How Exciting!

For the past few months, Nathan and I have heard the exclamation, "How exciting!" dozens of times. Everyone is so happy for us to have twins-- family, friends, and even complete strangers (we're excited, too).

And although it seems like everyone knows someone who has twins or is pregnant with twins, people are always fascinated by multiple births.  I find myself constantly answering the same set of questions.

The conversations usually go something like this:

"Twins? How exciting! How far along are you?"

"(Insert number) weeks."

"Do you know if you are having boys or girls?"

"We're having two boys."

"Are they identical?"

"Yep!"

"How can they tell that!?"

"Well, the doctors can see the babies are sharing a placenta, so that means they have to be identical."

"So, do twins run in your family?"

"They do on my husband's side, but because our twins are identical, it means it has nothing to do with genetics. It's really a lucky coincidence." 

"Oh really (doesn't look convinced). So, are you having a c-section?"

"Hopefully not. It depends on the babies." 

"I just assumed all twins were born by c-section these days. So, did you and your husband plan on this? Were they natural?"

"Yes, we planned on having another baby. No, we didn't decide to have twins. And yes, they are natural." (followed by my awkward, uncomfortable laughter)

I think that covers the basics.

I realize conversations like these can be extremely annoying for many pregnant women, but I actually don't mind the questions. The only questions I try to avoid are the final ones I mentioned-- the ones about whether or not Nathan and I "planned" to get pregnant with twins and if they are natural. Not only are these question ridiculous, but it is awkward for obvious reasons. Other than that, though, I am more than happy to talk about our babies. They occupy my thoughts the majority of the day and growing them is my full-time job. I also realize I have been on the opposite side of the conversation.

Before my own twin pregnancy, I was fascinated by multiples. This infatuation began years ago when I was a little girl; I always wanted two baby dolls so I could pretend I had twins. Additionally, I was obsessed with Quints. Do you remember these?

When I called my grandmother and announced we were having twins, she happily exclaimed: "Oh, Cil! This is perfect for you. It's like your dream come true!"

And you know what? It is.