Identical Twin Boys!!!!

Well, this post has definitely been a long time coming.  While we're grateful that our parents and siblings have been filling in extended family on our weekly doctor updates, etc. - we figure it's about time for a post on our expanding family.  As pretty much everyone is aware we were dumbfounded by the news of twins around 15 weeks (somehow the second baby was missed in our first ultrasound and subsequent 2 appointments when they didn't pick up a second heartbeat on the Doppler .  Needless to say, when the sonographer at a random appointment asked "so you already know you have two babies in there, right?" Drew and I were floored!  We couldn't have been more shocked, excited, scared, ecstatic... (can you visualize the roller coaster of emotions I'm trying to portray here!?).

After having some time to call our families with the amazing news we were shocked to hear that our doctor was very concerned that our twins were suffering from a syndrome called TTTS (twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome).  The likely outcome they gave us was the worst news any expecting parent can ever receive.  This syndrome is very rare and is only an issue with twins that share a placenta (this is how we know that we're having identical twins by the way...).  Drew and I were devastated by what our doctor told us and they let us know that they were referring us to a TTTS expert in the Kirkland area.  Fortunately for us Dr. Walker is as close as he is - the next closest doctor would be in San Francisco.

After having to wait 4 days to meet with Dr. Walker we were relieved to hear that our doctor had been mistaken and we were only showing all of the risk factors of TTTS; our twins did not actually have TTTS - an unbelievably huge difference in diagnosis that I will never forgive our first doctor for.  While the risk factors have continued to be present throughout our pregnancy both babies have been doing fabulously and continue to grow stronger every day.

I'm very happy to report that today was actually our first appointment that the primary risk factor of TTTS was not evident at our weekly ultrasound.  If our test results are as positive in the next couple weeks Dr. Walker is optimistic that we can actually reduce our appointments to every two weeks - this would be a HUGE relief to Drew and I - fingers crossed!

Today was one of our longer appointments - I was at the doctor's office for nearly 2.5 hours - and they did growth measurements on each of the boys to make sure both of them are getting enough nutrients.  I'm very happy to report that Drew's hard work to adhere to my new diet plan seems to be working - Baby A was measuring at 15 ozs. and Baby B was measuring at 1 lb. 2 ozs. Dr. Walker said we're doing great but we need to keep focusing on hitting my daily calorie and protein goals - 3,700 calories per day; 200 grams of protein per day.

In summary, while this pregnancy has thrown some curve balls our way we are so excited to report that our tests are somewhat starting to normalize and our Dr. is getting more optimistic each week.  While he said he will continue to monitor me closely until we deliver he does think that we're moving in the right direction.

I don't think either Drew or I can thank everyone enough for all their prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts.  We are so excited that our family will be growing by two in the next couple months - identical twins are not very common and we couldn't be any more excited that we are fortunate enough to be able to experience the joy!

I thought I would go ahead and post a couple photos.  The first ultrasound photo is the ultrasound that started it all - the day we learned we were having twins (referred to as upper and lower head) - 11/30/12.  The second ultrasound picture is my favorite we've received so far.  Although Baby B has tons of room to roam he typically chooses to cuddle next to Baby A when it's time to settle in for a nap. While the picture is a bit blurry I think it clearly exemplifies the love our boys already have for one another : )

These next two photos are just for kicks.  Drew took the picture on the left of me tonight - at 22 weeks, 2 days pregnant with the twins.  The picture on the right is of me at 23 weeks pregnant with Cole.  A bit of a difference I would say ; )

All our love to everyone and thank you again for all your prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts!
Em & Drew