For fun while in New York City before John and Erin McClymonds were married, they visited a psychic who predicted they would have twins. After they were married, Liam, center front, and Lachlan, center back, who will be 5 next week, were born. The Cranberry Township family also has added Quinn, 2Z\x, and Fiona, 2 months.

CRANBERRY TWP — Before they were married, Erin and John McClymonds visited a psychic in New York City just for fun.

"She said we would have twins some day," Erin said. "We just laughed."

But five years ago next week, the seer's prediction came true when fraternal twins Liam and Lachlan joined the family at a healthy seven pounds each.

Erin said she began having pain early on in her pregnancy and was afraid the pregnancy was in trouble. An ultrasound not only showed evidence of a cyst that had ruptured — the source of the pain — but two amniotic sacs and two heartbeats. The McClymonds immediately thought of their trip to New York City.

"We were shocked and nervous, but not as much as we would have been if we hadn't seen the psychic," Erin said. "We found it to be a funny coincidence."

She said many people are unaware of the challenges a multiple pregnancy can present. Erin knows many mothers who spent most of their pregnancy in bed or whose children were born prematurely.

Erin developed pre-eclampsia, or gestational high blood pressure, during her third trimester, and the doctor induced labor one month early because delivery is the only cure for the illness.

She delivered one twin after 11 p.m., and then the room came alive.

"They were desperate to get him out because I would have twins born on different days," Erin said.

The second twin cooperated, making his entrance at 11:55 p.m.

Erin said her baby shower included two of everything, which she said is a necessity for infant multiples. She said friends and family still buy two of the same thing for the boys on occasions when they receive gifts.

"It's nice because then they're not fighting over it, but they have different interests and don't always necessarily want the same things," she said.

Erin said Liam gravitates toward self-play, amusing himself with Legos and puzzles. Lachlan is naturally more social and active than his brother.

Erin said many people would approach her as she pushed her double stroller and wish aloud they had twins. But she said the first six months of her sons' existence were difficult and stressful.

"It is so much work," Erin said. "It is like quadruple the stress of one baby. You feel completely inadequate as a mother because someone is always crying."

The Cranberry family has added another son and an infant daughter since the odyssey of birth of the twins five years ago, which Erin said she wouldn't trade for the world.

"I love them so much."

All those children add up to plenty of attention for her on Mother's Day.