Monday, September 09, 2013

Our Family is Growing by Four Feet

If you read that and thought, "They are getting a bigger boat!" you would be wrong.  If you read that and thought "They are getting a crew member of the canine variety!" you would also be wrong.  If you read the title of this post, however, and thought, "They are pregnant!" DING DING DING! You would be correct.

But then, what's that about FOUR feet??

Well, there's a catch.  We are pregnant with not one, but two babies.

That's right.  TWINS.

I assure you, no one is more shocked at this news than we are.  No one.

Let me back up a little...

We've known I was pregnant for a while.  Since St. Lucia, in fact, when - being the impatient person I am - I took a pregnancy test while at a fuel dock at Rodney Bay Marina.  It was positive.  Isla brought the stick to Scott after he came back from paying for said fuel, and we celebrated with the fuel dock attendants.  High fives all around.  It was really romantic in a fuel dock kind of way.

Anyway, ten weeks later in Grenada I still hadn't gone to the doctor to "confirm" things.  But I knew for certain I was pregnant, there was no mistaking that.  I was sick as as a dog.  Like, so miserably sick it was hard to function and do normal things like get out of bed or go to the bathroom.  A few of you read between the lines, picked up on this and guessed my state... but suffice it to say, I had a VERY rough few weeks and it was VERY hard to contain that fact.  You might remember this post, or perhaps this post - and maybe this rant?  Well, chalk those puppies up to the pregnancy and associated hormones.  I was moody, I was irritable and I was really, really sick.  Times two, as it were, though I didn't know it at the time.

So anyway, Scott's like "shouldn't you go to the doctor?" and I thought, "yeah, I guess I should."  We were over 10 weeks pregnant and I figured it was time.  So off we went to one of two OBGYNs on the island.  They don't take appointments at the office we went to here in Grenada because too many people skipped them or were late ("island time") so now the doctor sees patients on a strict first come/first serve basis.  This is highly inconvenient for someone from the incredibly efficient US of A.  Add some pregnancy hormones to the mix, some ninety-something degree heat and a toddler who skipped her nap (because of said waiting) and it is REALLY annoying.  Anyway, we waited for four hours to be seen by the doctor.  Got there at 7am, walked into his office at noon.  Kinda nuts.

He decided to give me an ultrasound to check things out.  He squeezed the clear jelly stuff on my belly, put the wand on my abdomen and that's when I saw them... two babies in two sacks.  Clear as day.  The doctor didn't even have to say anything.  I gasped.  My mouth went agape.  I let out a slow and purposeful "holy s**t" and then... I started crying.  Tears of fear.  Before you say "you are so blessed how could you possibly curse/cry at such a joyful moment?" I want to ask you: have YOU ever been told you have two spontaneous fetuses in your womb?  If not, please save it.  It is incredibly shocking and surprisingly scary.

So I cried.  Then I laughed.  Then I gasped.  And laughed.  And cried some more.  This is how it went for the next twenty minutes or so while the doctor tried to tell a zombified saucer-eyed me about twin pregnancies.  By the end of the twenty minutes, I was mostly laughing.  Scott, of course, was totally ecstatic with a small side of shell-shocked.

Long story short, we are thrilled.  It IS a blessing.  A huge one.  We have been selected to have twins.  We've been reading every book on the subject of raising twins and we're preparing ourselves as best we can.  This is an insane and totally unexpected turn of events, and we're still trying to digest it - but isn't this what life is all about?  A series of plans we make combined with plans the Universe has for us?  Isn't it stuff like this that makes life really, really interesting?  I think so.  Just when you make a plan and think you've got it all figured out... BLAMO!  Life throws you a "guess again" curve ball.  It's exciting, life-altering and, to be honest, a little scary.  You know what else makes life a little scary?  Three kids under two.  Yeah.  We've got our work cut out for us for the next decade or so.

