Round Two

Did you think I’d forgotten about all of you? I apologize for taking so long for another update. It has been an insane week and unfortunately my mind was totally preoccupied so now I’m trying to catch up with the daily life I have ignored. Sorry in advance that this post will be choppy and dull. My brain has been in a total fog. Let me flashback 10 days and try to fill you in on some of the things that have happened.

Thursday, September 21 – After seeing 3 strong heartbeats, we giggled in shock as poor Dr. Belgium nervously rubbed his forehead while repeating, “I really didn’t think that little one would take.” If you remember, we had one blast that was just slightly smaller than the other 2. Honestly I wasn’t all that surprised. While driving to the clinic that morning, I just had a feeling that our news was going to be all or nothing. I was going to hear that I had been pregnant and wasn’t anymore or that I was super pregnant with all three.

The doctor tried to explain a variety of things, which I’m not sure Husband and I really heard. Unfortunately I forgot my notebook and tried to scribble bits and pieces on a post-it note that I found on the bottom of my purse. I knew we had gone up a step in the world when Dr. Belgium gave us the number of his personal assistant so we can call with any needs and updates. I didn’t even realize he had a personal assistant. I’ve talked to his personal nurse and his personal scheduler, but never his personal assistant!

Stopped at Target on the way home to buy deodorant. Watched a woman carefully strapping her new baby into an infant seat secured in the center of her backseat. Wondered how does one fit 3 infant seats in the backseat of my Honda Civic?

I went home and ordered 2 books about multiples. The books cost a total of $21. I paid an extra $30 for overnight shipping so I could have them for the weekend!

Friday, September 22 – Told my parents and brothers. Kind of had to. My mother has known about our IVF and Beta results and my hormonal crying, plus there is no lying to my mother (she has that secret lie radar that all moms seem to have). But we did get a “small” lie past her this time. We told my parents we are having twins. Not exactly a total lie considering many of the books refer to multiples of 3 or greater as “supertwins.”

We lied for a number of reasons. The biggest being that Dr. Belgium explained that each fetus has a 6% chance of not surviving for natural reasons giving us close to a 20% chance of nature reducing us to twins. Also we know that selective reduction is going to be present as an option at our first appointment. I don’t know enough to comment about that now. Either way if one doesn’t make it, I just don’t want to have to deal with that pity or God forbid someone telling us it’s actually a blessing. My parents were given very strict instructions that no one else should be told about this pregnancy until we are ready. I think the words “high risk” and “possible miscarriage” will keep them quiet for the next month. Only my best friend, infertility support group, and all of you actually know the truth.

Sunday, September 26 – Called Husband’s parents. Husband was worried that my father-in-law would have a fit if he ever found out that my parents knew before he did. Father-in–law drives me crazy but that is another story. My favorite part of this phone call was my mother-in-law saying, “Wow. Twins. Thank goodness it wasn’t more.” Nice.

Monday, September 27 – I called the perinatalogist to schedule my first appointment. I was disappointed to learn that the doctor I need to see was out of the office until Thursday and I couldn’t even schedule an appointment until she returns. I didn’t quite understand why I couldn’t get on the schedule. I mean don’t they know her hours and which time slots she still has open. It’s not like the doctor does her own scheduling so why does she have to actually be present for me to find out when I can come in. Oh well nothing I could do.

Tuesday, September 26 – Had painful vaginal cramping that got worse as the day progressed. Finally called the RE, who explained that it was normal and not to worry too much because I didn’t have any bleeding whatsoever, but told me to also call the perinatalogist’s office just so they also know I’m having cramping. Perinatalogist’s office told me there was nothing they could do since I haven’t had my first appointment yet (which they won’t schedule me for until doctor comes in on Thursday) and that I should go to the ER. I then sobbed hysterically all the way home not wanting to go to the ER, sit for 4 hours, and still be told there is nothing that can be done. Sweet Husband called RE back to explain how upset I was about the thought of going to the RE. The RE reassured us that this is perfectly normal and that there was absolutely no reason for us to go to the ER. If this happened to be a miscarriage, nothing could be done, but since no bleeding he highly doubted a miscarriage. More likely the cramps were caused by my growing uterus, which happens to be growing at a faster rate than a normal pregnancy. I felt much better and now think of our “supertwins” as having cramp inducing superpowers.

Wednesday, September 27 – Teach sitting down the entire day – not an easy task. Cramps feel much better.

Thursday, September 28 – Perinatalogist’s office calls to schedule. I grit teeth while waiting to hear how I’ll have to wait 2 to 3 weeks to get in. Breathe huge sigh of relief when told the first available appointment is Monday. This Monday! Just one short weekend away!

So there are the basic happenings of the past week minus the minor details of Husband and I deciding we need to get a new house and new cars, my realizing that bed rest is probably inevitable and that I will probably not return to work after the babies arrive, best friend gets engaged and begins planning possible overseas wedding to which I have to explain that I will not be able to attend, and so on and so on.