FAQ so far

We've only known about expecting twins for a few days, but we've had lots of fun telling family and friends this past weekend. Everyone is so excited (and surprised). I am amazed by how many people say, "Oh, I always wanted twins." Even though I am happy about it, I can't say it's something that I necessarily hoped for or even thought of as a real possibility for us.

We've gotten lots of questions. So here are the few answers we have to anything at this point:

1. Q: Do twins run in our families?

A: Not really. Jay's aunt has a set of fraternal twins, but I don't see how that would impact my fertility. My aunt (dad's half-sister) has a set of identical twins, but again I don't really see how that would be a connection.

update: my aunt told me tonight that my great-grandmother had a set of fraternal twins (girl and boy) and that she thinks they may be a couple more sets on that side of the family history, so maybe there is a connection??

2. Q: Do we know for sure if they are fraternal?

A: It was pretty clear to the ultrasound tech and dr that they are fraternal twins. There are two completely separate sacs and separate placentas, so we are pretty sure they will be alike as siblings, who just happen to be born at the same time. (Some of our kids have had strong resemblances to one another as babies, and even now, so it should be interesting to see how much they look alike.)

3. Q: Will we find out if they are boy/girl?

A: Good question! We usually don't find out the gender. I think this time I could be persuaded to know in advance. It might help me feel a little more prepared. But Jay is still holding strong that we shouldn't know. So we'll see....

4. Q: Where will we put everyone?

A: Catherine and Anna will share a room. Will will stay in his room. The babies will share a room. We'll just have to find an extra crib and rearrange some things in there, but I think everyone should fit.

5. Q: Am I getting a minivan?

A: Jay, Catherine, and Will desperately want a minivan. I was all set to cave and get one when we found out that we were pregnant. But now I'm not sure a minivan will be big enough! We need to explore our options.

6. Q: How is Jay taking all of this?

A: Surprisingly well! He has put his "game face" on and is ready to go! We both have felt a great sense of God's peace about it. The whole situation feels like something so much bigger than us that God has planned that we're just along for the ride.

7. Q: How am I feeling physically?

A: I always get very sick. With each pregnancy I have gotten sicker than the last. So when at 4 weeks I was nauseated 24hrs/day, I just assumed that it was because it was pregnancy #4. Now I know that it's even more so because of really high hormone levels for two. But by week 5 or 6, my doctor put me on some strong medication to control the nausea and vomiting. It is helping a lot; not totally eliminating it but making it manageable. The sickness may last a little longer than the usual 12 weeks, but hopefully will taper off soon.

I think that's about it for now. If you have a question, feel free to ask. I don't know that I'll have an answer, but you can ask!

I go back to the doctor on Jan 3 and will have another ultrasound then. It will be exciting to see how much they have grown (and to confirm that this is real!)