Just One

Since posting yesterday's big news I have been bombarded with so many questions that I do not even have time to answer them all - so I thought I would just do a little Q & A and post it here!


Were you trying for another baby? 
Not in the least! This was a complete surprise! It took us three years filled with all sorts of tests and procedures and even a miscarriage before bringing Ella and Aidan into the world. They are our miracle babies - we really had no idea that we could even get pregnant on our own! This truly is an amazing blessing!

How long have you known about the pregnancy?

We have known about our new baby since early November. After taking the home pregnancy test, I immediately called the Dr. and got the very first appointment possible. At that appointment they tried to dismiss me without a blood test and I would have none of it - I demanded a blood draw to get an accurate HCG level (herein lies the bonus of being a former IVF patient and knowing all of the little details!). My levels came back outstanding - in fact, it was higher than what it was with the twins four years ago.

After returning two days later for another blood draw to ensure that the numbers were doubling appropriately, we scheduled the first ultrasound. In fact, my numbers had not only doubled, they tripled! Yikes - both the Dr's and myself actually thought there was a possibility of twins!


Did you secretly hope it was twins?

I will admit that there was a small part of me that secretly wanted a second set of twins.  More as a theoretical thing, not so much reality.  And, truth be told, I might have liked another pair for the baby’s sake.  I think the bond that Ella and Aidan have is so incredibly amazing, I’m almost sad for this singleton that he/she won’t have that.  And yes, I do worry a little bit that the little one might feel left out when the older kids are doing their “twin thing.” But I think that’s just as much of a concern with their age difference as it is with the twin-ness versus single-ness.

But for my sake? I only wanted one. The day of our first ultrasound back in November, I worked myself into a total panic.  While my history of miscarriage had me afraid of getting the news that something was wrong, I can say I was equally petrified of seeing two.  Obviously, I’d do it - I already know I can.  I so wanted the experience of a single baby. So portable, so flexible. And I can carry him/her and still have another hand! Fancy that! There was maybe 20% disappointed when the ultrasound tech looked around and pronounced that there was just one. 80% was utterly relieved.

Are you excited to be pregnant with just one?

Yes, I’m pretty darn excited to be pregnant with “just one,” and am especially looking forward to having “just one” newborn. Newborns are not easy. They’re up at all hours, you have no idea what time it is, and frankly, it hardly matters. I will be physically and sometimes emotionally exhausted. I acknowledge this.  But still. It’s JUST ONE.  

Wow.  

Throw that kid in a carrier and off we go.  I’m glad that I became a twin Mom on the first try for a great number of reasons, but I think I am especially grateful for the fact that I can recognize the easier parts for what they are.  When you’re a first-timer, especially of two, you don’t think about how surprisingly flexible those first weeks are. No nap schedule, they fall asleep easily in the car seat, etc. Now? Now I can see the benefits of that age and intend to take advantage of them while I can.

Any differences in the pregnancy so far?

I am decidedly more tired than the first time around, probably from not having a moment to rest or relax and chasing two, 3 1/2 year olds all day long. Still nauseous all the time, but not throwing up like last time. I am still in my regular clothes (by this point with the twins I was already in maternity pants) and I have not gained any weight, in fact, I have lost nearly eight pounds! Best diet ever! The Dr's do not seem concerned, so neither do I at this point.

I can see other noticeable differences coming, especially with regard to how I’m treated at the OB’s office.  No level-II ultrasounds. No maternal-fetal-medicine specialist visits at the hospital.  Heck, I think I will be granted a total of maybe three ultrasounds total (the six week one to confirm pregnancy, the 12 week for the Ultrascreen that we just had completed, and the 19 week bio-physical profile and that may be it for the duration. Really?  Last time I had nearly 20 ultrasounds! It’s weird to be so low-risk.

There you have it, the round-up on my feelings thus far on one as compared to two.  I’m sure there will be plenty more as time goes by!