TheMonk and Swee’Pea are happily playing with each other. They are chasing each other around and squealing with delight whenever they make eye contact. I sit and watch from a distance and can’t help but smile at this beautiful scene. It is times like these that remind me how much fun it is having twins.

TheMonk catches up with Swee’Pea and they sit up to catch their breath. They are so close to each other they are almost touching. Swee’Pea reaches out and pats TheMonk on the head. It’s a hard little pat and I remind Swee’Pea to be gentle. TheMonk then reaches out and pats Swee’Pea back. Again, I remind TheMonk to be gentle.

TheMonk keeps his hand on Swee’Pea’s head and then moves it down her face and sticks his fingers in her mouth. He thinks this is hilarious and begins to laugh hysterically. His little belly shakes and his eyes squint in laughter as he watches his hand inside Swee’Pea’s mouth.

Suddenly, the look on his face shifts from glee to horror. He pulls his hand quickly out of Swee’Pea’s mouth. You can see his little mind trying to comprehend what just happened. He looks over at me, confused and hurt. Then he begins to cry. His cry crescendos to a fever pitch and I scramble over to comfort him.

I take his little hand in mine as he sits on my lap crying. I inspect his fingers. And then I see it. Two little bite marks on his finger. I look over at Swee’Pea and tell her, “Bri, no biting!” She doesn’t seem fazed by my admonishment. In fact, she smiles a bit. I tell her again, “No biting!”

I distract TheMonk from his pain by handing him a favorite toy and he goes off to play. As I sit back to watch again, I find myself contemplating my earlier thoughts. Did I say having twins was fun? I meant challenging.