Thank you all for your love, support and excitement over Monday's big announcement. I totally underestimated how exciting announcement day would be and offically got nothing done Monday other than reading all your kind notes over the blog and social media. I read them all and they all mean so much. You guys are important to me and I'm so glad the secret is out. There were many moments over the past five years where I doubted I'd ever get to share such amazing news with y'all and it honestly feels beyond surreal to say it out loud. We know our world is about to change and we could not be more happy for our instant family!
I'm planning on sharing pregnancy updates every few weeks to every month depending on how things are going and whether there is anything interesting to share. For today though, I thought I'd get you all caught up to how the last 15 weeks have been going. It is so terribly hard to keep such a big secret and I'm so happy to finally get to share. As I mentioned yesterday our due date is officially December 9th, but our doctors have told us that twin pregnancies don't go past 37 weeks... so we are expecting the babies in November. This photo is at 13 weeks!
The First Trimester
How I Felt During the First Trimester...
Considering how hard it was for us to get pregnant and the fact that I'm carrying twins, I think I've had a pretty easy pregnancy so far. I've still not felt awesome, but I think it could be a lot worse, so I'm trying to take it in stride.
My biggest and most burdensome symptom has been fatigue. There were many, many days during the first trimester where it took everything I had to get off the couch. I called the Hubs and asked him to bring takeout home for dinner more times than I care to admit because by 5 o'clock the thought of cooking dinner sounded impossible. I've never been so glad to work from home because some days I felt so tired and it was nice to be able to end work early. The exhaustion has been profound. Starting just before 12 weeks I started to get a little more energy back. I still get tired easily, but it's not as bad as it was and I'm hoping it stays that way for awhile.
So far my nausea hasn't been too bad either. I've had a handful of bad days, but for the most part, I've found it goes away if I keep a full stomach. If I get hungry it comes back.
Speaking of a full stomach, I've been SO HUNGRY! I normally am not a snacker but have found myself hungry every three hours like clockwork. If I don't eat I feel nauseous, lightheaded and get a headache... so I eat! It's been kind of crazy how much food and nourishment these twins need.
I've also been dealing with some gnarly headaches just in the last few weeks that seem to keep getting worse and have been trying to figure out how to control them. I've tried more water and more protein, but if anyone has any ideas please send them my way.
How We Told Our Families
We told most of our family over Facetime. We held up one onsie to share the good news about one baby and then said we had more news and brought out the second one. The twins shocked everyone including us!
Thoughts on Having Two
I am still in slight disbelief. I've actually ALWAYS had this feeling I'd have twins and have joked about it since we started trying, but after years of failure, I thought I'd be beyond lucky to ever carry one much less two. With that being said though, we feel so special and incredibly blessed that God gave us two. We are very realistic about the challenges ahead for us and know especially in the beginning it will be really hard. We're going to try to take it a day at a time and do the best that we can... giving ourselves grace along the way. Two babies feel like the instant family we didn't think we'd ever have and although we are slightly (or a lot) terrified, we are also over the moon happy. Just thinking about it brings tears to my overly emotional and hormonal eyes!
What Surprised Me the Most in the First Trimester...
Since we had so much trouble getting pregnant, I was on couch rest the first few weeks of the pregnancy. What surprised me is that after that I slowly got cleared to return to doing most of my regular activities! We've even been able to travel, which has been wonderful. (Don't worry, we checked and asked a thousand times to make sure it was ok before we went!) So far the babies have been to Hilton Head, Ohio (for my Grandfather's funeral,) Highlands, Destin, Atlanta and the Hammock Coast!
My only trouble has been that I do get some motion sickness, which I'm normally able to cope with but it's been a lot worse in pregnancy. We know our travel is going to slow down a lot until we figure out how to do it with two babies, so it's been nice to fit in some trips.
I've also been surprised at just how hungry I've been! It's been crazy.
Food Cravings or Aversions?
Friends and family keep asking me this question and I joke back that I'm craving ALL THE FOOD. No aversions so far, although carbs sound particularly yummy to me these days. Luckily though I've been able to eat mainly a normal diet... just in higher amounts. The doctors have told me it's so important to gain more weight with twins, so they have a better chance at healthy birth weights.
