Tuesday, April 24, 2012

On Having a Womb-Mate (Twin) Part 1: The Early Years

My twin brother, Taylor, was the first person I called when I found out I was pregnant with Nicholas.  (Brian already knew, seeing as I shoved a pregnancy test that was still dripping with pee in his face.) I had planned for a long time that Taylor would be my first phone call upon finding out I was pregnant. He just had to be. He was my womb-mate!

Taylor and I were born 5 weeks early. I popped out into the world 9 minutes before he did, and I have held the "older sister" status over him our entire life. He could definitely beat me up, seeing that he's a foot taller than me, so I don't take the teasing too far. While I was a whopping 2 and a half pounds, Taylor was a little over 5 pounds. I've always (jokingly) blamed him for taking all of my height. I took all the cute genes. Not really though, he was ADORABLE. Still is.

Growing up I remember people asking me if I liked being a twin. I would answer with a yes, but I don't think I realized until I was a lot older just how special it is to be a twin. We have literally shared our entire lives, including a womb. (Thus my womb-mate pun. Every time I use that joke on Taylor he thinks it's more stupid than the time he heard it before. But he still loves me.) And in case you're wondering, we had matching sailor outfits. Why Mom and Dad? Why? Outfits (purposely) not pictured.

Here's our first day of Kindergarden photo:

There are a lot of perks to being a twin, especially if you're an extrovert. If you're introverted, like my twin brother, it might not be so great for you. But my people-loving, never-wanting-to-be-alone-for-a-second personality LOVED having a constant companion. Taylor and I shared a crib, a stroller, toys, birthday parties, you name it. We always looked out for each other in school, shared a great group of friends, many of whom we're still close with today. He's always been the "man in my life", so to speak, and I cherish our relationship so much.

Another great perk of being a girl with a boy twin is that there is an automatic pool of boys to choose from. Taylor is one of the most lovable people I know, so he always had friends over. I can't say I never took advantage of the fact that there was a consistent group of cute boys playing video games in my living room. Me and Brian's relationship blossomed while all the guys played video games and I supplied them with snacks. It worked out well for me.

Tay, you have always been and will always be my best friend! I cherish the memories of all of the the Saturday morning movies, playing video games together (usually you beating the hard levels for me), playing sports together, wrestling matches, competing over many things. I love you womb-mate.

Read the 2nd part of this series here.
Read the 3rd part of this series here.


  1. i love this. you two are some of my favorite people in the whole world.

  2. Could not have explained it better. Being a twin is absolutely my most favorite thing about me! So great Mackenzie! Love this blog!!

  3. Hi there! I'm a new reader (saw your comment on hello hue) and thought this was the cutest post. How truly special to be a twin!

  4. Thanks Beth :) You are one of my favorite people in the world too! I loved those pictures you sent to me by the way, that feels like a lifetime ago!

  5. Thanks Natalie! Isn't it the best? I think having a boy twin is the best too :) I miss you girl!

  6. Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I love Hello Hue too :)

