Two Doting Dads with Matty J & Ash - #169 Double The Chaos With Italian NRL Wag Tayla Montoya

Episode Date: September 7, 2025

Tayla Montoya is an Italian mum from "The Area" who happens to be married to a Bulldogs football player, Marcello.  After a whirlwind pregnancy, Tayla and Marc welcomed their twin girls, Tiana and Milan, almost a year ago.  But before the girls entered the world, mum would have to go through a type of miscarriage that only 1 out of every 1000 women experience.   Listen to The Montoyas here https://open.spotify.com/show/04dEe39FFHPhwlh7uw24eb  BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE  https://www.twodotingdads.com/category/all-products Buy our book, which is now available in-store! https://www.penguin.com.au/books/two-doting-dads-9781761346552  If you need a shoulder to cry on:  Two Doting Dads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/639833491568735/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoDotingDads  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodotingdads/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twodotingdads   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash, I think you're going to love this episode. I love every episode. I don't know what you're talking about. But you love NRL and this is a love story that has come from the world of NRL. Yes, I'm not going to say it's between a cheerleader and an NRL player because that would be off limits, Matthew. It is a cheerleader and an under 20s player, which I don't know how makes a difference. No, that's us. Perfectly fine.

This episode is with Taylor Montoya. Beautiful name. And she's married to Marcello Montoya, who plays for the Bulldogs currently, who is a Try scoring machine, Matthew. She is Italian background. He is Fijian. Yes, she was a cheerleader. Yes, he plays NRL, but this is a match made in heaven.

Yes, we talk about all things growing up in the area. Also, having twins. Growing up in what area. That's what they call. What's the area, Ash? Oh, my God, in the area. What's the area? Crenulla.

The Shire. You want to say that or you want to just say they talk about the area? People from Sydney and get it, I guess, but... No one's going to get that. Yeah, everyone knows the area. What's the area? Anyway, shut up. Yes, we talk all things, love rugby league, cheerleading and twins.

And the area. I don't like being mocked. Her road to motherhood wasn't without its hiccups. She did fall pregnant, which sadly did end in a miscarriage, but the story does have a beautiful ending because she is welcomed two beautiful twins. Just quickly, before we get into the episode, I spotted Taylor. on a footy show on Fox and she was hilarious doing an interview with her partner and I thought we have to get her on the podcast. So this one is going to be a lot of fun. She is hilarious.

Strap yourself in. Let's do it. Welcome back to two doting dads and one doting mum. I am Maddie J. I'm Ash. I'm Taylor. Oh, went for Taylor. Oh, isn't they say Tay. Stop again. This is a podcast all about parenting.

It is the good, it is the bad. And the relatable. And Tay, Taylor, Tay. Yeah, Tay. Yeah, because we're all friends here. Tay-Tay. Bestie. Yeah, Tay-Tay.

We don't give advice. But you're more than welcome to. Yeah, guess are out. We're not. Shit, is this the first mother of twins? This is it. Wow. Here we go.

Now I'm excited. And also, Tay, I have to apologize. I apologize because you've been sitting here, fuck, for half an hour. Literally. I honestly, I apologise. We'll all share the responsibility. No, I love it. This is like a holiday for me, guys, so take your time.

We were just talking about being in the car on the way. Anywhere without the kid. It's better than sex. Yeah, literally. Yeah, especially now, yeah. Because you can be like, do you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to turn the radio off. I'm going to sit here in silence.

It's the best. Or you can just pay that. But we're taken away from like a lone time for Tay because she's just been sitting here as we've been like, oh, fuck the lights. not working. Oh, my God. So we've got the pot plan. Oh, God. So we've apologies. No, please. And we do like to start these episodes with our guests by asking them a question about their childhood. And we want to know, what's the most trouble you ever got in as a child slash teenager? Hmm. I was, I was like a pretty chill kid. Um, liar. Yeah. I don't believe that for a sex.

It's like, yeah, like, to be honest, well, probably like around year nine, year 10 is when I kind of was like, oh, cool, yeah. So that was when I probably started getting grounded. First time would have been a New Year's Eve party in the area. It was a boy's house from high school. And my mom was like, you can go, but there's parents, right? And I was like, yeah, obviously, like, who would leave a bunch of 14-year-olds by themselves on New Year's Eve? And then, so I went to this New Year's Eve party. We call them Gathos in the Shire.

Gathos. I'm going to adopt that for sure. And it would be like a bonfire in some random guys' backyard. And then you just sit around. And like a residential... Yeah, like a townhouse. Yeah. Literally.

Literally. Yeah. It's New Year's Eve and summer. Let's get a fire going on. Literally. And then like the whole week people would be like, you're going to go to the gatho this and I'm like, yeah, I'm going to the gatho. And then... So I went.

Watch the fireworks there. A bit of underage drinking was going on. Shock horror. It's a very big in Crowler. And I thought everything went well. I thought I came home unscathed. And then turns out the boy that had the party, his older brother was in the same year as my older brother.

And they got talking one day. And then my brother snitched and goes to my, you know there wasn't parents at that party. Snitches get stitches. Seriously. And then so my mom played the long game and came up to me. me that day and was like, so is there anything you want to tell me? And I was like, um, like, no, like I had a really good time. Did you have any inkling that she knew? No, because I thought

my brother always had my back as well. It's such a loaded question to it. Matthew, is there anything that you want to tell me? Literally. And I'm like, God, like, and like, this is going to sound really harsh to myself, but I wasn't one of those girls at high school where all the boys like to want to. Don't be ridiculous. I wasn't. I was like, so I was like, well, I didn't. Look at me now. I didn't get with anyone at the gather. So I was like, it wouldn't have been that. And then she was like, well, I've heard there was no parents in. I was like, there were.

And then, like, what made it worse was I doubled down and told her stories where I was like, they ordered us pizza the parents. Like, you literally, and she was like, I'm going to give you like five seconds now to just confess. And I was like, okay, there's no parents. And she was like, you're grounded for the rest of summer holidays. So then, like, for the rest of the school holidays, had to make up excuses why I didn't want to hang out with my friends.

