Chase and I have some big news to share… Violet and Autumn are going to be big sisters!!!
We were definitely surprised when we found out, because we thought the twins were going to be it for us. But our family is full of happiness, and we couldn’t be more excited to meet our baby in September. I’m about fifteen weeks along now, so I’m finally out of the first trimester and feeling a lot less nervous about sharing the news.
That morning, before I took the test, I was really craving a blue raspberry slushy, which is always my go-to pregnancy craving. As soon as I saw that little plus sign pop up (almost too quickly!), I called my friend Megan right away. She was the first person I called when I found out I was pregnant with the girls, so it only felt right. Of course, we had our usual girlie freak-out, happy, “oh my gosh” moment. Then, like she always does, she talked me down. Every girl needs that one friend who can be just as excited as you are, but also keep you grounded.
When we first found out, we were happy, but I was also terrified it might be twins again. I don’t think a lot of people realize how many factors can increase the chances of having multiples. We have a history of twins on both sides of our families, I’m over thirty (which naturally increases the chances), and I’ve already had twins, so it’s more likely to happen again. I even looked it up, and it said there was about a one in twelve chance it could be twins… or more! I was FREAKING OUT.
Not that we couldn’t handle it, we’ve done it before, but you know the saying “two under two”… now imagine four under four. We would’ve definitely had our hands full (and our pockets emptied!).
I ended up scheduling an early appointment just to make sure my suspicions weren’t confirmed. On the way there, I was trying to talk myself down, just in case I saw two more babies on the screen. I kept thinking, “Okay, we already have two of everything, two car seats, two cribs, and we’ve got two little helping hands if needed.” Chase and I had even talked through what life might look like with four under four, just so we’d have a plan. “You take toddler shift, and I’ll take newborn shift.” We already knew sleep would not be part of the equation.
When I got to the appointment, I was shaking. The nurses were reassuring, saying it could happen, but it was unlikely. Then they pulled up the ultrasound… and I saw ONE baby! I threw my hands in the air and said, “Thank you, Jesus!” The nurses just laughed and reassured me that everything looked healthy, no multiplying, and no one hiding behind this little one.
At that point, I was finally able to fully feel excited. The relief of not going through another multiple pregnancy was huge. Double the morning sickness, double the hormones, it was really hard on my body. Of course, it was all worth it for our girls, but I’m grateful this time is a little different.
When we told the girls, they didn’t understand right away. But after a while, they started to get the idea that we need to be gentle around Mama’s belly because there’s a baby in there. Autumn will come over, rub my tummy, and say, “Oh hi, baby!” And when we asked Violet if she wants a little brother or sister, she said, “Not a boy,” with one finger pointed at us, and a serious face, like we have a choice! Haha.
I think every parent wonders how they’ll share their love among their children. I just hope our daughters will be just as excited about their little sibling as we are.
So here we go again, back to baby snuggles, sleepless nights, and all the chaos in between. Our hands (and hearts) are about to be even fuller, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. September can’t come soon enough.
