the good life: Twins

SOOOOO we've reached the half-way point of this journey. 20 weeks. We also had our first sonogram this morning. Bright and early we headed to our doctor's office - ridiculously excited to find out the big question - Blue or Pink? The tech begins the process and says, "I don't know how to tell you this, but..." (FYI- A sonogram should NEVER be started like with those words) Well my mind goes immediately to the worst: Something has happened and we've lost the baby. I had tried to prepare myself for this situation, knowing that while it isn't common - it is possible. Then she says, "Do you see those blobs? Those are heads." Yes HEADS. Plural. Meaning more than 1. We quickly informed her that twins don't run in either family and there was NO way that I had two babies inside me. After all, I haven't measured big - small in fact-about 1 week behind schedule, I have felt great, still been incredibly active, weight gain has been on track (despite the invasion of girl scout cookies into my life recently) - No signs whatsoever that there could be two babies inside me.

So begins my inner monologue: (*PLEASE note this is a gut reaction. Pretty sure most people would think the same or similar thoughts in our situation)

TWINS!? Nope, not me. Sure, I thought that would be fun when I was like 12 and use to play with Maddie and Lauren, but now that I am truly preggo - I 'm pretty sure 1 at a time is just fine with me. TWINS!? Nope no way. My running partner Lindsay called it from first trimester. She use to tease me on our early morning runs that I was preggo with t win girls. It's Lindsay's fault! She jinxed me! TWINS?!!? Okay, any minute the tech is going to tell us that she was wrong and that other blob is really my liver or kidney or something....Nope. Well I have been really hungry and tired - but that's just the getting up at 4:45 every morning and dragging my butt to the gym - after peeing 30 times during the night. Here lately I HAVE been collapsing on the couch when I get home - just like 1st trimester - but I thought that was just pregnancy? And seriously - who finds out halfway through their pregnancy that they are having TWINS!?! How was this missed? Is that why the heart rate was so high on the doppler - because there were TWO in there?

That's not a peace sign...

So yes the world of twins has taken us by storm today. All we can think about is 2 of everything: strollers, car seats, high chairs, play pins, bouncers, cribs, diapers, (dirty diapers) backpacks, lunch boxes, prom dresses, WEDDINGS!

Yes - those are two little heads - basically the view I would have if I were looking down. Most everyone, including my dad & brother thought it was 1 boy and that the middle part was a you know what - but nope. Those are their heads. Since I am already half-way (Well more than half-way since full term with twins is 37-38 weeks) it's next to impossible to get a clear picture of both of them. Right now the are basically sitting on top of each other facing opposite directions. One was incredibly stubborn and the other was very compliant. Hmmm.... Wonder who takes after who.... I have my thoughts=)

A few facts I have learned in my limited research last night/this morning:

-It is pretty rare for this to happen when it doesn't run in the family and fertility treatments aren't involved

-We are at a slightly higher risk, but of the three types of twin-pregnancies ours' is the lowest risk. Even still, I have to visit a perinatologist in the upcoming weeks for a level 2 sonogram.

-We don't know if they are fraternal or identical. I guess they have to do some testing that is kind of complex and risky - so we will wait for delivery.

- I do have to eat for 3. kind of. From what I read, I need to eat anywhere from 150-300 extra calories just for baby #2.

-I am at a risk for preterm labor. So no more running. (Yes I am bummed, but more than willing to do whatever needs to be done for their safety) Sticking to walking, light lifting and yoga.

-I could deliver safely anytime after April 24. (HOLY CRAP THAT IS AROUND THE CORNER!)

While yes, we are OVERWHELMED we are over the moon EXCITED! We didn't see this blessing coming from miles and miles away. Seeing those two little girls floating around inside me today was indeed a miracle. God has blessed us way more than we can possibly fathom. I woke up early this morning with the words "Doubly Blessed" floating through my mind. We are confident that God put these beautiful little girls in our life for a reason and that God will never give us any more than we can manage - with His help of course=) Isn't life a little more interesting when God throws you some curve balls? The more I think about how much I always wanted a sister and how much fun I had playing with sets of twins growing up - the more excited I have become. In the few hours we have known about this we have had so many friends and family reach out with well wishes, prayers, words of wisdom, tubs of clothes, kind offers of equipment, help, promises to babysit, hold babies etc. Both grandmas are already planning their spring / summer around the twins' arrival. (Neither of our families live in Kansas) Their plan is to alternate nights rocking babies. Our family has pledged its support 110%. We feel so loved and lucky to have an amazing group that surrounds us - and thrilled that our two little ladies will share in that love.

To celebrate, I did what any new mom of twins does and went shopping=) (Right?!) I had my heart set on buying cute matching outfits, but the practical side took over since I can deliver anywhere between late April and late May. I thought about how different those times of the year can feel here - Sweaters or sun dresses? Peasant tops or swim-suits? Instead I opted for some adorable hair bows - knowing that girls of mine must have cute accessories (and good accessories last more than 1 season).