1 on 1

I love getting one on one time with the girls. It happens so rarely unless we make a point of it.

Since I never got to experience having one child (except for those 13 minutes before Quinn arrived, but I was a bit preoccupied with intense back labour!), when I head out with just one of the girls, I'll often do all of those things that are too difficult with two toddlers. Quinn and I will go for coffee and hang out on the patio at my favourite cafe. She is an awesome coffee date. Yes, I can do this with two but it is usually chaotic with one running towards the street and the other grabbing my hot coffee. It can be tough to walk down busy city streets carrying bags and holding the hands of two toddlers who only listen 50% of the time. They usually end up confined to a stroller, which results in screaming and tears.

The girls are different when they're on their own. I'm not a fan of those you're my other half or you complete me sayings, but for T&Q at 2 years old, it is kind of like that. I've worked hard to remind others that they are individuals, since twins can sometimes be thought of as one. Teagan and Quinn are definitely their own people with very different looks and personalities. But, they only know what it is like to have one another around. I'll never forget one rare day in February when Teagan was under the weather. She was exhausted and only wanted to cuddle. I spent most of the day with my 24-ish pound Teagan snuggled in the Ergo. Quinn ran around the house like a lunatic. She talked loudly and yelled, but not in an angry way. While Quinn is normally energetic, something was different. She wasn't just seeking my attention, she didn't know how to act without her partner in crime. If Jenn and I divide and conquer (errands and kids) on weekends, the girls usually ask about one another constantly.

When I take one of the girls out alone, she is usually very well-behaved. It is special time for both of us. I'm not focused on her sister and she doesn't need to compete for attention. This makes the hanging out on the patio scenario (listed above) easy and fun. I can let her walk through the grocery store instead of sitting next to her sister in a cart. She gets to help out and exert her independence, much more so than usual. She rarely tries to knock things off of shelves or create silly and loud games like she would if her sister was there to egg her on.

I love and appreciate those 1 on 1 times because I get to see another side of my little girls and get to know them just a little bit better. And, nothing beats the smiles on their faces when they see each other after being away from one another!