Well I guess it is time to update you all on what we've been up to the past few months. It all started with a positive pregnancy test on Nov. 14th. After a heartbreaking miscarriage and year of emotional ups and downs, Andy and I were thrilled and also very cautious about our happy news. We decided to only tell a few people on a need-to-know basis until we got to the crucial "12 week" milestone. The weeks passed slowly and I was an emotional mess. I convinced myself that this pregnancy would suffer the same fate, just so I would already be prepared for it. I made it to the 6 week mark and went in to the Dr. for a blood test to ease my mind. They called a few days later and said that my numbers were great and were very high! Whew! Now I could relax a bit. But I didn't. I continued to worry and expect the worst each day.
When I started feeling sick at around 7 weeks, I allowed myself to feel a glimmer of hope. When my 9 week appointment finally came , (Andy was out of town on businesss during my 8th week), I was both terrified and excited to get the long awaited ultrasound. Andy and I prayed together the night before that God would let us hold this child in our arms and managed to get a little sleep that night. We went in the next morning and I just wanted to see a heartbeat and hear that my baby looked healthy. What we found out would shock us and change the course of our lives forever! The ultrasound tech started looking around the screen and calmly said to us, "Um, you know there are two in there." WHAT!?!?!? We were in utter disbelief! Not only was there a heart beat, there were two beautiful beating hearts on the screen! We just cried, out of joy, fear, and gratefulness to God! When we saw the midwife afterward, she asked us if we used fertility drugs or anything like that. "No!" we said, still stunned. We had no idea how we would have gotten twins! My great-great grandfather on my mom's side was a fraternal twin and that was the extent of any twin genes. She informed us that with twins, there is a chance you can miscarry one of them before 12 weeks and to prepare myself for that possibility. So we left the office armed with nothing but the knowledge that we had two babies to worry about now.
12 weeks
My morning sickness got worse (a good sign!) as the weeks passed and we nervously awaited the 12 week appt. where I would get another ultrasound and we could hopefully relax finally! The 12 week appt. came and both babies looked great and were measuring the same. But we found out that I had one placenta. This meant that our twins were IDENTICAL! Identical twins are not genetic, it just happens. Once again we thanked God for this miracle that could only come from Him! But one thing we did learn was that with identical twins that share a placenta, I am at risk for a condition called TTTS where one twin hogs all the nutrients. This is rare, but it does happen and is yet another thing for me to worry about! The Dr. was great and told me she was confident that I would be able to carry them close to full term (37 weeks for twins) and that I would do great! What great encouragement!
15 weeks
We just had our 16 week appt. last week and both babies continue to look healthy and strong! We also found out another miracle, well in the Torbert family anyway. Our babies are GIRLS!!!!!! I had always thought that I would have all boys, and was perfectly happy with that (I already have one that I happen to adore). But God delights in suprising us and has done that once again! Since last week, I have been knee deep in pink! I have spent endless hours on the computer pouring over everything girly! We have decided to name them Hannah Grace and Olivia Kate! I never thought I would be this excited about girls (notice my girly background!). We are closing in on our 17th week now and although we still have a long way to go, I am trying to cherish every moment (rollercoaster and all) of this pregnancy and strive to be joyful and not terrified about what lies ahead. Andy and Jackson are wonderful as usual. Helping me get things done around the house and making me laugh when my hormones get the best of me. I decided to write this post instead of calling a million people so I could tell our story and include fun photos that you'll see below. I am growing at a rapid rate now and am doing my best to keep everyone updated. We ask for your prayers in the months ahead. We pray that I am able to carry them for the long haul and that they continue to grow healthy and strong every day! I can't wait to meet them and to introduce them to all of you! We thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! You all mean so much to us! Thank you for taking the time to let us share our lives with you! :)
17 weeks