I will write more about our plans and what is going to happen in the coming weeks because we're still trying to figure things out and there is a lot up in the air - but suffice it to say, this is a game-changer.  The adventure isn't going to end, it's just going to look a little different (okay, a lot different) for a while and include one hell of a lot of diapers.

In the meantime, we'd love your support.  We're elated that our family is getting super-sized and we hope you are too.

52 comments:

Behan - s/v Totem said...

So very, very excited for you and your rapidly growing family! Just let me know when you want to test drive a Stevens 47. Perfect layout for a family of 5. :-)

Sara B said...

Woo hoo! Congratulations! I totally guessed from those posts that you were pregnant, but it really annoys me when you get to a certain age and are married and everyone is constantly assuming you are pregnant - that happens to me a lot!. So I always try to stop myself from making assumptions... but it's great to hear your news :) All the best. Lots of luck (and energy) for this new crazy adventure!
Best wishes
Sara

Laurie said...

Congrats, Brittany! I can totally relate to the unexpected twins on boats feeling- it's like W-O-W! Best of luck to you!

SRiggs said...

Contrats! My twins are almost 16. My ultrasound experience was the same! Total shock, it was our first attempt on getting pregnant. I miss the younger days terribly.

S/V Gratitude said...

Wow, CONGRATULATIONS from the crew of Gratitude! We will be gkad to babysit when next we see you -- after all, the kids would feel right at home! You certainly are going to have your hands full, but from your spunk, good humor, and sense of silly, we know you will do fine. ALL THE BEST TO ALL OF YOU! Van and Lauren

Island Quercus said...

Hi Brittany, I've been lurking and following your blog for a while as we're thinking about taking the plunge ourselves and taking off in a few years (hopefully with children!). Anyhow, I just wanted to say congratulations on such a great surprise and blessing!!!! Exciting times!

D. said...

Ahhh!!!! Congratulations!!!! I had a feeling when you mentioned the migraine, since (like you) the only one I've ever had was while I was prego. Wow! Well it is a game changer, but you guys will have quite the crew in a few years ; ) Good luck with everything, and hang in there with the nausea and fatigue. Im currently 14 weeks and it is just passing for me. Have you tried Preggie Pops?? They have helped me immensely! Hang in there mama!! Hugs!

Diane, Evan, Maia and Charlie the cat said...

Congrats on the new crew! Your post was lovely--made me really excited for you.

Red Charlotte said...

Can't wait to follow along on this new adventure! You and Scott have got this!

Geoff said...

Congratulations to you all! I was sure you were going to say you had adopted a puppy and thought how great that would be for Isla. When you said twins I have to admit my first thought was that now our paths will likely never cross. Your blog has helped us cross over from dreaming to doing and we've so hoped we would run into you guys "out there" so we could thank you but I'm guessing now you're going to be otherwise occupied as a very busy mom!

Again congrats. We'll continue to follow Windtraveler's exploits as long as you'll allow us and maybe, just maybe...

g. said...

Brody: You're gonna need a bigger boat.

Congratulations! Hope you have a smoother rest of your pregnancy.

Christy said...

Congratulations! So excited for your growing family. Can't wait to see how you tackle this new phase.
My sister had twins + a 2-yr old. It was a tough transition, but they're doing great and so will you. What a blessing.

Georgia said...

Congrats to you and your family, that is wonderful news!!! I am a grandma to 3 sets of twins and 2 of those sets are in the same family, 4 under 4yrs old. You will do great!!!!

Beverly/sv Fugue said...

Congratulations! Congratulations! I wondered about those hot flashes ... darned hormones. Great post!

boatbaby said...

Warmest wishes on your growing family. Don't forget to take care of you. So important now and after the babies comes. And Annapolis is a great place to live aboard and raise kids, just sayin' ;)
take care!

The Chatty Housewife said...

Ahhhh! Congratulations!

Kerry said...

Congratulations to all of you! What an amazing turn of events!!! Sending you support and good vibes from our little boat in Seattle.

