Jun 8, 2010
A Pregnancy Update: The Drama Continues
Last Wednesday morning, at 8am, our twin pregnancy took another dramatic turn. First, let’s recap:
- First, I wasn’t expecting to be pregnant in the first place.
- Second, I found out I was having twins at an 18 week ultrasound (which actually ended up being changed to 16 weeks when they measured the babies). Most people know they’re having twins before that point in their pregnancy.
- Third, I found out they were two girls.
Ready for the next plot twist?
Well, turns out one of our twins is a boy.
Here’s a little window into how it went down:
Ultrasound tech asked me, “What were you told for gender???”
“Two girls,” I confidently answered.
“Oh no,” she said gently. “Twin B is a boy.”
“Are you SURE????” I asked over and over and over.
Anyway, you get the idea.
I spent the rest of the day in a stupor of confusion and disbelief. Literally, the day before, I had gone to a girl’s house who was getting rid of her twin girl clothes and bought a ridiculous amount of stuff from her. A couple weeks before that, I’d had a baby shower for twin girls. How could this be happening to me????
I lamented through the rest of the week and the weekend, mostly because I’d let myself get attached to the babies (even disciplined myself to attach to them) and now they weren’t what they were “supposed” to be. One of the things that just killed me about the whole thing was that when I had my original ultrasound, and they told me it was twins, then told me that Twin A was a girl, I was almost certain she was going to say Twin B was a boy, and I was totally cool with that. But I’ve spent the last two and a half months making myself slowly embrace these two little girls who I was told were coming into my life.
I went yesterday for my first non-stress test (which will now be a weekly event because of our history with a full-term unexplained stillbirth) and listened to their heartbeats. Then I had a visit with my regular, yet oh-so-amazing doctor. She and I pored over the pictures from my original ultrasound and the ones taken last week.
Now, my doctor has a reputation as pretty much never getting gender wrong–never. She said she didn’t believe the people who told her about my updated ultrasound. And when we looked at the pictures from 16 weeks, she said, “If someone else came in today with that same presentation at 16 weeks, I’d still say girl.” It really was that clear to her then. She and I worked through some of the emotions I’ve been feeling, and she of course was so sensitive and empathetic. It really was a good visit.
For some reason, hearing it from her settled it for me. I don’t feel confused anymore. I don’t think I understand, but I don’t feel confused. I don’t feel cheated anymore. I don’t feel like the butt of some cosmic joke anymore.
Instead, I’m starting to embrace the reality that I am the mother to twins–sister/brother twins. There are some things I’m still digesting and emotions I’m still processing. That’s to be expected. I have a lot of work to do now to get rid of some of these girl clothes and get some things for my son. I have some revisions to make to the grand plan of my life, but I feel confident about one thing:
LOVE.
I feel confident that God, in his love for me, will take me through this change. I feel confident that our son will be embraced just as fully as his sister would have been by the people who love us. I feel confident that, in my love for my son, I won’t always look at him and see “the girl he was supposed to be.” I feel confident that his siblings, in their love for him, will enfold him as just who he’s supposed to be–their brother. I feel confident that we will be in love with him.
So, if you want to greet our son, feel free to leave a comment. I want him to know the most sincere, heartfelt welcome from me as his mother, and I’m trusting God to get me to that place in my heart over the next 8-9 weeks (we’re talking induction at 36 weeks due to my history).
Please pray that this is the end of the drama, pregnancy-wise. My doctor and I even had some energy to joke around yesterday. She said, “I really hope all this drama early in your life means that you’ll just sail through later years, like the teenage years.” And we both laughed, knowing how unlikely that is. But here’s hoping, anyway.
I guess we’re not getting the super-cheesy Hollywood ending to our story. But a story isn’t much of a story without a few plot twists, right?
WOW Molly. Wow. Beck and I are praying for you guys. And rejoicing in God’s great plan for you and your family. Let us know if we can ever do anything. If you and Aber want to get out for a few hours, please let us know and we’d love to watch the boys.
Wow. Praying for your heart in all this. I can’t imagine how much this changes things, but it’s still such an incredible blessing from God!
I love you Molly ! Your explanation of the twin plot is wonderfully written. I can assure you that your little boy and girl will be loved and embraced by all that love you. Do you know how special you truly are? I do. God will be with you throughout your struggles. Good luck with the sailing throuh the teenage years though ! Love, Barb
I’m so GLAD that God knows all of these things beforehand, and takes us through them with such gentle love and kindness. I’m sooo surprised, so I can’t even imagine how surprised you must be, BUT… I’m also equally excited about sister/brother twins as I was about sister twins. I’m praying for you, and can’t wait to see what these two beautiful babes will look like!
