect on their appearance, so they don’t always look “identical.”)
Those are just the most common questions we get when we are out in public (and probably every other identical twin parent,) in case you’re wondering. My husband absolutely hates the “you have your hands full” remark, but I usually don’t mind the looks and questions too much, unless the people get too close and want to touch my babies. Remember, I’m a proud germ freak, and my babies are preemies.
BUT, I realize twins are pretty fascinating to most people, me included. So, feel free to ask questions and take a look. Just back up a little.
As a MOM (Mother of Multiples,) I thought I would include an article from the Multiples of America (also known as National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.) There is some information about the Club, and websites for those of you expecting twins, or wanting to learn more about twins.
April is National Multiple Birth Awareness month. Do you have multiples or know someone that does? Check out this amazing resource to help you or a friend connect with a large network of great support groups.
Multiples of America (Also known as The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of multiple birth children through education, research, and networking. In partnering with local support groups, health care providers, researchers, and educators, and with the highest standards of integrity, respect and professionalism, we endeavor to aid parents of multiples and to raise public awareness of the unique qualities of multiple birth families.
Multiples of America is a network of more than 250 local clubs representing nearly 25,000 parents of twins and higher order multiples. With local chapter across the United States and growing every day you are sure to find a great resource to help on you and provide friendship and support along your journey as a parent of multiples.
During the month of April, we will be working with our local chapters from across the country to spread awareness and celebrate the wonderful world of multiple birth children and their families.
Our focus is on educating our communities about the special challenges and needs of multiple birth children while celebrating the joys they bring to our families. This year we are building on the inaugural theme of educating our communities on the vast network of support groups that are available to assist families with multiple birth children.
We are looking to the community to help spread the word of National Multiple Birth Awareness month and of the support we offer to multiple birth families. We are excited to share that Multiples of America will be assisting the Toledo Mothers of Twins Club with their special Multiples Night at the Toledo Mud Hens baseball game in May. As part of Multiple Birth Awareness, Multiples of America collaborates with one club to assist in their preparation for their special event. Check out www.multiplesofamerica.com to learn more about this event and other events put on by other clubs across the United States.
Have you visited one of our Facebook pages? Please check out the links below, and join a group page or fan page now! There are even specialty pages for our Special Needs, Single Parent, and Higher Order Multiples MOMs!
Official Group of National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs https://www.facebook.com/groups/112761253575/
NOMOTC Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NOMOTC
Private Page of National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs Inc https://www.facebook.com/groups/130085290443027/
Special Needs Support of Multiples of America: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/492782544080632/
Single Parent Support with Multiples of Multiples of America: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/404179346316681/
Higher Order Multiples of Multiples of America: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/102582546554802/
We hope you will join with us and celebrate the wonderful world of multiples in the month of April.
Ashley Thomason
Marketing Coordinator Multiples of America
(also known as National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.)
Marketing@MultiplesofAmerica.org
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