All the signs of twin bonding were there.
With the apparent closeness they established in the womb, during the ultrasounds, we would witness their playful kicks and punches with each other. Watching them intently in the NICU cot they shared, our hearts would melt as they would sleep, naturally leaning in towards each other, only a breath apart.
When we finally arrived home though, there was a significant transition. For the next 6 months or so, the twinlets had very little acknowledgement of each other’s existence.
Or so we thought.
It’s possible that the boys were simply still developing their long-sighted vision but we would hold the boys directly infront of each other, practically nose to nose, and they would still look diagonally away from each other.
There was no touching, or cooing. No real interaction to speak of.
Maybe I had high expectations. After all, they were newborns. I’m sure there was plenty in their new surroundings to get used to.
Perhaps, they were already aware of each other but just had their own secret signals.
Either way, I had no clue.
People would often ask, “Do you think they know they’re twins?”
My standard reply would be disappointing with very little insight, “I don’t know. But I’m guessing…no”
Gradually, along with their milestones, they also reached a sense of recognition for each other.
When it came to learning their names, they actually called out each other’s first before even uttering their own.
Not long ago, when illness invaded our home, K-Bear’s stubborn asthma kept him up and we both found ourselves watching telly together (Don’t judge me…).
As I mind numbingly watched “Everybody Loves Raymond”, there was a sudden appearance of Raymond’s identical twin boys. In fact, the scene was so brief that I would’ve missed it if K-Bear hadn’t called out, “Look Mama, Nunu and K-Bear!!!”
At first, I wasn’t sure what he was referring to but he kept pointing at the screen and again he insisted, “Nunu and K-Bear”
And right there, K-Bear understood his own special bond with his brother. Unfortunately, it was about the only thing I had to smile about that sleepless, ill-ridden night.
As much as I detest how Thomas and his friends have painstakingly invaded our home, our telly, our computer and our iPad, I’ll always be secretly grateful to Reverend W Awdry for the twin engine characters he also created.
After repeatedly watching DVD’s of the the steam engine pairs, Donald and Douglas and Bill and Ben, during one particular sitting, it was Nunu’s turn to pick up on his special monozygotic traits.
“Mama…Bill and Ben are twins…” he said proudly.
“Yes, sayang*. Yes, they are…” I replied.
“Mama, Nunu and K-Bear are twins…”
“Yes, sayang. Yes, you are…”
Finally, they began to truly appreciate their “twin-ness”
I think.
Maybe they’ve known all along, but have only now let us into their little world.
What’s the bet, that this entire time, they’ve actually been plotting a major twin conspiracy plan to create havoc and chaos for the rest of my life.
Yeah, I reckon that’s it.
*Sayang (pronounced “sah-YAHNG”) has multiple and varied meanings in Bahasa Indonesia, one being a term of endearment best translated as “Darling”, “Sweetheart” or “Crazy but beloved child of mine.”
Joining the lovely Jess for IBOT over at her new home.
I find twins so intriguing. Must be really cool to live with them and get to see all the little twin quirkiness. I am sure they always knew, just had to come a time they could put a word to it.
iSophie recently posted..Beach bums and tantrums.
It is fascinating observing twins – the way they relate to each other and the world around them. I like to believe that they understand the connection from day one, on an intuitive level but that they are only able to communicate it to the rest of the world a little later.
kirri recently posted..Rockin Mamma interview with Jess from Whoa Mamma
What a special bond they have, and what a treat for you to see it grow and change every day.
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky recently posted..Conversations ~ 2 years, 9 months
They are so cute. I am sure their bond in deeper than you realise. They look so close. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..How I pick my Melbourne Cup horse
Beautiful post. Beautiful boys. 🙂
Vicky recently posted..I Heart My Body. I want you to Heart your body too Laura
Absolutely gorgeous Grace!
How precious your twins are. Can’t wait to see you and your crazy family really soon! xx
I have wondered the exact same thing with my twins, Grace! When they were little, they didn;t seem to really acknowledge each other that much. Now, they introduce themselves to people by saying, “Hi I’m Eli and this is Jasper. We are best friends. And twins.” They also say, when they see twins (or just 2 characters who look the same) “Look, twins like us!” Twins are fascinating and I feel very lucky to have them.
gillian recently posted..Looking for otters
Grace your boys are just so gorgeous!!! 🙂
Jodi recently posted..The M word…
I got abit teary reading this, Grace. The bond your boys share is such an incredibly special one, I ‘m sure they will cherish it forever xx
Good Golly Miss Holly! recently posted..This weekend past, it felt like the world came to a standstill.
Aww Grace, this post got me a bit emotional. I bet there is no bond in the world like a twin bond. Gorgeous boys, and beautiful post.