You're too embarrassed to tell me. I was too embarrassed because, like, my friends didn't come from a strict parent. Like, I'm, like, my background's Italian. So my mom and dad are pretty strict. And, like, all my friends didn't really, like, parents were pretty chill. So every time I got an invite, I was like, oh, no, like, that sounds pretty lame. I'm just going to watch Jersey Shore. Like, the one's, like, fucking, literally.

Yeah. She's really matured in the last few months. She's not getting her to gather. I mean, yeah, I love how, like, Like back, like then, parents were so patient to play the longer. Yeah. Now, if my kids are not like, you, I can tell me now, man. Seriously.

Now already, like, thinking about, obviously, my girls are only nine months old. But if I was to think of that, them in that situation, mate. I would have me going at them. I'd call my mum. I'd call my husband. You are never leaving the house again. Yeah, yeah. So I get it.

Did you get your brother back at all? Well, I literally was like, what the hell was that about? And he's like, well, I don't like those group of people you're hanging out with. So maybe he saved you Actually, well, yeah, maybe actually But yeah And look like, to be honest, I don't hang out With those people anymore

So there you go Snitching word Are they now in prison? Yeah, yeah, long bay They're still in a big gather We're in prison All together I'm actually interested to know

How does someone get into cheerleading? Yeah, great question So I grew up dancing my whole life and I always aspired to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. That was end game for me. And then probably around 15 years old, I realized I don't have the flexibility that's going to get me there. But I'll kind of aim for the NRL and see how that goes.

And I don't want to talk about my brother again, but pretty much he was at a gather. And there was a Bulldogs cheerleader at the party. And he goes, what does my sister have to do to get in the squad? And the cheerier at the time goes, we actually got auditions this week. like if she's keen. So I went to the audition, got in.

I was 18 at the time. You were just flexible enough. Yeah, and I got in and then, yeah, the rest was history, kind of. What was the audition like? It was pretty chill at the time. Like, nothing like the Dallas Cab was chill at us. Oh, my God. Like, have you guys watched that show?

Yeah. Yeah. It's crazy. It's like more than what an NFL player would have to do. Brutal. So yeah, I just kind of got in and then did that for three years. But two years in, I decided to. to frattenise with a player.

So I've heard. Can I ask, is there any attraction to the world of cheerleading because of the connection to the players? I would say, for me personally, yes. I don't want to talk on behalf of other cheerleaders who are there to do it because they're so talented and that was their dream. There must be some strict rules around it. There are.

They absolutely are. But no one follows clearly. Yeah. Do they say, like, hey, do not, do not look at the players. Yeah, so, like, at the time, I don't know what it's like now, because I was 10 years ago now, in the contract that you sign, it's like not fraternising with players. And I was like, well, that's fine.

Because when I met Marcelo, he wasn't an NRL player who was under 20s. Loophiles. Yeah, I was like, it's fine. Like, if anything, they'll appreciate it. So it's actually that, like, NRL players off limit. Yeah, yeah. That's not fair. Well, it's kind of weird, right?

Because my parents met at work. What did they do, though? Quantus. Oh, yeah, that's that. Who was the pilot? Neither, unfortunately. So where did you guys meet? You and Marcella?

Yeah, so I would see him around, like, in the sheds and stuff. And I always thought, like, the first time I saw him, I was like, holy shit, they did not make men like that in the Shire. Like, I never seen someone, like, tall, dark and handsome like that. I don't know. He just, like, took me by surprise. Or the male listeners from the Shire. But he kind of gives off really resting bitch face.

So I was like, oh, okay, like he's kind of rude. And I was like, whatever, not interested. And then the club at the time holds a dinner where the cheerleaders have dinner with the under 20s players. I was going to say, that's dangerous. If I was not going to say you have dinner with the NRL players, it's like, wait a minute. You just said we can't fratten it. And now you're putting us on speed dating. Literally.

And it's like the purpose is to like, like have an etiquette dinner. And it's kind of like you, like, kind of have conversations and teach the boys and the girls kind of how to have etiquette. Yeah. If you got a shag, do it in the bathroom. And I remember seeing him there. And like, he was talking to my friend.

And he was kind of like not giving me too much. So I was like, well, stuff him. But then he followed me on Instagram later that day. Gotcha. Yeah. And I was like, oh, okay, maybe he kind of did see something in me and wants to pursue it. But nothing happened. And then we ran into each other at Cargo Bar.

Classic. Yeah. And then, you know, Sparks flew from there. I actually... Was it R&V in it? It was. It was. It's no longer around Cargo Barlow.

Is it? Yeah. It's just more... There's more food there now. Yeah. Less drives more food. Yes. It's like, it's a well-known nightclub.

Anyone outside of Sydney, well-known nightclub. Yeah. It was a couple storey, story high nightclub, wasn't it? It was unreal back in the day. I'm pretty sure, like, now, I think they just celebrated the, like, 25th birthday or something. I don't know why I know that. You're like, I was invited. But yeah, it looks like we haven't gone.

That's kind of not our vibe anymore, unfortunately. Yeah. Yeah. And then was it your first date at Hogsbrough? Correct. Yeah. So he's from Cargo to Hogsbroth Cafe. We're very classy.

So he at the time was living in Liverpool and I was in Cronulla. So I thought it was big props to him that he was like, I'll come out to you. I'll come out to you. I'll come pick you up. And I know that's kind of people probably listen. and going, that should be standard. But back then, I was like, this is crazy. Like, he has, like, oh, my goodness.

Yeah, and then so he pulled up at my house and, like, I was about to leave and my mum was like, where the hell do you think you're going? I was like, oh, like. Hog's breath. Yeah, there's a boy. She's like, as you were. There's a boy out here waiting for me and she's like, oh, like, you know, he should really come to the door.