Welcome baby girl and baby boy! What a whirlwind adventure you are on, Molly. I will pray for you as you continue to cope with all of the changes going on in your life.
What a surprise! The VERY same thing happened to some friends of mine – it took them awhile to transition from “we’re having a boy!” to “we’re having a girl!” but they did and they are very excited for the arrival of their first kiddo in mid-July. I am so grateful that God’s providence is something we can trust and lean into instead of shying away from – his plan is so perfect and this news is one more piece of the beautiful artwork that is your (and Abraham’s) life. Congratulations for boy #3!!
God really does have a way of rocking our little boats, doesn’t He? Looking back over my own life, I see how He has taken my expectations, however those expectations have come about, and allowed a change of venue that has shown me, with all certainty, that He is ultimately the final decision maker. He has shown me that anytime I think I even remotely have a clue where I’m going or what I’m doing, He will put a twist in, that reminds me that He is The God, I am just the child, He is the potter and I am the clay. What I have learned at 46 years of age is that He is the master of my destiny and the person in Christ that I am today, is only jalong for the ride. God is driving the bus and I’m just His passenger along for a glorious, always surprising and sometimes moment by moment unexpected ride. Sola de Gloria!! Molly your adventure awaits. God is going to show you so many marvelous twists and turns. I can’t wait to experience them with you!!
I love you. This was great to read. I’m still all about being there, so give me the dates when you have them!
Wow. Molly, what a journey you’ve been on! God’s plans are truly inscrutable. Congratulations on your little boy and girl. It’s going to be so fun seeing them grow up together. :-)
I’m probably not the only one whose heart sank when I saw the word “drama” in the title. The latent anxiety of your pregnancy is contagious.
That being said… WOO WOO!!! Score one for the boy’s team! :D
Plus, Twin A’s going to benefit from having 3 brothers and a father to look out for her.
Having three brothers is the best thing that ever happened to me!
Welcome, Mr. Twin B!
Bryan and I send our love to your baby boy and girl. We’re still so excited even with the plot twist and will continue to pray as you prepare for these baby blessings!
We simply cannot wait to meet them. :)
Ha! I was almost expecting to hear there was a THIRD baby in there! Sorry for all the drama, but so glad that you still have two wonderful babies to look forward to! Welcome Baby Boy B! Glad my diapers will still fit you… eventually. I might have to go get your some cute little BOY onesies, though… I’m sure your sister can go through all the girl onesies by herself!
Molly – I am excited for you and Abraham. Twins are such a blessing and to have both a boy and a girl – wow. I almost thought you were going to say you were having triplets when I first started reading this! That would have been totally amazing. I am thankful that you know at this point that you are having a boy and a girl – it will make the delivery much easier for you – Praying for the rest of your pregnancy and can’t wait to meet the two newest piper’s! Corrie
Wow, I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around that so I can’t imagine all the thoughts that must be whirling around in your head! I’m so excited for your twins- your brother/sister twins. Congrats to you! Good thing for the boy twin – since he has 2 big brothers you probably have lots of boy things already. And I’m sure your little girl will be thoroughly spoiled and doted on by her 3 brothers! Blessings to you and your family, Molly!
There’s always room in “Explode Jungle” for more boy-power, right? Welcome baby boy!! :)
(So happy for you guys and having no doubt God will work out the wardrobe issues you now face!)
This is so crazy! Either way these children are a total blessing. I’m glad you are working through your emotions – you have more experience with that then you need! I can’t wait to meet these amazing little angel brother & sisters!!! How do the kids feel?
Wow! That is crazy! I pray that God would help you wrap your mind around this news! Continued praise to God for you babies-a girl and boy!
molly, thank you for your continued transparency and sharing with others.
agreed.
as always, i’m blessed by you and your shared process. the word “blessed” seems to hover over you and your family like a warm embrace–particularly when i think about your children who are growing up under a mom who thinks, speaks, and seeks like you.
love to you.
WOW! You definitely have been through some ups and downs with your pregnancy. My first thought when I saw your news was, “That is going to be one well protected little girl with all those brothers!” :) I am sure Orison and Morrow will LOVE having another brother and a sister to make a circus with. :)
My dear, sweet, totally-loved Piper boy twin,
Welcome to the mix, precious boy! God certainly blessed you when He chose to send you to the Piper clan. He knew that your Mommy and Daddy are amazing parents and that your brothers already have so much to teach you about having fun. He knew your sisters (both the one waiting for you in Heaven and the one you’re kicking in the womb right now) would love you. He knew that Mommy is stronger than she even thought she was. He just knew.