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..Politics Is Ugly
chaos and havoc, but you wouldnt have it any other way.. beautiful post xx
Lyndal recently posted..the one where i explore the whole no sugar thing
I have twin brothers, they are very close, they have always done the same sorts of things, had the same cars at times, same jobs. I’m not sure if its rivalry or oneness at times. They did get up to lots of mischief when they were younger and even now, to daze and confuse people with thier likeness and there are lots of funny stories of them tricking and confusing people.
Alicia recently posted..Seduction
I love this Grace! As an identical twin myself I am tearing up!!! I don’t recall when I recognised I was a twin, but I always knew it was something special. Your boys seem to have such a special relationship. One that will last a lifetime.
Housewife in Heels recently posted..Melbourne Cup winner
Loved reading this, Grace! I’m blown away that they know (and probably have known) their twin-ness at such a young age. What a wonderful awareness to witness. Such a special relationship. Smiling at your use of ‘sayang’… (I used to have a cat called Sayang)… such a good word. We also use ‘kasihan’ a lot – for comfort. It’s true heartfelt comfort-giving meaning just can’t be translated into English equally as well! xxx
PS Thinking of you as you’re about to embark on your big trip. Not long now. I’m so excited for you.x x
Deb @ Bright and Precious recently posted..Getting On With The Show
I think this is a marvelous post. I have Irish twins (born in the same 12 months) and I love watching them bond and play together but I always wonder what it would be like if they were actual twins. I find the bond between twins so magical your so lucky to experience it 🙂 xx
tarah recently posted..Fingers crossed to find out!!!
What a gorgeous post and an absolutely gorgeous photo of the twins as babies. I often wonder if babies know more than we think. Maybe they know more than we do . . . 🙂
Mel @ Adventures of a Subversive Reader recently posted..A weekend off is as good as a holiday
I’m such a softy. This made me tear up. Beautifully written Grace. I think Ang will love reading this one too 🙂
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Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Nurture vs Nature?
Such delightful insight into their little twin world.. sayang sayang! I love that first photo of them as newborns. who’s the one on the right grinning in his sleep?
Ai Sakura recently posted..Kids Face Painting | Cute Kitty Cat! ネコネコ～
That would be cheeky K-Bear grinning away there 🙂
Oh that is so gorgeous. They are so lucky – twins are very special. xx
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Not everything is character building, is it?
How wonderful to see the boys growing together. I think that twins always have a special bond! I love that first photo – so cute!
Eleise recently posted..How I stay Slim! {10 Tips}
Oh a beautiful post close to my heart . I can’t remember when exactly I noticed their twin’ness but it was around 3-4 months they would reach out and touch /notice each other when i had on the floor – then at 5 months BF feeding they would touch each other.
Trish recently posted..Win Sony Xperia Go {Giveaway}
I’m sure they will have the best bonds for life! Must be nice to have someone that understands you just a bit better than anyone else.
Annaleis Topham recently posted..{Review} Willow and Tea
It’s always so lovely to read about twins from someone who is in the trenches with them.
If I were you, I’d be preparing for the Twinpocalypse 😉
Jayne recently posted..What I Know About {Remembering}
Before my current daughter I would have said twins would have been a nightmare. If you asked me when my daughter was 6 months old I would have said the same. Now, I’m a wee bit jealous. Not that I’m clucky or anything.
Kevin recently posted..Sometimes it all just works
Oh thats sweet. i think they knew all along and just didnt want you to know because its secret twin stuff
x
Mums Take Five recently posted..Healthy on the inside and yummy too – Food for Health
Oh this is so sweet Grace! What a beautiful thing to witness, them starting to be aware of their special bond. I’d never really thought of it before.
I wonder if it’s a bit like babies reaching about 18months and suddenly realising they are separate from their mother. Maybe they just thought each other was an extension of themselves?
Jess@EssentiallyJess recently posted..Essentially Jess
That’s an interesting thought, Jess. It never occurred to me that they possible thought each other was an extension of themselves. Now I’m really stumped! 🙂
Naw, sweet! Obviously I’m not speaking from experience, but I reckon they’d always know. They’d have to! Surely you cannot live side by side with someone from womb to world and not know that you share that innate connection. Perhaps when they appeared to not know, it was that they were so comfortable and familiar with each other that they were more interested in taking in the unknown, that is, everything else? I dunno. xx
Kelly HTandT recently posted..The Baptism and Things That Get My Goat
This is such a sweet post Grace. I love this picture where they are on the slide together!
Rita recently posted..The Liebster Award
Beautiful Grace! Your boys are so precious! I can completely relate – having twins myself. I could write a book on all the things people used to ask me about twins, all the misconceptions about twins, and all the sayings that were said to me whenever I hit the shops with my double twin pram. I bet you’ve had them too – “oh double trouble” – “are they identical” etc. xo
Min of MinsMash recently posted..Around the garden of my childhood home
Oh, I would love to sit down with you and compare notes! I’m sure we’d have a giggle or two with our stories. When people say, “Oh, double trouble!” I shoot back with “Twice as nice!” 🙂 x
Absolutely beautiful post Grace. May they be best mates for life.
