What It Takes To Be The Superdad of Twin Babies

The reason for writing

Sharing this story about how our lives changed overnight and how the twins came to be with us has brought back a lot of memories. To catch up from the beginning, you can read these posts here: Intro, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8.

Writing this all out has also reminded me how much Matt and I have grown through the process. While this is the "twin blog" it's really more our story of being parents and what we're learning about raising two beautiful girls.

The man of the hour

I want to dedicate this post to the one who I couldn't be doing this without. Since we've been married, our lives have been in 5th gear. Not necessarily in any kind of thrilling way, more like the feeling that if you stop, life is going to run you over. Matt has had to go through a lot since our marriage ... and I think most of the drama has been from my side. Not only has he stuck it out with me, he's guided me and encouraged me. I know I'm a stronger, wiser person because of him.

Being a dad

Fatherhood is daunting in and of itself. Becoming a father overnight (and then being away for the first two weeks) even more so. When Matt got home, he jumped right in. I've already mentioned how he stayed up with the girls that first night so I could get some sleep. He learned how to make bottles, wear a Mobi wrap, and do the laundry.

 

The lessons came at him, fast and furious. At the time, I didn't appreciate how much he was learning under the intensity of it all. We were both trying to survive, care for twins, work our jobs, and adjust to the responsibilities of parenthood. But I know the struggle was harder for Matt. I had a lot of practice in the child-care department while most everything was brand new to him.

A different guy

Our shortcomings were really evident in the first few weeks of becoming parents. Some things were surprising and others we had overlooked when it was just the two of us. But with two little people needing our attention, we realized we had to deal with our shortcomings whether we wanted to or not.

Six months later and I can say that Matt is more self-sacrificing and perceptive than he used to be. He stays up late to wash dishes and bottles. He vacuums and takes care of the laundry. He plays with the girls and is getting better at figuring out why they're upset. There are even a few meals he's learned to make!

Looking after the family

I know he doesn't think anything of it, but I appreciate him most when he's looking after us as a family. We don't own a car, so we call a Grab or an Uber to pick us up. After we put the babies in the car, Matt folds up our gear and loads it into the trunk. Then he does it all in reverse when we arrive.

He's always got an eye on our surroundings and I know the girls and I are safe with him.

Being a dad is hard work.

Happy anniversary @ironmanmatt! I love you!
Thanks for being a wonderful husband and a terrific father!

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And thanks to those who are faithfully following the twin blog! Please note that I'll be posting these an hour earlier. I hope this allows you to check back at that optimal time (20-25 minutes after the post) so you can cash in for the best curation rewards!

If you're interested in reading the beginning of our story:

• Surprise, we have twins! The story behind why I fell off the face of Planet Steemit...
• Babies can be victims of human trafficking too
• Bringing home the twins
• They don't come with a manual | Taking care of twins
• Two love stories and understanding the twins' loss
• Feeding the twins, feeding ourselves, and working full-time
• Twins, not twins & going out with preemie babies
• Taking a family vacation with twins to Cameron Highlands
• Night intruder | Our vacation to Cameron Highlands continued
• Ending the year as parents and celebrating the twins' first Christmas