Twins have definitely been in the news lately. With the birth of Brad Pitt's and Angelina Jolie's additions to their already large brood earlier this summer, twin-fever seems to have hit the internet with the number searches for the "chosen two" being more than sky-high.
People magazine has reportedly coughed up more than $10 million dollars (which apparently went to charity) for the first and exclusive interview with the proud parents after the birth of Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. In it we learn that the Pitt-Jolie household is in chaos but that the older kids - six-year-old Maddox, four-year-old Pax, three-year-old Zahara, and two-year-old Shiloh - are happy with the new arrivals and are helping out, especially the girls.
In the meantime, during the same month, the story broke of black and white twins being born to a mixed-race couple in Germany. Their mother from Ghana, has dark skin, and the father from Germany, is white. Ryan, who came first, has light-coloured skin, blue eyes, and dark hair. His brother Leo, looks like his mother, with dark skin and dark eyes. Ryan was described as "noisy", while Leo is a lot calmer. Pictures of these twins are simply adorable.
People have always been fascinated by twins. In fact, according to national statistics for 2006, out of 3,885 live births, only 62 were twins and there were just three cases of triplets.
It seems to be more likely for a woman to have twins if there is a history of twins in either her or her partner's family.
And nowhere is this true than in the Tabone family where twins seem to be almost a matter of course.
Francesca and Mikela are twin sisters, although you wouldn't think so at first glance. They look different and their characters are significantly different too. In fact, when they were younger (they are now in their early 30s), many people used to assume that they were sisters rather than twins. However, twins they certainly are.
But that is not the full story.
Francesca and Mikela's mum Sandra is a twin. So is their dad. And they also have twin cousins (their mother's sister had twins as well). So one can really say that twins run in this family!
Sandra says she has never really bothered much about the fact that they have so many twins in their family and has taken the series of events as a matter of course. She adds that there were pros and cons growing up as part of a set of twins:
"My twin sister Claudia and I were very alike in our younger days but are not so alike now... however people still mix us up. In fact acquiring one's identity is not easy when you are alike; I have always been known as either 'Sandra' or 'Claudia' or 'twin'! As regards to character we are literally day and night - totally different."
She says that giving birth to twins was a wonderful experience... and a privilege.
"It simply is a double miracle. I can't really say it was any different to giving birth to one; however, seeing my two gorgeous little girls Francesca and Mikela on either side of my bed was a tremendous source of joy - an unforgettable feeling of pride," she says.
Francesca is now married to Michael and is mummy to Nicola aged five, Alex aged three and Pippa who is nearly two. She says that Mikela and herself could not be more different, now and back then:
"Our standard joke is that we wouldn't survive half a day with each others' husbands! Some people don't think we're sisters, let alone twins. Mik was very academic and always did very well at school; she got involved with loads of committees and organisations and was very enterprising. I, on the other hand, was into sports and acting, so we led very different lives growing up."
Mikela agrees that growing up with Francesca was really no different to growing up with a sister.
"My parents, both twins, ensured that we were separated in school and thus we developed different and individual identities very early on in life. They were great in ensuring that we were not boxed in and exploited what we were good at. We always had each other but we also had different friends and interests as well as different capabilities and talents. But no matter what, my sister will always be my best and closest friend," she says.
Mikela says that she is a social butterfly, while Francesca is more reserved; she doesn't mind her plans being disrupted while Francesca is not comfortable with changing situations; she is impulsive while Francesca is more cautious.
"Growing up, Franny was more popular with the guys; I never really had boyfriends as a teenager whereas she did, which made me rather jealous - a feeling my mother ensured I channelled in the right way and one that has also contributed to our differing personalities. However, we are both incredibly blunt and to the point - you will always get a very honest opinion out of both of us. My career as a diplomat has not really changed that, ironically! We are both very loyal but get hurt easily," she says.
Both Francesca and Mikela agree that, character-wise, Francesca is a perfectionist and a planner whereas Mikela is quite messy and impulsive. So sharing a room when they were younger was a nightmare.
