I always thought it would be cool to have twins. Imagine the surprise at the 12 weeks scan, the dead pan face of the sonographer saying she had a surprise for us. Two. And then to go on to say she would check if there are any more! Only two, phew. I had thought that despite not putting on any weight, my clothes were getting a bit tight round the middle at only 12 weeks. The thought of twins fluttered in my mind. Although Doug said of course I would say that in hindsight.

I had a trouble free pregnancy. A midwife had poured it my blood pressure was slightly high at my 12 week scan. I had just been told I was expecting twins! Other than a bit of heartburn, being slightly uncomfy at night, many a night time trip to the bathroom, oh and a “flu like illness”, I was very healthy. I jested with my morning (but all day) sickness laden friend that she would get an easy baby whereas I would have more of a challenge (she hasn’t got off that lightly).

Doug worked extremely hard to get the house in order for the two bundles due to arrive. Who would have thought it would take a pregnancy to eventually get a carpet on the stairs? Many a late night he was up varnishing, nailing, sawing. The neighbours must have loved us. Just prepping them for noise to be heard through the walls in a few months time. It wasn’t all finished but of course, Doug was going to have plenty time to finish it all off when he was on “holiday”.

I read up about raising twins, breastfeeding twins and we even attending a practical parenthood class run by TAMBA (twins and multiple birth association). Thinking I was prepared for this (and not sticking my head in the sand, like I know better now), and after the last few meals out as a family of 2, I was booked in for induction. The plan was to have a natural (vaginal-yep both ways are natural) The induction didn’t work, not even a slight movement, these two were cosy and comfy. The next part of the plan was to give me more hormones to hopefully bring on labour. Their heartbeats were monitored and unfortunately Struan’s heartbeat dropped a couple of times so they recommended a c-section. Anyone expecting twins- be prepared for this. It went from the midwife going to run it by her senior to having about 10 people in the room from all specialities. I didn’t expect it all to happen so soon. I was so overwhelming, I cried. I’m quite a hard ass as well, I don’t really cry. So off we were whipped into theatre, and Ruaridh and Struan entered the world. I have to admit, it was pretty seamless and from the stories I’ve heard about vaginal births, I did alright!