Lesson #1
Boy/girl twins are NOT identical. Think about it - identical twins split from the same egg and have all kinds of the same genetic something or other (you like my medical jargon?). Obviously boys & girls are very different genetically, so they can't be identical. I expect that I will get the question "Are they identical?" often when I'm (eventually) out with the twins.
Lesson #2
Twins who have different sacks & placentas can still be identical. Because my babes were in this situation, I immediately assumed that they were fraternal. I quickly found out that wasn't necessarily the case. Depending on when an egg splits, then identical twins can share a sack or have separate sacks. Until we knew the genders of our babes, it was possible that they would be identical. Had we found out they were the same gender, then we may have never known if they were identical or fraternal without blood testing. But, since our babes are different genders, they are indeed fraternal, which means I released two eggs.
Lesson #3
Everything is going to be OK. I may have to revisit this lesson in a couple of months, but I go into these last days of pregnancy with a really positive outlook. I know we are in for long nights and difficult days, but we are certainly going to survive it! I am thankful to have a great support system that includes other twin moms who, for the most part, are very encouraging. I know our family, friends, and church support will be invaluable over these first few months.
Lesson #4
You get to see your babes more often when you're expecting multiples. We have had a total of 5, maybe 6, sonograms of the twins. These even included some 3D shots! In addition to our two regular sonograms, we've seen the maternal fetal specialists monthly for sonograms to check their weights & my fluid levels. We are so thankful everything has looked great each time. I love getting to check on the babies more often!
Now....onto things that have surprised me about being pregnant with the twins.
Surprise #1
I could go into labor. I remember thinking that I would certainly be scheduled for an induction or a c-section. I looked at my doctor amazed when it dawned on me that I could still go into labor. I guess I assumed (and it looks like I rightfully did...) that the babies would easily stay in until 37-38 weeks and we would schedule their birth. It didn't occur to me that they would come early on their own! And, as I have probably made very clear in previous posts, the process of going into labor is one that I have NOT enjoyed so far!
Surprise #2
These babies are going to bust out of my stomach. I am constantly amazed by their movement! I thought that Maddex moved a decent amount, but these babies be crazy! I am always telling Mitch that it feels like there are aliens in there. I am shocked by how far out my stomach will poke with a foot or knee. Lately I've been most shocked by how low I can feel Major's movement & how high I feel Harper. They are all over my belly!!
Surprise #3
I have enjoyed this pregnancy way more than my pregnancy with Maddex. I clearly remember that I did NOT enjoy being pregnant with Maddex. I was sick and miserable during my first trimester, had lots of sinus/allergy trouble during the second trimester, and was uncomfortable and achy during the third. I remember my knees and back hurting so much. I am shocked that I have enjoyed this pregnancy way more! I did feel sick at the beginning, but I was working, so I think that helped take my mind off of it. Once I entered the second trimester, I felt really great until maybe about week 30. Even since then, I haven't felt as bad as I expected I would with two babies inside of me. I slept well until about a week ago and haven't had near the back aches or other body aches that I would have expected based on my singleton pregnancy!
Surprise #4
Weight gain. When I was pregnant with Maddex, I gained at least 40 pounds - maybe more. I gained weight here, there, and everywhere! So far with the twins, I've gained an even 30 pounds. I can't believe that I have two babies & two placentas inside of me and weigh significantly less! I am not sure if it's because there are two babies sucking the life out of me or if it has to do with my diet for gestational diabetes. Since around the time of my GD diagnoses, I've gained maybe 3 pounds...and the babies have gained way more than that during those months! I am hoping that fewer pounds on means easier pounds off! It took me about a year to lose most of my baby weight with Maddex, and then I was pregnant again! I'll be glad if this weight comes off faster.
Surprise #5
I'm saving the best for last - although I don't think I should count this as a surprise. I should really count it as a blessing/expectation/promise. I am thankful for the way that the Lord has already provided for us as we prepare for these babies. We have been given or been able to borrow all of the gear necessary to have these babies. We have a great stock of diapers and gift cards to purchase more. The Lord provided extra opportunities for us to have money to pay unexpected doctor's bills (it costs a lot to have those extra ultrasounds! Of course it's worth it though!). He has provided meals for us while I've been on bed rest. He has provided us with a generous newborn photographer. And the list could go on and on. The other night I was feeling a little stressed about the finances involved in birthing the twins. We have basically reached our out of pocket maximum on our insurance after all of our payments so far this year. Well, our insurance year starts over Thursday - which means brand new deductibles & a brand new out of pocket max - we start over clean! I was convinced these babies would come before now because it would work out so perfectly with our insurance. We have been saving and saving money for these babies, so it's not like we are unprepared, but I was a little bummed at the realization that these babies will likely be born at the start of our insurance year. Quickly the Lord reminded me of how MUCH he has provided for us this far and I felt immediate peace that he will continue to pave the way for us with these babies. I am so thankful to know that Jehovah Jireh will provide for ALL of our needs - not just financially, but our need for rest, food, companionship, support, and Sonic drinks ;) Seriously, I don't know how people would survive a season like the one we are entering without faith in a Savior that provides.
Now, here is a small list of topics I hope to revisit as lessons and surprises a few months after the babes are born...
-Birthing two babies (still not sure HOW they'll be born - c-section or vaginally)
-Nursing TWO babies at once
-Sleep habits (or non-habits) of twins
-Changing a baby boy's diaper
-Exhaustion
-Working with two newborns at home
-Showering/bathing (will it ever happen???)
-A continued testament of how the Lord provided for us
Finally, to wrap things up, here are my projects for the day. If you are still reading, I'm incredibly impressed!!!!
Please excuse the picture quality - I took a picture of the computer screen with my phone :) I've seen these signs on Pinterest a lot and spent about 10 minutes making one for Maddex. All you have to do is play around with Word Art. I'll make one for each of the twins too, print them, put them in white frames, and hang them somewhere.
These are the treats for Maddex's friends at Mrs. Vickie's tomorrow. I thought it'd be nice to send something besides candy for the other kids and saw this idea on Pinterest, too!
Looks like I'll need a project for tomorrow - anyone got a good idea?!?!?
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