"It was great growing up and having my sister around, as being the shy type I always had my sister to 'hold my hand'. If I had a problem then I would ask her opinion, and although I didn't always like the answer, I knew it was honest. The downside was that we had to share a room until I got married and although we used to get on, we argued quite a lot, especially during our teenage years. I worked and Mikela studied so she used to read in bed till very late and the light used to bother me as I wanted to sleep, since I had to wake up early for work. I always had more money to buy clothes and make-up which Mik used to swipe and which I found very frustrating," Francesca reminisces.
Mikela distinctly remembers her sister discovering that she had worn one of her tops after Francesca realised that her larger bust had stretched it:
"My larger bust was a difference I was always very proud of! Ultimately I feel blessed to have a sister, a twin. When we are not together, we are on the phone... prompting our husbands to feel as though every detail of our lives is being discussed with a third person. I will never forget my sister's face when Eric and I announced we were getting married. She flew into a fit asking me why I had not told her first! She then proceeded to make sure that my husband, who was a good friend of hers, bought me a bigger ring than hers - that is what sisters are for I guess!"
Francesca and Mikela were pregnant at the same time twice and, even when they weren't, often suffered the same morning sickness symptoms. Mikela also has three daughters (just like Francesca) - three-year-old Lisa, two-year-old Anna and Sarah who will be one in November.
"Our children are more like sisters; they are each other's best friends. We practically live at each other's house and need to carry nothing with us - they use the same size nappies, same bottles and so on. We even breastfed each other's kids when the need arose... although Franny always told me my milk was richer (again must be the breasts)!" smiles Mikela.
Mikela is currently expecting - you've guessed it - twins, a boy and a girl due in December.
Fiona Asciak is mum to nine-year-old Andrew and Emma
I have always been fascinated by twins. I remember reading stories about twins and thinking how lucky they were to have each other. When I found out that I was pregnant I told my husband that I had a feeling that I would have twins... he immediately pooh-poohed the idea. When at my first ultrasound scan the doctor told me that I was expecting twins, the people in the waiting room heard me shouting: "You see, I was right!"
My husband didn't take the news too well at first! During this first scan he was completely dazed - I remember thinking that he wasn't seeing two little babies but dollar signs. I couldn't wait to tell everyone so we rushed off to my parents. My husband still wasn't capable of speech at this point so he slunk in and sat down - obviously my parents thought that we had been given some dreadful news! When I eventually convinced them that all was fine and that I was having twins they were really pleased too.
I will never ever forget the rush I felt just after giving birth to them, holding them both at the same time - an armful of love - so, so special. It is a great deal... two for the price of one!
In the early days, you need loads of paraphernalia and you have to buy two (in some cases four) of everything. There is the never-ending round of bottles and nappies and piles of laundry that just don't go down. The fact that I never got any time for myself was really hard and babysitting also was difficult - you feel guilty dumping nanna with two screaming babies.
You have to learn how to balance relationships and time. These poor kids have been constantly together since the word go and they need each other, but at the same time you really have to nourish them as individuals. It's not the same as having kids who are very close in age. It still annoys me when people who have babies within a short period of time tell me that "they are like twins" - no way!
My twins are now almost nine so they are getting pretty independent. I also have another daughter who has just turned five. This is the first summer that I have sent them to summer camp. They are loving it and I must admit it's doing me good too. I pick them up at 12.30 p.m. and am greeted by three kids all demanding attention. Invariably Andrew and Emma get into an argument. At home, they proceed to dismantle the living room and create as much chaos in the kitchen as possible while I prepare lunch. Late in the afternoon it's off to the beach. But gone are the days of me dozing in the sun; now I have to be on the lookout as they are constantly up to something and one of them is always disappearing. Back home it's time to persuade them to have a shower (no one ever wants to be the first to wash!) then supper and we either go out or I pack them off to bed.
The winter routine is terrible as, since they attend different schools, I have to try and be organised and remember who needs what and when. There's homework to complete, apart from the mad rushing around with extra-curricular activities.