And I was like, I'm not going to fucking make him come to the door, mom. And I just left bolted, got in his car. And suddenly this smell just hit me. me. And I was like, holy shit. And he had that black ice air freshener. And I had never smelled that before. And I was like, holy crap, this guy has like game. I don't know what I'm about it. It's like the equivalent to Leafs Africa. Literally. Literally. And I was like, oh, okay, cool. And then from that moment on, like, it was just a dream that date, like hogs breath, curly fries. What was what you want? Oh, my goodness. They don't. Do they still have hogs breath?

I'm definitely not in Crinale anymore, unfortunately. in Cronulla. Yeah. What? They're still around in, I grew up in Brisbane. I think they're still doing well in Brisbane. But yeah, damn shame.

Yeah. Hard to get traction. I went to one in Dubbo once. It was terrible. How dare you? I'm sorry. I'm sorry to Hogsbray. But remember all the old ads and stuff like that of like, it was just like

similar to sizzler vibe? Yeah, yeah. I miss Sizzler. That's another story. Anyway. Do you remember? the moment that Marcella proposed to you? Yeah, I do.

So I had been begging him for a proposal for a while because we were together from the moment I was 18, he was 19, and then we were coming up to like 25 years old and still nothing had happened. And all our friends were getting engaged. I know you shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to when your bloody bridesmaids

freaking five times a year. And so he was like to me, I was graduating from my degree at the time. So my mum had organised this big family dinner. And he was like, I'm going to take you to a hotel before the dinner to celebrate your graduation. I was like, okay, cool. Before the dinner? Yeah, weird.

I was like, I didn't even think much of it. And like the dinner was in Kroninnell and he took me to four seasons in the city. I was like, this is logistically not well. Yeah, we're supposed to probably traffic. Literally. And my mom, I don't know why, but she thought I was kind of getting suspicious. So she took me for a walk one day and was like, you know, Like, my cello's graduation present, it's pretty huge.

It's something you've been dreaming of. And I was like, oh, my God. Yeah, you got you a French bulldog. And I was like... Did you want that? I did. But yeah. Who didn't want a French boy dog?

Yeah, and now I'm like, I hear all the issues. I'm like, Jesus Christ, they're uninsurable. I know. It's so bad. Yeah, but I was like, really? And she's like, yeah, like, don't let him know that I told you, but yeah, you got a French. And I was like, oh, my God. Which is it?

Like, I get what she's doing, but it's an interesting setup that she's, She's taking you on a different path. Yeah. I wasn't suspicious, though. So I was like, I don't understand why she needed to do that. Yeah, it seems to me like, Mom, why are you telling you? She's like, no, don't like, I got you back. And he's like, please don't.

So he took me to this hotel and, like, he was like, oh, we'll take you up to the room, but I'm going to blindfold you. And I was like, well, obviously, because there's a French bulldog. Also, why is the French bulldog unattended? So many questions. It's about, see, blindfolding me, opened the door, and then there was music playing our favorite song at the time. And then...

What song? Friggan, forever love by... God, I'm not going to pronounce her name correctly. It's a new Kiwi singer. Can sing it. Subscribe. We'll... We'll splice it in right now.

so he undied the blindfold and then yeah it said will you marry me in balloons on the window and then I was like oh my god yes and I'm looking around I was like where's the dog and he was like what dog and I was like the mom said you got me a French bulldog he's like you want a fucking ring and a French boy dog the French bulldog's like 15k alone and it's uninsurable and then I was and he was like why would your mom tell you that and I was like I don't know And then he's like, well, fuck. And I was like, well, I'm happy. But like, oh, okay, there's no dog.

Had my heart sitting in a bulldog. Yeah. Oh, gosh. Where's the dog? Literally. And then, yeah, so that was the proposal. And then you had to go to the family dinner afterwards. Yeah.

And that was nice. That was the reason for the hotel before. Exactly. But you could have done that. Yeah. In traffic. And I think he knows, like, I, because he originally said, I'll do it in front of all her family at the dinner. And then I was like, if that is ever.

a thing, do not fucking do it in front of my family. Like, I just, it would be a whole thing with them and his family and it's just like... It's a lot. That is too much. Yeah. It's like we were talking about if someone sings me having birthday in public. That is way worse. Literally. If April was like back

of the day, oh, you can only propose me in front of my family, I'd be like, well, so you. Yeah. Absolutely. It's too much pressure. 100%. Credits of people who do it at restaurants. Yeah. No, no credit. You do it somewhere else. Between you and my

Marcello, who was the person who started talking about having a family first? Yeah, definitely Marcellos. Really? Yeah. So, like, again, the big Fijian background. Yeah. He's kind of always wanted to have kids probably earlier than later. And because we were together from the age of 18, he was probably like, I don't know, like 22 and ready.

Wow. But he was very, yeah, he was very respectable, I'm respectful, sorry, for my career and kind of where I was. I was not ready at 22. I'm barely ready now. Does he have a lot of siblings and stuff like that? He does. He's one of four. Okay.

And then he's got, mate, that many cousins. Like, I can't keep up. Like, pretty much you go to Fiji and mention his name. They're all right. I will do that. I will definitely do that. You get Rachel and soft of. So, yeah, he was like, not pasturing me, but he's always wanted that.

And I'd be like, hold your horses. Like, because in NRL as well, it's kind of different. Like, they peak in this incredible career that they've dreamed. of and work so hard for so early on. Whereas for other people, like, in your 20s, you're just getting started. And you've got to kind of work your way up the ladder and make a name. Literally, literally. So I was like, I don't want to do that.

That would be so hard for me to get back in the workplace. And so, yeah, he was very respectful. And, yeah, eventually we got there in the end anyway. How was trying to fall pregnant? So we, like, kind of bits and pieces. So I was on the pill for 10 years. and I'd heard my whole life that's going to stuff you up really bad.

