Pete Buttigieg calls parenting twins 'the most demanding thing I think I've ever done'

Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this report incorrectly characterized how Pete Buttigieg and husband Chasten welcomed twins.

Pete Buttigieg has an an extensive resume. He's the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and the current U.S. Secretary of Transportation, but the politician said parenthood is the most "demanding" job of them all.

The new father opened up about the joys and challenges of parenthood during an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Thursday. He welcomed twins Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg with husband Chasten in August.

"It's been wonderful. It's everything people tell you to expect and more," Buttigieg, 39, said. "I think the biggest thing that's surprised me is just how much joy there is even sometimes in the hard parts."

He added, "Don't get me wrong — it's the most demanding thing I think I've ever done, that Chasten and I have ever taken on, but it's just amazing."

Pete Buttigieg, husband Chasten announce birth of twins with sweet photo

Before becoming a father, Buttigieg said he "used to think of 5 a.m. as early."

"Now I think of it as nap time if I'm lucky," Buttigieg said. "And yet, I catch myself grinning half the time… We're just over the moon."

Buttigieg and Chasten tied the knot in June 2018. In 2020, Buttigieg revealed during a visit to "The Carlos Watson Show" that the couple wanted children and are "taking steps in that direction. I'm excited and a little scared… it's an enormous responsibility."

"I'd like to think I would be the cool dad. I'm sure the reverse is true," Buttigieg joked."

'We're overjoyed': Pete Buttigieg, husband Chasten share they've become parents

The couple first announced their new roles as dads in August.

"For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family," Buttigieg tweeted at the time. "We’re overjoyed to share that we’ve become parents! The process isn’t done yet and we’re thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can’t wait to share more soon."

Buttigieg revealed their twins in September and shared a sweet photo of the new family of four on Instagram.

"Chasten and I are beyond thankful for all the kind wishes since first sharing the news that we’re becoming parents," the U.S. secretary of transportation posted Saturday on Twitter. "We are delighted to welcome Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg to our family."

Contributing: David Oliver

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pete Buttigieg calls parenting twins the 'most demanding' job