I pray that your life will be marked by a confidence in God’s wonderful, mysterious ways. I pray that you will be a daily reminder to everyone who meets you that God is a creative, thoughtful, glorious Father who gives good – and sometimes unexpected – gifts to His children. And I pray that you will be a special joy to your Mommy who loves you so much.
Your far away friend who is already crazy in love with you,
Jessica
How EXCITING!!! TWINS!! That’s terrific news!! One boy, one girl. What a precious gift from our Father!! God is so good. You will be fine. Praying for you and your babies.
I just want to say, even though you know, that this doesn’t lessen any of the miraculous, gracious, spectacular, wonderful, merciful, Abraham fist-pumping, jumping up and down, tear shedding, JOY that are these two babies! Praise the Lord!
Peace of Christ be with you, Molly. And welcome, sweet babies, beautifully and wonderfully made.
That little girl is going to be one cute princess and well protected by her brothers!
You definitely don’t have a BORING life, do you?!
I just had a 18 week ultrasound yesterday and I thought of you and a little part of me wondered if I would find out we were having twins too. Crazy, I know.
Either way, we’re having our third boy…just like you…but without a little girl attached :).
I love boys.
Welcome baby boy!! Thinking and praying for you today as you keep relying on God. What a roller coaster of emotions… I’m sure this is harder than you wish it was.
Care for you so much!
amanda
My first child now 14!!!! Was a girl, then a boy then we think a girl? When I delivered her after an emergency c-sec. (low HB,then too low on your hands and knees delivery)….. The second my child cried, I told them DONT tell me the gender). SHE was several hours old before I held her and found out for myself girl or boy. Point being, no matter what your heart instantly knows that is what you have longed for all along. In the days to come your family will look back and could never imagine any thing different. Welcome baby boy, you are loved and have been prayed for all along.
Blessings,
Melissa
Congrats to you! How thrilling!!
Mary
Although my son is now twenty and ultra sounds are much better now, I was told all the way through the pregnancy that “he” as a “she”. Imagine our shock at the C-section when it was a “he”. We had bought all girls clothing.
Of course, it didn’t take long to not imagine life without that little boy. Just today, he took his mother out for breakfast at Denney’s before driving back to the University.
I’m certain when you look in the faces of both of the babies, you will know all is right with the world.
Molly, congrats on the little boy! I thought your story was gonna be about triplets – glad to hear it’s not :) I will pray that you will adjust to the new “scenario”. I have no doubt you will love that little boy as equally as his sister & I totally understand how it would be hard to adjust. I guess better now then when he came out :)
Dear Baby Boy Piper,
I’m someone that doesn’t know your family personally, but I have a lot in common with your mommy. I’ve read about the surprises – finding out there were two of you and now that you’re a boy when we thought there were 2 girls coming (you know, to even things out a bit in your house :) ) but we welcome you in the loving spirit of our God, our Father who knows all, loves us beyond anything we could describe, and he put you together so carefully and in such a splendid way. We want to welcome you and your sister in all of your preciousness and see you in 8-9 weeks, but please stay put until then. ;) We love you both, baby boy and baby girl, and Molly, I am praying for your family and for you especially; I know the stretch at the end is long – but our God is faithful. I know Felicity is looking down on you all with a giggle and loves you so… And in this spirit I send you my highest hopes and sweetest thoughts.
Love,
Nicole
Missing Aquene, 10/14/07
Amazing! You did a great job telling about the twist in plans. Welcome baby boy!
oh Molly. I can only imagine what the last few days of adjustment must have been like for you and Abraham and your boys. Glad for your peace with it now, and do know that this little boy and little girl are and will be both so, so loved.
OH wow! thank you for posting your honesty, molly. i will be praying for both of these babies & can’t wait to meet both of them :)
What a surprise! At least you found out before he was born. My third child was “supposed” to be a girl! After having 2 boys I was super excited to be having a girl. My mom brought a car full of girls clothes and when she returned home, she returned with the clothes! When the baby was born and they announced “it’s a boy” I was in shock! I asked them if they were sure! Needless to say that I soon got over my disappointment and fell in love with my son! By the way, he was the sweetest baby ever!
Praying for you,
Karen
Welcome, tiny baby BOY! You know, your having a twin sister is going to be a great comfort to your women friends someday. You’ll actually know how to talk to girls and not get embarrassed when they say “bra”!
Don’t spoil her, ok? Best blessings!
you are such a good mom!!! and i am over the MOON about these babies. i LOVE them! i’m still in shock that there are TWO BABIES in there. you still look great. definitely not big enough for a third!
I have a twin brother and absolutely loved it growing up! I felt sorry for the girls I knew with twin sisters. . . hehehe.
