NEWS FLASH! We are not having ONE baby in July – we are having TWO! Yes – “one more did not make four” (as we originally thought) – “one more made five”! We are having identical twins! (Ali and Sami are fraternal). Talk about head-spinning news! This is highly unusual – a 1% chance with IVF pregnancies.
As most of you know, our doctors strongly encouraged us during our final IVF attempt to transfer only one embryo due to my history with eclampsia and the eclamptic seizure I had while carrying Ali and Sami. So that’s what we did- and we chose to use our doctors in DC because their science was more advanced when it came to success with single embryo transfers.
I admit, I was relieved, at the thought of no “twin risk” this time. The first year after Ali and Sami were born, I remember saying to Doug, if I HAD to do this again, I could, but I would never choose it. So we gave away all our “doubles” before we moved – extra car seat, extra bumbo, extra papasan chair, extra swing… Gone. Positive we only had one little baby growing inside! And – here we are! A second set of twins on the way that will yield 5 children 4 and under (we hope Eliza has her 4th birthday before they come!) We will have 4 cribs in the house (it will feel like an orphanage), 4 in diapers (I don’t think I’ll try to tackle potty-training right now with Ali and Sami – who will celebrate their 2nd birthday tomorrow!), and here’s a staggering thought:
For a woman who thought she might never have children of her own, I will birth five children between the ages of 30 and 34!
After stumbling out of the coma-like stupor I was in for 24 hours following the news, I can honestly admit, I knew immediately (amid the disbelief) that this was a miraculous blessing. We can truthfully say – we are excited! Doug is pulling for two boys (it’s either two boys or two girls). Let us know your vote!
So here’s the “discovery” story. At 15 weeks gestation (over a week ago) I had some bleeding. Concerned enough, I phoned the doctor. The bleeding had slowed, but I figured I’d better call anyhow, assuming they would have me come in if it continued. Rather, the nurse asked that I come the following day for an ultrasound to make sure everything was alright. Still bleeding a bit in the morning, I was uneasy, perplexed. I couldn’t read while sitting in the waiting room – just sat there, swinging my foot in circles, clutching my purse.
Finally, the ultrasound tech calls me back. She examines the cervix – no problems there. I am anxious for her to get to the uterus so I can see if the baby is moving. As she transitions to the uterus, this is what I see.
Dark womb with two circles in it. I stop breathing. I think to myself, “This is how it looked when I had ultrasounds with the girls…I think those are two heads – but there’s now way it could be two heads – we only put in one embryo…” The tech stops talking and holds the ultrasound wand still. Silence. (Later she told me she knew then that I knew.)
She speaks. “Ummm…. there are two babies in there. Were you aware of that?” WAS I AWARE OF THAT? “NO!” I proclaim! “There can’t be! There is no possible way!” She moves the wand around to reveal two healthy little babies with their heads together. “Ooooh – there’s two babies in there” she says. “That one embryo split. They share the same placenta but are in different sacs, which is good. You are having identical twins.” I begin to fidget, my body turns cold, my legs start to quiver, and I can’t talk straight. She looks for the gender (babies are non-compliant) and says, “I think your Doctor will want to know about this. He’s on the delivery floor. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Can you wait?” Sure I can wait.
In less than five minutes, she’s back. “Oh yeah…. he wants to see you!” I head back to his office. He is as surprised as I am. “This is highly unusual” he says several times. I’m looking for a chair, knowing I need to sit down if I’m going to talk about this with any sort of intelligence. His first words – “So this definitely increases your risk for eclampsia – even more so than your first twin pregnancy”. He goes on to tell me a little more about how monozygotic twins are formed, other risks, and positives, then tells me he’d like to consult with another physician who is also on the delivery floor – a doc known nation-wide for his current research on eclampsia and pregnancy. He says it will take him 10 minutes or so.
