Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails... times two!!!

I'm pretty certain that most of my blog readers have probably already heard my exciting news, but here it is again:

I...AM...HAVING...TWINS!!!!!

Two days ago, I went to the doctor for a routine exam, and being 16 weeks along in the pregnancy, we were hoping we'd be able to find out what we were having.  Almost immediately after Dr. Hall put the ultrasound wand on my abdomen, he stood up straight and sort of started giggling.  I thought this was a little odd, but figured that since he knew we were hoping for a boy, he must have seen the "it's a boy" clue right away.  Then, he turned the screen a little bit away from me and more in Steve's direction, and asked him, "Steve, are you seeing what I'm seeing?"  I looked at Steve's face and my heart immediately began to pound.  His mouth had dropped open and his eyes were wide.  He said, "There are an awful lot of extra body parts in there!"  Then I realized what was going on --- twins!!  I screamed.  "Are you kidding me!!!"  We were all laughing and shaking our heads.  I sort of focused on Steve and didn't pay much attention to the ultrasound for a few seconds, then Dr. Hall said, "I think they are both boys!"  I screamed again.

We left the office and somehow made it to the car.  What a shock!  Even more shocking is that this was my THIRD ultrasound.  A few people have asked me, "How did they not see the twins before now?"  This is the chronology of events leading up to our surprising discovery:

7 1/2 weeks:  My first visit.  Lengthy ultrasound showed a tiny, tiny fetus with a detectable heartbeat.  We were thrilled.

10 weeks:  I started making comments to Steve and others that "I swear I am already showing!  This is so weird.  I have never shown this early before!"  One night I began to have some spotting which started out dark and then turned bright red.  The next morning I called the doctor.  He said to come on down, that he'd squeeze me in.  VERY quick ultrasound showed one fetus with a strong heartbeat.  Relief.

12 weeks:  Next "routine" appointment.  Still having some spotting but figuring it was just how this pregnancy was going to be.  Still feeling like I was growing at a quicker rate, yet not gaining any weight to show for it.  Hoping for another ultrasound to put my mind at ease, but since I'd had an ultrasound only two weeks earlier (and the doctor was having a very busy day), he used the heartbeat-detector machine (I am sure there is a more official name for that, but whatever).  We heard a heartbeat, it sounded strong.  I was so tempted to ask for a quick ultrasound, but lost my nerve.  Didn't want to look like a silly girl.

16 weeks:  Most recent appointment.  Had long since stopped telling my husband that I thought I was having twins, because "certainly we would have seen them on ONE of the ultrasounds, right?"  Laying on the table, doctor laughs, husband nearly has a heart attack, scream, scream, shock, more shock.  Me enjoying declaring to Steve, "I TOLD YOU I WAS HAVING TWINS!"

So there you go.  I'm having twin boys.  It was a blast to hear everyone's reactions, but my favorite was a text from my brother, Greg (I'll edit it slightly, but you'll still get the picture):  "Mindy, if there were ever a time for a "HOLY SH&%!!!" - it's now!" 

We went to Target after the appointment and bought some blue onesies.  I found a few of Emily's old dolls and put the onesies on them, then wrapped the dolls up as a gift.  After school, the kids were immediately asking about our appointment.  We had them gather around the island and told them to open the gift.  Cameron was already shaking in his seat even before the tape came off the box.  When Rachel pulled out the first doll dressed in blue, everyone shrieked, "It's a BOY!!!"  Then Julia yanked the second doll up, looking puzzled, and Rachel screamed, "TWINS!!??"  Cameron starting clapping and screaming, Julia jumped up and down, and Rachel actually sat there in shock (she's old enough to process that this really IS a "Holy Sh&%" event for our entire family!).  Incidentally, Emily just seemed pretty ticked off that we had dressed her dolls in different outfits without consulting her first.

Needless to say, we are all so thrilled, if not somewhat humbled, panicked, shocked, and surprised.  It's crazy to think that just a few months ago we felt good about being "done", then decided to to try for another boy, then got pregnant with lightning speed, and now we are having twin boys.  I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride!  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months.  The due date is Aug. 30th, and my goal is to stay pregnant for as long as possible!  Thanks SO SO much to those of you who have already shared your sincere kind words and encouraging messages.  We love you!

P.S.  That unsettled feeling of having a "phantom itch that I just can't scratch" (from my last post) makes a lot more sense now!

Comments

[Jami]

Mindy- This has been so weird for me. It just brings back this huge flood of emotions remembering what it was like for me when I was pregnant with the twinsies.

With me, my stomach got really big, but I seriously felt like the twins sucked the life out of the rest of me. I gained the same with them as I did with T, but was way bigger. Maybe that'll be the same for you.

AH! So excited for you!

[Emily]

I am excited for you! Probably even more so for little Cam. The playing field has now been leveled for him, three boys, three girls!!!! I am sure everything will go well, you both are so patient and kind. Tow more babies added to a perfect home!

[Stefanie]

Congratulations x's two!! It's funny that you were thinking you were done just a few short months ago...seems Heavenly Father knew better and capitalized on his window of opportunity! Lol...being that there were at least two more sweet little spirits intended for your family. Nice of Him to speed things up for you! It's perfect. I'm so happy for you guys!

[Andrea]

I love the kids reactions. Especially Emily's! I'm so excited for you guys. I just LOVE the thought of two more Camerons in your family. Can you imagine? It will be pure comedy when those little dudes start talking. I can't wait!!!

[Britt Smith]

Holy crap!!! How fun. How exciting! What lucky little boys!

[shannon m]

:) :) :) :) :) :)
Beyond excited for you!

[Nicole K]

Mindy! I am so excited for you and your family! How fun!!!! We find out what we are having on Thursday. I feel like the wait has been long, as I'm 19+ weeks! I can't wait to see pictures of your two little boys. I remember always staring at Cameron when he was a baby because he was SOOOO Cute!

[Julie]

Mindy: How exciting! Your older kids will be great helpers and these babies will be so loved! Congrats! Can't tell you how many people I know that have had 4 kids, wanted one more, and received twins! Heaven is sending double the blessings.

[Denise]

I follow your blog from time to time - I hope you don't mind. I had to comment on your post to say CONGRATS! Twins boys are SO FUN & we had a very similar "Holy SH#!" situation when we found out we were expecting twins too. Take it easy, rest & let others help! I'm excited to follow along on your journey.

[Michelle]

What a fun story! Love Greg's comment, ha ha! And that's so silly that Emily was just ticked you dressed her dolls without asking :). I'm so excited for you and your family! You are the best Mom ever. If anyone can handle twins, it's you :)!