A bit of news about things happening with Multiples of America.
Check out the quiz at the end for your chance to win a gift card!

A Winner!
43 members emailed their answers to the December quiz. A perfect score is not the aim; everyone who joins in the fun is entered into the drawing. The answers to the December triplet quiz are:

What is the rarest form of triplets? Identical triplets

The actor, best known as John Boy on The Waltons, is father to triplet daughters born in 1981 and named Barbara Ayala, Gweneth Gonzales, and Pilar Alma. Richard Thomas

Astronaut Carlos I. Noriega is father to triplets named Robert, Rodolfo, and Elizabeth. Dad Carlos flew as part of the crew on two space shuttle missions, one of which was on the spacecraft: Atlantis.

Famous models, Laura, Nicola and Alison Crimmins, are identical triplets. They often appear in ad campaigns together as well as diet, exercise, and even get their hair cut at the same time. They make their home in Ireland.

This now retired actress is an identical triplet. She is most well-known for her 1990s role of Tori in Saved by the Bell. She also appeared alongside her triplet sisters in two Parent Trap television movies: Parent Trap III and Parent Trap: Hawaiian Honeymoon. Leanna Creel

Winner of the gift card drawing was Janie Ziegler, St. Louis MOMs (MO). Find the January quiz at the end of this email. Just click on the link and you’ll be able to answer quickly and easily on the pre-filled form!

Board News
The board works with our volunteers to deliver the services and benefits you enjoy from year to year and to develop new initiatives focused on support and connection. Here’s a few of our latest moves:
• Multiples of America has signed on as a supporter of the new position paper, The Role of Peer Support in Multiple Pregnancy Complications and Loss. The paper was prepared following research by The TAPS Support Foundation and Footprints Baby Loss. A Youtube video summarizes the recommendations presented in the paper.
• The Events Department is making plans for all of us to go Two-Steppin’ 2 Tucson this July 24-26 as we head to the Omni Tucson National Resort for our annual convention. Start making plans now to two-step your way (or perhaps take a car, train, or plane) to Arizona for days of networking, learning, and fun! You can even make your hotel reservation today! Look for the link on the homepage of our website.
• Yes, it’s only January, but our Events Department is also busy planning for Multiple Birth Awareness month in April. This year’s theme is: “It’s a Balancing Act: Mental Wellbeing for Parents of Multiples.” The focus is on raising awareness about the added stresses that come with parenting multiples and how to support the mental wellbeing of families during that journey. Stay tuned for news about an updated toolkit with ideas on how your own club can add your mark to the month.

February Zoom Connect – Educating Multiples
If identical twins are taking the same test and record the exact same answers, did they cheat? If one multiple is identified as having a learning disability, will the other multiples also have the same learning challenges? Join us Wed., Feb. 12, 7:30 CST (8:30 EST, 6:30 MST, 5:30 PST) for our February Zoom Connect to get some answers. Dr. Nancy Segal, author of over 120 books, articles, and studies focused on the lives of twins and the multiple experience, will present on “Educating Identical and Fraternal Twins: Intellectual Similarities and Differences, Classroom Placement and Related Issues.” Reserve your space to join us. Registration closes February 10.

Great Expectations Seminar – Easing into Multiple Parenthood with Peace and Joy
Having trouble getting your newborn multiples to sleep? Are your multiples fighting with each other? Want some tips on how to get them to share? Great Expectations is for you!

Our Great Expectations program is a series of four seminars focused on the needs of expectant and young parents with multiples. Local club leaders with older multiples are also encouraged to attend to gather information or preview this resource that could be offered as a part of a club learning experience.

This month, we’re hosting the seminar, Easing into Multiple Parenthood with Peace and Joy, on Thurs., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. CST (8:30 p.m. EST, 6:30 p.m. MST, 5:30 p.m. PST).

Smadar Zmirin, a twin specialist who has been helping parents of multiples for more than 15 years, will share tips for mastering the logistics of caring for two (or more) babies at once and optimizing your living space to reduce anxiety and stress.

There is a separate sign up for each session, so you can attend just one session or all four! Space is limited, so register today.

A New Partnership – Mighty Little Giants
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Mighty Little Giants (MLG). Located in Palmdale, California, MLG supports and educates for parents with babies in the NICU/NICCU in and around the greater Los Angeles area. In fact, they’ve been helping to provide emergency supplies to families with young children impacted by the recent fires. They also host Craft & Conversation sessions, hold a bi-monthly NICU support group, offer one-on-one peer support, send out self-care kits for mothers with children in the NICU or who experience postpartum depression, and sponsor literacy centers for the NICUs in partnering hospitals. Find out more about the services they provide.

