Sunday, October 26, 2014

Big News!

Sunday, October 26

As most of you already know...the Marsh household has big news! We're pregnant. With twins. Again!!! Yes, I can still hardly believe it myself.
 
Our journey to parenthood was not easy. We spent years trying on our own with no success. We then spent another year or so working with my regular doctor trying out some "low-tech" medical options. Eventually, we ended up working with a fertility specialist to attempt in vitro fertilization. Our first round of in vitro was unsuccessful and completely devastating. We figured that was the end of the road, but our doctor convinced us to give it another try with a slightly different approach. Imagine our surprise when, not only did it work, but it worked almost too well! We ended up with our wonderful twin girls!

Well, if that was a surprise, there are no words to express how shocked we were to find out we were pregnant again. While undergoing fertility testing, we learned that we had almost no chance of conceiving naturally on our own. "Less than a 1% chance," was what the doctor told us. Well, either we hit the baby jackpot, or our doctor was seriously mistaken in his odds, because here they are!
Current Ages: 16 months (although these pictures are much older)
15 weeks (pictures taken at 9.5 weeks)
Due Date: April 18th
 
And just to be clear, we were absolutely NOT trying! Assuming we had basically no chance at conceiving on our own, this possibility was far from our minds. Even when I found out I was pregnant, it took me about a week to get over the shock and to wrap my head around the idea that we would have three children under the age of two.

After hearing a heartbeat in the doctor's office, Justin asked, "There's just one, right?" The nurse laughed and said, "Yes." When the doctor agreed to a quick ultrasound to confirm the gestational age of the baby, I think Justin and I were both just eager to make sure there was just one baby in there. As soon as the ultrasound tech said, "Surprise!" my heart stopped because I knew what she was going to say before she even said, "There are two in there!" I don't recall our exact reactions, but it's safe to say it was pure disbelief. So...make that FOUR children under the age of two. Lord help us!!!

Devyn Marie

Devyn is as wild as ever and constantly keeps us on our toes. She has learned how to climb, so everything from our couch to her activity table has become a jungle gym.

Devyn Fun Facts:
  • Weight: about 23 pounds
  • Teeth: 6
  • Favorite Hobbies: reading books, walking/running, climbing, destroying things, bath time
  • Dislikes: sitting still, sharing
  • Newest Skill: giving hugs
Kinley Grace

Kinley is doing great with her therapy! She has made a lot of progress over the past few weeks. She now opens her left hand on her own to play with toys and grasp things. The tightness in her left side has lessened allowing her more flexibility in moving. Although she can not get to a seated position by herself yet, her sitting is improving weekly. She practices crawling, kneeling, and standing in therapy and at home.

Kinley Fun Facts:
  • Weight: about 20 pounds
  • Teeth: 3
  • Favorite Hobbies: rolling, waving, watching the baby channel on TV, bath time
  • Dislikes: Devyn stealing her toys, loud noises 
  • Newest Skill: saying, "No"

Grandma Carol came for a visit last weekend. We took the girls to a pumpkin patch to try to get a few fall photos. It didn't exactly turn out as I had hoped. Devyn spent the entire time literally running around. She did not pause once to look at the train, the petting zoo animals, the rides or any of the other attractions. All she wanted to do was run!  I was so busy chasing her around, I didn't even realize we left the pumpkin patch without a single picture with Grandma!!! Ugh!
Fall Family Photo 
 
 Daddy and Kinley
 
We tried selling these two "Minis" to make room for the next two:-)


A few more photos:

 Devyn found her nose. Gross!
 
 Kinley wore herself out messing up the living room.
 
 A little love from Devyn instead of her usual torture (smacking, squishing, etc.).
 
 Kinley loves to sit up at her activity table!
 
 Devyn figured out the fastest way to get food into her mouth.
 
 Devyn playing in the splash pad. She loved it!
 
 She got a little wet. Poor Kinley didn't get to enjoy it much. I was too busy chasing Devyn around. Next time we'll bring Daddy so everybody can play.
 
"Can I help you, Mom?" -Kinley
 
Kinley gets lots of free rides, although they're a bit dangerous. Devyn runs her into a lot of walls!

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