When we discovered we were having twins, I searched for any and all information I could find about life with multiples.  It was scarce and limited, and many of the stories involved scary anecdotes of NICU and chaos.  After having twins, I realized how hard it probably is for parents to stop and write something or even express a clear thought.  It is a wild ride!

So, I have started Our Twins Story in hopes that parents will be able to prepare for their own stories and journeys with twins.

It has been two years since we first heard that we were going to have twins.  Such a dream!  And, we still look at each other and say, "There's two of them!"  The uncontrollable laughter has died down, but the shock of it all is still sinking in.

In the fall of 2009, we were surprised to find that we were pregnant at all.  Like most of the country, we were in a time of financial turmoil and unsure how we were going to survive.  We visited several friends in Charlotte, and I felt "weird."  We came back home, and I spent a few days in the bed.  I thought it was just a virus or something.  In a few more weeks, Michael looked at me and said, "You aren't pregnant, are you?"  "What?!"  I took the infamous at-home test, and he had guessed right...

So much more to share about God's provision during our financial difficulties, but I will wait on that for another time.  We didn't tell our family and friends about the pregnancy until Christmas, and this was a wonderful time when others celebrated with us.  Of course, we still thought it was just one baby.  There was no immediate twin family history, no desire or dream for twins.

In January 2010, we had our first ultrasound.  I was eager to find out a more accurate due date and to see if they could determine the sex.  The nurse had me come into the room by myself, and she took all the measurements.  While she was working, she began to giggle and said things like, "This baby is really active."  I was just eager to get off the table and to the restroom and to get to the fun stuff, like seeing the baby and finding out the sex.

Finally, the nurse let me relax and brought in the family.  She gave me the news right before the family came in, and I seriously thought she was joking.  My husband came in and looked at the screen which was showing the two babies, and he jokingly said, "So, what are we looking at?"  The nurse came back with, "Two stomachs."  My husband paused and said, "I think I'll sit down now." (I've never seen him sit down for any news before)

We both sat there in complete shock as the nurse showed us the babies on the screen.  She was pretty sure it was a boy and a girl.  We were pretty sure that God was playing a funny joke!  As a matter of fact, when I called my mom to share the news, she didn't believe me at first!  Not one baby, but two!!!!

For those who have just found out you are having twins, enjoy the moment and the shock of it all!  It is a beautiful thing.  Life is going to change in a big way, and my advice is to enjoy this time and this miracle.

My pregnancy with twins was a wonderful experience!  I had family and friends that surrounded me with lots of excitement and support.  That would be my first bit of advice to someone who is pregnant with twins:  develop and expand your relationships.  I needed people to celebrate with me and to encourage me - actually more than I thought.

Almost immediately after discovering that we had TWO in the "oven," I checked out every book I could find about having multiples.  Yes, I am that kind of person!  I read the stories about chaos and thought "not my home."  I read the advice about getting help and thought "would be nice to have dinners made, but I can handle it!"  I listened to friends with twins and didn't believe it.  Yes, I was CLUELESS!!!!

I did do something right.  I ate the right things and stayed active for the first 8 months.  I felt great and gained just what I needed.  The last two weeks were very hard as my body began to buckle under the pressure.  I had the infamous elephant ankles and spent most of the time on the couch with my feet up.  So, if you are pregnant with twins, eat right and stay active as long as you can!  Your days on the couch are just starting!

Such a beautiful time and a wonderful memory to have!  Loved all the attention at the doctor's office and all the ultrasounds!  Loved being "special" and "different"!  Loved the challenge for the nurse to find the second heartbeat when Baby A was up in my ribs.  Loved feeling the different movements that now I can see reflected in these people in front of me.  Loved the excitement of preparing our home for two babies.  I hope I will always remember... 

Most pregnant women feel the need to make their "nest" ready for the baby (or in this case, babies) to come.  We knew we had to get things in order.  It was actually a hard time for us financially, and it seemed that my motherly senses were heightened to look for what was absolutely needed.  I began subscribing to all the baby sites and joining every multiples group on those sites.  I read all the reviews on any products I thought were necessary for especially the first 3 months.

The first thing to get attention was car seats and mobility.  We wouldn't even be able to get home without this resolved!  I decided to go with basic Graco infant bucket seats that could be popped in and out of our minivan. (Wow, was I glad we had made the minivan purchase!)  From having two older children, I knew how I had enjoyed being able to bring a sleeping baby into the house with minimal disruption.  I have to say that we are still using those car seats today, and yes, we will be shopping for more permanent ones soon.

My favorite find though was a stroller frame that the infant seats could be snapped onto!  The Baby Trend Double Snap N Go is a new mom of twins' best friend!  You already have double the stuff when you get out, but this compact stroller frame made me feel like there was a little less clutter.  I could also get in and out of the mall or the doctor's office quickly and efficiently.  This stroller gets my Twin DOUBLE Thumbs Up!  I was blessed to see someone with it during a doctor's visit, and I found it at a local consignment sale for a third of the price. But, this stroller is not expensive and worth its cost.  (You do need to read the instructions for making the adjustments to the stroller for your specific brand car seat.)

Comment with any questions if you are now completing this part of your nest.  I did have some other strollers given to me by friends that were too bulky, and the only other double stroller I have kept is a jogging stroller (that does not usually travel with me).

Had to share these before/after photos of our car seats:

BEFORE

AFTER

If you are like us, you have wondered how you will make room for babies. How many things really need to be prepared as a set of two? We chose to just prepare for the first few months, and play it by ear after that. I had so many friends offering strollers and cribs and toys. We were very blessed!

Of course, I browsed through the catalogs and made a wish list online using Amazon's registry button. But, we didn't know if the babies would even have a room! So, we set up one crib in our bedroom, and I am so thankful for that insight!

At the hospital, our twins slept together, and we were able to continue that at home for a couple of months. Having the crib in our bedroom allowed us to sleep at least part of the night!

Another thing I did was set up two changing stations. One was in our living area and another was in our bedroom. These two changing areas gave helpers immediate access to baby needs and kept us from running all over the house all day changing diapers and locating burp cloths.

Another helpful tool was a hanging closet organizer to keep layette items within easy reach. Do try to have these things in order and even labeled BEFORE you come home with babies. This allows helpers to quickly locate a onesie or a pair of socks.

We had two bouncer seats that we borrowed from friends that were perfect for those early days. The baby swings were bulky and were not used as often, but I was thankful to have had one in our living area. Two swings were not necessary for us.

Be careful to not load your house with stuff at this point. Diapers and wipes are great to have stockpiled (a great shower idea by the way), but you really don't need double the baby toys. Keep it simple and add on as the babies grow and needs change.