While having multiples can be one of the most exciting times of your life, it can also be the most challenging.

Everything from diaper duty and feedings to bath and bedtime is double, sometimes triple, even quadruple the work as having just one child at a time. And even though you’re never alone — not even for a split second — being a parent of multiples can be isolating at times, but it doesn’t have to be.

Since 1988, the Fraser Valley Multiple Miracles Association (FVMMA) has been providing guidance and support to families of multiple birth children (twins, triplets and more) from the Langley, Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford, Aldergrove and Mission communities.

The registered non-profit group’s mission is to improve and promote the health and well-being of expectant multiple-birth families and families with multiple births, before, during, and after pregnancy. It also allows parents of multiples the opportunity to share experiences and friendships.

Katy Lederer, a mom of four-year-old twins and a six-year-old from Clayton Heights, admits that being a parent of multiples can be chaotic at the best of times.

“At the moment, it is mostly trying to juggle everyone’s schedules and needs,” she said.

“Instead of just one kid going through a phase or issues, you are having to do everything double. Also, just trying to make sure that each kid get’s enough “mommy time” is a constant challenge… there’s also the cost of having to buy everything double or to register two for classes/preschool at the same time.”

But with those challenges comes many delights as well, she adds.

“It has gotten to the point where I cannot imagine life without twins.”

Back in 2012, Lederer was looking to join a local twin club when her neighbor, also a mother of multiples, encouraged her to join the FVMMA.

Since becoming a member, Lederer has connected with numerous parents of multiples from all over the Fraser Valley. In addition to swapping stories and sharing tips, there’s also a strong social aspect for the 35 members.

“The main benefit of the club for me has been as a support group,” she said, also noting the monthly meetings.

“We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from Sept-June (normally at Clayton Hall) and have a theme, like emergency preparedness, fitness, cupcake decorating, etc., which is great, especially for nervous new expecting twin moms to ask questions of the more experienced twin moms.”

The club also hosts speakers and several twin-friendly family events, including Halloween Bowling, an Easter Egg hunt, Christmas lunch, movie night, summer camping for members — just to name a few.

[box] RT I entered to win 2 tickets to the FVMMA’s annual Pub Night at Jimmy Mac’s pub on Feb.21 thanks to @shesavalleymom http://bit.ly/1FaWUzq  [/box]

 Note: A winner will be chosen at random on Feb. 18th and their name will be announced on our Facebook Fan Page. You must be 19+ to enter or attend this event.

 ~ Photo from Don’t Blink Photography