Uncomplicated Momming

This past week, my twins turned one. One whole year of motherhood, of twinhood, of navigating the unexpected and embracing the joy, exhaustion, and wonder that comes with it. When people say, the days are long, but the years are short, they aren’t kidding.

The Journey of a NICU Mom

Looking back, it’s hard to believe that they started their lives as 34-week preemies in the NICU. Those first 23 days were a crash course in parenting, in medical jargon, in advocating for my babies while still healing from a c-section. But I also learned early on that I wasn’t in this alone. The NICU nurses, lactation consultants, and therapists taught me so much—lessons I carried with me as we transitioned home.

I wrote about our NICU experience in detail, especially the ways I made our space more comfortable and how I navigated the intense schedule. It shaped how I approached their care once we left the hospital—following a strict schedule, prioritizing sleep, and tracking their progress closely.

The Highs and Lows

Despite their early arrival, I feel incredibly grateful for how “easy” they are. They cry when they need something—tired, hungry, or a diaper change—but beyond that, they are content, curious, and happy. I can’t complain about sleepless nights because, thanks to a solid sleep routine, I really haven’t had many.

That doesn’t mean the year was without challenges. The sheer number of doctor’s appointments was exhausting, and I spent more time than I care to count on hold with insurance companies and hospital billing teams. And then there were the dark moments—like when we had to go to the ER twice in one week. In those moments, the weight of single motherhood felt heavy. But those moments don’t define our year.

Finding My Village

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t do this alone—and thankfully, I haven’t had to. Beyond family and close friends, I’ve found an incredible community through our local Single Moms by Choice group and Moms of Multiples network.

Connecting with other moms who truly get it—whether it’s navigating life as the only parent or managing double feedings, double diapers, and double everything—has been invaluable. These women have been a source of advice, reassurance, and laughter on the hard days, and I’m so grateful to have found my place in these communities.

Watching Them Grow

What does define the year is watching them grow. Watching them figure out the world around them, hit milestones, learn new skills, and most importantly, create bonds—with each other, with me, with our family and friends. The love and connection they share is something I can’t put into words.

I started this blog as a way to journal, to process my experiences, and to share what I’ve learned with others. More than anything, I hope it inspires women who are considering an alternative path to motherhood. This first year as a single mom by choice of twins has been an adventure—one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Here’s to year two.