Hearing the News

Although we had many concerns after hearing Justin's diagnosis one year ago, one thing that was concerning to both of us was if we would be able to have more children.  His oncologist did not see any contraindications so we decided to start trying.  I knew I was pregnant pretty much right away because every pregnancy symptom was magnified!  In fact, I was so bloated I already looked 8 weeks pregnant!  This was confirmed on February 10th when I took a pregnancy test.  We had our first OB appointment at 6 weeks gestation.

I remember waiting for Justin in my car outside the office because I had gotten there before him. I jokingly said to him, "Don't be surprised if there's more than one," because of how I was feeling.  Of course neither of us REALLY thought there would be more than one.

The ultrasound technician started the ultrasound and unfortunately the screen was turned away from us so we couldn't see right away.  Then she said, "Hmm, do you see what I see?" and turned the screen towards us. I immediately saw two babies. I don't remember what I said after I saw that picture, but I'll never forget Justin asking, "there aren't any more, right?"  The technician congratulated us and then left the room.  While we waited for the physician to come in, I wasn't sure if I wanted to cry or laugh.  After a few "Oh my God's," we looked at each other and said "it's going to be OK; we can do this."  We saw the physician briefly and he reminded us that it is possible to lose one of the twins, especially between weeks 6-10.  He wanted to repeat the ultrasound in 2 weeks.

The First Ultrasound

It was hard to focus on work the rest of the day after hearing this news.  It definitely took a couple weeks for it to all sink in and to convince myself that it will indeed "be OK."  I was excited when two weeks later, I still had two babies growing inside me because I couldn't imagine not being a mother to both of them. 

A lot of things go through your mind when you realize you will soon be a parent of twins:  Can we afford two babies at once?  What will we do for daycare?  What about a new vehicle that will hold two infant cat seats and Alena's car seat?  Will my body handle carrying two babies?  Will I ever wear a bikini again :)?  As the weeks went by, we became more and more excited and realized this was a journey that not many people get to experience.