Parents of Multiples Head to Boston

Did you know? According to the CDS, our state boasts one of the highest rates for twins births. Experts say that Massachusetts has this claim because of a higher maternal age and our affordable fertility treatment programs. It may coincidence or not but this year Boston will host the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.’s (NOMOTC) annual convention from July 20-27, 2008 at the Boston Park Plaza. The convention includes speakers, workshops, socialization and networking, in addition to the general business of the organization. Special guest include stars of the TLC program “Jon & Kate plus 8.” For the convention schedule, registration information and complete details visit the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc website at www.nomotc.org. 


Mom of Twins Shares Her Story

 “Hello. This is your caseworker from Wide Horizon Adoption agency and I am calling to let you know that twin boys were born this morning in Brazil, South America and we were wondering if you and your husband would be interested in adopting them?” 

That was the beginning of my journey as a “mother of twins”, and it started 31 years ago. Flying to Brazil, 25 hours one way, to meet our new sons was an adventure. But once we landed in Natal and saw our sons for the first time it was all worth it! Their bronze skin, black hair, big dark eyes and a smile that covered their faces made me melt. At that moment, I became a mother!

Once we arrived home at Logan Airport to a crowd of family and friends we were ready to start our family life. All of a sudden the questions started to come! How do I take care of two babies by myself when my husband returns to work? How do I feed them, change them, bath them, and respond to them when both are crying at the same time? Is there anyone out there that’s been there and can help me?

Then after three weeks at home, with things moving along at a frantic pace, my phone rang! There was a MOM on the other end who had heard about our adoption of our twin sons. The reason she was calling was to invite me to a Mothers of Twins Club meeting. My response, what is a Mothers of Twins Club? I had never heard about this organization but after talking with this MOM, I could not wait to attend. The next week she picked me up and I was on my way to a meeting that would change my life.

I was suddenly in a room, full of other MOMS, just like me, with all the same questions! And better yet, many had answers as they had already experienced what I was going through. I was no longer alone!   The information, support and friendship I received that night, and have continued to build over the years brought a joy to my life and made the task of raising twins a great deal of fun! And, I became a mentor of other young MOMS who needed me as well.

My sons Todd and Jeffrey are fraternal twins; different in looks and personalities. One is into the arts, the other into sports so balancing the need of two very different personalities has been challenging, fun, and rewarding.   At times they are competitive but they always remain “good buddies”. Dealing with the competitive side of multiples is just one of the many best practices that MOMS share when gathering for local meetings and functions.

And my journey continues. I am now very active in both the Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Association and the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc., and am the Chairman for the 2008 National Convention that will be held here in Boston the end of July.  

Oh one more item to add to my journey. We went back to Brazil three years later. This time we adopted one little girl named Denni. Now our family it complete.

As a footnote, multiples were not a new concept for our family, as my husband has a twin brother, and, there are 3 sets of twins and a set of triplets in the Family tree.