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Are They Twins???

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“Are they twins?” This is a question I get asked more times than not when I take Emma and Lily out somewhere. Most, reading this who follow me, know that they are only 16 months apart. Emma was born in July 2009 and Lily was born in November 2010 (as the math teacher I was in my previous life that adds up to indeed 16 months).

We go to Target to run a few errands and I probably get asked this question a dozen times. We go to Stop and Shop, the mall, the park (in warmer weather), out to eat (when I am feeling brave), and even their doctor’s office (other patient’s parents) and yes I get asked this question over and over again.

The thing is Emma was born at 39 weeks term, but was only 5 lbs. 15 ozs. So, she wasn’t even 6 lbs at birth. She was the tiniest baby I ever laid eyes on that wasn’t a preemie and even my mom when she held her right after I delivered her remarked by saying, “This baby is tiny, tinier than you were at birth.”


And good old mom was right again, because like I said she was indeed tiny and small for her gestational age, but she was bright, alert and according to my doctor, who has delivered countless babies, “Won the award for most alert and awake baby after delivery!”

That said, Emma has always been small and when it came time for the wonderful growth chart that the pediatricians have, she actually had her own, because of this.

Then, of course, I had Lily and she weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 ozs. Yup, she was just normal and average for her gestational age. At this point Emma, of course, looked older. But as months and then now years have gone by the weight gap has pretty much closed in. The girls were roughly about the same weight at their last checkups, except Emma is still taller than Lily. But if they are seated, they practically look the same size.

So, you got it, this is why I hear the twin comments more often then not. And even though my followers know that they aren’t twins, even they when I post pictures make similar comments about them looking like twins. I have to admit, I do find it a bit comical and even entertaining, because how can I not after hearing it so many times over now.

But I am also getting tired of explaining this when I go out somewhere, because I feel like I should have a tape recored message to just repeat the same story again and again. I got to thinking though after writing this post and am debating something.

Should I just answer that they are twins for those who don’t know us and will probably never lay eyes on us again? Because it can be quite exhausting to have to keep explaining that they are 16 months apart to complete strangers constantly. What do you think? What would you do?

Disclaimer: For those who don’t know me, let me reassure you I am not a habitual liar and I would actually never do this, but I just couldn’t resist to poke fun at this situation, because like I said I hear this too many times now that I have truly lost count. This was just my humorous attempt to make light of this one. Hope you enjoyed!!

Sisters or Twins??!!
Sisters or Twins??!!

Also, I am guest co-hosting the Sunday Super Sync Blog Bop over on Nugget on a Budget and Dawn’s Disaster. Please join us and link up.

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #24!

Rules for the “Super-est” hop ever:

1)  Link up a family-friendly post (or your homepage if it will always be decent, please not to another hop) that you think is SUPER!
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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. erintheirishmama says

    I used to get that question all of the time too. My boys are basically 19 months apart. I just joke and say "yeah, irish twins". I always judged my reaction based on the person saying it. If it was an old lady I would make a cute joke. But if it was someone who was off I would just say yup twins and move along. My boys don't even look too much alike so I have been getting it a little less these days.

    Your girls are just too cute!!!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Oh thanks Erin and so nice to actually here it isn't just me. I do get a kick out of it most times, but every once in awhile I just want to scream, "No, they aren't!" I guess when you hear this often enough you can't help, but get frustrated at times, especially when some people border on being rude when they ask you this question.

  3. Ashley Moore says

    My girls are 15 months apart, and I have only been asked that a handful of times mainly because my oldest is above average for height and my younger daughter is below. But as soon as the younger one opens her mouth they begin to wonder again because she speaks and acts older then my oldest! lol

    • Janine Huldie says

      Lol, Ashley. See I have the exact opposite as far as height and weight leading people to believe that they are twins. As for the mouth of my younger daughter, she was speaking in phrases at 13 months old and sentences before she was even 18 months old. So yes people think she is older than she is based on that, as well and can totally relate!!