Nowadays I think the worst thing is the feeling that the twins are constantly vying for my attention. There is an undercurrent of resentment, I think. They both want me to be theirs and theirs alone and they cannot stand the fact that they have to share me.
They are so totally and completely different that together they make a perfect whole. I often refer to them as Ying and Yang. Andrew is dynamic, a live-wire always on the go. He loves food and will eat anything. He loves numbers and is incredibly good at maths. He also seems to have a photographic memory. Emma on the other hand is placid and calm. You generally find her on the sofa "relaxing". She walks around, lost in her dream world. She is all delicate and fey. While she can't count to save her life (like her mother), she is very artistic and is always drawing.
In some ways Andrew and Emma are very close but they wouldn't like people to know it. It's funny because their teachers never know that they are part of a "twin set" - I usually explain this at the first parents meeting! However they do stick up for each other and Emma especially is protective of her brother.
Roberta Gabarretta is mum to Mattea and Luca, aged nearly four
I always said that I would like to have two children - ideally a boy and a girl, but I never imagined I would have them at the same time! I had my first scan at eight weeks and was very excited, especially since it was my first pregnancy. The gynae performed the ultrasound and told me that there were two white dots, that is, two heartbeats! At that point I think my heart skipped a beat, so much so that I asked if he was joking, because never in a million years did I ever think I was likely to have twins. My husband and I left the doctor's in shock and told our parents and close friends that we were expecting twins. Our parents were ecstatic about the news and offered us any help they could.
As first time parents, it was already hard getting used to the ropes of babyhood let alone having to deal with two! The first months were definitely the hardest, as a newborn needs all the attention in the world, and it was hard if you were dealing with one and the other started to cry.
Now that they are almost four years old, life has become much easier, but a typical winter day would still start at 6.30 a.m. I get up and prepare their school bags, then wake them up at 7, and get them to the bus-stop by 7.30. I get back home, get dressed, clear up the kitchen and go to work. At 2.30 p.m. I collect them from school and we go home for lunch. My afternoons are always dedicated to them and no afternoon is ever the same. However, I always make it a point to be home for dinner at 6.30 p.m., after which my husband bathes them and gets them into their pyjamas. They watch cartoons and are in bed by 8; then they say their prayers and it's lights out. I now actually manage to get the 8 o'clock news in, which is a great luxury as I never used to have time to watch it before!
In summer, they attend summer school three times a week, after which we go swimming. I am more relaxed about their nightly routine so there is no fixed time for dinner or bath time. Rules are made to be broken, I guess, when you're having a good time!
The best thing about having twins is that they always have each other's company, and therefore can entertain each other. With twins you go through the development milestones together, which I think really made life much easier... it's not like I have one child learning to walk while I'm potty training the other.
Mattea and Luca have been extremely different in nearly all aspects of their lives. Mattea has always been the more daring one. She walked and talked first and this year is swimming without any help, while Luca is always one step behind her. Mattea is very artistic - she loves colouring, dancing and singing, whereas Luca is very methodical and organised, just like his father. He is an extremely quick learner and remembers most things he learns at school. Mattea is rather fussy in her choice of food, while Luca likes most foods and is more open to new flavours than Mattea.
They are extremely close yet they still fight. They have this amazing bond between them which I guess only a twin can explain. They love each other so much and are always on the lookout for each other. They both stick up for each other and are both very thoughtful about each other, especially if they are on their own. Two months ago Luca had an accident playing football and lost his two front teeth, I took him to a toy shop to buy something with his tooth fairy money, as we arrived he told me he wanted to buy something for Mattea as well, which was so cute and so thoughtful, especially coming from a three-year-old boy.
When I first found out I was going to have twins, I kept on thinking how on earth I was going to cope. Then I thought that there are so many women who can't even have one child... and God has blessed me with two. With every day that passes and something new learnt, you forget about the sleepless nights and the difficult times and just cherish what amazing little people they have turned into. I'm not saying it's always a walk in the park but you learn to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in. Someone once told me that God doesn't give you more than you can handle and now I believe it!