So as soon as we got married, I got off it, not to necessarily start trying, but just to kind of like learn my body again because you don't realize what the pill does to you hormone-wise. Like, this is going to sound so crazy, but... Tell us. Coming off the pill, I was like, oh my God,

I don't remember feeling happy in 10 years now. Like, it gets to that. Like, it's a weird feeling. And like, especially for like young men, we don't, at that age, Like even now I'm only learning about all this stuff and how and all the different variations and all the different things that it can potentially do to the female body. But he wouldn't have had any idea what that was about that.

No idea. And then so when I came off the pill suddenly like I dropped all this way because you hold on to a lot of water and I was happier and like less tired. And he's like, holy crap. Like this is like the real. You know, it's like, yeah. Like if you love me then, mate, you just like strab in. So I got off it and then we were married for two years at the time.

and went for an off-season trip to Hawaii. And then, I don't know, one drunken night in Hawaii, like, fell pregnant, luckily. And then, but unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Oh, sorry. Yeah, thank you. So it was kind of like a weird, weird, very rare pregnancy. So two sperms went in the one egg. So it was a partial molar pregnancy.

Okay. And you don't really, like, I'm lucky in a way that normally when you have a miscarriage, there's a lot that doctors can't tell you what happened. Like you'll get a generic answer like, oh, this is very common. Like one in four women have it. And you're kind of like, well, that kind of doesn't help me sleep at night. Because I'm like, how do I avoid this? Like, what the fuck?

But luckily for me, I got the surgery to remove the tissue and they were able to test it and find out that two sperm entered the one egg. So when you have your miscarriage, what test do they do to find that out? So when I got, it's called like this D&C. So they remove the tissue or unsuccessful embryo, I guess. And they take that off to a lab and test it. And that's how they found out. So it was crazy.

So, okay, if, for example, like, and this is, excuse my ignorance, if there was no miscarriage and you continued on that pregnancy. Yeah. And how would you, was there a stage long there that you would ever have known that you had? Or was that the, like, that's what I mean? Like, I'm trying to figure it. Yeah, like, it's honestly, I'd never heard about it. I'd never heard of it until just now.

So it happens in 1% of pregnancies. So it's extremely rare. Wow, that is rare. I think it's like one in 1,200 pregnancies. Like, so what happens is the chromosome. It's got triple the amount of chromosomes as to what is needed, pretty much. So, but the weird thing about it is once they remove it. So when I found out, I got a call from the gynecologist on Christmas Day.

And I was like, why is this guy calling me? because I had kind of... What kind of gynecologist is Merry Christmas. Literally, so I, for all I knew at the time was, okay, I was pregnant and at 10 weeks, I went for an ultrasound and the heart wasn't beating, so they removed it. That's all I thought. I thought I'd never find out answers.

I thought they'd be like, it was just a miscarriage, whatever. And then so when I got a call on Christmas Day, he was like, okay, so yours is a bit different. It's a partial molar pregnancy. Two sperm went in the one egg, so I'm going to need you to do all these things for me. And I was like, oh, my God, like I'm kind of just still. dealing with the fact that I've had a miscarriage, like, what do you mean? And he's like, so pretty much because it's formed an abnormal cyst is pretty much what

they called it, it can continue to grow if all of it wasn't removed. And to, like, get rid of it, you need chemotherapy. And I was like, holy shit, what do you mean? Like, I was... And I'm trying to fucking deal with Christmas lunch right now. And I was like, I don't understand. I'm asking him all these questions. And he's like, sent me this article to read.

He's like this article will explain it better than I can because he's like it's just such a rare thing trap your head around. So then pretty much from that phone call as soon as labs opened up again, I had to go for weekly blood tests to make sure my HCG was lowering because if it wasn't,

then that would show my body would still think I was pregnant and growing this abnormal tissue and then would have to go through chemotherapy. That's wild. At the same time, it's dealing all of that for people who haven't had a miscarriage or experienced that situation with their partner, there's a real emotional whiplash because you're very quickly going,

oh my God, I'm pregnant, very quickly going, okay, well, this life I was imagining is that completely taken away. How did you deal with the emotions of finding out you had a miscarriage? Oh, like, honestly, like you said, we weren't those people that thought we're going to wait till 12 weeks until people, I'm pregnant. Like the test said, like, so why wait? Yeah. So we were telling my family, his family, like my close friends,

and you get wrapped up in that excitement because it's a beautiful thing. Everyone's excited for you and you want to share that enjoyment with people. And then to then, yeah, miscarry and then go through that. So at the time we're in New Zealand, just me and my husband, no family around there or from Sydney. So I guess in a way we've really leaned on each other. And like I know he wouldn't mind me saying this, but he probably struggled a bit more than I did,

I think because it's my body and I kind of can grasp what's happening a bit more, whereas like the male, like, you've contributed to this thing, but you're removed from it. So, but it's like, but hang on. So like, was it real, like kind of thing? So he kind of tackled a bit more than me, but we're just there for each other

and really leaned on each other. And honestly, like, this is going to sound weird, but like a dog, like the amount of happiness that dog brought me because my husband, it was during pre-season, so he's still going to work every day, and I had no family around. So it'd be me and my sausage dog,

and like I'd be crying on the couch, watching bloody Vanderpump rules, and then hate out of nowhere, like, fart. And I'd just, like, laugh, like things like that. I'm so sorry how to go through that. No, yeah, thank you. It must be isolating too being in a different country. Yeah. It's like New Zealand, and there's,

there's players over there in the team and they have partners and stuff, but they're not your, they're not your group, your media family. Exactly, exactly. Yeah, they're not at the gather. And like,

there's only so much like your mom can be there for you over FaceTime as well. Like my mom and dad would FaceTime me like every two hours, pretty much knowing that Marcel was at work all day. Oh, mate. There's something about being overseas and away from your family that just heighten every emotion. I can't imagine what that's like experiencing something like a miscarriage.

Yeah. Full on. We've spoken to people that have had miscarriages before and the anxiety going into it again. Yeah. How long after the, after you found out, do you decide to, lack of a better term, get back on the horse? Yeah, well, literally, like I've got an obsessive personality. So to be pregnant and then have it taken away from you, I went from being like, oh, kids, it'll happen when it happens to them being like, no, fuck this.

