"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.