I sit in his office alone – looking at out the snow-covered peaks. My head is spinning. I have to call Doug. I know he’s at a client lunch but I have to talk to him. Now. “Please pick up….please pick up”. “Hi… I’m at a lunch and it’s really loud” he says, “Can I call you back?” “Nope!” I answer. “Nope!” I repeat with urgency. “Why – is something wrong?” “Ummmm…” I’m not sure what to say. I tell him to step away from the table. Pause… He comes back on. I blurt out our life-altering news. “WE’RE HAVING IDENTICAL TWINS!” Silence. More silence. “What did you just say?” he queries with disbelief. I repeat. “WE’RE HAVING IDENTICAL TWINS!” I laugh (or else I’m going to cry). “No way. There’s no way. Really?” he responds. I say, “Way. I saw them. They’re in there – that one embryo divided! We’re going to have twins again!” And to Doug’s credit, this was his next statement. “That is AWESOME!” I oozed into the chair. “Really – you think that’s awesome? You think we can do it?” “Yes! ” Doug says, “Of course we can! That is amazing. That’s a miracle!” We discuss the miniscule chance of it happening and how amazing the whole thing is. Then, just like a man, Doug says, “We’re going to need a bigger car!” “What? A school bus?” I retort. And the conversation goes on until our Doctor returns, as we laugh and almost cry at the wonder of it all. Two more babies…
Our doctor returns. In summation, the discussion with the other perinatologist confirmed to me that we are in great hands. These doctors are excellent and will do everything they can to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. We’re hoping I can carry the “new” twins longer than I did our “old” twins. With all of us on guard – and experienced with the demon we’re looking for, we’ll catch any eclamptic symptoms before they get as bad as they did last time.
Scot liked this one of Eliza. Her left hand almost touching the rail. The curvature of the tracks. The joy on her face.
Despite what you may think, Ali is a very happy girl – she just seems to cry around cameras (?) It was actually very cold this morning and I think she was ready to call it quits!
Mom and Ali
A Daddy’s comfort.
Doug laughing with Sami
In the final picture Scot took (not shown here – I’ll have to find it), we are swinging Eliza into the air and her foot is solidly clocking Ali in the face. Poor Ali. She was so glad to go home! Thanks Scot – for the wonderful memories – your time and talent. We love and miss you!
Our doctor returns. In summation, the discussion with the other perinatologist confirmed to me that we are in great hands. These doctors are excellent and will do everything they can to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. We’re hoping I can carry the “new” twins longer than I did our “old” twins. With all of us on guard – and experienced with the demon we’re looking for, we’ll catch any eclamptic symptoms before they get as bad as they did last time. And with some divine help over the last week, I’ve felt a great deal of peace knowing this was simply meant to be. God’s plan was definitely not ours. But this is His hand. How else can we explain something like this? I have a sense of confidence that we will be alright. Any bit of reluctance I had about leaving Virginia now is gone. I know we were guided (albeit by a small measure of light) to come when we did. We will need our families. My dear Mom told my sister, “Well, I definitely have something to live for!” (Little did she think it would be sitting up nights with me again in a dark bedroom feeding two babies every three hours). But it is comforting to know when we are inclined, inspired, whispered to, or urged to do something – even if we don’t know all the reasons for it – we can act in faith, expecting that path to prove happy and successful. Life is ironic, full of unexpected joys (and pains) – yet one has to embrace the unpredictable. Any other choice is not really living. And when the hard part is over, we realize how lucky we really are.
Below are some pictures our friend, Scot, took before we left Virginia. We are at one of our favorite parks – Burke Lake Park. I look at these and realize how much my family means to me. These individuals are my greatest loves.
Scot liked this one of Eliza. Her left hand almost touching the rail. The curvature of the tracks. The joy on her face.
Despite what you may think, Ali is a very happy girl – she just seems to cry around cameras (?) It was actually very cold this morning and I think she was ready to call it quits!
Mom and Ali
A Daddy’s comfort.
Doug laughing with Sami
In the final picture Scot took (not shown here – I’ll have to find it), we are swinging Eliza into the air and her foot is solidly clocking Ali in the face. Poor Ali. She was so glad to go home! Thanks Scot – for the wonderful memories – your time and talent. We love and miss you!
c
Catherine, I am truly shocked speechless, so I can't imagine how shocked you and Doug must be! Holy cow. What lucky babies to be coming to your family. I am happy and overwhelmed for you guys. We would like to help in any capacity we can. Congrats – we think you guys are the best!
Corinne (& Travis)
Grace
Congratulations!
I believe in miracles.
sara
So Glena told us the news last week. I told Jud–I think she might be wrong, because on her blog it only said one. Jud said, no it’s true.
WOW! Double wow!
Other than the shock of it all, it’s a beautiful blessing. We are so happy for you guys. We only wish we could be closer to lend a helping hand.
Congratulations again!
cprolf
I cried through that entire post! I am just stunned and thrilled for your family. These babies could not be coming to a better home-honestly. I am so happy for you. I wish you the very best of health. Also, I would really love to see you. Can we plan to get together in the spring?