Like, I just had that. Like, I want it, like, I want it bad. But our obstetrician, because of the type of miscarriage I had, was like, it's not advised to start trying within six months to a year because there's a higher chance of complications now. And I was like, yeah, that's fine. So I was like, what can I do to control this situation if I can? So I went to naturopaths and acupuncture.

And because my cycle, TMI, sorry, guys, but my cycle went from being like perfect to then getting this miscarriage so then going to like 40 days and I was like well that's not healthy like what's going on with me so I was just stress stress stress I went on an all whole foods diet which I'd love a bit of that now because now like I'd love that determination because now you should see what I eat but um so I kind of just tried to control things like that but got quite obsessive um so then the minute I kind of was like you're being an idiot now just stop and relaxed then And I fell pregnant again naturally. God, I miscarried in November.

I fell in March. Wow. Yeah. And I remember ringing my obstetrician. He was like, I said. Literally. No sex. Literally.

And he was like, really? And I was like, well, yeah. And he's like, okay, we're going to have to get a blood test immediately. And then bring you in for skin to make sure it's not that same tissue. Like, and I was like, oh, fuck me dead. Nothing's ever straightforward. Like, I was like, let me just enjoy this moment. But, yeah, so like four or five months later, yeah.

Wow. And so how do you find out of what was this situation where you are told the news that you were carrying twins? It was crazy, man. So at the time, Marcello had just flown back to Sydney to think they were versed dragons or something. So I was home by myself in New Zealand. And I told my mum I was pregnant.

I was like, well, I'm going for the first scan at six weeks because my HCG is really high. So they kind of worried. And she was like, okay, cool, didn't say anything. The day before the scan, some people knock at my door. And I'm like, I don't answer doors, especially in my house, it's not home. I just, no one comes to see me. So I'm like sitting, like watching the telly for 10 minutes.

And these people are knocking, knocking, knocking. And I'm like, oh, my God, they're persistent. And I open the door. Literally. Literally. I get a phone call. When someone knocks on our door and I'm not home, I bring to go someone at the door. I'm like, what am I going to know about it?

Answer it. That's exactly like me. So, yeah, finally open the door on to my mom and dad. So they had surprised me to be with me. At the door, you're like, go away. I'm not interested. Get the fuck back on that place. So they'd surprise me to come to the scam with me just in case.

Oh, beautiful. Yeah. And then so we went to the scan and my dad was like, I'll wait outside. I was like, that's a great idea because this early on they'll go internal. So if you wait outside. And so me and mom in the chair and they went over. over the stomach at first, and she's like, oh, great news. Like, there's the heartbeat.

And I was like, oh, my God, unreal, because I never got to experience that the first time. So I was like, amazing. I'm on, like, cloud nine. My mom's crying. And she's like, wow, a miracle. It's amazing hearing that heartbeat. Yeah. And so early on, too, because at six weeks, I was not, I thought it would just be, like,

adult, like the first time. And then so she was like, but I just want to take a closer look, you know, given your history. So, yeah. Oh, fuck. What is it? Literally. So she's like, go empty your bladder and come back in.

And then immediately, like, my mom's body language sunk. I sunk. And then I come back and then get on the table. And then she, like, goes internally. And she's like, okay, yep. So I just want to confirm there's the heartbeat. So we're all good there. And I was like, unreal.

And she's like, but I just want to draw your attention to this area. And I was like, yeah. And like, I don't know what I'm looking at. It's all like. And then she's like, so heartbeat one. And then you'll just see there's another heartbeat here. And literally, before I could say. anything, my mom's like,

fuck! Like, she's like, you're like, you're in New Zealand! What are you doing? I'm like, holy shit, Sue, come to fuck down. This is my bloody wound. And I was like, what do you mean?

And she's like, you're having twins, honey? And I was like, oh, man. What? And the lady doing the skin was a twin mom herself. So I was like, that is like destiny. Wow. Because I said to her without thinking,

I'm going to need a bigger fucking car. And she's like, no, honey, I had twins in a Yaris. You'll be fine. And I was like, what the fuck? And then so, like, from that moment on, she was able to tell me they were identical twins. I don't know how, but you could see there was only one placenta. So that confirms it's identical.

That's a question I had about twins. Yeah. So one placenta, but you can have two if they're not identical. Yeah, so fraternal is two placentas. Like, each baby gets their own placenta, which is a luxury. And then in my case, there was one placenta, two sacks. So the way she said to me was they're in the same house, own bedroom, same bathroom.

I was like, okay. That makes total sense. I guess. That's great. Where's she now? So from that point on, like my mom's just a mess. Like a combination of happy tears and like what the fuck. Yeah.

And then we walk out of the room and my dad looks at me and he sees my mom's face. He's like a ghost bawling her eyes out. So he's like, oh my God, like what's happened? I was like, I'm having twins. And he's like, fuck you, Taylor. You never take anything seriously. Like, we have a very dark humour in our family. And I was like, Dad, I'm having twins.

And he's like, I can't take you seriously. He's such a bullshit. I thought you were fully bullshit. And then he looks up my mom and she's like, she's having fucking twins. And he's like, oh. Is this in the way he rules? The Kiwi medical practice is like, yes. And everyone's looking at me.

And in New Zealand as well, people are very, it's a beautiful place. In the New Zealand medical practice, there's three Aussies going off their hands. Literally, literally, fuck me, fuck that. And, like, everyone's like, oh, okay. So, yeah, and then, like, the ride home, I was like, Tamar, we're going to have to FaceTime Marcello. Like, I can't keep this from him. Yeah.

They had just lost. So he was in a really crazy meeting, like, with the coach and all that. And they were kind of, I think, getting, like. The review. Yeah. And then so he ran out, and he didn't look very happy. And I was like, he was like, how did it all go? And I was like, yeah, fine.