  4. Camille Griffiths says

    Well twins or not, they sure are cute. They definitely look like sisters. 🙂 I'm sure it gets annoying everyone asking if their twins. I sort of know how you feel because I get asked the same thing over and over these days… Is she your first? Is she your first? No, my 4 year old is at school. Then they stare at me like I'm a teenage mother, lol.

  5. Kat Biggie says

    Sure, if it's a stranger, just say yes and move on! Lol. They are cute! If you think 5 lb was small, imagine having a 1lb10 oz baby! I was scared to touch her! She has yet to et on the normal growth chart!!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Love it and thanks for giving me the seal of approval on that!! 🙂 I can't even imagine 1lb 10ozs, but she is a miracle for all intents in purposes and am honestly just so happy that she made it, as I know you are too. As for the growth chart, we too will probably never be on a normal one at least not for a very long time, but Emma is perfect to me in every way that counts 🙂

  7. The Next Step says

    I do not see anything wrong at all with telling complete strangers who butt into your life a little white lie. "are they twins?" – yes – "ooooh, which one is older?" – Emma – "oh GARSH, you must have YOUR hands full!" – yes.

    The only lie there is the first yes – and it saves you a tons of time explaining something that is really none of their business.

    My mom once told me, "if anyone is crass enough to ask you if your jewelry is real, you go right ahead and tell them YES"
    🙂

  9. Rose A says

    I think I've seen someone on here saying they were twins, because I remember thinking, 'they're not twins,' but only because I've been here and know from your posts. They do look a lot alike. Thanks for hosting. 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Rose. It is funny, because as I was writing this I think someone made a comment how they look alike and remembered thinking I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but just something that is on my mind and that I keep hearing that I wanted to share and clarify a bit. My pleasure hosting!! 🙂

  10. Cyndi says

    You could say, "nope, just close in age, thank you" – that might make 'em not question you further. I hope you're having a wonderful Sunday! Don't forget to take time to smell the flowers…er…melting snowflakes. Haha.

  11. Bill says

    it's funny, but that thought never dawned on me. I never for a second thought they were twins. Still looking at their picture I don't think that. Weird. All I know is that they are adorable. 🙂

  13. Janine Huldie says

    Wow, that lady sounds about as dumb as they come!! But seriously kind of frightens me how some people are really that slow on the uptake. Thanks Kelly for sharing and putting a bit of a smile on my face with your story!! 🙂

  14. Kiersten McMonagle says

    I'm popping over here with Super Sunday Sync, and I'm so glad I did!
    I can definitely see how everyone thinks they're twins – they're both so adorable.
    <3 Kiersten
    agooddaysunshine.blogspot.com
    (I'm definitely following – here, on Twitter, FB, and Bloglovin'!)

  17. Judy Haughton-James says

    I thought they were twins until I read some of your posts. They resemble each other and are beautiful. I know what it is like to be asked this question a lot as I was born one of identical twins. I just gave a quick answer and moved on. Thanks for co-hosting and have a good week.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Oh thanks Judy and I love seeing all the pictures of you and your sister too on your site. Don't get me wrong, I love that they are so close in age and to each other, but will admit getting asked this question time and again when I know the answer I guess can frustrate me as I said. Thank you for being so kind and hope you too have a great week!! 🙂

  18. The Sadder But Wiser says

    When I first started reading your blog I thought they were twins, but as I read on realized I was wrong. Either way, double the cuteness in your house! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      And a totally valid mistake especially, because from my top pictures you could definitely mistake them from that, but I get asked this when people see them up close and personal, too. Again they do look similar and can't take that away from anyone, but I guess as I have stated before when she here the same comment over and over you get a bit tired of explaining!! Thanks though and hope you are having a great weekend 🙂

  19. Leslie says

    My friend and I went to Disney once and we would get tons of questions if we were sisters and we would say no and it got so tiring with all the follow up questions and that was just a few days so I can see how this would get tiring. By the end of the trip we were just saying yes, it was much easier that way! LOL!

    Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
    Leslie

  20. lablover22 says

    In my opinon, I'd just say they are sisters and 16 months apart. Simple as… I think the fact that you had two kids that close together will take the conversation in that direction rather than forcing you to have to explian yet again why they are so similar in size. One of my BFFs has two boys 15 months apart and the #1 question she gets is, "On purpose?!?" Haha!
    Vicky http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com

  21. Emily says

    Ugh, I could see how that would be annoying to answer that question over and over…I have friends who DO have twins who constantly get asked the question if they are fraternal or identical…I guess my advice would be to just say, "no, they are just close in age." and leave it at that. I used to get comments all the time that my boys looked so much alike…I suppose people just love commenting on other people's kids!

  22. Janine Huldie says

    I totally agree that people just love commenting on other people's kids and could see how it would be annoying though to have to answer if the kids are identical or fraternal. Thanks for sharing though Emily!! 🙂

  24. Paula J says

    Hi Janine! Just found you through the blog hop at Dawn's Disaster and I've just added you on G+. Your girls are super cute 🙂

    Have a great week,
    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

  25. Katie Knight says

    You could very sweetly say {with surprise in your voice} "Why? Do they look like twins?" Of course, the person will be a little stunned to have been asked a question in return, and in that moment, you can just add, "Nope. Not twins, just sweet sisters… Have a great day…."{push your cart away}

    All of this can be said while smiling sweetly at your adorable girls and having a nice interaction with a stranger. And the "nope just sweet sisters", kind of gives the impression you don't want to elaborate…

    Of course, the people who chat me up at Target often don't notice subtleties….. but my "Thank you for asking, but I am not pregnant" pepper spay works, if all else fails.

    Katie Knight
    My Blog

  26. Carol Early Cooney says

    People are just amazing. My Mom used to tell the story that people would walk up to her when she was out with my sister and I that ask if I was adopted. My Mom and sister were blue eyed blondes and I had brown hair and brown eyes. My Mom would really get irritated and say back to people "Well, she does have a father, you know" Yes, my dad had dark hair and brown eyes… TALU

    • Janine Huldie says

      Wow, Carol!! Good for your mom and this actually happened in reverse to my great-grandmother. My great-uncle was blond haired and blue eyed and people asked if he was hers, because she had dark hair and eyes and so did the rest of her kids. No one ever looked at my great-grandfather (who was bald at that point), who had had blonde hair and still had blue eyes. People really don't think at all and it seems that this has been since even from years back, too!!

  27. kenyagjohnson says

    This was funny. I'm wondering if there will be a time where they don't look like they are the same age. I don't have any advice other than to grin and bear it. A little different – I wasn't always fond of the question, "Are y'all sisters" to me and my mom. I know she was flattered but I wasn't. Now that she had a head full of gray hair we look more like mother and daughter but people will still say we look just a like and that I don't mind.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Kenya, my mom and I got that al the time, because I looked like her and she also looked young for her age. So I can truly relate. The only thing, I felt at those times were at I know I wasn't adopted, because as a kid this is what ran through my mind. Go figure. Thanks as always!! 🙂

  28. Chris HyeThymeCafe says

    That's funny – I would match them as belonging to the same family if I saw them together, but twins would never cross my mind … except maybe for in that shot of them dressed alike and both sporting ponytails. We used to joke about me belonging to my Mom and my sister belonging to my Dad because if you just saw my sister and I, you would NEVER think we were part of the same family, but if the four of us together, you would pair each of us with a different parent. It used to make me crazy as a kid that complete strangers would walk up to my Mom and say "are you Chrissy's Mom??" because we looked so much alike LOL.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Chris, seriously I got the same with my mom, because I looked just like her and she looked like her dad (my grandfather), which is probably part of the reason I was so close with him growing up. My brother was the spitting image of my dad as baby, so I can totally relate to your comment and say it was quite similar in our house growing up!! 🙂

  29. Wrinkled Mommy says

    You could just say no and smile. I wouldn't explain anything unless you were in a talkative mood. My husband takes the boys out with him often when going to the hardware store or Lowes. He gets asked all the time if they are twins. Instead of him explaining that they are triplets but their sister is at home, he'll just say yes. lol

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