People magazine has reportedly coughed up more than $10 million dollars (which apparently went to charity) for the first and exclusive interview with the proud parents after the birth of Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. In it we learn that the Pitt-Jolie household is in chaos but that the older kids - six-year-old Maddox, four-year-old Pax, three-year-old Zahara, and two-year-old Shiloh - are happy with the new arrivals and are helping out, especially the girls.
In the meantime, during the same month, the story broke of black and white twins being born to a mixed-race couple in Germany. Their mother from Ghana, has dark skin, and the father from Germany, is white. Ryan, who came first, has light-coloured skin, blue eyes, and dark hair. His brother Leo, looks like his mother, with dark skin and dark eyes. Ryan was described as "noisy", while Leo is a lot calmer. Pictures of these twins are simply adorable.
People have always been fascinated by twins. In fact, according to national statistics for 2006, out of 3,885 live births, only 62 were twins and there were just three cases of triplets.
It seems to be more likely for a woman to have twins if there is a history of twins in either her or her partner's family.
And nowhere is this true than in the Tabone family where twins seem to be almost a matter of course.
Francesca and Mikela are twin sisters, although you wouldn't think so at first glance. They look different and their characters are significantly different too. In fact, when they were younger (they are now in their early 30s), many people used to assume that they were sisters rather than twins. However, twins they certainly are.
But that is not the full story.
Francesca and Mikela's mum Sandra is a twin. So is their dad. And they also have twin cousins (their mother's sister had twins as well). So one can really say that twins run in this family!
Sandra says she has never really bothered much about the fact that they have so many twins in their family and has taken the series of events as a matter of course. She adds that there were pros and cons growing up as part of a set of twins:
"My twin sister Claudia and I were very alike in our younger days but are not so alike now... however people still mix us up. In fact acquiring one's identity is not easy when you are alike; I have always been known as either 'Sandra' or 'Claudia' or 'twin'! As regards to character we are literally day and night - totally different."
She says that giving birth to twins was a wonderful experience... and a privilege.
"It simply is a double miracle. I can't really say it was any different to giving birth to one; however, seeing my two gorgeous little girls Francesca and Mikela on either side of my bed was a tremendous source of joy - an unforgettable feeling of pride," she says.
Francesca is now married to Michael and is mummy to Nicola aged five, Alex aged three and Pippa who is nearly two. She says that Mikela and herself could not be more different, now and back then:
"Our standard joke is that we wouldn't survive half a day with each others' husbands! Some people don't think we're sisters, let alone twins. Mik was very academic and always did very well at school; she got involved with loads of committees and organisations and was very enterprising. I, on the other hand, was into sports and acting, so we led very different lives growing up."
Mikela agrees that growing up with Francesca was really no different to growing up with a sister.
"My parents, both twins, ensured that we were separated in school and thus we developed different and individual identities very early on in life. They were great in ensuring that we were not boxed in and exploited what we were good at. We always had each other but we also had different friends and interests as well as different capabilities and talents. But no matter what, my sister will always be my best and closest friend," she says.
Mikela says that she is a social butterfly, while Francesca is more reserved; she doesn't mind her plans being disrupted while Francesca is not comfortable with changing situations; she is impulsive while Francesca is more cautious.
"Growing up, Franny was more popular with the guys; I never really had boyfriends as a teenager whereas she did, which made me rather jealous - a feeling my mother ensured I channelled in the right way and one that has also contributed to our differing personalities. However, we are both incredibly blunt and to the point - you will always get a very honest opinion out of both of us. My career as a diplomat has not really changed that, ironically! We are both very loyal but get hurt easily," she says.
Both Francesca and Mikela agree that, character-wise, Francesca is a perfectionist and a planner whereas Mikela is quite messy and impulsive. So sharing a room when they were younger was a nightmare.