And he's like, oh, cool. And I was like, yeah, so we're having twins. And he was like, you're fucking kidding. And I was like, no, we're having twins. He's like, I'm going to have to fucking start playing Origin. I was like, yeah, we're going to need some money, master. We're going to need some forward. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

But then so, yeah, and kind of just from that point on, because they were identical twins, I got the run down straight away, fortnightly scans from pretty much six weeks to full term. Was the birth straightforward? Yeah, as straight. as I could imagine tweens. So the plan originally was to have the babies in New Zealand because my husband was contracted for the Warriors for a few more years. So like met with this beautiful obstetrician. He was pretty set on having a C-section and I kind of didn't really

know much about either. So I was like, whatever safest, I don't really care. And then as my pregnancy progressed, everything was looking fine. And then Marcello ended up signing a deal with a Club in Sydney when I was 32 weeks pregnant with twins. Which is great. It is great to come home to family, but not great in the fact that I was like, Oh, cool. Not really, no. Yeah, as soon as you said that, I was like, here in a minute, if you are past the threshold

of travel, good pick up from you over, thank you. Especially with high-risk twins. Yeah. Yeah, so when I got told that, I was like to my obstetrician, hey, mate, thanks for your help, like all this pregnancy, but I'm a dip. Like, yeah, keep the money. They can come with us if you're right. Literally, I was like, please give me medical clearance.

So he did one last scan on me and he was like, it's fine. It's a three-hour flight. Granted me a medical clearance. And then I was like, as soon as he landed, like, let's find someone to deliver my babies and found this amazing obstetrician in Cogra who was like, if you want to do this vaginally, like, I got you. Let's do it. And I was like, shit, yeah.

How does she got you? You were like, hangar, man. Literally, like, some forearm action up there to help worn out. But I was like, because I was like to muscle, I don't want to not drive for six weeks after. Like, their job is like so intense. Like they're never home, rightly so. They're always training or traveling.

And the time that I was due was right in the heart of preseason. And for like the NRL season, preseason is like the most intense. They're like out of the house by 5am, home by 7. It's like the wildest thing. So I was like, I need to be able to drive, like just doctor's appointments, things like that. So I was like, if I can, like, let's just do it. And then, yeah, I didn't really think about that choice until I was in the birthing suite, couldn't sleep and had one woman push out one.

And I was like, I've got to fucking do this twice. Not for me, thanks. Like, I was like, to myself, like, it's too late. It's too late. But, yeah, it ended up working out well. And it was a C-section? No, vaginally. Viginal.

Yes, I had up going. through, thank you. Wow. Come on. Two, sorry. Sorry, I was like, I was expecting you were like, anyway, I couldn't drive for six weeks. No.

No, so yeah, that whole ordeal was, God, it felt like a lifetime, but they were born eight minutes apart. You mentioned that's quick. Yeah. Is that quick? Yeah, I think so, yeah. I wonder how long it can actually get.

Yeah, well, I think if it gets too long with twins, they will put you into an emergency Caesar. Because there was, he did give me the rundown. You might be able to give birth vaginally. for the first one, twin A. And then we might have to cut you open for twin B. You want the bigger one to come first. Yeah, and she didn't.

So the other one just comes out. Oh, no. She didn't. The smaller one came first, head first, and then the second one came legs first and bigger. So there's a lot going on. And you mentioned before that they were preemie. Yeah.

How many weeks prematurely? So quite lucky, to be honest, 36 weeks. So pretty good. I was told because it was such a high risk, identical are more high risk, because there's this thing called like one placentia. there's like what could happen is the placenta starts to favour one baby and then that's why you have to go for routine scans because the minute the growth starts to get kind of big they're like okay

the placenta's only kind of feeding one baby like we need to induce you now like people have had identical twins at like 28 weeks wow yeah yeah yeah i suppose like yeah they're just malnourish you don't want exactly you definitely don't want that and do they have to spend some time in Yeah, yeah, so they thought they were a lot bigger than what they actually were. So when they were born... Did they tell you that before or after? Yeah, well, literally, like my whole pregnancy, they're like, they're right up there with singular babies.

I'm like, oh my God, I'm doing so well. Like, for someone with low iron, I'm fucking killing them. Like, and then when they were born, we were guessing, like the nurses were like, guess. Like, they only have to be over 2.5 to avoid special care. And I was like 2.5, that was like four weeks ago. And then Tiana, twin one, ended up being born at 1.8. and Milan at 2.2. So, like, it went from, like, riding high to, like, okay,

they're going to spend quite a while in special care. How long? It ended up being three, four weeks. Oh, wow. Yeah. And you go back and forth. Is that how it works? Yeah, kind of.

So for the first week, they wanted me around, like, in the hospital, like, for your milk supply and bonding and stuff. But I mean, bonding in the NICU, it's not the nicest thing. Yeah. It's like the bubble boy. in Seinfeld. Literally, bubble and it's like,

you can't. Can you not touch them or anything? I wasn't allowed to touch them for about two days, and then after that they got... Fuck, that's hard. It's so hard. And, like, I would even, like, sneak

because they were in the, like, an incubator, I guess, but their legs I could touch. So when the nurse, like the midwife would walk by, like, touch their little leg, and then the heart rate would, like, go crazy.

Because they would feel you. Yeah, so then the midwife would come over and be like, look, I know you think you've got the magic touch, but we've really come. can't be touched on them for their heart back. And I was like, oh my God. I don't know.

Literally. Like, that's what it felt like in its really dark room. So then what's that first hold like? Yeah. So I got, I was lucky enough to get the first hold after giving birth. They gave me skin to skin. So, but to be honest, like it's an out of body experience at that moment. You don't really remember.