I'm currently longing for raw sushi tuna, raw oysters and a nice glass of wine. 🙂
Fitness
The doctor had me on couch rest for the first few weeks of pregnancy and then just walking for a few more weeks. At about 9 weeks she cleared me to try to run again. I checked with her probably a dozen times to make sure. I took it super, super slow and ran for only a few minutes at a time. I had no problems, so I increased a little each day. Right now I'm running really slow three times a week with 4-5 minutes running and 1-minute walk intervals for about 30 minutes at a time. I actually feel really good and normal when I run. The doctor encouraged me to keep at it as long as I felt comfortable, so I'm taking it one run at a time and we'll see how it goes! We're seeing a high-risk doctor too and they also gave me the all clear to keep at it as long as it wasn't hurting. I'm fully expecting not to be able to run anywhere near the entire time, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts.
I'm also doing some circuits and yoga. I'm hoping those and walking will become my go-to when running is too hard.
At the same time though, I am really listening to my body and not pushing anything at all. There has been A LOT more rest in my life since the positive test came back.
Maternity Clothes?
I bought a few things over Memorial Day because I found some great sales but I'm not at the point I need to wear them yet. I'm still on the lookout for some good shorts and jeans. Right now I'm mainly still wearing my regular dresses. I don't have much of a bump yet, but I have absolutely put on some weight (doctors orders!) and my shorts have already been retired for the season. I tend to gravitate towards less fitted clothes anyway, so many of the dresses still fit.
Will We Find Out the Gender...
YES! Hopefully soon and we'll do a little gender reveal for family, friends and you guys. They could be boy-boy, boy-girl OR girl-girl! I'd love to hear what you think they are.
Any Names?
We've thrown around a few ideas for both boys and girls but it is still very much a work in progress! I suspect it might take awhile for something to click for us.
How Makena's Taking the News
Ohhh Makena! She's always been particularly clingy towards me, so it's hard to tell if she knows something is up or she just loves her Mommy. I think the first 6 months or so of the babies lives will be really hard on her because there is no way she's going to get as much attention as she does now no matter how hard we try. But as the babies grow, I truly believe she's going to love having kids to play with. She's already spent time around our friends and families kids, so we feel pretty good about her being sweet around them. She's still got a lot of wild puppy in her, but she seems to realize when kids are around and she needs to be more gentle. She'll also be a little over 2 by the time the babies arrive, so we hope she will calm down even more.
So that about catches us up! Reguarly scheduled blog fun resumes tomorrow... with some fun baby talk in the mix.
Thank you all for the love and support.
Susan Wolfe Wait says
COngratulations! We had a set of boy/girl twins 23 years ago in a pregnancy that went to 38 weeks and baby b in breech position. In a pregnancy where lots of things could have gone wrong, all went smoothly. Get plugged into a twins group is my best advice. Good luck!
Rebecca says
So happy for you, girl! Love reading this update! I wish you the easiest pregnancy ever!
Shannon says
So happy for y’all. I have followed you on social media for a couple of years now and have often wondered if y’all just didn’t want kids. Prayers that everything goes well with this pregnancy and y’all have two happy healthy babies! Congratulations!!!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
😀
I am right there with you: after the difficult we had and the lack of hormones in my body + a family history of the #worstmorningsicknessever, I totally expected the first trimester to SUCK. But it totally didn't! Overall, other than the leg edema and then breaking myself, I had it pretty easy with my pregnancy. I am nervous for the next time, though (if, willing, there is a next time!).
You are going to be the cutest twin mom ever.
debbie says
what an absolutely cute way to let Makenna share in the joy-she's adorable. Congratulations on both blessings from God.
Joyce ogles says
So awesome! God saw the desire. Of your heart and he let those precious lives pick and they picked you to be their mommy....... blessings too all of your,
Andrea Eisen Bates says
Congratulations, again. What wonderful news.
Pregnancy migraines are beastly. I had them for a long time, and since you can really only take Tylenol I found two things that helped. A can of super cold Coke, and sometimes? Crying. It released the pressure. Obviously talk to your doc, but mine was okay with the caffeine as a way to help the pain.
I'm really glad you're feeling well and thrilled for you. I hope the coming months go smoothly and you and the babies are all healthy
Judy says
Julie I think you will have a boy and a girl. God gives you blessings in children. You and your husband will be truly blessed. So happy for you both.
Emily Swanson says
Wow. Wow. Wow. Julie I am so excited for you and that God blessed you with two. I know that it won't be easy, but your gratefulness and excitement about these little ones is so contagious. LOVE YOU.
staceyschneider says
congrats on babies I watched you on wlos you look so much like my niece the best of luck to you Stacey schneider
Lisa Ballantyne says
Forgot to mention--the pic of Makena is absolutely precious! She is going to be an amazing "big sister!"
