Raising Multiples and Loving It!

Whether it is a planned or un-planned pregnancy, having children dramatically changes your life. Many women welcome the idea of having children, however, are not always prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Many women also feel that when it happens, it happens; but have they really considered the change up in their daily routines or the added extras that go along with being a full time mother? I was one who had to face these same challenges when my "surprise" pregnancy occurred.

Before I go any further, I must say that I am very blessed to have children. Two years ago the thought of having children was non-existant. I was a recent graduate with a Master's Degree and ready to conquer the business world. I was also near my wedding date and was looking forward to spending a few years as a married, adventurous couple. To my surprise, in late May of 2005, I found out that I was pregnant. It seemed a little odd that I gained over 7lbs. in a month and on top of the gainage I often felt myself purging in the morning. Although I tried to put the symptoms in the back of my mind I knew I had to take the step to test myself. Sure enough, the red line on the home test appeared. Possibly this was a mistake? After two more tests, the lines seemed to darken, once again. I felt, "this cannot be happening to me...not right now...what am I going to do".

After visiting the doctor's office, it was confirmed that I was pregnant. After I explained rapid weight gain, the doctor seemed concerned and ordered me in for a sonogram the next day. I felt that was odd because usually this process doesn't occur until 10-12 weeks. Instant adrenaline drove through my body in fear that I was actually a couple months more pregnant than what I originally calculated. This put me in a state of panic knowing that I have less time to prepare for the birth of a child. This was less time to research day cares, less time to research my benefits as an employee, and less time to prepare on the daily life changes that would occur.