"It was great growing up and having my sister around, as being the shy type I always had my sister to 'hold my hand'. If I had a problem then I would ask her opinion, and although I didn't always like the answer, I knew it was honest. The downside was that we had to share a room until I got married and although we used to get on, we argued quite a lot, especially during our teenage years. I worked and Mikela studied so she used to read in bed till very late and the light used to bother me as I wanted to sleep, since I had to wake up early for work. I always had more money to buy clothes and make-up which Mik used to swipe and which I found very frustrating," Francesca reminisces.
Mikela distinctly remembers her sister discovering that she had worn one of her tops after Francesca realised that her larger bust had stretched it:
"My larger bust was a difference I was always very proud of! Ultimately I feel blessed to have a sister, a twin. When we are not together, we are on the phone... prompting our husbands to feel as though every detail of our lives is being discussed with a third person. I will never forget my sister's face when Eric and I announced we were getting married. She flew into a fit asking me why I had not told her first! She then proceeded to make sure that my husband, who was a good friend of hers, bought me a bigger ring than hers - that is what sisters are for I guess!"
Francesca and Mikela were pregnant at the same time twice and, even when they weren't, often suffered the same morning sickness symptoms. Mikela also has three daughters (just like Francesca) - three-year-old Lisa, two-year-old Anna and Sarah who will be one in November.
"Our children are more like sisters; they are each other's best friends. We practically live at each other's house and need to carry nothing with us - they use the same size nappies, same bottles and so on. We even breastfed each other's kids when the need arose... although Franny always told me my milk was richer (again must be the breasts)!" smiles Mikela.
Mikela is currently expecting - you've guessed it - twins, a boy and a girl due in December.
Fiona Asciak is mum to nine-year-old Andrew and Emma
I have always been fascinated by twins. I remember reading stories about twins and thinking how lucky they were to have each other. When I found out that I was pregnant I told my husband that I had a feeling that I would have twins... he immediately pooh-poohed the idea. When at my first ultrasound scan the doctor told me that I was expecting twins, the people in the waiting room heard me shouting: "You see, I was right!"
My husband didn't take the news too well at first! During this first scan he was completely dazed - I remember thinking that he wasn't seeing two little babies but dollar signs. I couldn't wait to tell everyone so we rushed off to my parents. My husband still wasn't capable of speech at this point so he slunk in and sat down - obviously my parents thought that we had been given some dreadful news! When I eventually convinced them that all was fine and that I was having twins they were really pleased too.
I will never ever forget the rush I felt just after giving birth to them, holding them both at the same time - an armful of love - so, so special. It is a great deal... two for the price of one!
In the early days, you need loads of paraphernalia and you have to buy two (in some cases four) of everything. There is the never-ending round of bottles and nappies and piles of laundry that just don't go down. The fact that I never got any time for myself was really hard and babysitting also was difficult - you feel guilty dumping nanna with two screaming babies.
You have to learn how to balance relationships and time. These poor kids have been constantly together since the word go and they need each other, but at the same time you really have to nourish them as individuals. It's not the same as having kids who are very close in age. It still annoys me when people who have babies within a short period of time tell me that "they are like twins" - no way!
My twins are now almost nine so they are getting pretty independent. I also have another daughter who has just turned five. This is the first summer that I have sent them to summer camp. They are loving it and I must admit it's doing me good too. I pick them up at 12.30 p.m. and am greeted by three kids all demanding attention. Invariably Andrew and Emma get into an argument. At home, they proceed to dismantle the living room and create as much chaos in the kitchen as possible while I prepare lunch. Late in the afternoon it's off to the beach. But gone are the days of me dozing in the sun; now I have to be on the lookout as they are constantly up to something and one of them is always disappearing. Back home it's time to persuade them to have a shower (no one ever wants to be the first to wash!) then supper and we either go out or I pack them off to bed.
The winter routine is terrible as, since they attend different schools, I have to try and be organised and remember who needs what and when. There's homework to complete, apart from the mad rushing around with extra-curricular activities.