Jill
That was fun to hear the details of the whole story! We are here for whatever you need! Love you guys!
cprolf
I just had to read this post again. Still stunned!! Also, since you will be needing a bigger car I want to put a plug in for the Toyota Sequoia. We bought ours in June and love, love, love the space. It seats 8 and is very comfortable. Much more comfortalbe than a school bus.
love you:)
Mandy
TWINS! YAY! We’re so happy for you and Christian said is is routing for boys. I’m glad you are near family and wonderful doctors, but we still miss you. Sending you much love and a big hug!
Deb
k…I know all the details already and I still got all teary as I looked at those pictures of your sweet family! Love you!
J
Congratulations Catherine. Those two babies are so blessed to have you and your husband as their parents. You are definitely one of my heroes, and now you are even more so. If you ever need a free babysitter, I’m here, just give me a call 🙂
Mark and Elodie
Oh my gosh! Catherine, this is amazing! And reading your entry made me cry once again… Congratulations!
kathunter
Catherine, we got your wonderful card yesterday. I am so thankful for this way of keeping up with your family!
I am so happy for you guys. Children are truly the greatest blessing. I am praying for a wonderful and safe pregnancy for you.
I have been keeping a blog mostly about Greyson too, if you ever wonder what we are up to you should stop by.
thelitterboxcontinues.blogspot.com
bostonshumways
oh my! Catherine, we just got your valentines card. I am not shocked….of course Heavenly Father would sneak in another lucky kid to be your child. Good luck though….my sister had 5 under 5 for a little bit and it was a little crazy. Now her youngest are 4 and life is good. If anyone can do it, you can. So good to get caught up on your family a little. It makes me want to live next door.
Karen
OH MY!!! What wonderful news. It brought tears to my eyes. Yes! what a wonderful precious miracle. It just shows who’s in charge of our lives! I’m so happy for you both!!! I miss you all.
{hugs}
Karen
Brodi Ashton
Wow Cath! That is crazy! I am so excited for your little (well, kinda getting bigger) family. Love the blog. You are truly talented, my friend.
Goose
Cath! OH MY GOSH!!!! Wow. We got your beautiful Valentines card and picture. You have such a gorgeous family. And 2 more to come! That’s so exciting! And crazy! What a blessing-or two? Wow. Jonathan said congrats too! I love reading your blog. Great pics. Did Hodges do this?
andrea
Astonishing news. Unbelieveable really. I am so happy for the A’s. Take really good care. You might need me to come help on this deal.
Hillary
I am still in shock for you guys. When Doug called to tell us, I couldn’t believe it. Please please let me know if you need anything-I am happy to come watch your girls if you need a nap or anything.
I’d love it for you guys if it is twin boys, but if history means anything, it’s probably going to be more girls 🙂
Becca
mom and I laughed almost crying reading your description of the whole discovery. Already knowing the news and reading how you described it , just put us in the moment. Sure glad you’re here.
I’m hoping for boys. Ty and baby parkinson need more male cousins.
love ya!
Mike and Joy
What an amazing story, Catherine. It has me in tears. Congratulations!
Joy (fleming) Williams
Wright
Hi Cath- It’s Adrienne…Joy sent me your blog link, she was SHOCKED by this news and wanted me to read it, too. I am so happy for you and think that if ANYONE can do this, it’s YOU! You have a beautiful family……
Ellen
Hi, Cath and Doug!
Already sent you an email, Cath, but am so glad you reminded me about this so I can keep closer watch over you. Still in shock about the twins, but then I can see am not the only one, for sure. When will you have another glance to see who is hiding out? I agree w/Hillary that boys would be fun, but odds are for the girls. At least if it were boys, diapers would be a new adventure. And Doug wouldn’t be *quite* so outnumbered. I remember very well sitting on the top step at STS and talking about the baby thing. Who would ever have thought 5, when 1 was so elusive? Blessings! Ellen
Romeril Family
Holy Cow! Congratulations. How exciting. Catherine, you are soo great, I am sure that the Lord would send 20 to you if he could. He needs to get as many to you as possible. If anybody can do it I know you can. WOW!
Emily Scalley
Congrats Catherine! If there is anyone I know who can manage all this, it is you! I know your girls don’t know mine, but they would fit right in if you ever need someone to watch them during your Dr. appointments or ANYTIME! I would love to help you out in anyway. You are amazing!
Melissa
Cath, reading this just made me break down…what a beautiful miracle! What an adventure, I am so happy and excited for you! You CAN do it, no doubt about that!
Hooray!
Megan
Angie told me this, since I haven’t been on your blog for awhile. UNREAL. Definitely something divinely created, and I’m sure, divinely sustained. Congrats, good luck, and our prayers are with you! We’re rooting for boys!