I don't remember it now. So the special care though, it was, it was beautiful. but terrifying because they were tiny like when I'm like the size of my head really yeah not much bigger like I've even got this photo and I'm holding both of them and I'm covering them pretty much like it's just their head yeah it's crazy it's crazy so that like I was trying to be delicate I'm not a delicate person as you can see my hands are going every and I'm like and I like my babies were pretty much the first babies I really ever held and then you're kind of trying to not look awkward in front of these midwives because

you're like, oh, my God, they're going to think I'm, like, not capable of this. And then, like, yeah, it was surreal, really surreal. So small, isn't it? Yeah. I'm trying to think back to when I had Marley, my first child. And I don't think anything can really prepare you for the newborn phase. Yeah. You can kind of see little snippets of your friends and other family who have got a newborn.

You can read the books. I didn't read any books. No, either. But until you're in the trenches, nothing quite prepares you for it. And then you've got two of them. them. Yeah. What is that like? Same as you. It didn't hit me until that first night I gave

birth. So the babies went away to special care. I got taken back up to the maternity ward and I was just in a public hospital so I'm sharing with like four other mothers. Some are going literally. Literally I'm like back here again. So like some mothers have their

newborn babies with them. Some are going into labour the next day and I'm just here no babies in my stomach. No babies by my bed, but I can hear babies crying. And, like, Marcelo had to go home because he had worked the next day at 5 a.m. So I was like literally on the bed and it all hit me and I just burst into tears. And I was like, you should have read a fucking book, you idiot. Like the whole time you're pregnant with twins, especially people like, how are you going to do it?

Oh my God. One's hard enough. Oh, my God. And I didn't think anything of it. I would just laugh those comments off. And then when I sat there on the bed, I was like, those motherfuckers were right. How am I going to do this? I was like, so I remember my obstetrician, like weeks ago,

one of the appointments gave me like a twins, what to expect me. And I had it in my hospital back. So I was like, I'm going to read that. Yeah, yeah, what to expect? Two of them. Literally, and I'm sitting there reading it. It's not a good leaflet to give to a mother

because it goes into how high chance it is to get postnatal depression with twins and triplets and all that. And I was like, well, okay, cool, negative. So I kind of just like shove that to my side. and was like, well, I'm here now, like, just get into it. And that was the start of a three, four week journey of just getting to know them, like trying to breastfeed, getting to know the other parents in special care. Because, oh my God, like, that was eye-opening.

Like, I was, we were very lucky that my twins, after the first couple of days, they were kind of just in there to learn how to feed because they were so small and learn how to breathe and feed at the same time. So they were put on caffeine for the first five days of their life. Who the babies were? The babies were. And I was like, what? Campos.

Literally, I was like, well, that's fine because I was having coffee all. They're fine. They're used to it. Literally, and Italian, the gold. So they were on caffeine. And then after that, it was kind of just like building them up. But some of the other parents in there, like, there was another set of twins that were born at 27 weeks. And those poor babies were in and out of operations.

Like every time, like every week. I would go there. The mother was just there and I would, like, that is one of the most eye-opening experience of my life and I take my hat off to the midwives in special care and all parents that have been there because it's, it's not what you expect when you're pregnant and you see all these things on social media and it's like, oh my God, a woman eating sushi after she's just given birth. It's so much about how happy and how perfect everything is going to be and then you meet someone like yourself or you meet someone who's, like a friend of mine had a kid that it was 26 weeks.

Yeah, crazy. Yeah. The mental toll on him and his wife, I don't think they'll ever be the same. Yeah. And it's not talked about enough. 100%. And, yeah, I remember literally, like,

seeing that all over socials. And then when I was in this dark hospital room, listening to other babies cry with a bloody leaflet, I was like, well, this is not the fucking Instagram post up on me. Yeah. Like. It's not the Instagram world. No, this is going to get fucking likes.

Right. Sorry. So yeah, and then getting to know other parents And then trying to breastfeed twins in special care You've got midwives And I know they're trying their hardest Because they want you to have that bond And it's big on the milk supply

The first week, the first few days So like, bless my husband during the pregnancy bought me one of those twin feeding breastfeeding pillows And he's like, you're all going to use this religiously Trust me, the girl at the shop And I was like, you bought a fucking $300 pillow She's going to tell you it's made a gold. I was like, you know we have couch cushions.

Yeah. It's the same thing. You've got to take an advantage of. Literally, so the next day at the hospital, he brought the damn pillow, and it's like to all the midwives, she's got the pillow. Literally, she's got the pillow. And then having two babies there and, like,

you've got strangers around you, like, other dads and stuff. And it's like, you're topless. It's like the weirdest thing ever. And I'm like, they're not looking at me. I know they're not. Yes, they are. They're like, oh, is that my cellar? They're like, literally.

Literally, literally. And I was like, oh, this is just, I was like, this is just weird. It's a weird situation. I mean, neighbors next door. It must be so weird because I'm sure you never imagined being a mother to twins. Never. But the mother you are now, is it similar or quite far away from the mum that you imagined you would be? Oh my God, so much further apart to what I thought I'd be.

In what way? Like, before I knew I was having twins, I was like, I am going to be so. in. I'm going to be the chillist mom. Like, my mom is highly strong. She's me, copy and pace. So she, like, so street growing up, so, like, would discipline, ask, like,

loved a wooden spoon, you know? Oh, yeah. So, like, I was like, I'm not going to be like that. I'm so chill. Like, my husband's Fiji, and I'm going to adapt that life. Yeah. And then when I found out I was having twins and then now that the girls are here, mate, I'm already, like... You've got two wooden spoons.

Like, yeah. I'm like, I'm like, Literally, when they're, like, winching at me, I'm like, don't talk to mum like that. Like, so, and I'm not as calm as I thought I would be. I would think the newborn phase, I would be one of those idiots that would say, I worked full time my whole life. I work shift work. I didn't need sleep. I don't care.

I have 3 a.m. wake-ups for five years of my life now. How hard it can be? Jesus Christ. There's no HR department. Like, it's, yeah, not like the whole no sleep and two babies. Like the things with twins is the newborn, like they, one will set the other off. Yeah. Like at the time, they were so small and tiny.

