It’s been such an eye opening experience to be the mother of twins. While all my girls are complete individuals and I recognize and celebrate that, any parent of multiples will say that you really notice personalities when you have two of the same age. After all, they are always with you and most oftentimes, always together.
My Sophia, Twin A, is dominant in every way. Her boisterous and outgoing personality was evident right from the start, even consistently placing herself in front of her sister, in utero. In fact, so much that doctors didn’t even know there was another in there, until a 21 week ultrasound.
Then, she made her mark on the world by literally pushing her sister out during labour {causing quite the emergency situation}. Firecracker, right? Through the years, Sophia has always been heavier, taller, louder and one to always have the attention.
Meet Katelyn. The littlest Roy twin. Smaller, lighter and dainty. Katie is full of feelings and emotion, altruistic by nature and often withdrawn. When asked a question, she checks with her sisters first, follows in their every footstep and does her best to please anyone.
As a parent, and wanting the girls to be all they can be, I do intervene where I see fit. While I foster Sophia’s independent and strong side, I do urge her to think before acting and be more caring when it comes to others. After all, a girl can be strong minded but also know when it’s a time to soften up a little. Instead of lashing out and stomping her feet in rage each and every time, I encourage her to use her words and take deep breaths before acting.
When given the opportunity, I urge Katie to be more independent and make her own choices regardless of what others think and do. When she’s in tears and her heart is literally breaking over hurtful words, I acknowledge her feelings but suggest she relay those to her sister and stand up for herself.
While my twins are still very different to this day, I do see some gaps narrowing. While I have many examples of this, I’ll instead focus on just one …
Katie: Finding Her Voice
Quiet, timid and often shadowed, I first noticed Miss Katie coming out of her shell – with music.
Both girls love their Barbie movies, and oftentimes choose them over others in the pile. They both watch the stories unfold with great interest, yet it’s the songs within the movies that wins their hearts every time.
There’s one particular song that Katie took a massive liking to, from Barbie The Princess & The Popstar. She watched and learned, over and over again. First singing along with the movie quietly and then she became louder.
After a while, she would sing ‘Here I am‘ while playing with her The Princess & The Popstar Barbie dolls. Yet, she would immediately stop and look almost guilty when she realized anyone was listening.
Over time, her voice strengthened and she found the courage to sing loud and to anyone within earshot. She even requested me to take video of her performing, which was remarkable.
It took a couple of years, yet now she belts out tunes all day long, on planes and even among strangers in a foreign land.
Literally, Katie sings all.the.time. When playing with Barbies, she opts to sing words instead of speaking them. Katie sings while she walks, in the car and even as she’s falling asleep. I have to admit to giggling when Sophia is the one telling her to ‘settle down’.
Katie is finding her way. Her strength. Her ability to shine and be the star of the show after all these years.
Here I am
Being who I want
Giving what I got
Never a doubt now
Here I go
Burning like a spark
Light up the dark again………….. Here I Am – Barbie Princess & The Popstar Soundtrack
I have enrolled both the girls in a summer theatre camp, in which they will be in a musical. Katie is showing some signs of intimidation, yet really wants to give it a try. I am so proud.
Sometimes I wonder what my girls ‘will be’ when they are older, and while I know them so well and can predict many things based on years of experience with them – truth is, you just never know.
I encourage it all and tell them often that they really can be anything they want to be.
You just need to find that voice.
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is incredibly sweet and she is a very talented young lady. Who knows, maybe she will be a big super star someday 🙂
Tammi says
You just never know! 😉
Kelsey Apley says
I absolutely love this! What a great project, and good to see they are helping kids find their voice!!!! Too cute!
Tammi says
Thanks Kelsey!
kristin says
So very sweet!!! My girls love Barbie it’s good to see them supporting girls.
Tammi says
🙂
Lolli @ Better in Bulk says
I don’t have twins, but I have 5 kids…and we’ve talked on more than one occasion about how amazing it is that not one pair of our kids ended up more alike. They are all so unique. I love watching it. Way to go on your daughter finding her voice. It reminded me so much of my 2nd daughter, who has found HER voice through music and acting as well. I love to see her grow and thrive in that setting! Just yesterday, we were able to celebrate her love of music and theater by having a special birthday date at West Side Story. 🙂
Tammi says
Awe, thank you for sharing Lolli!
Michelle says
Great project, I can imagine how amazing and difficult it is to be a twin. You are doing an amazing fostering their personalities and guiding them to be their personal best.
Tammi says
Thank you Michelle, every day is a learning opportunity!
sarah n says
There’s my morning tear. Incredible story and post, it certainly touched my heart.
Tammi says
Ae, thank you so much sarah!
Candace says
So incredibly touching, I’m so happy for her. I hope they both rock theatre camp this summer.
Tammi says
Thank you Candace, I hope they give it their all!
Ellen says
I love this. What a beautiful story and this will be such a wonderful memory for you.
Tammi says
Thank you Ellen!
Stacie says
So cute! Your girls are lucky to have each other. My sister and I fought like cats and dogs and I don’t remember playing with her when we were little. We are 22 months apart in age.
Tammi says
Oh, they fight. A lot! lol
In fact, today they pretty much drove me insane. But, that’s another blog post. Hahaha
lauren says
Awww!!! I have 2 little girls who are 5 years apart and barbies is the one thing they both enjoy playing together. I played Barbies with my 2 younger sisters as a child and I remember many of our adventures with barbies and I love hearing about other little girls who like my own girls have found the joy in playing with Barbie and spending time together
Tammi says
Like mother, like daughter! Same with us Lauren. And do you get down and play Barbies with them today?
Ruby DW (@RubyDW) says
I love the video! How precious to hear them sing How empowering is that song! thanks for sharing!
