Feel free to chime in, Mom if I am recalling the events incorrectly. :0) For the story purposes, I was 8.5 yrs old. Yes, the half is still important in this type of story. Haha. We were still living over at our old house and it seems like Mom had just had a party or something at the house. From my 8 year old recollection, she was having back pain for several hours and after several people were telling her to go to the doctor, she finally decided to go. I don't recall her telling me she was going to the doctor, but instead I recall being awoken by the sweet sound of Grandma's voice. "Tiffy, Tiffy...Wake up, Tiffy. Your Mom has gone to the hospital to have the babies!" From there, I have memories of being in a white hospital-esk hallway and a tiny stuffy waiting room. I remember seeing Scott come bursting out of double doors in scrubs saying "The first baby's a girl!" The little waiting room burst into excitement and we awaited him to return from the double doors. I do remember thinking it took him a lot longer to return the 2nd time until he came back and said "The 2nd one's a girl too!" I don't really recall all the important things like the conversation about Mom being OK or the girls being healthy, though I trust it took place.
I don't remember much more about that evening, but I do remember in the days that followed I was allowed to go and see the girls in the NICU. Let the record show that my most vivid memory about the preparation of this trip is the conversation Mom had with me during my bath pre-visit. Apparently she made me bathe directly before going and there was conversation about washing extra. In my head I even recall a direct quote from mom saying "Wash like you've never washed before" and knowing what I know of her, I don't doubt it at all. LOL I remember scrubbing into the NICU and getting to wear scrubs and a mask and feeling nervous about it.
From there, the memories get fuzzy. Maybe it was the beeping of their little breathing/heart monitors at all hours of the night or general disruption of an only child's world. Either way, I remember feeling more grown up from then on. Feeling as if I had to take care of these two little rats. I remember feeling protective. With two of them, it was often necessary to have me hold one of them, hold one of their hands in the parking lot, etc. so it was only fitting that I felt as though I needed to be "Mom's helper".
Be it smashing their heads in my bedroom door after a tug-of-war of "get out of my room!" or a momentary feeling of maturity when I'd make up a craft for them to do at the kitchen table...I look back at the memories of the last 21 years and feel overwhelmingly blessed. To have a little sister, one could call themselves blessed. To have two, double the pleasure. To have two little sisters...twins...both who've become beautiful, intelligent, strong women that bear their hearts on their sleeves...well that's special.
Thank you Lord for Alex and Hannah. For "Aunt Al" and "Aunt Nan", I thank you.
To Alex and Hannah, Happy Birthday! Here's to the next 21 years. May we have less head bashing, more crafts at the table, and a continued growing friendship. I love you!
P.s. Can this suffice as your birthday present? haha
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