Till Death Do Us Part – Twin Marriage
We are assisting Dominique L. Walker from Alliant International University with a new research study on twin marriage, Till Death Do Us Part. We’re asking that you pass along information about this research study to any identical twins you know between the ages of 22 and 44. The study is looking for twins where one twin is married in a monogamous relationship and the other twin is unmarried (can be single, engaged, or in a relationship.) Read more about the study and how to connect with Dominique L. Walker.

What’s the Total?
Our Building Our Story giving campaign raised $1,390! Plus, our anonymous donor matched every one of those dollars. A special thanks to all our donors. There’s still time if you’d like to help support our work in building more connections, resources, and support for families with multiples at all ages and stages. 

Galentine’s Day Is On the Way!
It’s time to celebrate the power of female friendships. No flowers or candy needed! This February, we’re asking you to pay forward the friendships and inspiration you’ve received from other “gals” who are parents of multiples by making a small donation to our Scholarship or EDGE funds in their honor. Look for more information soon, or donate now.

Seeking Scholarship Applications
The February 1, 2025 deadline to apply for the Marge Ainsworth Scholarship is only a few days away. You must have been a member of your local club for at least the last three years (and that club is a member club of Multiples of America) for you, your spouse or multiples to apply. Read more about the scholarship on the flyer at the end of this mail and download the application form at:  https://multiplesofamerica.org/ainsworth-scholarship/ Questions? Email scholarship@multiplesofAmerica.org

Multiple Connections
Nutrition tips, fundraising ideas, reading recommendations, research: the January issue of Multiple Connections has a bit of everything, plus a reflection on how “life is like a cactus.” Hope you received your copy in your inbox around January 16. If not, let us know and check out the issue. (Note: There was an error on the “In Memory Of” article in the version of Multiple Connections emailed to members. Nita Landes was the founder of Westside Suburban Mothers of Twins Club in New York. She was also the founder of the current New York state newsletter and a Past President of the New York State Organization of Mothers of Twins Club.)

Share Your Story
How has belonging to Multiples of America “lightened your load” as a parent of multiples? What’s one piece of “nuts and bolts” advice you’d offer to a new parent of multiples? What’s a way your club has “nailed it” in connecting with members or families? Help us inspire and encourage other parents of multiples by spreading the word about the power of clubs and connection. It only takes a moment to share your story.

Leadership Shareshop
We’re starting discussions about club management issues on our Leadership Shareshop page on Facebook. We hope to share ideas around club services, programs, volunteering, membership growth, and meeting planning.  A new question is posted every couple weeks as a part of the Leadership Academy, but all current leaders of member clubs are invited to join us online and participate in the discussions. If you’re a club leader and don’t already have access, join us online.

Invite2 Connect
Is your club joining in our Invite2Connect project? The project provides postcards that your club can distribute to local doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals in order to connect expectant parents and parents with newborn multiples with information about Multiples of America and your local club. Find out more about this project. If your club already joined in and could use a second batch of cards, just let us know that, too!

Did You Remember?
The new password went into effect for our Members Only site on December 15. Check with your club officers for the new information or contact us at info@multiplesofamerica.org.

Please remember this information is for members of clubs for whom dues have been paid at the national level only. It is very important that it be kept secure and not published online in newsletters, news groups (Yahoo, Facebook, Big Tent, etc.), club websites, or any other print media that is not accessed only by member or secured by a password.

Local Clubs Ringing in the New Year
Brazos Valley Mothers of Twins Club (TX) met in early January to consider the new year. They made plans for a quarterly book club and a Girl Scout Cookie, Wine and Cheese pairing event.

Double Love Mothers of Multiples (IL) gathered for their annual holiday party. It was an evening filled with food, fun, fellowship and grab bag gifts!

Phoenix Valley Mothers of Multiples (AZ) kicked off 2025 with sunshine, steps, and sips! They met at the Gateway Trailhead for a hike followed by lunch at The Vig Restaurant at McDowell Mountain.

Check This Out
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out these updated items:
The January Press Release shares information about our new Leadership Academy.

There’s a new addition to our Zoom Connect Café, a recording of January Zoom Connect with Amy Nolan on Self-Care for Busy Parents. It’s a presentation filled with research, tips, and a special personal touch. Check it out if you’re looking for some inspiration to move into the new year.

Send Your Ideas/Share Your Joys and Challenges
I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what questions you have about any of these items or other services provided by Multiples of America. Share some news about your club: its successes or challenges, or about your personal joys or challenges on your parenting journey. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org

This month’s quiz is closed.