Imagine having to constantly look in the mirror.
The catch however, is that the reflection isn’t you. It’s not even an extension of you; an uncanny version maybe, but actually someone else.
In the infamous words of shrewd Balinese street vendors and their powers of persuasion, you and this other form of existence are “Same, same but different”
What makes you different? How do you find out?
There is a happy co-existence, after all. You are the yin to his yang. He is the pepper to your salt.
But every so often, there is a restlessness to pull away.
You can’t explain it; only acting on the frustration that you are yet to be heard individually, to be known exclusively.
From his conception, Nunu has always had to fight – for size, space, nutrients, then ultimately when he was born – for survival.
As parents, we were always just that little bit more conscious of his fragile state post birth.
Force of habit saw us pay more attention to his quiet nature, the insistence to always be by his brother’s side.
We also began to wonder when was it going to be his time to shine; to break through to the other side of twin autonomy; to build his independence.
It wasn’t too long ago we consciously began to spend one on one time with the twinions.
With each brief outing, a little more of his confidence would crack through to the surface with a progressive willingness to talk, to engage.
Slowly we discovered that he just needed space and undivided attention.
Attending day care on his own one day while his brother stayed home sick, Nunu came home with the biggest, most triumphant smile.
“Guess who got the superstar award today?” my husband reported.
“The teacher said he deserved it because he was so, so good today. He helped the other kids. Made sure they all stood up in line properly. Tried to answer all the questions…”
Mr Surfer deliberately spoke a little louder ensuring our little one could hear how very proud we were.
In the words of his teacher, since that day, Nunu started to shine in his own accord.
While his brother is still very much his constant.
He’s begun his own Superstar Journey.
Beyond counting, memorising the alphabet or being able to write his name, this strong sense of self, the freedom to be himself – with no hindering mirror – is what’s going to send him to school next year with confidence.
I just feel it.
I burst with pride in the knowledge.
Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT
Kathy says
Oh Grace – that is beautiful. You must be so proud of Nunu (and K-Bear too) and I think you guys are doing the right thing big time in giving each twin their individual space. Having said that, I never tire of seeing the adorable photos of the two of them together. X
Kathy recently posted..I see red (the first chakra)
Ai Sakura says
Aww so precious! I love watching them grow up so strong and confident. Hugs and kisses to all of you!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..When Life Gives You Lemons
DaIsy says
Oh Nunu!! You amazing thing you!!! We’re so proud!
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Aunty Daisy! Miss you lots! xx
dani @ sand has no home says
Aww, what a little superstar. I am a fraternal twin, and it was hard enough growing up to be considered just on your own merits or faults, even being totally non identical (my twin is a brother), and to have space of your own. Good on you for putting an emphasis on that one on one time. I grew up being the quieter, more patient twin because I really didn’t have a choice (I am always telling my baby girl, aka cruisy suzie, not to be so easy going).
They are beautiful little individuals, yor gorgeous boys, but you don’t need me to tell you that x
dani @ sand has no home recently posted..The Poisonwood Bible Effect (The book that inspired me to sponsor a little girl)
Stephanie says
That’s super awesome for Nunu Grace! My boy saw the photo of NuNu and wanted to know when he could come and play. x
Stephanie recently posted..A day at Trainworks and a giveaway
Deborah says
One of my girlfriends with twins recently had to decide whether to keep them in the same class at school or separate them… (they’re going into grade 2 this year I think). I think she decided to keep them together for their first year but not sure what she’s doing this year.
Deb
Deborah recently posted..Health and fitness goals – shooting for the moon?
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
What a gorgeous post Grace, and photos! I too hope he shines. So they won’t be in the same class? Isn’t it a nerve wracking time. My son is shy at the moment so I hope he too comes out of his shell!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Boring. Bored. You?
Pinky Poinker says
It’s amazing how far we all go to ensure each of our children receive the same amount of special love. Your boys are so adorable and the baby photos ALWAYS make me clucky 🙂
Pinky Poinker recently posted..We Have a Situation Virginia Woolf!
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
How lovely! It’s important for any parent to spend one on one time with each of their kids (and hard to achieve), but I guess never more so than when you have twins. I take my hat off to you girl!
Visiting today from #teamIBOT x
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..“Undressed” Exhibition at Queensland Museum
EssentiallyJess says
Oh that’s so beautiful Grace. Must be so special to see that happen with twins. I know my heart bursts when mine conquer a fear, or become more of who they are. 🙂
EssentiallyJess recently posted..The Days of Jess’ Life #IBOT
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
So beautiful, what a perfect moment to revel in.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..How to Plan Travel
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
Oh Grace I can just picture the look of pride on your and your husband’s faces when Nunu got the superstar award. What a moment. This is such a beautiful post. I adore the photos too x
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Holding onto that summer feeling
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) says
Just beautiful. xx
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) recently posted..Book Review: The Rosie Project
Lisa Wood says
Same Same but different – perfect way to describe both boys! Love it Grace, and yes they both will shine and their own little personalities will flow through.
Hope the school year rocks 🙂
Lisa Wood recently posted..Camp Quality Convoy
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
Oh Grace – I love this post. He is such a gorgeous little guy. They both are xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted..Ten Things I Said I Would NEVER Do As a Parent .. But Did Anyway
Neets says
Gorgeous post Grace! I cannot believe how much your delightfully beautiful twins have grown. Finding their independence is an amazing thing. xxx
Neets recently posted..Why Doing a Challenge is Better Than Dieting
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says
So beautiful Grace…I always thought it’d be great to have a twin when I was little and as I grew older I realised some of the difficulties too. It definitely has its pluses but sometimes, twins tend to get lumped as one person with people not realising they are their own individuals. It’s heart warming to hear how Nunu is progressing to become his own person while still having a great relationship with his brother…and of course, as parents, you guys are doing a fantabulous job! 🙂
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..Lessons learnt from the Overland Track
Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond says
That is just a lovely post. It’s so rewarding watching your kids come into their own….really makes you wonder how they will end up later in life. It’s often the ones we worry about the most that have the most success later in life!
Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond recently posted..Stumbling Back To Earth – A StumbleUpon Link Up
Emily says
Beautiful post Grace. (And that foot intertwining photo. GAH.)
Emily recently posted..The Ugly Duckling – Justine Clarke/Nathaniel Eckstrom/Frank Loesser (book review)