Being an Uncle ‘The Best Job of All,’ Says Charlie O’Connell

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The decision by actors Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell to name one of their fraternal twin daughters after Jerry’s little brother Charlie O’Connell took many by surprise – including, it would seem, Charlie himself! While the 33-year-old former Bachelor had heard through his mom that his name was in the running, Charlie says it was “still a surprise” when it was ultimately chosen. “I’ve never had someone named after me,” he tells PEOPLE. “That’s a first.” Charlie is quick to clarify, however, that he has no intention of favoring Charlie Tamara Tulip over Dolly Rebecca Rose, born December 28th. ”I think I’ll love them both the same.”

Charlie first met the girls while they were still in the hospital with Rebecca. He shares that baby Charlie takes after Jerry, while Dolly has “blonder hair” and is “cute as anything.” Clearly enamored with his new nieces, he adds,

“To see the baby and have Charlie meet Charlie was a real special moment on my list of things…It really was fantastic.”

The girls are now resting comfortably at home with their parents, who are finding that rest for themselves is often in short supply. Charlie and Dolly — who sometimes sleep together, and sometimes apart — wake “every three hours” to feed, according to their uncle. “At the moment [Rebecca and Jerry] are like, ‘Hey, call whenever,’” Charlie shares. “I feel bad but it seems like they’re always up; When they say call whenever they pretty much mean it.” The sleep deprivation and general demand of caring for newborn twins has left Charlie feeling grateful for his role in the equation!

“I’m really looking forward to being an uncle. It seems like such a fun thing. I dont have to deal with any of the hassles. I’ve got the best job of all of them.”

It’s a job the infamous jokester appears to take quite seriously. ”I’m excited for when they start walking and talking,” he says. “Every time I go to a Toys ‘R Us or a baby section I look at it in a whole different light.” A recent trip to Sports Chalet revealed endless possibilities for fun for Charlie and the twins! “I was…looking at all the little ATVs and things like that and I was like, ’I can’t wait to get them little things or the Barbie Jeep or something.’” For now, however, the entire O’Connell family is content to simply count their blessings — if not their sheep! Adds Charlie,

“Two is more of a handful than one, but I wouldn’t know. Everyone’s healthy and that’s all you can ask for.”

Source: PEOPLE; Additional excerpts exclusively for use on CBB.