"But Twins Don't Run in My Family"

If you have ever wondered how the conversation would go (or what brainless things you might say) when the news was told to expecting and completely clueless parents that they were having twins, well, here you go:

Dr: Ok. Ok. (turning the monitor towards us) So, here you can see…

Nick: Wait…is that

Dr: Here you can see the first baby…

Me: Uh….First baby?

Dr: And here you can see the second baby…

Me: But twins don’t run in my family!

Dr: Um…ok…well…you’re still having twins. 

Nick: Oh my god.

Me:………

Dr: And here is the first heartbeat. Everything looks great so far.

Me: ……..

Dr: Ok. Breathe. 

Me: *Oh right…*

Dr: Good. And…deep breathe. Good. It’s going to be ok.

Me: …….

Dr: And here is the second heartbeat.

Nick: ……

Dr: So everything looks great.  Obviously this is big news so I’m going to give you two a few minutes alone to digest this. Come down to my office when you’re ready and we’ll chat.

Nick: …...

Me: …….K…..

The rest of that day was kind of a blur.  Nick held my hand on the way home and repeatedly told me everything was going fine and that we would be great parents.  I sat there staring at the ultrasound photos trying but failing miserably not to cry.  To clarify, they weren't tears of sadness.  How could you be sad about two healthy babies!?  They were more tears of excitement, joy, shock and probably throw in some ‘Oh sh!t how are we going to do this/pay for this/can I carry twins.’ 

Nick met me at the door when I got home from work that night and gave me a big hug, reassuring me again that everything was going to be fine. I don’t remember what we ate for dinner or what we discussed at the table.  Though there is a good probability it was nothing…to both. 

It’s funny to think back now and recall some of the conversations Nick and I had before the first appointment.  I remember saying to each other “ Wouldn't it be funny if we were having twins?” or “Could you imagine if we went in and the doctor told us there were two?”  Perhaps deep down both of us knew we were having twins.  I have no idea.  But I kind of want to believe we did.  Now when I look back on the day we found out and imagine what our family will be like next year, I can’t help but think well of course we were supposed to have twins.  While it did take me a few weeks for the news to settle in, the thought of anything other than us preparing for two little ones just doesn't seem right.  

When Nick and I broke the news to family and friends that we are expecting twins, I can’t tell you how many people asked us if we were surprised.  All I can say is this:  I wouldn't have been more surprised if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet. 

Extra points if you can name that movie.

Election Night in DC

Sporting an “I Voted” sticker in DC on election night is like wearing a VIP wristband at a hoppin’ club in LA.  (Or whatever you wear/flash for those of us that aren’t cool enough to do so.) That tiny little circle gets you into bars without paying a cover fee, discounted food around town, free swag and a whole other host of privileges.  Clearly it’s the cool thing to do. 

This year’s presidential election night was no different.  My friends and coworkers around town waited in hours-long lines to vote, poured over early polls all afternoon in the office and then headed out to enjoy half priced specialty cocktails for the political party of their choice.  One coworker, who absentee voted in their home state, even begged for my sticker as we were walking out the door since he didn’t save his.  I’m telling you…these things are like gold. And yes, I gave it to him.

Since coming to Washington I’ve spent election night in Florida where I was campaigning for the RNC, bars to take in the action with fellow young professionals, at a campaign event for McCain and I’m pretty sure my sister’s house enjoying take out and wine.  But this year I decided it was time to enjoy something a little quieter. 

I sent a text to Nick early afternoon on Election Day and suggested a delicious Pizza Hut pizza for dinner.  He agreed.  I had a grand plan to leave work, go to my yoga class and come home to watch the results with pizza, a fire and my sweat pants.  In the end I wound up napping through yoga and dinner (whoops) and was woken up by Nick at 9:30pm to watch some of the results.  We made a frozen pizza and I was back in bed two hours later after the election was called and I saw the Congressman from my home district in Illinois lost.  This year’s election night may be categorized by some as a bust.  And in some ways it was. 

But when I decided I was ready for bed on Tuesday night, I crawled into bed.  I didn’t have to worry about the metro taking forever or finding a cab.  I didn’t have to worry about sitting around a crowded bar in my cute but sometimes oh-so-uncomfortable work clothes.  And I didn’t have to worry about absentmindedly drinking too many half priced cocktails full well knowing I was going to have one hell of a hangover the next day.  Yep, been there. Done all that.  Didn’t need to do it again. And even after sleeping through most of the evening I can honestly say this year’s election night celebrations were just what I needed.