Just Nod and Say Yes.

As the boys, Natalie and I venture out of the house more, we tend to attract some attention from other people. Most of the attention is good because I will only take my children out of the house at times that I know they are well rested, their belly's are full of food and they are frankly sick of being at home. If those three requirements have not been met, there is a very slim chance that they will be going anywhere except a quick drive through errand with me. Due to various interactions with complete strangers I've learned to quickly nod and say yes to whatever they ask me. The answer no tends to throw them off and they quickly ask more questions or try to give me advice. If I agree or say yes to what they ask it's as if I'm validating their thoughts.

Here are the most common questions or statments I hear while we're out:

• Boy, you have your hands full! (Yes, yes I do. Thank you for reminding me.)
• You're a busy mom! (Yes. And thank you for helping me.)
• How do you do it? (Nod. They really don't want to hear how much of a struggle it is to get two infants and a toddler Into the car, out of the car, into a store, and back into the car.)
• Are they twins? (Yes, yes they are.)
• Are they identical? (Yes. I just started saying yes to this just to play with them.)
• Is this the big sister? (Yes. What gave it away?)
• You're a brave woman. (Yes. As if I have a choice in the matter.)
• Do they sleep well? (Yes.)
• They are such good children. (Yes. I give my children consequences for poor behavior. More people should try it.)
• They look so happy! (Yes, but you should have seen them 20 minutes ago.)
• They don't look alike. (Yes.)
• This one (Everett) must look like his dad. (Yes.)
• This one (Tristan) looks like you. (Yes.)
• What's the age difference? (Really? Does it really matter?)
• Who's older? (Once again, does it really matter?)
• Did you know you were having twins? (Yes. They have these things called ultrasounds.)
• Do they like eachother? (Yes. They have no choice.)
• Do twins run in your family? (Yes. Is that a polite way to ask if I took fertility meds?)
• I know a few sets of twins. (Nod. Such a small world.)
• My friend has twins. (Nod. Well then you're an expert.)
• I see a lot of twins these days. (Yes. We often venture out of our caves.)
• Will you have more children? (Yes. We want at least three more sets of twins.)

So after NUMEROUS times of being asked these questions and actually chatting with some people, I'm done. Whatever they ask I'll just say yes and walk away. Most of the time I don't even look people in the eyes at stores, especially if I know they're staring at the boys. It's just easier for everyone. I'm either perceived as a snob, as a flighty woman with too much on her mind, or just plain rude. Oh well.

I think I've just come across too many people who really don't know what to say but want to say something to acknowledge that our family is not typical. I have only appreciated one comment from a complete stranger, and this may seem odd. I was in an elevator with the kids and this woman steps in. We go through the whole... "Are they twins? Yes, yes they are. How old are they? They just turned one. (This is what I love) Boy, I think I'd shoot myself if I had to do what you do! My sentiments exactly some days!