Rebecca said...

Wow. Congratulations to both you and Scott. And Isla, for that matter, I'm sure she will love having babies around...mostly. ;)

Wishing all of you the very, very best of luck no matter which way you decide to go. And remember, nothing much is written in stone. Try things one way, if they don't work as well as you like, just try someone else.

Can't wait to hear the updates!

clubtrax said...

Good on ya Meyers family. Robyn thought you were pregnant. I'll be in Chicago next week and hope to see you. Take care.

mike h said...

Wow. "We're going to need a bigger boat!"
Congrats
Mike

George said...

Congratulations!! I guess twins are way better than a puppy or kitten... Looks like you all are in for a wild ride, and I hope that we get to hear about it (although I'd imagine that 3 babies would add a challenge to blogging, but what do I know?). Nothing like living life to the fullest. Thanks for sharing the fantastic news and your adventures.

Colie's Kitchen said...

I would first like to thank you both for delaying me writing my psychology paper lol I saw the title of this post and had to read it first and second I would like to say congrats! What wonderful and scary news!! I know it will be the adventure of a light time, but one that will be worth every diaper changed!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Brittany and Scott! That's wonderful news (with a side of agh!) !! My twin and I were kids #'s 3 and 4 and yes, legend has it our mom had tears at the appointment. We get it. Deep breath, because you already know you will be just as awesome playing zone defence!

Lots of love....

Mark and CIndy - s/v Cream Puff said...

Wow! Congratulations!!!!!

Are you are starting you own navy?

If one baby onboard increased the readership of your blog, imagine what 3 will do. Your are going to give the weather channel a run for their money on total hits.

Seriously, we are very happy for you.

We can't wait to see how this unfolds.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! What wonderful news, although shocking to be sure. I foresee that sleep training will be increasingly important.

ShannonM said...

Have loved following your journey. IMHO you've done an incredible job raising Isla - she is constantly smiling, lives an adventurous life filled with new experiences, and has had so much quality time with her parents -- you're already doing the 'big things' right! Knowing all that you've learned with her, you'll master being a mom of twins in no time. I hope we get to stick around for the journey, and I really hope it's on a boat :o)

Laura and Hans said...

OMG! I'm gonna hang out my shingle tomorrow (after I dig up my old Ouiga Board), because I must be psychic (or psycho, but then what's the difference?). But, honestly, after reading about your feelings of lethargy etc.. I so remembered those awful early signs of pregnancy and that's something one never forgets. EVER!!
Best wishes to you, I know you'll make it through with flying colors. This is truly exciting news.

Troy and Deana Jones said...

Wow! That is a game changer! Congratulations on the double bundles of joy headed your way. Looking forward to following along on your adventure.

Anonymous said...

Congrats x 2! My sister and I had our kids 10 days apart. Hers, identical girls. Me, a single boy. Her twins were 10 times easier than my boy, and she will tell you the same thing. They were able to comfort one another, had their own little language and started speaking WAY early. They are all 11 now and nightly, as the kids are winding down for the night, you will find the twins on the couch, floor or bed legs or arms entangled as they always have been.

Kristi in LV

www.mandyderoo.nl said...

Congratulations!! Wonderful news and I can imagine that it's very, very scary!

SY Sophia said...

I'm a long time reader, but never commented before, but I just want to say a BIG congratulations on the scary and exciting news! I'm a twin myself and I love being a twin, especially growing up, and for that reason I'd love for my hopefully future kids to also be twins, I know, crazy, even my twin, who also wanted twins, said so when she had her first child. Good job also on writing such a popular blog, I think you got a good balance between being personal, but also boaty informative.
Cheers, Astrid

Nikki said...

Congratulations! Such exciting news! Best of luck to you and your growing family!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to all three of you! Of course, you realize that now you'll always be outnumbered, even when Scott is home...

Jeff

Corri said...

Congratulations!

