Instructions for Approaching a Mom of New Twins

****Before you start feeling bad for me or start looking up names of "happy drugs" for me to take, just know that I wrote this so I could laugh. Today in church the sermon was all about being able to laugh through difficult times. Taking this to heart, I wrote these down. Also, I wanted to remember these truths for when I am far removed from them and I will be the one who forgets what to say and what not to say to a new mom. Don't worry...I'm happy...I'm okay...I'm fine"****

Things that a new mom of twins will lie about:

"I'm doing great" (anything above "I'm fine" is a lie)

"It's not that bad" (It is that bad, but they are cute and totally worth it!)

Things you should never say to a mom of new twins:

"Oh, I always wanted twins" (we might be tempted to hand them over)

"How are you doing?" (without a box of tissues in hand as you wait for the answer)

"What a blessing" (we know it is, we just don't want to hear it yet)

"You've got your hands full!" (Really? REALLY?! You think I didn't notice that?)

"Are you getting any sleep?" (The answer will always be no, remind us that we are not sleeping, and bring tears. Just don't bring up the sleep thing)

"Just call me" (It's not going to happen and then we feel guilty about not calling)

And if you are out and about and don't know the person with twins, just sneak a peak as they walk by and smile. We don't want to be rude and ignore people, but if we stopped to tell everyone everything about the babies we would not get anything done. I'm thinking about making a flyer to pass out to people so I can keep walking. I know seeing two babies is cool, but it's just two babies not two unicorn babies which I have to admit I would have to stop and talk to that person, too. Two babies means I have more things to get and less time to get them, so please just let me keep walking.

Things you should say to a mom of new twins:

"Hang in there" (Encouraging and realistic)

"It's nice to see that you can still smile" (A nice reminder that we might actually be smiling)

"Can I hold a baby?" (ALWAYS! I actually let total strangers hold these babies, left them with all the nurses and receptionist when I went into the doctors, and even let Tristan's 13 year old sunday school teacher hold them)

"Here's some chocolate" (Thank you)