I know I may never see them in person, unless God chooses to cross our paths. But whatever your children’s gender may be, they will ALWAYS be loved here. And the whole bunch will be spoiled absolutely rotten if y’all ever come to Texas! :-)
Molly,
Oh me, oh my. Hi Piper boy, number 3!! I so look forward to seeing you and who God has called you to be. Do I need to get one set of paintings back from you, Molly? I would be happy to make some adjustments ;)
Welcome to the world new Piper baby girl AND new Piper baby boy! God has gifted you with an amazing family from which to navigate your path. Blessings to all of you.
Oh Molly! I trust the Lord will fill your heart with the love that you need to show this little boy just as He has for all of your children. We may never know why He leads us down some of these crazy paths, but we can praise Him for His wisdom and provision when we reach the clearing!
And welcome baby boy Piper! I know your big brothers are going to love teaching you all their little boy tricks, and your sister will have yet one more protector in her life. You have been brought into a family of such overwhelming love, and I know you will bring everyone much joy!
Oh the drama of God all for our good and HIS glory!! I’ve shared before how God surprised our daughter with twins! (I didn’t mention that she was quite certain they were both girls until the ultrasound showed otherwise!)
Tab’s Twins!
a daughter and son,
a sister and brother,
one blonde with blue eyes,
one brunette with hazel-almost-brown eyes
one male
one female
(And these are just some physical features! I won’t get started with character trait differences!)
Wow! Are these two twins?! Oh the drama of God! These twins are visibly different and unique and individual! And the difference that can’t be seen are even more amazing!
As the Lord brings you to mind I will pray for greater faith and trust in God’s constant and dramatic unfailing love. I will pray for you to celebrate God’s sovereignty!
Jenna might be over the moon, but I’m over the moon and BACK! :)
I love you and I love all of your sons and daughters. Reading this post made me so proud of you and thankful for the faith God has granted in the past week.
This baby boy will want for nothing. Sam has got his wardrobe covered.
Baby Boy Piper- you are loved by all and precious in our eyes. I can see why that would be shocking and rise many emotions but I too am confident you will be in the “right” spot in 8-9 weeks.
Thanks for this post by the way- I’m not feeling too confident today in His love for me so it was timely!
Sooooo…Luke and Leia…right?
Molly, your boys are truly the most precious boys I have ever known – in person or over the internet [my boys are the only exception because they're mine:) ]. The world will be blessed to have another Abraham/Molly little boy! He will certainly bring all of us much joy, as his two brothers before him. And your precious second daughter- how we can’t wait to meet her too. We will pray with you too that this will be the beginning of a time of peace for your family.
Similarly confusing ultrasound happened to me…not for twins, though! But told I was having a girl and ended up with a boy. The funny part is, I was SOOO sure it was a boy, and the tech said, “Nope. It’s a girl.” It was hard for me to adjust to, this news that was opposed to my intuition. I kind of had to discipline myself to bond with a GIRL…ended up buying clothes for the baby, etc, only to find out later that it really was a boy. Well, my sister-in-law ended up having a girl not too much later, so the clothes went to them…still waiting to see if God will give me a girl…:)
Babies, you are loved. By God first, your family next, and all of us after that. We’re so happy you’re on your way and healthy :)
BIG hugs. And prayer, as you adjust and embrace this gift you never knew you even wanted. :-)
I have 8 yr. old boy/girl twins, Hudson and Moselle. They are best friends and so much fun!!! You are blessed and will LOVE having the mix. Although they are boy/girl there is a special “twin bond” that is just precious. Blessings to you all!
I love your family no matter how many boys or girls are in it.
i just yelled down the hall to tell my husband when i read your news. how crazy and exciting. this is such a blessing for your family – very unexpected, but a blessing still. i bet orison and morrow are excited for a little brother as well. :) and having a brother myself, i know that your baby girl twin is going to grow up well protected with all those brothers. (though there may be a point when she doesn’t like that…haha.)
and if i lived near you, i’d throw you a baby boy shower. :D
MOLLY!!! that is crazy! i am praying for you and thinking about you often!!! miss you bunches!
That is just one HECK OF A LOT to process. Most situations in life (good or bad) have a predictable and accepted range of emotions that go with them. But your situation is so bizarre (given all that you’ve been through) that there is no real precident, which means that you live with a certain amount of anxiety over having the ‘wrong’ emotion, or at least in being misunderstood. Only another woman with fluctuating hormones can see suddenly having to switch colors, baby clothes and all the rest can send you reeling. I doubt if many men ‘get that’. I hope that, amidst all you are experiencing, you don’t put a guilt trip on yourself for feeling what you feel. It is what it is. And it’s a lot to process. Thankful that you have a few weeks yet, and that medically things are going well. (There was a bit of a ‘whew’ moment when, reading your post, I found out that it was ‘just’ a gender change and nothing medical.) Yes, your little boy will be embraced and loved and some day when he’s old enough to understand and secure enough to laugh about it with you, it will be a great chapter in his life-story. You are in my prayers.