Lisa Ballantyne says
I am so excited that your readers will be able to share this wonderful journey with you! What a miracle--x2 of course! Looking forward to your future posts now more than ever!
PS--You are just glowing!
Ann Gardner says
Julie when I saw your announcement and the navy onesie I thought it meant boys so excited that we can look for another big announcement. Will be in Michigan most of summer. But will be following you. Sending love and prayers.
Emily says
I am so, so excited for you!!!!! I am glad you are feeling good so far. The first trimester fatigue is really rough, but will hopefully let up a lot now that you are in your second trimester.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Congratulations! So happy for the both of you. Twice the hugs and kisses....yay!!!!
Colan Mowrer says
CONGRATULATIONS ! I did not see Mondays post, so this is the first I heard. Wishing you all the best
KATHLEEN says
CONGRATS,, I THINK IT IS ONE OF EACH. THE WEATHER WOMAN ON FOX CAROLINA HAD 2 BOYS THIS WEEK.. SO THAT WILL MAKE 2 WEATHER WOMEN WITH TWINS,, I STILL CONSIDER YOU AS A WEATHER PERSON. EVEN THO YOU ARE NOT THERE ANYMORE,,,
Wendy says
You look amazing and I would never have guessed you were this far along. I swear that I couldn't stop gaining weight my first trimester, both pregnancies. Looking forward to following your journey.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I'm so pumped for you! Twins are so incredible, and while I'm sure it is going to be hard work, they will have an instant best friend to grow up with :).
Amy says
Congratulations! So excited for you. I no longer live in NC, but have been following since you were at WLOS. Can’t wait to hear more about your pregnancy.
Paula Fox says
CONGRATULATIONS! Lots of Prayers & Love coming your way! Your going to be wonderful parents ! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Dawn says
What exciting news!!! Me and my husband tried for 17 years to have a baby with miscarriages during that time. I remember seeing you at the dr several years ago when I had went to check on my endometriosis and I always think what is their story..... so it is neat hearing some of your story on here. We since we’re able to adopt a baby girl at birth and she turns 6 in a few weeks then the Lord blessed us again with being able to conceive and deliver a baby girl. We have been so blessed. We will keep you in our prayers and like someone else said on fb thank you for still thinking of those that have struggled like yourself. I remember telling one of my best friends that also couldn’t conceive that so was pregnant and hurting so bad for her knowing the hurt she had. Excited to follow your journey!
Lynne Justice says
Congratulations!!!
I work with a doctor, Dr. Angie Baechtold who can look at the veins in your left eye to determine the sex of your baby! Not sure about twins though! She is very accurate at about 90%. We are at Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry, a perfect dental home for your children.
Excited for your Journey and welcome to the Mommy Club!
Lynne
Deborah Brooks says
I was so happy to see your announcement! You are just glowing 🙂 Huge congratulations to you all. Enjoy this special time it goes by so fast
Gail Bell says
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
So excited for you and the hubby!!
Carolyn says
What a blessing! I’m so happy for you and your husband.
Esther says
Still so over the moon for you guys!
Twins are so fun! I’ve been with the b/g twins I nanny since they were just a few weeks old!
Praying for your pregnancy and your precious little gifts from above!!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
I love hearing about your babies and am so happy that things are going well. Looking forward to more updates as you feel comfortable sharing.
Elizabeth Haire says
Such an exciting time for you. I will enjoy being a vicarious part of your experience in this phase also. Your family is probably tickled pink, or maybe blue? Ha!
I have been thinking about your tradition of hosting Thanksgiving. This year will be different.
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I'm so excited for you two Julie!! It's awesome you're feeling pretty well and the doctors have cleared you for so much activity so far. Twins can be hard, my aunt had twins and had to go on bed rest the last week or so before having them. Whatever it takes for healthy babies right?! The face Makena is making in the sign picture is hilarious! It's like she knows something will change but doesn't know if it's good or bad for her yet.
Beth Ann Chiles says
I am so excited for you and you are well on your way with these two lovely gifts! What an adventure you are on. Best advice I got was to just listen to my body and it sounds like you are doing just that! congratulations again!
Heather Brown says
I am just so thrilled for you. I'm glad you are feeling better! Couch rest was I'm sure so hard for you. I don't know if you follow- but Fitness fitale just had twins and was active through her pregnancy! I know things are so different with twin pregnancies but maybe reading other recaps might be nice? Not sure. I think I'd be scared to do anything as well after being on rest and just after trying for so long. BUT yay 15 weeks! It's the hardest secret to keep, right?