We always make the joke that we were born on different days, just to see others’ reactions. Most people seem impressed that twins could potentially be born on different days. It has happened before. However, after saying the lame joke, we inform others that we actually were born on the same day: May 11, 1983 to be exact. Daz was born first at 1:23 AM weighing in at 5 lbs. 5 oz. Diz decided to take advantage of some well-earned stretching room and lingered for 12 minutes finally arriving at 1:35 AM weighing in at 5 lbs. 7 oz.
Our Great-Grandmother Lowther wanted us to hold off until May 21st so we could be born on her birthday. That would have been quite the statistic seeing as how Melissa was born on Great-Grandfather Miller’s birthday and Erin was born on Great-Grandmother Dearden’s birthday. If all granddaughters would have shared a birthday with a great-grandparent – what are the odds? Would we have made the Guinness Book of World Records? Alas, it was not to be, as we arrived two days before our Friday, May 13th due date. I think we got the better end of the deal arriving on a Wednesday rather than Friday, and Friday the 13th no less.
I’m sure it was quite the shock for Mama Sue and Papa Jim to find out there were two babies instead of just one only three weeks before our due date. Technology back in the 80s was not as sophisticated as today’s. The second baby's heartbeat was not picked up...or the doctor might have thought it was Mama Sue’s. But two babies arrived and life at the Cowles house became very different.
Erin loved her new baby sisters and would read to them (even though she probably didn’t know how). She probably drove Mama Sue crazy. After putting us down for a nap, right as we fell asleep, Erin would run full steam ahead to the crib or playpen and shake it and yell, “HELLLLLLLOOOOOOO BABIES!” Biggest sister Melissa was excited to have not one, but TWO babies to play house. And she was quite the helper with benefits. She would feed us our baby food just so she could sneak a taste of the desserts. Darby and I would each receive a spoonful and then Melissa would enjoy the rest. Tropical Bananas were her favorites.
Darby and I have celebrated every birthday together except two: #24 and #27. Both times I was in Argentina. I guess to keep with tradition I’ll need to be in Argentina next year for the three year pattern. Fine by me!
Happy 29th birthday Diz and Daz!