Smiling over this slight change of cast…and still very, very happy for you all.
Welcome, Baby Boy. Your mama’s going to love you with all her heart!
Holy cow, Molly! What a twist indeed! Your twins are going to be a blessing for sure. I wholeheartedly agree with my husband Nick up there, if you need a babysitter for a night out, just tell us and we will watch your boys in a hurry! I’m praying for you as you continue to process this news and rejoice over your little boy and girl :) I can’t wait til they come! Do you have names picked out yet? I’ve been curious to hear what your next “English word” names will be, even though I know you don’t tell!
Congratulations! We have 2 yr old boy/girl twins through fost adopt. There is just something about this combination. They get along so sweetly and look after each other. Just today a nurse commented that perhaps they were so compatible and kind to each other because they were boy/girl twins. What a blessing.
I don’t watch soap operas… I just read your blog. ;)
Maybe this can convince hubby to go for a surprise next time (Lord willing). ;)
I’m really just excited to find out their names!
In all seriousness, congrats! I can’t imagine the change- I’m a planner so it would be hard.
Welcome, baby boy!
does ANYBODY actually wait to see any more?? oi, i feel like a veritable antique! either way, Molly, no surprises for our Father so rest secure in His good pleasure!
wow, I’m always anxious/nervous/excited to read your updates! Must be so strange to have to change what you are expecting. But I praise God they are both ok, knowing twins can be risky. Most parents of twins dream of a boy/girl combo. Praying it all continues to go well and congratulations on expecting a boy-how exciting!
Oh, baby boy Piper! You have a lot to look forward to. You will be dressed as a girl for at least the first 6 months of your life. This is simply to prepare you for a life as a ballerina, ice dancer, rhythmic gymnast, synchronized swimmer in a floral bathing cap, and clothing designer/seamstress. (Did I leave out any stereotypical effeminate professions?)
Really, though, even if you do all, any, or none of those things, you will be loved, unconditionally! You have a loving heavenly Father, and a stinkin’ spectacular family here who will always love you and support you! Knowing how much you are loved now, as you’re growing in the womb, I can only imagine how much you’ll be loved as you grow outside of it!
Welcome baby boy #3 and baby girl #2! What amazing, perfectly designed blessings you both are! I am one of many, many people who eagerly look forward to meeting you both.
Molly, I LOVE seeing your love for your children. It is beautiful.
Much love to you and all your family.
Welcome, baby boy! Baby boys ARE amazing little creatures, as you well know (as are baby girls :)).
I can totally understand your “mental adjustment”, though. I have a friend who was told at the ultrasound she was having a little boy, but then — whoops! — out came little girl. :) As much as she loves her daughter, I know she had to go through a bit of a “grieving”-type process, as she had gotten so attached to the little boy she believed had existed!
Anyway, hang in there! :)
My heart hit the floor, Molly! I am so relieved that everything is OK, just requiring some mental and emotional gymnastics.
You and your babies are on my mind daily.
Love,
Katie
star wars twins are awesome. love that little boy, even if i thought he was a girl this whole time. doesn’t change a thing. so glad all the drama has been happy news!
Oh, Molly. My heart is just racing. I love you, friend. I’m torn right now. Part of me wants to acknowledge your wracked emotions and let you know it’s okay to grieve what you thought you had and to protest all this unwanted drama.
The other part of me wants to rejoice in God’s all-along plan for you and your beautiful family. And the beauty of girl-boy twins. I have ALWAYS (well, ever since I read the Bobbsey Twins) thought it would be SO cool to have a twin brother. There is something intangibly crazy special about that combination.
Mostly I just want you to know I love you and that whether you asked for it or not, God has decided He wants much, much glory through your life, and by golly (by Molly), He’s getting it.
Love you! And you, too, baby boy!! You are so loved!
My boy will then have another potential playmate of the same age on the same avenue. Same story if my boy turns out to be a girl!
Our only daughter has five older brothers. She is very well protected. God’s plan is perfect and He keeps us on our toes waiting to see the next bend in the river. I have decided after 6 children and 25 years of marriage it is best just to hang on.