Nowadays I think the worst thing is the feeling that the twins are constantly vying for my attention. There is an undercurrent of resentment, I think. They both want me to be theirs and theirs alone and they cannot stand the fact that they have to share me.
They are so totally and completely different that together they make a perfect whole. I often refer to them as Ying and Yang. Andrew is dynamic, a live-wire always on the go. He loves food and will eat anything. He loves numbers and is incredibly good at maths. He also seems to have a photographic memory. Emma on the other hand is placid and calm. You generally find her on the sofa "relaxing". She walks around, lost in her dream world. She is all delicate and fey. While she can't count to save her life (like her mother), she is very artistic and is always drawing.
In some ways Andrew and Emma are very close but they wouldn't like people to know it. It's funny because their teachers never know that they are part of a "twin set" - I usually explain this at the first parents meeting! However they do stick up for each other and Emma especially is protective of her brother.
Roberta Gabarretta is mum to Mattea and Luca, aged nearly four
I always said that I would like to have two children - ideally a boy and a girl, but I never imagined I would have them at the same time! I had my first scan at eight weeks and was very excited, especially since it was my first pregnancy. The gynae performed the ultrasound and told me that there were two white dots, that is, two heartbeats! At that point I think my heart skipped a beat, so much so that I asked if he was joking, because never in a million years did I ever think I was likely to have twins. My husband and I left the doctor's in shock and told our parents and close friends that we were expecting twins. Our parents were ecstatic about the news and offered us any help they could.
As first time parents, it was already hard getting used to the ropes of babyhood let alone having to deal with two! The first months were definitely the hardest, as a newborn needs all the attention in the world, and it was hard if you were dealing with one and the other started to cry.
Now that they are almost four years old, life has become much easier, but a typical winter day would still start at 6.30 a.m. I get up and prepare their school bags, then wake them up at 7, and get them to the bus-stop by 7.30. I get back home, get dressed, clear up the kitchen and go to work. At 2.30 p.m. I collect them from school and we go home for lunch. My afternoons are always dedicated to them and no afternoon is ever the same. However, I always make it a point to be home for dinner at 6.30 p.m., after which my husband bathes them and gets them into their pyjamas. They watch cartoons and are in bed by 8; then they say their prayers and it's lights out. I now actually manage to get the 8 o'clock news in, which is a great luxury as I never used to have time to watch it before!
In summer, they attend summer school three times a week, after which we go swimming. I am more relaxed about their nightly routine so there is no fixed time for dinner or bath time. Rules are made to be broken, I guess, when you're having a good time!
The best thing about having twins is that they always have each other's company, and therefore can entertain each other. With twins you go through the development milestones together, which I think really made life much easier... it's not like I have one child learning to walk while I'm potty training the other.
Mattea and Luca have been extremely different in nearly all aspects of their lives. Mattea has always been the more daring one. She walked and talked first and this year is swimming without any help, while Luca is always one step behind her. Mattea is very artistic - she loves colouring, dancing and singing, whereas Luca is very methodical and organised, just like his father. He is an extremely quick learner and remembers most things he learns at school. Mattea is rather fussy in her choice of food, while Luca likes most foods and is more open to new flavours than Mattea.
They are extremely close yet they still fight. They have this amazing bond between them which I guess only a twin can explain. They love each other so much and are always on the lookout for each other. They both stick up for each other and are both very thoughtful about each other, especially if they are on their own. Two months ago Luca had an accident playing football and lost his two front teeth, I took him to a toy shop to buy something with his tooth fairy money, as we arrived he told me he wanted to buy something for Mattea as well, which was so cute and so thoughtful, especially coming from a three-year-old boy.
When I first found out I was going to have twins, I kept on thinking how on earth I was going to cope. Then I thought that there are so many women who can't even have one child... and God has blessed me with two. With every day that passes and something new learnt, you forget about the sleepless nights and the difficult times and just cherish what amazing little people they have turned into. I'm not saying it's always a walk in the park but you learn to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in. Someone once told me that God doesn't give you more than you can handle and now I believe it!