It's perfectly ok to have mixed emotions, it doesn't mean the excitement isn't just as big and just as real. It's going to be a great adventure.

heather k said...

I have two friends with a toddler and baby twins. I remember their shock and fear when they first found out. Its great to be honest with yourself (and others) about that. You guys are adventurous and hard working so there is no doubt this will be your next big feat to conquer. There will be hard days but you will get through it and have 3 wonderful little children. Congratulations to you, Scott, and Isla!! You are loved by your family and friends and cheered on by all of your readers here. :)
xo

Unknown said...

I follow your wonderful blog with great interest but have never commented before. I just had to this time. Congratulations from the crew of DevOcean. What an exciting time is coming for you.

Norm Walker said...

I always told my wife before we had kids that it would be great to have twins and be done with things. Then we had a single kid and felt like he was ganging up on us!! You are incredibly brave but I know you guys can do it.

JP said...

Woo - hoo! Congratulations! Do you know if they are identical or not yet?

I'm an uncle to twins (non-identical) and its great to have two more of them.

But if there are four more feet then maybe the boat does need for more feet?

Neophyte Cruiser said...

Congratulations to all of you! What exciting and happy news. We can't wait to hear what you have in store for your new and modified adventure.

Corey said...

a huge congratulations to you and Scott!

Marcus Valdes said...

Blessings and prayers to you, Scott, and Isla. The greatest gift you can give your children is siblings hands down!

Michelle said...

Very exciting! Congrats!

I knew that when I read the title of the post, that it wasn't about a dog. I knew it was twins!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and blessings upon yourself and your family! The good news is that with all the fertility treatment multiple births, there's a lot of collected wisdom out there now, more support systems you can tap into, and the medical world is much more up to speed than ever before. Congrats again! Christina from the Cat22 St. Nick.

Cheryl @ Mid-Life Cruising! said...

Wow! Life is full of surprises isn't it?! Congratulations and I'm so excited for ya'll. I figured you'd having another baby soon but ...

I can understand the mix of emotions ... I can only imagine how the thought of twins must feel. Add to that the fact the you currently live on a boat ... lots to think about.

I am sure that you, Scott and Isla will handle this just fine. When the kids get a little older you'll have your own sailing crew!

Pat and Joan said...

Congratulations: This will open up some truly unique horizons for you all. You will now have to have that long a serious talk but remember to be open and receptive when you say "catamaran" ;-)
As always we will be looking forward to following the next few months.

Arizona_Bob said...

Congratulations...and...hang onto your hats! My son and one of my daughters both have twins.

Older set: are a couple of real sweethearts, boy and girl. Younger ones, boys 2 years old...jury still out on THEM. Mom's really tired.

It's a LOT easier being the grandparent.

You guys don't do things half-way, do ya?

Best of luck.

Jeanine said...

I just said to my office-mate - THIS IS SO EXCITING - and then I had to explain I was talking about a blog I follow and not a personal friend, but I feel like we would be friends in the real world, and so that's why I am SO EXCITED for you! Blessings to your growing family - how fabulous and shocking and scary and GOOD. Love from West Michigan - Jeanine

Mel Bowden said...

Oh my, oh my, oh my! Never mind about my comment the other week about four, you're jumping straight to five! Congratulations, I'm so excited for you all, but can definitely relate to your trepidation...a kid on a boat is one thing, multiples is another thing altogether, but you and Scott have such a handle on why and how you are on the water, so you'll find a way to make it work for you.

Can't wait to hear all the updates.
Mel, AB, Oscar and Sienna
Xx

Cat@BudgetBlonde said...

My blog friend Mrs. PoP said I had to come check this out since I am also living in Grenada and also preggo with twins! :)) You have to read my reaction to twins. I also said holy shit and totally cried hysterically. My first thought was also fear but now it's very exciting. Huge congratulations to you!!! :)http://www.budgetblonde.com/2013/10/two-for-one-deal.html

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