I had to scroll for ages to get the comment section so I fully expect not to have this read or replied to, but I thought I’d mention a couple of things as a new reader of 22 words and now this blog…
My boy/girl twins just turned 11 last Friday. There are amazing benefits of having boy/girl twins, not the least of which is fewer competitive comparisons and the ability to always tell them apart. Alas, except for one extremely sleep deprived week when they were about two months old and I couldn’t remember which one’s diaper I changed in the middle of the night – my husband asked if there was “extra anatomy in there or not.” They are a joy and they have a big sister who ironically gets along much better with the boy.
I have a good friend who also had a full-term unexplained stillbirth child – a girl – and then soon afterwards became pregnant with identical twin girls – they will be five soon. She says they are lost without each other, nothing alike and often getting on everyone’s nerves with all their drama. Having one boy really lessens the drama.
In the end it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable we are with uncertainty, there is always bound to be more of it! And anything that happens that forces us to rely solely on the Lord and nothing else is a good thing. Even if it means having to to get rid of half the stuff you got in preparation for the original report and somehow exchange it for other stuff.
Our surprise boy/girl twins are so much fun. So different, so much alike. It is amazing to watch a boy and a girl grow up at the same time. No matter what, you will be blessed. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Molly,
All I can say is that the world needs as many Piper Boys as you and Abraham are willing to have. Orison and Morrow are amazing boys and your twin boy will be equally as awesome, I’m sure! And your precious little twin princess is blessed, indeed!
Praying that the next 9 weeks are peaceful and joyful as you wait in the arms of God,
Jane
We also had a “gender switch” with our current pregnancy. First it was a boy, now a girl. It was great to read your feelings on this. Makes me feel less weird for having all the same emotions! Thank you for sharing :)
Molly,
I can’t imagine the emotional roller coaster that must have been to find out that news! I know I felt a little disappointed for you when I read it, but I am so blessed by your faith that God has everything in control. I have a twin brother, and I think its the greatest thing ever! We were so close growing up! My mom has some funny stories of surviving our childhood. My twin brother is serving our country in the Air Force right now, so I don’t get to see him as often, but I am so proud of him! I am really excited for you to get to experience boy/girl twins! Congratulations on the news!
Molly, I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate your honesty.
My second child was “supposed to be” a boy. Not only did the ultrasound tech pronounce it so, but the pregnancy was different from my first child (daughter) and I’d been told that was just a confirmation of the difference in gender. Imagine my surprise, after a long, hard delivery to have a baby girl placed in my arms. Loving her wasn’t the question, it was “What do we name her?” My son was going to be named Christopher Daniel and, 24 hours after her birth, my daughter was named—Christa Danielle.
I do think knowing in advance of the gender change can complicate the emotional reaction. But I have no doubt that you and all those within your sphere will love your little boy twin just as much as your baby girl.
I am rejoicing (w/ perhaps a little weeping) with you, my sister in Christ (Romans 12:15). When I look at God’s word I feel it is chock-full of stories riddled with drama! David was sold into slavery by his brothers then imprisoned for a crime he did not commit; Job lost everything then was condemned by his friends on top of it; Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a blazing furnace; and Moses had all kinds of craziness going on…but the ending of each story is ALWAYS the same…it’s beautiful!!! And that is how I believe this season of pregnancy and raising up your children will finish up for you. :) (Jeremiah 29:11). Thank you for sharing your heart. I love to watch God at work and it is so encouraging to me to see a sister in Christ staying focused on the cross. I’ll be praying. :)
I saw Abraham’s Tweet about this yesterday when I was sitting in the back of my minivan in the Target parking lot, nursing the baby and trying to occupy the toddler with cheddar bunnies. And my heart immediately jumped into my throat.
How wonderful to read that the news, while dramatic, is a blessing. I understand the need to grieve the what-might-have-beens. But that doesn’t diminish the joy of your suddenly discovered son.
I hope he likes pink! ;-)
Wow. I’m so happy for you Molly. I’m praying for you & your family. May God bless you all richly with Himself.
Giggling hysterically over baby B- Reality is that I have noone here to pass my boy Robeez onto and Isaac has almost outgrown his newborn ones so another boy in your household solves my pass-them-on-problem. Thanks for handling that for me! :)
That boy is going to sure be something special! God waited until almost the end to reveal him! Special little guy. Out of 4 boys, my third boy is SUCH an incredible delight to us. We enjoy his little self every single day. May this little guy bring such wonderful things to your life.
I’m so glad you have been given this gift of being able to raise more wonderful boys and men to fill this world. Snuggle him and his sister closely! May it be wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear names and news of births!
Oh, all I can say that having boy/girl twins ROCK!!!! I wouldn’t change either of ‘em. He’s more sensitive because of her. She plays with balls way more than she would have without him. He does “projects” (ie crafts) that I don’t think he’d ever do, if he didn’t have her. She sets up “car washes” (matchbox) in the bathroom sinks with him. They don’t compete. They’re totally different and they’re best friends. I know it’s not what you were expecting. But you are going to love it. :)
Wow….just wow. What a curious twist of things. I can only imagine how your head must be spinning.