Tammi says
Thank you Ruby! 😉
Kristine Ewald says
I always played barbies, it was such a fun experience 🙂
Tammi says
Me too Kristine, they were very much apart of my childhood!
Raijean says
I love everything about this, Barbie played such a big role in my life! I wish I had a little girl.
Tammi says
Perhaps someday …
Danielle says
That is amazing. I love how different their personalities are. My brother just had twins and already at 3 months you can tell they’re completely different.
Tammi says
It’ll be so fascinating to watch them grow, enjoy every moment!!
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
Twins (and triplets) run in our family and you know, it’s kind of crazy that all of the twins are SO DIFFERENT!!! I mean, they aren’t anything like their twins at all. I love how you’re helping them foster their own identities and yay for your singing girl. 🙂
Tammi says
It’s so fascinating and thank you!
Liz Mays says
She’s blossoming through music. This is just absolutely precious!
Tammi says
Thanks Liz!
Amy Desrosiers says
My kids love Barbies! I will always encourage them to play with them and enjoy them!
Tammi says
🙂
Amber Edwards says
I love how Katie has been able to find her voice! Every child needs an outlet where they can find their own voice and express their own personality. Music is a great way for me to do just that as well. And i hope my kids each find their own voice too.
Tammi says
It’s a marvel to watch, the beauty of life and growth!
Amanda A says
so cute! I agree on the kids needing their own individuality!
Tammi says
🙂
Pam says
It’s wonderful that Katie has found her voice through singing- and Barbies! It’s always interesting to see how siblings are similar, and where they are different.
Tammi says
So true Pam!
Jen Temcio says
I LOVE this story. What a great thing the Barbie project is for girls 🙂
Tammi says
Thank you Jen!
Star Traci says
My daughter is a singer, too. All the time. She is singing tomorrow morning in the Talent Show but I am unsure how she will do. She sings loud an proud at home but gets shy in front of others. Either way, I’ll be proud of her for trying!
🙂
Traci
Tammi says
Awe, hope it goes well. I hope she can find her courage and knock it out of the park. Regardless, feel proud mama!!
Janel says
It’s so amazing to me how different night and day kids can be from the next!
Tammi says
So true. And how they change …. it’s a wonder!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
These Barbies hair looks like they have seen better days! Sounds like a great project!
Tammi says
I know, right?! Sign of lots of play!!!
nathania h says
My goodness, do they ever remind me of my girls, (almost 4 and 5), They have the same dolls, and sing the song every single day! They adore their Barbie movies, (almost have them all!)
Tammi says
I think there’s a bit of this story in us all …. 🙂
Shauna says
I have loved Barbie for years… i had a collection of over 200 Barbies growing up and continued collecting into my twenties… I hope that my girls will take over my love
Tammi says
Wowzers! Do you ever break them out and play? More importantly, can I come over and play? ;P
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love hearing stories about twins. Your girls sound like they are incredible little girls. I hope you share their camp experience on the blog.
Tammi says
I will Ann and thank you so much. Sometimes I write and think it’s all just for me and them. I forget just how public this space is sometimes. It’s nice that I can connect with so many through this space. Great to have you here!! HUGS! xo
valmg says
It’s great she’s finding her voice. That can be difficult for any child but imagine it could actually be a little more challenging for a twin.
Tammi says
Especially one that’s been constantly silent on so many occasions. It’s brilliant to watch her find her courage and shine!
Christine Cavazos says
I’ve been doing theater since I was little, 30 years later I’m still addicted. I hope they love it!
Tammi says
Awe, I hope so too! I was never brave enough as a kid so I’m especially proud that they are willing to do something I couldn’t dream of
Sandra says
We are currently in the Barbie stage ourselves. I have 5 kids and they are all so different, I wonder sometimes how did they come from the same parents. 🙂
Tammi says
Ha, exactly!
Amanda West says
This is an amazing story you shared. How could you not just fall for little Miss Katie! She’s a doll.
Tammi says
Thanks Amanda! 😉
SoberJulie says
How adorable is Katie? I love that Barbie presents positive messages to our girls, you know Chelsea would LOVE to be right there singing with her
Tammi says
Awe, I know she would be! 🙂
Staci says
My middle two girls aren’t twins, but everyone thinks they are. Similar in size, appearance, and age. But where they really differ is in personalities. Just like your daughters, one is very much more timid. I love how you helped encourage Katie to find her voice. She is awesome!
Tammi says
Thanks for sharing Staci, it’s neat how they are so much the same otherwise!
Nancy says
What a great post, it’s nice to read the story of your twins. I often wonder what my girls will be too. But, one thing is for sure, it seems like you have two beautiful girls. 🙂
Tammi says
Thank you Nancy!! 🙂
Debi says
I love the different personalities. My kids are like that
Tammi says
🙂
Brenda Roy says
Just sooo wonderful to hear her belting it out
Tammi says
Thanks Gramma!
Emily says
My son loves these movies too – I like the messages in them. They are as important for boys as they are for girls! Your kiddos are sure cute!
Tammi says
They sure are!!
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) says
I commend Barbie for doing this project. It’s pretty amazing.
Tammi says
I love the conversations happening because of it!
Greta says
Awww…I love that you not only recognize how different they are, but foster it.
Carlee C says
This is so sweet. I think it is awesome when little ones gain confidence and shine.
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Rachel says
I have twins (boy/girl) plus one too. It’s wonderful seeing them each grow and develop. My twin girl is a strong ruler type, but at the same time defaults to wanting what the other boy twin wants. I’m having to help her find her own interests instead of defaulting to her twins interests all the time. Interesting watching them develop together, yet so differently.