So one feed would take like an hour to an hour and a half. And they need to be fed every three hours because they were premmies. Do they, is there any like talk about, you know, trying to get them in the same cycle? Yeah. I mean, because obviously when you have one and it's like, okay, we'll get them in the routine as soon as, as soon as you can, as you've got to just try your bed. But then I can imagine like being in the. think of that with no sleep.

It's like, okay, we need to get them on the same cycle. Literally. So every twin parent I came across during my pregnancy was like, you've got to get them on the same schedule. And again, I was like, I'm not like that. I don't have a schedule for myself. Like, every day's different. Did you manage to get the twins on the same cycle?

Yeah, yeah. So the first night when they were newborns and they weren't in a routine, I was like, okay, so this is why everyone says getting to routine. So it would be one would wake up, feed, and then the other one would wake up and feed. I'm like, fuck this. That's a long time. Didn't sleep at all that whole night. And from that day on, I was like, okay, I'm going to be adamant here.

So I would do every feed tandem or bottles, obviously. Tandem feed? Yeah. It's a crazy thing. Yeah. Yeah, look, I didn't really know whether I could ask that question, whether you'd do it at the same time. Yeah.

Now I know. Yeah. I don't need to ask you, just told me. Well, yeah, have you on the routine. With the pillow? With the pillow. Yeah, with the pillow. That pillow got to work out.

I was like, I told you. Every time we go in there and goes, the pillow's good, I'm tired of him. Yeah, it's like a fine. So, yeah, and now to this day, it's crazy, but they, like, they shit at the same time now. Like, everything is, so, like, literally if one's got a dirty nappy, like, within two minutes, I'll hear the other pushing. Like, it's crazy. Do you, have you, look, I don't know, like, because I've never had twins. Do you, have you ever mistakenly identified one of them?

Never. So this is, like, something, like, people ask me all the time, because they are identical. Did you have to put, like, a marker, like a Sharpie instead? Like, from the get-go, they've never looked similar to me, ever. Like, even at the point in special care, I'd be like to the midwives, they're not fucking identical. They're like, oh, honey, they're pretty similar. And even as they grow, they like, everyone's like, wow, they're really identical.

I'm like, what are you looking at? Yeah, I'm so bad with identical. I remember I had a mate, I didn't know he, like I met him playing soccer. I didn't know he had an identical twin. And then I turned up to soccer once, he did an identical twin was there? And I was like, I started talking to him like, I know, and he was like, do I know you? I was like, that's rude. And then he was like, you must own my brother.

So I'm so bad with that stuff, and I always wonder if mums and dads ever mistaken. I can't say it's happened yet. I think it's like science or something. It's a sign of a good parent, I think. Yeah, I'm a present parent. I was like, I don't know what any of them look like. Yeah.

Fun. Yeah. I do, I have to say, like, well done for surviving with twins, because my God, I've been at breaking point so many times with one newborn. And he's about to go through it again. I know, but I feel like what you're going through, like at different ages, I feel like that's harder. What you guys do than what I would do. Don't shut up. I do not.

Well, the size of you to say so. I do. I do. Because, like, like I said, mine are on the same. nap schedule and stuff, your kids of all different ages. It's like you're going through three different days in the one day. Well, he's about to, because I'm two and darn. And Matt's gone for a third, which he's a great girl, dad.

He's having another girl that works perfectly. And this is the boost that I needed. I'm like, if taken to it, she can do it. With ashes the godfather, anything can happen. Yeah, I think you'll be fine. I do want to ask one last question that before we go, when the kids are all grown up, and if the time comes that they are no longer living at home, what is the one thing you would want them to remember

about the house they grew up in? I think that it was just a very supportive and loving home and that they could pretty much do whatever they want within reason. And I hope they just remember, like, how much fun we had. And I hope they remember, like, how in love their father was with them as well, like the way he's another girl dad, obviously. and the way he looks at those girls, he was born to be a girl dad.

He dotes over there. I love that. I love that. It's easy to say. He's the same. Yeah, and I feel like he needed them to bring out that softer side.

So I hope they remember that. And I hope they'll definitely remember me as bad cop, but that's fine. I'll cop back. And just how hard their dad as well worked for them to have a good roof over their head. One thing that I'm very fortunate is, like, my maternity leave is pretty much up this month.

So if we were still in New Zealand, I'd be going back to work. But now that we're in Australia, I haven't started applying for jobs. I'm like, to Marcel, you got this. Origin next year, you got it. Literally, remember that was the deal. So, yeah, very fortunate that he's able to do that so I can be at home with them for as long as I can. And I hope they remember that we were just always there for them.

Yeah. I love her. Yeah. Love it. Taylor, it has been a pleasure. Thanks, guys. Sorry again to make it. Sorry again to make you, you've been here for five hours.

No, oh my God, again, this is like, like a key for me. This is fine. Thank you so much. Thanks, guys. Matt, that was Turbo. She has a lot to say, but she is very funny and delightful, I will say. She's married, bro. I know that.

I know, and he is much bigger than me. How big is he? What is it's 6.3? Something like that. He's like a gentle giant, though. He's huge. I'm sure he'd be lovely to us if we met him. I don't want to find out.

But big shout out to Taylor for jumping on our podcast. If you would like some more of Taylor and maybe some more of her husband, who happens to be very handsome, they have a podcast called the Montoya podcast, which is hilarious. If you've enjoyed this episode of ours, though. Which is also hilarious. Which is also very funny. Don't leave us for her. Please subscribe.

Send it to a friend. Leave a review. five stars. We'd love that. And where else can they find us, Matt? Well, just quickly on those reviews, you know why I put forward a request to try and get the reviews to a thousand. I think we're 751. Whoa. Okay, I want to get to a thousand before the end of the year. Is it possible? Matthew, anything is possible. But it's not possible without your help. Yes, you. You there. You there. Listening. So yeah, if you haven't left a review, please, I would love it. Ash would love it as well. It just reminded me of Shrek.

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