All the same: Hi there, little unexpected Piper boy! You’re going to bless your mother’s socks off, I just know it. :)
Wow! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your heart and how you’re trusting God through it. His LOVE is awesome. I appreciate your loving mommy’s heart.
When crazy stuff happens, I’m always comforted with the truth that God knows, and He is not surprised.
Can’t wait to hear more about your babies – and hopefully, it won’t be more drama!
Welcome Baby Boy…and Baby Girl!
I’m working on another sweater even now….can’t have that little boy in one of the “sherbet” sweaters!! :)
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and never have commented. Bless you for your honesty! We pregnant moms experience the strangest emotions, but God knows our hearts better than we know ourselves. I think it sounds like you are adjusting actually very well! One thing that helps is to remember that we are all so similar, and not strange or isolated in our thoughts and feelings.
I have 2 boys, one girl and another boy on the way. It hurt to hear “how lucky” she is to be the only girl, when I really wanted her to have a sister. I took a week to process all the unexpected emotions. Little things would send me to tears, like knowing I had all these nice, worn-by-one-girl-clothes that wouldn’t be used again, and instead had shabby, worn-by-two-boys-already-hand-me-downs for my newest boy!
Welcome to your surprise boy and girl twins!
I never trust those ultrasounds!! A friend of mine was high risk an had TONS of ultrasounds…different techs too and they ALL said she was having a girl…she had a nursery FULL of pink and brought home a baby boy!
Wow! And wow! Molly, I can only imagine the emotional tailspin and conflicting thoughts and feelings! You know, you have a really great story for the children! And it can only get better! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I am a girl with a twin brother and there is nothing better!!! No comparisons, just someone who has been with you since the very beginning. It is a really good way to be a twin!
Congrats! That is quite a shocker to your story but I’m glad God allowed you to have the girl you always wanted. I admit I thought the news was going to be really bad…like one of them had a serious health concern or something so at least I am so thankful they are doing well right now. I thought for sure my 3rd baby was a girl and I was SO DISAPPOINTED and shocked when the Doc said it was a boy. I pouted and sulked for a day or two, and then God broke my stubborn heart and made me realize how much of a blessing any baby was and I began to fall in love with the little guy and buy him clothes, pick a name, etc. He is the sweetest, cutest, most easy-going kid we have ever had and I just continually remember what a blessing he is and how wrong I was to wish he was a girl. Tomorrow we go in for an ultrasound for #4 and though I’m hoping for a girl, I have learned my lesson. No expectations and I will be joyful even if they see boy parts!
I can imagine it would be hard to backtrack after painting a nursery and having a shower. I hope the transition goes well for you and welcome to another darling Piper boy!
God is hilarious. Most of the time we have a really hard time finding what’s so funny but…He is. Your baby girl will be WELL protected with three brothers to watch her back on the playground. Your journey has definitely been a roller coaster but again, God has a weird sense of fun. :o) Praise!
I’m so excited for you to have 3 boys and 2 girls! God knows the perfect family for you and Abraham.
Praising the God who knew all along for the incredible blessing of your baby boy and baby girl! Trusting God’s goodness and sovereignty as I pray that He would use these precious children and everything that is unique about them in mighty ways for His glory and for their joy in Him.
Molly,
I’m praying for your heart and for that incredible love you wrote about. He will be so adored, just his sister will be. What a joy and treasure to know that before any of his days came to be, the Lord knew them. The Lord created him to be just who he is. What a blessing we have to rest in the truths of the Word. I am the mom to boy/girl twins who are now 4 1/2 years old (and a 6 y/o girl). And, I just found out I’m pregnant again. I’ve never been through a journey like yours but you have ministered to me in ways I can’t describe. I have twin nieces who were born at 23 1/2 weeks gestation and we lost one at 15 days old. Your open and heartfelt sharing have helped me grieve and understand. May the Lord continue to bless your family and give you grace as He leads and teaches you.
What is more, you will look at your sweet boy when he is born and wonder how you could ever have thought that he would be a girl, and how wrong it would be if he had been one, because he is perfect as he is.
I can totally related to that delayed acceptance time in huge changes in my life. It applies to those of us who enter things whole-heartedly, I think.