Mumabulous recently posted..Another Serving
They have known. All along. They’re secretly plotting ways to make you crazy. (Crazier) They’re also awesome. And special. Being twins (and having twins) is special. That’s what my Dad (a twin) always says. He’s never been wrong about anything else.
Bridget recently posted..The War At Home
Wow! I didn’t know your dad was a twin too! Well, gee Bridget…you didn’t have a chance, did you ? 🙂 x
I think they knew the whole time. They just needed to learn the world around them before declaring their thoughts on it. It’s so sweet that they recognise that they are twins. They will have a special bond all their lives.
Salz recently posted..32 Things that annoy me
Interesting and intriguing. These boys of yours inhabit a relationship that you cannot quite fathom. it is fascinating, the business of being a twin. A lady I worked with and is in her 70s now is a twin, and she & her sister have been taking part in twin studies in research for years. Apparently twins have much to teach us about being humans.
Love D.
Have a wonderful holiday, and thanks for bloggy love, love!!
Denyse Whelan recently posted..I Remember.
It’s always a pleasure to hear from someone with expertise.
What a beautiful pair of boys you have! And what a beautiful bond they will always have, one that we could never understand x
Jess @ myheartisyourhome recently posted..No Place Like Home
Beautiful boys and a beautiful post. How very precious… 🙂
Renay@mummysmiracles recently posted..Melbourne Cup Day (With Cupcakes)
Nawww they had you fooled hon! 😉 They’re as clever as their mama! xxx
Just gorgeous, such a special bond 🙂
Francesca recently posted..20,000 Pageviews
Gorgeous boys! What an amazing connection to have a twin. There must be nothing else like it. Lovely post Grace. xx
Zanni, Heart Mama recently posted..The ways of seeing
Oh Grace, that baby picture is to die for! Just stunning!
I’m sure they recognised each other’s sounds and smell when they were newborns, but regardless, their bond will no doubt grow as they do. It will be a very special thing to witness 🙂
xx
Tracey @ Bliss Amongst Chaos recently posted..The November 30/30 Challenge – Day 6. Row, Row, Row Your Boat…
Sayang, I love that! Such beautiful boys. And yes, I truly believe they are plotting to take over your life!
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Mother’s Day – Festival of Mia
My two were the same. They didn’t seem to fussed with each other for a while. They fight often, but my most treasured moments are when I am in the other room and can hear their content, happy noises and I peek around the corner and they are playing together.
Your two are adorable 🙂
Ang recently posted..Nurture vs Nature?
Yes! Isn’t it the best when you can hear them giggle and laugh. I LOVE those moments. They melt my heart 🙂
That first photo is just magic. I find twindom so mystical and special. They are so lucky to have each other 🙂
They are the Sweetest! I can’t see that they ever felt otherwise.
Nami recently posted..The Siren Song
Oh so sweet! Gorgeous story, thanks for sharing!
Carly recently posted..Jamies 15 Minute Meal Challenge #1
I may or may not have teared up a little in reading that post. Beautiful boys!
daddownunder recently posted..My Little Mo-Bro
oh Grace, I love this. I think, like Jess said that they probably never really realised they were separate people and only discovered each other when they realised that although connected, they weren’t one. They’re adorable.
Kyla recently posted..Cavalo Nero, Haloumi, Mushroom & Avocado Tart
That is such a beautiful post. Siblings are so special I can only imagine how precious the relationship between twins would be.
A word that describes “Crazy but beloved child of mine” would be very useful in my house!!! So beautiful :=)
Jenelle @ MummyLovesToRun recently posted..Race 4 Life 5km
What gorgeous little people. They’re just lovely! X
Robomum recently posted..My Melbourne Cup Arvo
Such a lovely read Grace. And that precious pic of the boys together as newborns made me cry. I was lucky enough to carry my twins to full term and took them both home the next day, I really felt a huge appreciation for that for the first time just now after reading your post. We are very lucky mummy’s being a part of such a special bond and me being pregnant with a “singleton” at the moment makes me a little sad that my newborn twins are all grown up! My girls are as “thick as thieves” and do everything together, watching each others backs all day long. There’s quite a lot of cheeky sneaky hiding in the pantry going on at the moment.. Thank you for your lovely words, it’s nice to be reminded of what a miracle I’m a part of everyday.
Suzie Harris recently posted..I’m only human.
I agree that they may not have realised they were individuals for a while, as I felt that about our twinly two. A very special moment, nicely captured 🙂
The Declutterbug versus captain Stingypants recently posted..Have you ever seen the poo of a giant tortoise?
Growing up, it really didn’t come as a revelation that I am a twin or that I have a twin, more like I always know that I have this sister that I sometimes hate but I know will always have my back and love me all the time.
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