Twice is twice as nice: Two sets of twins, plus one

Traci Hedenberg-Schnepp and her husband John are the parents of five — and not just any five, but two sets of twin girls and one strapping young lad. Her tale of baby, babies and babies may inspire you, and her advice for moms who are stressing is spot on.

Traci’s early years

SheKnows: Traci, tell us about your childhood. Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

Traci Hedenberg-Schnepp: I was born in South New Jersey, in a little town called Sewell — or some people called it Washington Township.

SK: How many siblings did you have? Did you have a big family, or a big extended family?

TH: Growing up, I was one of four girls. I have one older sister and two younger sisters. We didn't have much of an extended family. It was pretty much just my mom, dad, sisters and my grandmom and grandfather on my mom's side. I also now have a 15-year-old little brother from my dad's second marriage.

SK: Did you want lots of children when you were growing up?

TH: I always wanted to have kids one day, I just didn't know when. I remember in high school having a book with all of my future kid's names in it. It was a pretty long list if I remember correctly.

Meeting Daddy

SK: How and when did you meet your husband?

TH: I met John on a blind date March 6, 2004. Our best friends at the time had set us up. His best friend lived across the street from my best friend. They thought because we both had tattoos that we just had to meet because we would be the perfect couple.

SK: Was it love at first sight? Tell us your story.

TH: I don't think I would say it was love at first sight because I was going through so much of my own stuff personally that a relationship was the last thing on my mind. John says it was for him. He said the minute he saw my eyes he was in love with me.

It was funny because we were supposed to meet up like three times before we actually met. Something just always happened to keep us from getting together. It was funny because we both swore that nothing serious was going to come from all of this and we were just going to be friends. We hung out as friends for a couple of months before anything romantic happened. The rest is our love story.

SK: What was your wedding like?

TH: It was really simple. We got married December 18, 2008, after the first set of twins were born. We figured we've been together through so much and had three kids together that it was about time to tie the knot. We just went to the mayor's office and got married. Nice and simple.

We talk about renewing our vows and having a bigger wedding in a few years. We want to do it after we were together 13 years and do a Halloween-themed wedding. Thirteen is our lucky number and we both love Halloween. It would be awesome, but right now we have other more important priorities to worry about.