I was thinking about this. Each time I got pregnant (five babies), I had two babies in my head … a boy and a girl. I would get attached to each one … but alas, there was only one baby in there, so at each ultrasound, one little baby had to “disappear” because that child had never existed. Your extra little girl is something you were/are probably very attached to. And the idea of two little girls running around to match the two little boys who are running around just seems so perfect. But for some reason, God chose to have that imagined little girl disappear and be replaced by this the reality of this little guy.It’s a big adjustment. You’ll love both of them to absolute bits … but it’s a big adjustment in your mental thoughts, preparation, planning, buying … all of it.
I can only imagine the good and wonderful things God will do in this special boy’s life. I’m so glad that God has ordained that you have a girl and a boy– that must be the very best thing for your family. I pray that the twins will have a very sweet and special relationship for their whole lives.
I am so thankful that both babies continue to be healthy! How awesome that these brother-sister twins will be able to look back at this story and see your heart for God in the way you responded to the gender news. They are lucky to have you as their mom, and no doubt they will be well loved and enjoyed by everyone in their lives! I wish I lived close by to offer you a helping hand in the changeover of ‘stuff’ that was girly that needs to be fit for a new little guy now. Praying blessings on you, Molly!
God certinately has a plan for these two little ones. Thanks for sharing part of their story with us! What a blessing knowing that everything is still healthy with both. May God always use their lives to bring glory to his name.
Hi little boy!
You are going to be a great man and a great brother. The young lady next to you is so blessed to have you.
Hi little girl!
Hug the boy next to you tightly. Now you have double the dresses to wear :)
Welcome both, we are praying for you. God has a perfect plan
Molly, I love reading your updates and feel with you too…I would have a hard time learning this after you have already done so much preparing!!!! Here is a friend of mine’s blog who has twin boy/girl and I thought you would enjoy seeing it! http://johnsonnonsense.blogspot.com/
How dear! A girl and a boy! My boy/girl twin just turned 2 last week – we didn’t find out we were having twins until our 20 week ultrasound – it’s a whirlwind for sure! And it is just so dear to watch them grow and relate to one another and the other siblings. God Bless.
Oh, it’s so hard to change our expectations! I don’t know you, but know your story from your blog and such. I’m mostly thankful that everyone is healthy and well. My own cousin delivered boy/girl twins this week! What a thrill!
Oh, it’s so hard to change our expectations! I don’t know you, but know your story from your blog and such. I’m mostly thankful that everyone is healthy and well. My own cousin delivered boy/girl twins this week! What a thrill!
Besides, think of all the competition cut out by having one of each gender at the same age. No identity issues to worry about.
Thank you for sharing!
It was good to run into you today, and I thought I’d check your blog out — Molly, I had no idea! Crazy!! Wow. I will pray that your heart will fully embrace the little man, and that this is the end of pregnancy drama! And, after seeing sweet Morrow toddle around today, I am sure that any boy baby you deliver will be welcomed and loved, just as Morrow is welcomed and loved (not to exclude Orison, of course!).
Oh sweet baby boy. So glad that you, Lord willing of course, will be there to protect your sister. So glad that she will now have three brothers to beat up anyone who wants to date her. I pray that you will bring your parents much joy!!
Congrats! I am the mother to 9 year old girl/boy twins. I’ve been so blessed.
They have the most amazing connection and have since they were born. I love
the fact that they are not the same sex. There is much less comparison……. which is so easy to do with twins.
I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops as they grow up! Congrats again!! Twins are an amazing gift!!!
Hi, I follow you through one of my friends’ blog. I hadn’t read yours in awhile, but just read and “caught up” a little. Congrats on your twin pregnancy! It is going to be a crazy whirlwind, but a wonderful one that God has entrusted your family with. I can speak from experience as I have two older girls (7 and 5) and than boy/girl twins who are 16 months. Your little girl and little boy will bring so much joy to your family and to your hearts. It really is awesome to watch this special connection that they will have with one another. They are an awesome gift! I agree with the above comment that it is fun to have boy/girl twins as they will not face the competition or confusion (hopefully) that so often same sex twins face. I always like to think of how they will be my “inside” info when they get to be teenagers and start dating!:) They will be such blessings and I am so excited for your family of four to become a family of six!:) It is crazy, wonderful chaos that God has given us!:)
So glad Abraham tweeted about searching for boys names….. I was clueless about this plot twist… your narrative arc is gaining some good momentum girl. Love watching a lavish God be lavish with you. Congratulations again over and over.
We love you Piper babies – boy and girl!!!!! Can’t wait to see pics of you outside of the womb, and SO thankful for the grace that is EVIDENT in your mommy and daddy’s life!!!
I know this is after the fact…but do remember what it was in the first ultrasound that lead the doctor to incorrectly think your little boy was a girl? I just had my 20-week ultrasound and the tech kept going over the area again and again to determine the gender. Finally she said it was a girl, but part of me still thinks it’s a boy. Thanks!